Post by simplyKATEY. on Feb 18, 2007 22:02:19 GMT -5
VI. GUESTS
a. Conventions invite special guests to attend the conventions, and do special things, like Q&A sessions, autograph panels, concerts, photo sessions, act as judges, and assorted other things. The types of guests include:
.......i. American Voice Actors
..............1. examples - Monica Rial, Chris Sabat, Scott McNeil
.......ii. American producers/artists/etc.
..............1. examples - Fred Perry, Steve Bennet, Penny Arcade
.......iii. Japanese voice actors/artists/producers/etc
..............1. examples - Koge Donbo, Ichiro Okouchi, Mari Iijima
.......iv. Japanese Musicians
..............1. examples - Move, DAI, Duel Jewel, TM Revolution
b. It's not a good idea to harass the guests. In fact, it's not even usually possible. Outside of the planned events that con-goers get to attend, it can be really hard to find these people. It's a better idea to find something else to do at the con.
VII. COSPLAY
a. Cosplay, as stated earlier, is the dressing up in costume, usually as an anime character for an anime convention. However, I have seen Comic book characters, book characters, Star Trek characters, the Matrix, the Ghostbusters, and lots of other weird things at anime cons. If you want to cosplay, GO FOR IT.
b. There are many different things you can cosplay, but my best advice to you, go as someone you like. As you get better, you can more easily compensate for differing hair and all.
c. You can make your own costume, or you can buy one. I make all my own, so no, I don't know where you can buy one, but if people submit links I will add them. Bought costumes can be expensive. This is because you're paying for the materials, and the time and toil it takes to make this costume, and make it look good. WARNING - You CANNOT enter a cosplay contest with a bought costume. YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. This includes those costumes bought from a cosplay site, and costumes made entirely out of store-bought clothing. (According to Otakon rules)
d. It's also a very handy idea to bring a little cosplay-repair kit. Something simple, with like, a needle and thread, clear nail polish, markers, super glue, duct tape, extra safety pins, or something that will help you patch up any little snags in your costume when you get stepped on. Some of the cons actually provide this kind of stuff for you, but not all. It's a good idea to bring this stuff with you regardless.
e. IMPORTANT NOTE - Don't forget, you will probably be in this costume all day, so leave some way for you to go to the bathroom. You will be very disappointed if you end up having to ruin your costume because you need to use the restroom, and there will be fewer pictures then. Don't forget about potty breaks.
f. WEAPONS - All cons have a weapons policy now, and in the past few years it's become VERY strict. It would be a VERY good idea to check the con website on their weapons policy before you try to bring one. Very realistic looking weapons stand a much higher chance of being turned away than a cheap crappy looking one. It's really best to check the con website for their policy, because I still occassionally see real weapons for sale in the dealer's room.
VIII. PICTURES
a. If you show up in costume, BE PREPARED TO HAVE YOUR PICTURE TAKEN.
b. My personal opinion is, if you're in a costume, you want your photo taken. However, it's just plain common courtesy to ask first. I always do, because my mommy raised me to be polite. There could be someone out there who doesn't want their picture taken. Maybe they're ashamed of their costume and don't want it posted all over the web, but please, respect them if they say no.
c. Just another little bit of advice, if this is your first con, bring lots of film. There will be SO many amazing costumes that you want a picture of, think of how disappointed you'll be if you run out of film!! Plus, you have to catch all the stupid stuff your friends do on camera to humiliate them with later! ^_^
IX. HOW TO AMUSE YOURSELF
a. I like to bring at least one deck of cards with me. You'd be surprised at how quickly a group will form around you when you have a deck of cards, especially if they're anime related. Then all of a sudden you have a new group of friends to while away the time with.
b. Board games are also great. They're a little bulkier, so if you're going long distances, it may not be feasible. But it's also something you could possibly leave in the hotel and play during downtimes, when you aren't walking around downstairs.
c. Don't knock the coloring books!!!! I love to color, seriously, and everyone stops to look at what an artist is drawing, or coloring. They might even ask to join you! Amateur artists, this is a great time to get some stuff done, there will be a wealth of inspiration at the con.
X. RESPECT AND INAPPROPRIATENESS
a. Please be respectful to other con go-ers. Not everyone likes to be glomped, and please keep that in mind as you go around the con.
b. And please, be careful where you walk. I wore a costume without shoes last year, and big people wearing heavy boots stepped on my feet. Please, watch out for the poor girls who aren't wearing shoes.
c. As much as we hate to admit it, we do not live in a perfect world. Cons are not always 100% safe. It's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're staying in a hotel not connected to the actual convention. There are people out there who like to take advantage of others. The best advice, travel in groups, and be aware of where you're going. Use the BUDDY SYSTEM, it is to your advantage. Pay attention to your surroundings. Make sure you know where you are, where you're supposed to be, and where your friends are supposed to be. And if someone makes you feel uncomfortable with inappropriate attention, or touches you in an inappropriate place, don't be afraid to tell security.
d. HYGEINE - Please, please, PLEASE take care of your body while you're at the con. 3 days of wearing the same clothes is disgusting. Do not do it. Have respect for some of your peers, and their nostrils. Bathe daily, using soap. Change your clothes every day. Wear deodorant, unless you're allergic to it. But please, bath. There is almost nothing as disgusting as standing in a crowded elevator with someone who hasn't bathed for 3 days. Do yourself and everyone else a favor, shower.
XI. EXTRAS
a. Signs - Many people like to make and hold signs, many of these beg for money, others just ask for hugs/glomps, etc. Making one or not is up to you, but personally, I have never felt the need. My convention experiences have been plenty of fun without random sweaty people attaching themselves to me.
Note: Many cons have started placing restrictions on signs. Some don't allow them at all anymore either.
b. Other cons - There are more than just anime cons in the US, there are also comic book cons, sci-fi cons, etc. In these cases, it may be a little more important to pay attention to what kind of badge you're buying. All the cons have different badges for different people - staff get special badges, guests get special badges, press get special badges, etc, but for the most part, you can't buy these at anime conventions, unless you are one of them. It's possible it's different at these other cons, and, of course, the special badges will be more expensive. So pay attention and make sure you're paying for the right kind of badge.
c. Communication - There are many, many, many people at a convention. As such, it can get very hard to find someone you're looking for. Keep open communication going. There are bulletin boards spaced around Otakon, you can pin a message up there for your friends to see. Make sure everyone has your cel phone number, and keep it close enough that you can hear it ring over the noise of the crowd. If you don't have a cel phone, you can purchase some cheap walkie-talkies beforehand and use those. Be careful not to lose each other, and if you do, have a way to find each other again. Even if it's just a meeting spot at the end of the day.
d. Gaia and Conventions - Gaia has, of course, started appearing at conventions, and oh, so kindly, they have allowed us to use their copyrighted material in making con badges!!! Please see the thread, Making Gaia Badges to wear to Cons for more information. They have also conveniently made a sticky, Gaia Gatherings and Master Con List. In this thread, you can find all the official information about where the admins will be, and you can find out where everyone else from Gaia is planning on meeting up! Cause more people = more fun!
XII. HELPFUL LINKS
a. Anipike Conventions Page - Lists all the Conventions in the US and provides other helpful links for cosplaying as well as pages of convention reports with pictures
b. Another convention listing page This one has cons both in the States and out. It's a fairly new resource to me, but seems to be really good.
b. Yet Another convention listing page
c. Ultimate Cosplay Link List Extensive link list for help in making cosplays!
d. Wig Questions Answered - Thread where you can ask questions about manipulating wigs and hopefully get an answer. Also has a few helpful links. (Possibly still working?)
e. Dark skinned characters: a list for cosplayers - What it says (eaten by Gaia, so sad... anyone interested in starting this again?)
f. Removed because it was eaten - Grendel's funny thread about conventions
g. For your own safety - more information about molestation and ways to prevent it. NOTE: This thread looks like it was eaten by gaia, sorry.
h. Gaia Master Con List
h. Gaia Panels ListThe above two threads have been recombined into this one: Webpage Title (Will fix title)
i. Making Gaia Badges to wear to Cons <-- this thread apparently died and was unstickied and sent to the chatterbox.
XIII. CREDITS
a. I would like to thank some people for their added input in helping make this better.
.......i. Chris, my boytoy, for reading through it after every new thing I add, and help with the formatting.
.......ii. Malaryush – for proofreading and adding some helpful input
.......iii. Celaeno – proofreading and extra input.
.......iv. Kansai – proofreading and pointing out other things I didn’t add.
.......v. Sarah and Keegan for filling in some missing information.
.......vi. Grendelrose – because I made him