Cons

[Fenny the Fox]

Well, I searched and didn't see a thread on this. So, if there is one, let me know please?!

This is just a place to talk about cons, I suppose.

So, I was recently at an Anime Con (Momocon to be specific), I thought about it-

How many of you go to cons for anime or sci-fi or whatnot?
If so, why?
If not,why not?

What do you like about them? What do you not like about them?

 

[PassionFruit]

I just attended my first anime convention recently called Naka Kon. I went because I have never been to one before.

What I liked about it? It was actually informative and fun at the same time. There was an event that teaches you how to spot fake merchandise. The fun was the cosplaying contests and a Lolita tea party.

I guess the negative were people acted a little bit immature, but I'll attend again.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

I just attended my first anime convention recently called Naka Kon. I went because I have never been to one before.

What I liked about it? It was actually informative and fun at the same time. There was an event that teaches you how to spot fake merchandise. The fun was the cosplaying contests and a Lolita tea party.

I guess the negative were people acted a little bit immature, but I'll attend again.

Yeah, people are a bit on the immature side (understatement?) at cons. But it is outweighed, to me at least, by all the panels and watching the cosplayers running around.

 

[Qyöt27]

'Immature' to me is probably synonymous with rabid fanboyism/fangirlism (those fans who actually do fit the 'otaku' label rather than claim it means something else in English; I find the term patently offensive as it originally is). I'm pretty fundamentally jaded about the whole thing, but part of that is the fact I've been watching anime in some capacity since the mid-90s...since I was 10, and had a separate interest in Japanese culture and media from before that (anime/manga is simply the main avenue for that interest these days instead of it being the initial cause).

But anyway, as for conventions, I've only been to Metrocon in 2007 (or Megacon in 2004, but Megacon is a general comic book convention that includes anime, not an anime convention like Metrocon is), and there's a chance I might go back this year - some other AMV editors are going to be holding a panel and I'm not sure whether the slots for hosts are filled; if they are then I'll simply attend the panel and meet-and-greet rather than help host.

I want to go to AWA, though - it's the premier AMV convention, although AX and ACen come close too.


The thing about the conventions I went to that I didn't like was that I didn't have the money I wanted so I could stock up on merchandise in the dealer's room. And that it was largely a solitary experience - I didn't go with any clubs, and didn't have anyone but family to hang around. Things get pretty boring pretty fast if all you can do is walk around doing nothing and window shop.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

'Immature' to me is probably synonymous with rabid fanboyism/fangirlism (those fans who actually do fit the 'otaku' label rather than claim it means something else in English; I find the term patently offensive as it originally is). I'm pretty fundamentally jaded about the whole thing, but part of that is the fact I've been watching anime in some capacity since the mid-90s...since I was 10, and had a separate interest in Japanese culture and media from before that (anime/manga is simply the main avenue for that interest these days instead of it being the initial cause).

But anyway, as for conventions, I've only been to Metrocon in 2007 (or Megacon in 2004, but Megacon is a general comic book convention that includes anime, not an anime convention like Metrocon is), and there's a chance I might go back this year - some other AMV editors are going to be holding a panel and I'm not sure whether the slots for hosts are filled; if they are then I'll simply attend the panel and meet-and-greet rather than help host.

I want to go to AWA, though - it's the premier AMV convention, although AX and ACen come close too.


The thing about the conventions I went to that I didn't like was that I didn't have the money I wanted so I could stock up on merchandise in the dealer's room. And that it was largely a solitary experience - I didn't go with any clubs, and didn't have anyone but family to hang around. Things get pretty boring pretty fast if all you can do is walk around doing nothing and window shop.

I pretty much was thinking of the same people when I said "immature".

And, indeed, AWA is quite amazing, I plan to be there again this year. (Was there in '08 but missed last year - went to a different con that I had to pay for.)

It is boring at times to have nothing to do but window shop. Best to go with friends at least, that way it isn't quite so bad. 'Course...I am always broke, so window shopping is par for the course to me...

 

[Breakaway_republic]

I did get the blessing of going to and taking a ladyfriend of mine JAcon 2007. I enjoyed it quite thoroughly, getting to see all the people doing cosplay [with ergh, BAD Cosplay, Crossplay, and just plain crossdressing... *pukes up a bit in mouth*] , checking out the screening rooms, and of course the sales room. JAcon though was more or less about Japanese Culture and music too [to a certain extent].

Sadly, I missed THE FINAL JAcon in 2008.

 

[Tokai]

Don't worry Breakaway, I missed the last Jacon too.

I've been cosplaying and attending cons since 2005 here in Florida the reason I keep going back is the sense of community. I have friends from other parts of the state that I only get to see at cons. I think it's the best place to immerse yourself in the culture. You always get a good mix of people and I love seeing all the costumes and taking the time to appreciate the work that went into them.

Cons like Megacon are a mixture of everything, media, scifi, anime, though we anime fans have taken it over in the past few years. But others like Metrocon, AFO, and the newly established Shadocon are geared specifically for anime fans.

 

[Tokai]

'Immature' to me is probably synonymous with rabid fanboyism/fangirlism (those fans who actually do fit the 'otaku' label rather than claim it means something else in English; I find the term patently offensive as it originally is). I'm pretty fundamentally jaded about the whole thing, but part of that is the fact I've been watching anime in some capacity since the mid-90s...since I was 10, and had a separate interest in Japanese culture and media from before that (anime/manga is simply the main avenue for that interest these days instead of it being the initial cause).

But anyway, as for conventions, I've only been to Metrocon in 2007 (or Megacon in 2004, but Megacon is a general comic book convention that includes anime, not an anime convention like Metrocon is), and there's a chance I might go back this year - some other AMV editors are going to be holding a panel and I'm not sure whether the slots for hosts are filled; if they are then I'll simply attend the panel and meet-and-greet rather than help host.

I want to go to AWA, though - it's the premier AMV convention, although AX and ACen come close too.


The thing about the conventions I went to that I didn't like was that I didn't have the money I wanted so I could stock up on merchandise in the dealer's room. And that it was largely a solitary experience - I didn't go with any clubs, and didn't have anyone but family to hang around. Things get pretty boring pretty fast if all you can do is walk around doing nothing and window shop.

AX is a must! I got to go in 2009, best con of my life. With the exception of the cloud of elitism among the cosplayers. At least here in Florida we have mutual respect for each other. I totally agree with you about the fangirls/boys too. I think some cons should be atleast 16+. The 13 year olds running around with their friends without supervision just ruin it for the rest of us.