When Not Belonging to a Flock

The aeroly community (including those who strive to become ones) is a minute one that appears to be growing (and shrinking) with each year. Therefore there exist many flocks, online and off, as well as many loners who cannot fit in with any of these flocks. Some of these individuals may have their own reasons for not being capable of finding or belonging to a flock, but as for the others (myself included), we just do not conform.
That's okay because we see the world differently and pioneer our own paths. However, this really causes difficulty for finding aeroly friends to rely on.

I've found that quite a few (not all of course) flock leaders whom I've encountered are cold and unwelcoming towards the ones that refuse to belong to any flock, group, or whatnot.  This frustrates me to my wits-end because these leaders can't seem to comprehend that this does not mean that this person means them harm. I understand that these leaders only want to protect their flocks, but they tend to make everything about them and their flock. This hostility towards aerolies who refuse to pledge loyalty to a flock they hardly know is ridiculous. Commitment is my greatest fear, but lack thereof does not make me unfaithful. Sounds terribly contradictive, I know. Just bear with me. So for example: I love my family (immediate and relatives) and would fight for them. But this does not mean I will pledge to ignore their faults and become a mindless follower to them. Same with flocks; flocks were meant to be families filled with strong bonds, not a military.

Non-conformists do not follow norms just because it's what everyone else likes or does. Even if a non-conformist does like an activity or way of life that happens to be popular, they do so because they want to. This is why it can be very troublesome when seeking out a flock. Flocks and their leaders expect discipline and for you to follow every order no matter how ignorant.

If you are a non-conformist but face the social pressures of aerolies online, just don't give in. If the requirements of a flock don't suit you, don't join. If you are more a leader type then try creating your own flock. If you are neither leader nor follower try to team up with like-minded people (team up, don't try creating a flock ruled by a leader, create a democracy).