Why the "hug/glomp me" signs?

[mprojekt]

So, basically, if you're an attention-wh... um... I mean... if you love getting lots of attention, then a sign might be a good way to get noticed and glomped/tackled/molested/stared-at/stalked?
 
<note to self>  "Do not carry a sign or a poster that points at or is about self."

[Death_Note_Matt]

Well I think its appropriate...I don't mind seeing people holding "hug me or Glomp me" Signs. Its all in the spirit of The convention. I am sure they do not hold those signs in public...if they did its pretty Creepy :'(
and who cares if they are attention whores Dx Its all good! Its not like you have to do over and stare at them for hours sheesh.

[localuvr]

thank you for pointing that out! See people? it's not all bad!

[Stormfalcon]

If these things were "in the spirit of the convention", then why is it that con management discourages them in the first place (and in the case of some cons, outright banned)?

[PyronIkari]

Well I think its appropriate...I don't mind seeing people holding "hug me or Glomp me" Signs. Its all in the spirit of The convention. I am sure they do not hold those signs in public...if they did its pretty Creepy :'(
and who cares if they are attention whores Dx Its all good! Its not like you have to do over and stare at them for hours sheesh.

Why is it creepy in public... but not a con?

Because a con is filled with social misfits and normally outcasted people? Here's a hint though...

Maybe they wouldn't be outcasted if they didn't do retarded things like... whore for attention by holding signs, and try attempting to fit into society.

Who cares if they're attention whore? It's their perogative to be attention whores, but when it starts affecting me, then I care. When they harass me to hug them... then I care. If they do not leave me alone, or interrupt me when I'm conversing with my friends, when they harass my girlfriend and won't leave her alone...

... then I care.

It's not "all just fun and games" because it affects other people. It's not in the spirit of the convention, it's a minority group, that most people do not like, but "put up with" because they don't want to deal with it. Only it's grown to the point where conventions HAVE to deal with it, because it's causing so many problems. The sign idea evolved from accomplishing something, to people whoring themselves out, and just using it to seek attention, of any kind. A way for desperate lonely losers to get attention from other desperate lonely losers with what they see as no repremand because conventions don't care enough to stop them. And instead of handling themselves with any sorta decent respect, they allowed it to escalate into bad attention, because the people that hold the signs don't care either way what kind of attention they receive, as long as it's attention.

And they drag others into it, and think "well they have the right to say no, so I'm not doing anything bad".

The issue I hear the most, about hugs and glomping is that "well you should just ask" and the people can refuse. Frankly, I think it's rude even to ask someone. It's pretty rude to just randomly go up to someone and ask "Can I hug you" or "Can I glomp you". If a guy just walked up to you on the street and said "I like your outfit, can I hug you" you'd be freaked out and think it was creepy, run and probably call the cops on the guy...

So what makes it okay to do that at a convention? It's even worse when they open up their arms and walk towards you with this "I want to wrap my arms around you and squeeze!" look with this raspy tone "Can I hug you?". It's even worse when I'm not even in a costume.

It's nice to show appreciation for someone elses work for their costume, one that you may like, but it's still rude to do certain things. Most people won't mind, they'll humor you, or they like the attention, but really... it shouldn't be done, it's disrespectful to do that to someone you don't know.

It's social outcasts thinking that they have an outlet to act however they want... and honestly it's conventions that made the mistake of letting them, because "eh they're not hurting anyone and they're keeping to themselves". It just escalated more and more and the outcasts now use "con-spirit" as a defense because cons didn't stop them before.

[mprojekt]

Why is it creepy in public... but not a con?

Because a con is filled with social misfits and normally outcasted people? Here's a hint though...

Maybe they wouldn't be outcasted if they didn't do retarded things like... whore for attention by holding signs, and try attempting to fit into society.

Who cares if they're attention whore? It's their perogative to be attention whores, but when it starts affecting me, then I care. When they harass me to hug them... then I care. If they do not leave me alone, or interrupt me when I'm conversing with my friends, when they harass my girlfriend and won't leave her alone...

... then I care.

It's not "all just fun and games" because it affects other people. It's not in the spirit of the convention, it's a minority group, that most people do not like, but "put up with" because they don't want to deal with it. Only it's grown to the point where conventions HAVE to deal with it, because it's causing so many problems. The sign idea evolved from accomplishing something, to people whoring themselves out, and just using it to seek attention, of any kind. A way for desperate lonely losers to get attention from other desperate lonely losers with what they see as no repremand because conventions don't care enough to stop them. And instead of handling themselves with any sorta decent respect, they allowed it to escalate into bad attention, because the people that hold the signs don't care either way what kind of attention they receive, as long as it's attention.

And they drag others into it, and think "well they have the right to say no, so I'm not doing anything bad".

The issue I hear the most, about hugs and glomping is that "well you should just ask" and the people can refuse. Frankly, I think it's rude even to ask someone. It's pretty rude to just randomly go up to someone and ask "Can I hug you" or "Can I glomp you". If a guy just walked up to you on the street and said "I like your outfit, can I hug you" you'd be freaked out and think it was creepy, run and probably call the cops on the guy...

So what makes it okay to do that at a convention? It's even worse when they open up their arms and walk towards you with this "I want to wrap my arms around you and squeeze!" look with this raspy tone "Can I hug you?". It's even worse when I'm not even in a costume.

It's nice to show appreciation for someone elses work for their costume, one that you may like, but it's still rude to do certain things. Most people won't mind, they'll humor you, or they like the attention, but really... it shouldn't be done, it's disrespectful to do that to someone you don't know.

It's social outcasts thinking that they have an outlet to act however they want... and honestly it's conventions that made the mistake of letting them, because "eh they're not hurting anyone and they're keeping to themselves". It just escalated more and more and the outcasts now use "con-spirit" as a defense because cons didn't stop them before.

I believe that you've hit on the spirit of my reply earlier.

What I was thinking of (or perhaps worried about) in particular was what happens to the poor folks who have sign-age as part of their costume.  A sign that is NOT requesting that passersby hug/touch/grope/tackle/whatever the person holding it.  And yet, regardless of what is actually printed, they are touched by people they do not know.

I recall seeing this happen at least once last year - with the victim clearly unhappy - and asked my friend about it and why the perpetrators thought it was OK.  What I got out of the reply was that con attendees (in costume or not) hold or wear signs at their own risk.

Gah?

???

[Aosugiru]

Anyways People have their different Standards.
Some like being hugged & Glomped and some some don't.
I personally don't really care if someone is holding a sign saying "hug me or Glomp me", as long as its at a Convention ....Its all good.

[Aosugiru]

Well I think its appropriate...I don't mind seeing people holding "hug me or Glomp me" Signs. Its all in the spirit of The convention. I am sure they do not hold those signs in public...if they did its pretty Creepy :'(
and who cares if they are attention whores Dx Its all good! Its not like you have to do over and stare at them for hours sheesh.

Why is it creepy in public... but not a con?

Because a con is filled with social misfits and normally outcasted people? Here's a hint though...

Maybe they wouldn't be outcasted if they didn't do retarded things like... whore for attention by holding signs, and try attempting to fit into society.

Who cares if they're attention whore? It's their perogative to be attention whores, but when it starts affecting me, then I care. When they harass me to hug them... then I care. If they do not leave me alone, or interrupt me when I'm conversing with my friends, when they harass my girlfriend and won't leave her alone...

... then I care.

It's not "all just fun and games" because it affects other people. It's not in the spirit of the convention, it's a minority group, that most people do not like, but "put up with" because they don't want to deal with it. Only it's grown to the point where conventions HAVE to deal with it, because it's causing so many problems. The sign idea evolved from accomplishing something, to people whoring themselves out, and just using it to seek attention, of any kind. A way for desperate lonely losers to get attention from other desperate lonely losers with what they see as no repremand because conventions don't care enough to stop them. And instead of handling themselves with any sorta decent respect, they allowed it to escalate into bad attention, because the people that hold the signs don't care either way what kind of attention they receive, as long as it's attention.

And they drag others into it, and think "well they have the right to say no, so I'm not doing anything bad".

The issue I hear the most, about hugs and glomping is that "well you should just ask" and the people can refuse. Frankly, I think it's rude even to ask someone. It's pretty rude to just randomly go up to someone and ask "Can I hug you" or "Can I glomp you". If a guy just walked up to you on the street and said "I like your outfit, can I hug you" you'd be freaked out and think it was creepy, run and probably call the cops on the guy...

So what makes it okay to do that at a convention? It's even worse when they open up their arms and walk towards you with this "I want to wrap my arms around you and squeeze!" look with this raspy tone "Can I hug you?". It's even worse when I'm not even in a costume.

It's nice to show appreciation for someone elses work for their costume, one that you may like, but it's still rude to do certain things. Most people won't mind, they'll humor you, or they like the attention, but really... it shouldn't be done, it's disrespectful to do that to someone you don't know.

It's social outcasts thinking that they have an outlet to act however they want... and honestly it's conventions that made the mistake of letting them, because "eh they're not hurting anyone and they're keeping to themselves". It just escalated more and more and the outcasts now use "con-spirit" as a defense because cons didn't stop them before.

GOD SHUT UP!!!
We all get you hate glompers!
Get over it!
What are you 5?
If you don't like it
Then stay your ass home...Its a CON! Things like this happened...
Deal with it and move the fuck on...and quit dwelling on the past.
But guessing your a nerd....its normal your all dramatic.
It if was a Playboy playmate glomping you I bet you wouldn't be complaining!

[Jun-Watarase]

Well I think its appropriate...I don't mind seeing people holding "hug me or Glomp me" Signs. Its all in the spirit of The convention. I am sure they do not hold those signs in public...if they did its pretty Creepy :'(
and who cares if they are attention whores Dx Its all good! Its not like you have to do over and stare at them for hours sheesh.

Why is it creepy in public... but not a con?

Because a con is filled with social misfits and normally outcasted people? Here's a hint though...

Maybe they wouldn't be outcasted if they didn't do retarded things like... whore for attention by holding signs, and try attempting to fit into society.

Who cares if they're attention whore? It's their perogative to be attention whores, but when it starts affecting me, then I care. When they harass me to hug them... then I care. If they do not leave me alone, or interrupt me when I'm conversing with my friends, when they harass my girlfriend and won't leave her alone...

... then I care.

It's not "all just fun and games" because it affects other people. It's not in the spirit of the convention, it's a minority group, that most people do not like, but "put up with" because they don't want to deal with it. Only it's grown to the point where conventions HAVE to deal with it, because it's causing so many problems. The sign idea evolved from accomplishing something, to people whoring themselves out, and just using it to seek attention, of any kind. A way for desperate lonely losers to get attention from other desperate lonely losers with what they see as no repremand because conventions don't care enough to stop them. And instead of handling themselves with any sorta decent respect, they allowed it to escalate into bad attention, because the people that hold the signs don't care either way what kind of attention they receive, as long as it's attention.

And they drag others into it, and think "well they have the right to say no, so I'm not doing anything bad".

The issue I hear the most, about hugs and glomping is that "well you should just ask" and the people can refuse. Frankly, I think it's rude even to ask someone. It's pretty rude to just randomly go up to someone and ask "Can I hug you" or "Can I glomp you". If a guy just walked up to you on the street and said "I like your outfit, can I hug you" you'd be freaked out and think it was creepy, run and probably call the cops on the guy...

So what makes it okay to do that at a convention? It's even worse when they open up their arms and walk towards you with this "I want to wrap my arms around you and squeeze!" look with this raspy tone "Can I hug you?". It's even worse when I'm not even in a costume.

It's nice to show appreciation for someone elses work for their costume, one that you may like, but it's still rude to do certain things. Most people won't mind, they'll humor you, or they like the attention, but really... it shouldn't be done, it's disrespectful to do that to someone you don't know.

It's social outcasts thinking that they have an outlet to act however they want... and honestly it's conventions that made the mistake of letting them, because "eh they're not hurting anyone and they're keeping to themselves". It just escalated more and more and the outcasts now use "con-spirit" as a defense because cons didn't stop them before.

GOD SHUT UP!!!
We all get you hate glompers!
Get over it!
What are you 5?
If you don't like it
Then stay your ass home...Its a CON! Things like this happened...
Deal with it and move the fuck on...and quit dwelling on the past.
But guessing your a nerd....its normal your all dramatic.
It if was a Playboy playmate glomping you I bet you wouldn't be complaining!

What are you? 4? A thread is open to the public for discussion. You can't even handle opinionated posts without cursing and throwing lame insults to level your own insecurity. If YOU don't like it, I suggest you stay off the internet before you become even more offended by people who are actually idiots.

You don't seem to get the point that, glomping itself isn't the problem. It's the uncivilized people violating other people's space when they're most likely complete strangers to each other. It's when people glomping inconsiderately and potentially hurting someone, having them drop their food, or even simply having them feel uncomfortable.

Why should anyone feel the need to stay at home and not attend a social event, only because a few attention-whoring nerds want to abandon common etiquette and violate someone's personal space? Unlike you, some people prefer not to be touched by strangers, let alone being tackled and hugged for absolutely no reason.

[PyronIkari]

GOD SHUT UP!!!
We all get you hate glompers!
Get over it!
What are you 5?
If you don't like it
Then stay your ass home...Its a CON! Things like this happened...
Deal with it and move the fuck on...and quit dwelling on the past.
But guessing your a nerd....its normal your all dramatic.
It if was a Playboy playmate glomping you I bet you wouldn't be complaining!

It is a con, but things like this shouldn't happen, just because it's a con, which is why a lot of conventions discourage the action and the activity of signs.

If it was a Playboy playmate glomping I would still have the same stance(PS I've been hugged by a playboy playmate before). If a playboy playmate hugged me I'd be annoyed all the same though, so your horrible assumption was off.

The excuse of "It's a con" doesn't rectify bad social choices and action. As I stated, the reason why it seems "not out of place" at conventions is because conventions and staff decided to overlook it before because they didn't think it would erupt into what it is now.

Is it against the rules directly and the such? No it's not, because they would have to ban all physical contact then, but they discourage the act because it causes problems and conflicts, and doesn't respect people's private space.

The way I look at it, if you wouldn't do it outside of a convention, why are you doing it inside of a convention?

[petdiekatze]

A lot of people wouldn't do it outside of a con because they have nothing in common with the victim. At a con, they at least have the common ground of being at a con, and they have that to fall back on.

The way I saw the con last year, the majority of people were doing it, and therefore it was considered 'okay' by the majority as long as it was contained. Also, it could be an in-character for a few of the cos-plays.

I suppose a good reason why you would do it more in con then out, is because it is considered acceptable in con, some people actually enjoy it (Being glomped and giving out glomps), and a few people use the convention to let loose.

[Stormfalcon]

Like hell the majority was doing it.  We didn't even have this problem (and yes, I consider the whole signs and glomping thing a problem) until a few years ago at most, probably about the time we moved over to the SJ Convention Center.  So no, it's not part of the con experience, and the only reason why it might seem to be is because the powers that be at Fanime haven't moved to ban it like other cons have (though they should).

[L3sli3_Lov3s_Chu]

Oh, God it's a flamer... Jeezus. I [guess] you could call them "Attention Whores" but that's both stupid AND immature. So, YEAH, they want attention... And Yeah they randomly glomp people. But calling names is not cool. How ever, I do understand the concept of people going to far by [randomly] glomping people. It's never happened to me, so I can't really speak, but it is an [ANIME CON] and if you cosplay, people [WILL] go crazy if they see a Yachiru or Ichigo. And I do understand that not everyone is into that kind of stuff. And as fas as the "OMG it's SOOOO not appropirate to hold up those signs"... Kiss my ass. As long as they aren't attacking you or bothering you STFU, man. Go suck on you moms tit or something. This forum went to good to whiney babies complaining about little things fast. And like Aosugiru said "GET OVER IT!".
Peace and Love, homies.

[Jun-Watarase]

Oh, God it's a flamer... Jeezus. I [guess] you could call them "Attention Whores" but that's both stupid AND immature. So, YEAH, they want attention... And Yeah they randomly glomp people. But calling names is not cool. How ever, I do understand the concept of people going to far by [randomly] glomping people. It's never happened to me, so I can't really speak, but it is an [ANIME CON] and if you cosplay, people [WILL] go crazy if they see a Yachiru or Ichigo. And I do understand that not everyone is into that kind of stuff. And as fas as the "OMG it's SOOOO not appropirate to hold up those signs"... Kiss my ass. As long as they aren't attacking you or bothering you STFU, man. Go suck on you moms tit or something. This forum went to good to whiney babies complaining about little things fast. And like Aosugiru said "GET OVER IT!".
Peace and Love, homies.

Why in god's name does ANIME have to be automatically associated with IDIOTIC behavior? All the reasoning of how glomping itself isn't bad, rather than the people making it a problem... are. And it goes to show you that a good chunk of the people defending it aren't very bright either, as you and Aosugiru cannot prove a point without spouting jargon other than "It's an anime con! We can be as idiotic and inconsiderate as we want because that's what we do! lololol kiss my derriere! $%#%@^%&$&@$!"

I'm sure Yachiru ad Ichigo cosplayers would totally appreciate some stranger, screaming and glomping them and putting the condition of their costume and props at risk. BUT THEY LIKE IT! THEY'RE AT AN ANIMU CON! YEAH! ... No.

It's never happened to me, so I can't really speak...

Then don't.

[petdiekatze]

Like hell the majority was doing it.  We didn't even have this problem (and yes, I consider the whole signs and glomping thing a problem) until a few years ago at most, probably about the time we moved over to the SJ Convention Center.  So no, it's not part of the con experience, and the only reason why it might seem to be is because the powers that be at Fanime haven't moved to ban it like other cons have (though they should).

Sorry then. I was too distracted by other events to see it as a problem. The only problem that I heard about was on maybe Sunday or Monday and a few 'glompers' were having a glompfest and were blocking the walkway and risking the safety of other people. I think it's okay, and people should be able to do so, as long as they have control. Which some (Or most) people lack causing it to be a concern.

[PyronIkari]

Oh, God it's a flamer... Jeezus. I [guess] you could call them "Attention Whores" but that's both stupid AND immature. So, YEAH, they want attention... And Yeah they randomly glomp people. But calling names is not cool. How ever, I do understand the concept of people going to far by [randomly] glomping people. It's never happened to me, so I can't really speak, but it is an [ANIME CON] and if you cosplay, people [WILL] go crazy if they see a Yachiru or Ichigo. And I do understand that not everyone is into that kind of stuff. And as fas as the "OMG it's SOOOO not appropirate to hold up those signs"... Kiss my ass. As long as they aren't attacking you or bothering you STFU, man. Go suck on you moms tit or something. This forum went to good to whiney babies complaining about little things fast. And like Aosugiru said "GET OVER IT!".
Peace and Love, homies.

You apparently don't know what a flamer is as the only two that have flamed at all are you, and Aosiguru.

It's not stupid and immature to call them attention whores, because essentially that is what they are. It's a comment to state that they are seeking attention in a bad manner. Uh, did you miss the parts where I explain multiple times that these people DO attack and bother me/other people?

So I should just accept that harassment, and idiotic behavior is perfectly okay, just because "it's at a con"?

It's not the majority of people that act like this. It is quite the minority, it just seems otherwise because this minority makes a huge spectacle of themselves, scream, and yell, and make sure they're noticed.

A lot of people wouldn't do it outside of a con because they have nothing in common with the victim. At a con, they at least have the common ground of being at a con, and they have that to fall back on.

The way I saw the con last year, the majority of people were doing it, and therefore it was considered 'okay' by the majority as long as it was contained. Also, it could be an in-character for a few of the cos-plays.

I suppose a good reason why you would do it more in con then out, is because it is considered acceptable in con, some people actually enjoy it (Being glomped and giving out glomps), and a few people use the convention to let loose.

That's not legitimate grounding, nor standing to do so? This will be very general but for the most case true...

A large amount of anime fans are considered outcasts by normal standards and do not fit in to the general public. They display outlandish personality traits, are usually very anti-social, and do not know how to adapt to sociatal standards of actions(as many people support in this thread with their comments about how they don't look weird if they act this way at conventions). So instead of trying to change this and coming to some level of decency, they blame the rest of the world as being wrong and they let it out at conventions, where "they can be themselves and no one looks at them weird. And instead of accepting when told "Hey... you shouldn't really do this when you're at a con, it's not very good to do" they fight back because we're attacking what they see as their holy ground to act like retarded unsocial uncivilized brats.

It's also usually reflected in the ones that carry signs that say "HUG ME" or "FREE GLOMPS" in the such. These aren't the popular kids at school, that go to parties on the weekends, and are invited out to the movies or to hang out. Or the kids that are popular with the other sex, going out on dates, or making out by the docks.

Just a little message.

It's not the rest of the world's fault, you ever seem to think that, it's your fault for not even attempting to fit normal society, just a little?

[petdiekatze]

You're right. It's not legitimate. But gaging the reactions and replies by some of the people answering to this thread, they seem to be using it as a standing. (as you said). I do think though that fanime may start getting a bit harder on sign bearers, because some of what people write upon them could be considered 'prostitution' (in a pg-16/13ish level.)

It's also usually reflected in the ones that carry signs that say "HUG ME" or "FREE GLOMPS" in the such. These aren't the popular kids at school, that go to parties on the weekends, and are invited out to the movies or to hang out. Or the kids that are popular with the other sex, going out on dates, or making out by the docks.

I could see this as true, and I could also see this as, "Look at my costume/attire and see how much time I spent on it." type of thing as well. I am aware that there is Stage Zero, but that gets a limited audience. Though what you said rings true to some of the people that were wearing the "Hug me" / "Free Glomps" sign. If you ask some them about their personal-ish life and where they are going (at least the ones I asked and got to know) they tend to say things along the lines of what you said.

It's not the rest of the world's fault, you ever seem to think that, it's your fault for not even attempting to fit normal society, just a little?

Perhaps they attempted to fit into a normal society and got rejected anyways? (Yes they could try again, and fitting into normal society isn't that hard, seeing how vast 'normal' is.) Or they are immature and/or are used to dishing out the blame/fault to others.

[Tony]

I thought proponents of hugs and glomps are supposed to be spreading happiness and love!  ;D

[moderating]
Aosugiru, L3sli3_Lov3s_Chu: warned!
[/moderating]

Maybe I should close this, but I'm reckless and preoccupied.

[ph1shf00d]

Heh.  Yeah, agreed with Tony.

I mean, I get where Pyron and the others are coming from.  At its worse, Glomping isn't any better than rape (sort of...).  It's a surprise (in a bad way), people could seriously get hurt, their costumes could get ruined, or, I dunno, they can be emotionally scarred or something.  The thing is, people ALL have different standards and thresholds for physical contact.  I think a lot more "glompers" should be more considerate of others when they go on their glomping sprees...

...Though, now that you mention it, I've never really heard of glomping sprees.  When I read in the OP that people apparently glomp other people at cons just to up their "glomp count," I felt rather mortified.  Maybe I don't go to enough cons... I was always under the impression that people only glomped cosplayers/their favorite characters out of appreciation for the character/cosplay.  I mean, it WOULD be like hugging your favorite character in real life, and who wouldn't like that? :D  COnversely, on the cosplayer's side, if the hugger/glomper asked nicely and told them that they're dressed as their favorite character, then they've created sort of a bond with a fellow fan.  All in all, it can be a really loving and appreciative gesture.

But glomping/hugging just... to glomp/hug seems rather strange to me.  I'm leaning with Pyron when he says that it's a distasteful way of getting attention.  Glomps/hugs could totally be used as a "currency" of affection or admiration (and at cons, I guess it pretty much is...Kinda like, "I'm repaying you cosplaying my favorite character with a hug"), but if you're wearing a sign just to get people to notice you, it's kinda... Meh.  It's kinda like... emotionless hugging, which is kinda weird; rather, it defeats the purpose of the gesture in the first place.  You'd just be doing it for the physical contact and the attention, not for the warm and fuzzy emotion behind it.

[Death_Note_Matt]

I thought proponents of hugs and glomps are supposed to be spreading happiness and love!  ;D

I AGREE TOO ^_^