Gah! I can't stress enough about this!
I'm going to Fanime Con '09 on bad conditions, and I'd like some tips on how I can still have a blast Dx.
-Going alone [ UGH! DX]
- Limited money
So, what should I do? ;.;
I'm not the most social ever. I tried talking to a few people at the con, but they just sorta looked at me weird and walked away e.e
Should I try being social again?
Oh yeah.. another horrible thing..
My parents won't let me go alone Dx so they're coming with me.
We're gonna stay at the hotels though, the whole con weekend.
So, yeah.
Any tips for still having fun?
try to work with what you have.
if that doesn't help, I'll hang with ya next year.
Pretty much true.
But I really don't wanna be bored and wandering around alone. I guess I'll try to muster up some courage and talk to randome people. Haha, thanks for the offer.
normally threads will start poping up talking about get togethers to meet new people or forming groups. Its still very early, I'm sure you have plenty of time to meet some people that would love to have you join their little group.
Though you say you are on a limited budget, try out a cosplay. Some are inexpensive and look nice. And if you choose to do a more popular series, I'm certain you can find friends just walking around the con. And especially when you show up to one of their 50+ meets.
If you still find yourself shy, there are still somethings you can do by yourself that will keep you entertained. The arcades, panels, anime, and Asian cinema all have their little surprises and fun. Just go in, find yourself a chair, and kick back.
I had only say, $100 to spend last fanime, so I brought food from home (You may have seen me, I had a guy behind me eating popcorn from my bag).
Also, I had no plans to meet up with friends (Though I did meet up with some).
In any case, I agree with above posts, and i would hang out with you also.
But hey, at least you got a room and a source for food money (parents) so you don't have to eat "cold" lunchs.
a 25 min drive north is still a 25 min drive north, and it "seems"
more satisfying to have a room rather than not.
I wouldn't hang out with you, because you sound like a pathetic loser that doesn't even want to try to meet new people unless they put all the effort into being social.
You don't need money at a con. The most important reason to have money is to eat. Over everything else, all you need money for is to eat and sustain normal eating habits during the weekend. You don't need to buy anything, you don't need to play initial D 5432432 times, and you don't need to waste money on stuff you don't need.
You're not social? Then why are you even going to Fanime? Seriously. There's no point in going to a major social event like Fanime, if you're anti-social. If you don't want to talk to people, meet other people and the what not, don't bother going, save your parents 500$ and stay home.
My Pyron...that's harsh. Even for you.
Anyways, here's a suggestion.
Work staff for a department that you like.
I.E. If you like video rooms, work for video programming. If you like panels, work for rena aka Kava. etc. It gets you out there meeting new people and it allows you to contribute back to the con.
We have 500 staff members for a con of 13k last year (Which is expected to be more this coming year), so we can always use more people.
Haha, Steve beat me to it.
But seriously, staff. It's very money-efficient and you make friends quickly if you work in a social-ish kind of department.
^_^ Well to meet people you should join the murder mystery. Haha... not that I'm doing a plug for my idea or anything. ;)
Not too social? No problem! Grab a camera :) There are pleanty of peopel who worked hard to make/obtain their outfits to look nice for the cameras~ Ask for pictures and compliment em. There are gatherings left and right, so attend one of a series that you love. Therefore, you and everyone there have similar interests~ :D
Limited on money? That does suck however just keep saving bit by bit. Some people at con are nice and buy food for people o-o; i met a nice girl back in 05 that bought me food :3 nice people rawk.
Anyways i hope you have a blast at 09~
Gee, I was under the impression that even though I'm not some sort of social butterfly I could still attend Fanime just because I love anime and all the stuff at the con. I didn't know I had to be social or else not go.
Anyway, there are still tons of ways to have fun, Ochii! And it does look as though you DID make an attempt to talk to people instead of just scuttling along keeping to yourself as I did last year when I had to go alone since it was so short-notice that I was able to attend I didn't get a chance to invite my other friends along. I'm sure you could find some things in common with people on the forums and meet up. Perhaps if you ever feel brave enough you could attend a forum gathering ((perhaps some time before the convention with some friends so your parents don't panic so much--unless you live really far away then I can understand being unable to attend gatherings in an attempt to meet more people before FanimeCon)). :D That would be a great way to get to know some and I'm sure they wouldn't exclude you in anything if you went and were shy.
In the event you can't do this either, I'd try talking to people at the convention still if you feel comfortable, you're bound to eventually run into someone who'll be nice and get along with you really well and not just look at you like some weirdo. :) If they still persist to act weird and not want to talk--then hey. Whatever. There are plenty of panels ((there is a forum panel I believe, so you could meet some people from the forum as well)), screenings and other things to keep you occupied at Fanime. Just make sure you have enough money for food, entrance fees, etc. Since your parents are going at least this part is covered. I'm assuming they're paying anyway. It's true though that you don't need to spend money on what you really don't need though.
Just try to have fun, and see you at '09! <3
Oh, jeez. I just realised about why Pyron said, that after I made this post.. I sounded like a spoiled brat who doesn't even like anime Dx.
Nah, I shouldn't have used "not very sociable" more like.. very shy.
& In regards to the "wow, why are you so down about not having money? just enjoy yourself!" comments.. I didn't mean it like I was some brat who wanted everything I could possibly get.
I'm one to want to have memories. & I'm also like..
"Ooh shiney!" xD!
Those are some great idea's, thank you. & Actually, I'm paying for the event. My parent's just won't let me go alone >.>
& Yeah! There are some really nice people at Fanime! When my friend and I got lost, we kept asking around to use a cell phone. A nice lady [who we never met] allowed us to. I thought that was so sweet.
Anyway, I should've reconsidered what I said.
I'm not anti-social. Just shy.
Thanks for the tips ! :P See you guys in '09!
This past Fanime was horrible for me! I couldn't hang out with some friends all weekend, and I didn't find my other friends until Sunday. So basically, I was alone the whole time. I tried to be sociable but it ...was just awkward or something. I hope next Fanime will be better. :'(
Don't worry, I feel you. Just... eat cheap! Bring food! And as far as the social aspect.... It sucks. I usually wander around alone and run back to my inattentive friend (who is having a gaming spree) when I start being talked to (usually by random guys. No offense random guys, but you scare me. =( I don't WANT to go to your room with you. And even if you aren't creepy I'm still distrusting! ^^) Fortunately now I have a stupid friend to hang out with mostly (now with girlfriend action!!)
Just go to things you like. If you like gaming, go game. You'll probably end up talking to the people gaming with you. You like such-and -such hobby? Go to a panel for it. You'll find some people. PLUS late at night people are just dyyyying to socialize. It's hard not to. =P People are pretty open at fanime, even though I'm sure we're not the only shy ones. Even I try to come out of my shell.
Bottom line: fanime rules.
Actually heres a little thing I found that works, it might have just been a fluke but then when I told a friend to do this when going to Anime Expo alone he left with a group of new friends and 2 girls phone numbers I believe.... smooth!
Anyways I told him to just get in a long line.
Sounds crazy right? When your in a long line you tend to somehow start talking to people.
Well thats how I met some awesome people at Fanime and have been running into them ever snice.
On the first day of Fanime when it starts, how long does it take to get through the registration?
Also, why does pre registration take so long?
Hm yes, the long line thing might work.
Thanks!
Quote from: JohnnyAR on October 06, 2008, 09:42:01 PM
On the first day of Fanime when it starts, how long does it take to get through the registration?
Also, why does pre registration take so long?
Last year was a significant improvement as far as at-con registration lines. I usually estimate roughly 1 and a half to 3 hours (at peak times) in line if you aren't pre-registered.
As far as why pre-registration takes so long: sheer number. I mean, I don't have the exact numbers, but I'm fairly sure that at least half of the attendees of Fanimecon pre register or early register. That's about 5,000-6,000 people to process. That's usually why I get there like, 3 hours before the lines open on Thursday. Then again, if you're waiting in line on Thursday, you shouldn't fret too much, because fanime doesn't start until Friday. lol.
In my opinion, take lots of pics and if you cosplay pose for as many pics as you can. Pictures are the best ice breakers at cons. I know when I went to Tales of Anime '07 I was horribly shy, but Miyaki (one of the Lolita Kisama models) asked me to do a whole photo shoot of me while I modeled one of the cat hoodies and I really enjoyed it. Then a few other girls (some post here I believe ;)) came up and asked about my cosplays and we spent the remainder of the con together which was about... 20 hours or so? So try your best to be sociable because who knows what great things may happen.
PS: If you want, party with me and my friends, you'll definitely have a good time then.
your "bad" conditions were the same as mine last years. i had 90$ for the whole weekend
Quote from: sklpnda on October 15, 2008, 09:52:15 PM
your "bad" conditions were the same as mine last years. i had 90$ for the whole weekend
I had 600$, I spent, 40.
And that was food. Of course that was after hotel and everything.
Quote from: PyronIkari on October 15, 2008, 10:14:28 PM
Quote from: sklpnda on October 15, 2008, 09:52:15 PM
your "bad" conditions were the same as mine last years. i had 90$ for the whole weekend
I had 600$, I spent, 40.
And that was food. Of course that was after hotel and everything.
I think that was about what I spent for food as well, cause I ate @ la vics a bit, some jack in the box, and lots and lots of costco food that SOS/Rovers have stashed away in a secret location.
Quote from: PyronIkari on October 15, 2008, 10:14:28 PM
Quote from: sklpnda on October 15, 2008, 09:52:15 PM
your "bad" conditions were the same as mine last years. i had 90$ for the whole weekend
I had 600$, I spent, 40.
And that was food. Of course that was after hotel and everything.
Hmmm... I think I spent about 20 in food. I brought a bunch of food with me, so I didn't need to spend a lot.
Also, OP you should read the Sample Budget (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,10753.0.html) if you haven't already done so.
My typical Fanime budget is ~$1000. BUT, I'm paying for 2 rooms. One for my sisters and their friend and then one share for myself. So that's about half of that gone.
Spending wise I have about what Pyron mentioned earlier: 500-600. I never buy DVDs from Fanime except at the swap meet because I can just find such great deals online. I'm not a big manga collector either, so most of my money goes to shirts, figures, wall scrolls and music.
It's real early so you still have time to work around this. Are you in highschool? If so then the first thing you should do is find the Anime Club/Video Game Club/ or the"Japanese Culture Club" which is usually just a front for the two aforementioned clubs. Chances are one of these clubs will be planning to go to Fanime. If this doesn't help you find friends to go to fanime with then don't give up.
Another thing you can do is get a job. Most of the jobs available to you are service based, meaning you're required to have face-to-face customer interaction. This might help you get past being shy. But if your parent's won't allow you to work then just buy an industrial size bag of candy and start selling over priced pieces of sugar during class or break. You won't make as much money but you'll still be making strides into being more social.
And if for some reason you failed at making friends with people who have similar interest as you or raising money for your fanime fund then just wait until the forums get more active. There are other people here just like you.
I had 10 dollars, spent 65.
Quote from: Mizuki on November 06, 2008, 01:23:13 AM
I had 10 dollars, spent 65.
Lol, did you leech off your friends? X3
Gah so many things to buy at fanime, never enough money... but then again im way too indecisive so i dont buy too much because iono what i want more.
<3 my giant piplup x3 XD
Quote from: Mizuki on November 06, 2008, 01:23:13 AM
I had 10 dollars, spent 65.
You still owe me like 60$ or something like that wwwwwww~
for the last three years, my budget has always been around $500(more or less)...and for the last three years, that has worked perfectly.
Quote from: PyronIkari on November 06, 2008, 11:41:35 PM
Quote from: Mizuki on November 06, 2008, 01:23:13 AM
I had 10 dollars, spent 65.
You still owe me like 60$ or something like that wwwwwww~
Lol, yeah. Hopefully my "job" I got can pay that off lol.
Quote from: Mizuki on November 08, 2008, 12:07:07 AM
Quote from: PyronIkari on November 06, 2008, 11:41:35 PM
Quote from: Mizuki on November 06, 2008, 01:23:13 AM
I had 10 dollars, spent 65.
You still owe me like 60$ or something like that wwwwwww~
Lol, yeah. Hopefully my "job" I got can pay that off lol.
So...how much do you make selling your body?
Let's see..my budget was 700. That included my share fo the hotel room payment.. payign for the gas to get there ( i live in Arizona) And food..And frankly i still had like.. a hundred and some dollars left.
You'll do fine, just save a few bucks each day.
As for going alone, that's pretty rough, but hey I'm goin' with soem pretty nice people you can hang otu with us if you'd like. just look for a moogle. -noddle-
The mentioned idea of gettign a job is a great way indeed to break you out of that shy shell. I myself was quite a shy person before I had a job. but after being thrown into a work environment and haveing to converse with costumers, i got over it, real quick.
Quote from: Steve.Young on November 08, 2008, 01:37:51 AM
Quote from: Mizuki on November 08, 2008, 12:07:07 AM
Quote from: PyronIkari on November 06, 2008, 11:41:35 PM
Quote from: Mizuki on November 06, 2008, 01:23:13 AM
I had 10 dollars, spent 65.
You still owe me like 60$ or something like that wwwwwww~
Lol, yeah. Hopefully my "job" I got can pay that off lol.
So...how much do you make selling your body?
More than what you can offer :P
Quote from: Mizuki on November 13, 2008, 12:11:17 AM
Quote from: Steve.Young on November 08, 2008, 01:37:51 AM
Quote from: Mizuki on November 08, 2008, 12:07:07 AM
Quote from: PyronIkari on November 06, 2008, 11:41:35 PM
Quote from: Mizuki on November 06, 2008, 01:23:13 AM
I had 10 dollars, spent 65.
You still owe me like 60$ or something like that wwwwwww~
Lol, yeah. Hopefully my "job" I got can pay that off lol.
So...how much do you make selling your body?
More than what you can offer :P
Yea, like that's possible.
Quote from: xOchiix on September 29, 2008, 12:41:56 AM
Pretty much true.
But I really don't wanna be bored and wandering around alone. I guess I'll try to muster up some courage and talk to randome people. Haha, thanks for the offer.
I went to the 06 con. went with a few friends but it was all our first time going and i was also shy and got the weird looks. probly didnt help that i wasnt cosplaying, but anyways you just gotta do it try talking to anyone and everyone i made a few friends just by asking to snap a picture of them.
Hot females 18+ wanted.
Apply by PM.
k thx bye.
(Essentially what this thread has turned to *Shrugs*)
Dude, I had to go to my Fanime all alone for the first day. Thankfully, a lot of people are very friendly, and will talk to you if you look lonely enough. I'm pretty shy, and I was kept very busy by people I didn't even know. ;D I'm also going in pretty bad conditions... again. I had around $100 my first time, and maybe $50 last time, and everyone kept ditching me for one reason or another, and my phone kept dying... This year, I don't have a phone, so I'll have to stick with someone, or let them know where I will be, and I'll be LUCKY to have $50+, especially with my actually making a costume this year. However, I'm willing to look out for you and try to say hi/hang out with you, if you want. I'll be going as Rima Tohya from Vampire Knight and even though I'm shy, once I get used to you, and find out what subjects you like, I'll be like your best (poor) friend! XD;
Also, I know your pain about the parents thing. I have to tolerate my "other" mom (my best friend's mom) every year.
Hi xOchiix! I personally didn't find your forum post selfish at all, I know a lot of people in your condition! I agree with the people who've said that you don't have to be super social in order to have fun at a convention. A lot of threads will start popping up for meet-up's, not only for just random Fanime attendees but for like, people with similar tastes in anime and stuff, so I'm sure you'll be able to find people you like! :3
As for the money, if you plan to stay in a hotel,
room with others. Again, the Fanime forums have threads for people searching for roomies. There are plenty of ways you can find people to hang out with before the con; that's, in many ways, what this forum's really for. :]
Quote from: PyronIkari on October 15, 2008, 10:14:28 PM
I had 600$, I spent, 40.
And that was food. Of course that was after hotel and everything.
For all of Fanime (four days), I brought $200 & spent about $30, including food. And then around $12 for hotel, since my friend's parents got us a huge suite for a couple nights, which was nice; plus I had a free badge. After going to a lot of cons I've basically gotten what I wanted, and don't really buy much merchandise anymore... but of course, that's just me (& I have super Asian saving skills xDDD). I don't think many people end up having ridiculously low budgets like that, haha.
aaah double post, please ignore/delete this!~ x_x''
the long line thing is very true. During my first fanime(99, I'm getting old) I met one of my oldest and dearest friends while waiting for the dance.
Just go around doing the things you like. Not sure if it was the same year or 2000 but I made friends with my other oldest and dearest friends in the viewing rooms. I was trying to find the sailor moon marathon room and somehow ended up at bishonen ai room. For some reason no one was there other than the staff running it. We had a blast that night and spent the rest of con hanging out. The next year I started staffing.
Fanime can help you start some great friendships. I meet a lot of people every year that I don't end up friends with. Just keep trying. You won't mesh well with everyone but boy is it great when you find one you do.
You only need money for the basics. Badge, hotel, food and transportation.
Hey I am in the same situation as you. I had to do the same at last year's Fanime and still had fun. Hint: lines are the best way to meet people to hang out with. Remember you are all here to enjoy anime so just ask about their cosplay or favorite anime. The nice thing is that you already kinda know what they like and that is the same thing as you!:) hoped that helped and sorry if it sounded mean at the end.
I generally go broke and alone as well. So I save money by staffing, and I never really buy anything from the Merchant Hall anymore anyway. I do try to save money by rooming, but that doesn't always work out, but take it when you can get it. And try to room with someone who seems at least mildly non-creepy. And the same people go to Fanime every year, so even though I go alone, I know everyone there anyway. =]
Quote from: xOchiix on September 29, 2008, 12:30:32 AM
Gah! I can't stress enough about this!
I'm going to Fanime Con '09 on bad conditions, and I'd like some tips on how I can still have a blast Dx.
-Going alone [ UGH! DX]
- Limited money
So, what should I do? ;.;
I'm not the most social ever. I tried talking to a few people at the con, but they just sorta looked at me weird and walked away e.e
Should I try being social again?
Oh yeah.. another horrible thing..
My parents won't let me go alone Dx so they're coming with me.
We're gonna stay at the hotels though, the whole con weekend.
So, yeah.
Any tips for still having fun?
Hi, welcome to the wonderful world of FanimeCon and yes, PyronIkari I sure meant well, but as usual for him, has his foot in his mouth again. It's not necessary to be social to attend FanimeCon; it is quite possible that you have other interests that don't require you to interact with other people around you. It's the same in the real world too. However, if you choice to interact with others and you are wondering how to get it started, there are several different methods to do it, one way to meet people is at the registration lines when you are literally surrounded by others that have your same interest, anime.
If you would really like to meet people at FanimeCon, can I suggest volunteering at any one of number of different departments, such as volunteers, or registration or Rovers? It would allow you to see what it is like behind the scenes and you will get to meet the staff, who would be more than glad to introduce you to their friends.
While I'm sure that having your parents in tow isn't what you would call the highlight of attending FanimeCon, it does allow you to expose them to what should be considered a fan friendly environment and if it would help, I would be more than glad to have lunch with them on Saturday and talk to them. There are probably younger than me, yes that means I'm older than they are and yes, I'm a parent too, so maybe I can talk to their concerns and fears.
Again, welcome...
"What is this 'Yowie' thing our child's friends keep talking about?"
"..." ;D
All joking aside, there's lots of ways to meet new people at Fanime, and 99% of the time they're very friendly! (I'm including the crowd that's "too friendly"; estimating, the 'healthy'-friendly crowd rounds out to about 95% of Fanime.) In my first day, in line, I was in line with a brother and sister, and I noticed she had some pretty cool keychains on her backpack. Almost an hour later, we were deep in a conversation on the underrated games on the Nintendo 64. Very few people at Fanime have much to hide, if anything.
No matter your money, BUDGET IT. That's all I can say about money.
fanime is a big social event XD you'll find a friend if and possibly bump into friends there... i have myself bumped into friends there where im all "wait >.< i know you" lol
Quote from: Steve.Young on November 13, 2008, 11:51:13 PM
Hot females 18+ wanted.
Apply by PM.
k thx bye.
(Essentially what this thread has turned to *Shrugs*)
thanks Steve, way to make the ladies feel safe. and here you call yourself the Rover's 2nd. :P
Ironically, I'll probably be around, just like Steve @ the Registration lines. I'm not hard to miss.
I find it semi ironic that about 5+ girl posted that they go to Fanime on a solo adventure when I usually picture the shy nerdy and socially akward fanboy wandering the halls of the convention concourse.
Conversations and ice breakers are REALLY easy at the Con, just find someone with similar interests and say, "hey are you into _insert cool anime here_ " or ask them about where or how they go their anime gear and/or cosplay...
or heck, just random talk to myself [The Jerry] Steve or anyone of the random Black suit Rovers you'll be seeing around the Con.
Get on staff, make new friends, and have more than just anime/cosplay to be ur 'fun' reasons to be at Con.
I so use to random encounters, its just like your standard RPG, the more random encounters you have, They better the experience you get. :D
That and who says you need to be in a group/party to have fun. If you solo thats okay to.
If you wanna make new friends, We're all nerds, fanboys/girls and dorks all around.
Trust me there will be possible over 15,000+ fans all at the SJCC all at once.
if you miss me, you could make friends with other 14,999+ of them ;D
Quote from: Jerry on February 27, 2009, 09:17:26 AM
Quote from: Steve.Young on November 13, 2008, 11:51:13 PM
Hot females 18+ wanted.
Apply by PM.
k thx bye.
(Essentially what this thread has turned to *Shrugs*)
thanks Steve, way to make the ladies feel safe. and here you call yourself the Rover's 2nd. :P
Ironically, I'll probably be around, just like Steve @ the Registration lines. I'm not hard to miss.
I find it semi ironic that about 5+ girl posted that they go to Fanime on a solo adventure when I usually picture the shy nerdy and socially akward fanboy wandering the halls of the convention concourse.
Conversations and ice breakers are REALLY easy at the Con, just find someone with similar interests and say, "hey are you into _insert cool anime here_ " or ask them about where or how they go their anime gear and/or cosplay...
or heck, just random talk to myself [The Jerry] Steve or anyone of the random Black suit Rovers you'll be seeing around the Con.
Get on staff, make new friends, and have more than just anime/cosplay to be ur 'fun' reasons to be at Con.
I so use to random encounters, its just like your standard RPG, the more random encounters you have, They better the experience you get. :D
That and who says you need to be in a group/party to have fun. If you solo thats okay to.
If you wanna make new friends, We're all nerds, fanboys/girls and dorks all around.
Trust me there will be possible over 15,000+ fans all at the SJCC all at once.
if you miss me, you could make friends with other 14,999+ of them ;D
hehe...random encounters.
I guess I should do some power leveling...I've been avoiding these encounters for the last few years... >_>