Spring is in the air.... Smells like conventions!

Hello Cadets! I'd like to start by thanking those of you who have been following me so far, the feedback has been wonderful! Today's topic, as stated above, is conventions. For those of you in Chicago spring means Horrorhound Weekend, C2E2, and Anime Central. To kick off the countdown to C2E2 I thought I would start with cosplay. I am an on again off-again cosplayer and this will be my first year not only dressing as a non-anime related character but also dressing up for C2E2 on March 18th-20th. Not many people know that there are rules regarding etiquette when cosplaying that apply not only for the convention goers but the cosplayers as well.

For those of you who like to take photographs of the cosplayers there are a few things to keep in mind: politeness, courtesy, and timing. First rule is always politeness, if you want to take a photo, "please" and "thank you" are very important. Also, unless they are already posing, always ask them first before snapping that photo. They don't interrupt you while you are talking to your favorite artist in Artist Alley so please exercise the same courtesy.

Another major faux pas occurs when a cosplayer declines photos, this honestly can happen more often than anyone would think. Despite being in costume, cosplayers enjoy taking in the sights and that includes panels or even meeting their favorite artists and actors. If they are rushing past and decline to stop for photos, or don't really have time for discussing the pros and cons of a duct tape corset just remember, it is nothing personal, and it is certainly should not ruin your day.

There are a lot of photo shoots at most conventions, try and catch them there or ask if you can meet with them after the event they are attending. With that in mind also make sure to have a charger for your camera and lots of memory on that SD card because the costumes are usually amazing!

For cosplayers; I want you to keep in mind that by dressing up at a convention you open yourself to situations such as people wanting to take photos, asking questions about who you are dressed as, how you got your hair to stay that way, and overall being 'bothered' all day. There are only two rules, be courteous and lose the attitude. We know you are in a hurry but yelling "not now!" or telling people to go away is uncalled for and is a good way to alienate your fellow nerds. You never know if that guy you snapped at is going to end up sitting next to you at a panel or lets his friends know that the guy dressed as the Joker is a bit of a jerk.

Bear in mind that it is not only fun but an incredible honor to be stopped by a fan of Street Fighter who has just declared that you are the best Cammy they have ever seen or thinks that your likeness to the 10th Doctor is stunningly close. There are a lot of convention goers who are asking questions because you impressed them with your outfit, so please be gracious and if you must depart to see the SomeRandomGuy panel, excuse yourself accordingly. With that in mind just remember, don't sweat the small stuff and enjoy the con, you all deserve it!

In other news, I am in the process of creating a new logo to replace the one above and I will be at C2E2 as well as Anime Central promoting this blog so please be on the lookout for the Green Hornet! Tomorrow will be a new topic in the countdown to C2E2. Also please join my facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/litter-ati#!/home.php?sk=group_188729431163726 where you can discuss today's topic, take part in polls, and suggest the next topic.

Until next time, have a wonderful day and remember to always either destroy the head or remove the brain....