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FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism => General Convention Discussion => Topic started by: lil_mouse on April 28, 2007, 09:37:50 PM

Title: survival tips
Post by: lil_mouse on April 28, 2007, 09:37:50 PM
anybody have any good tips/ideas/advice for a fanime virgin?

I've only been to a couple sac-comic-cons so this is a bit of a jump and i don't wanna get blind sided

everything helps,

oh, and if you wanna share some anecdotes (<- is that even how i spell that?) i'd love to here em!

^_^ Thankies!
Title: survival tips
Post by: Eri on April 28, 2007, 09:49:29 PM
If you're staying overnight, bring food.

There's so much to do that leaving the convention center even for a meal can be... hard.

Also, this is slightly random but related all the same. The San Jose Mercury newspaper is planning to run an article on survival guides on the local conventions (us, Kubla, and Baycon). So, if you guys don't mind, I'll be collecting tips (not the anecdotes) and sending them off to the newspaper.
Title: survival tips
Post by: FanFicGuru on April 28, 2007, 10:15:17 PM
A couple tips that are good in  general:

1) Always keep a small emergency fund in your sock/other obscure place: Sure, conventions are meant to be safe, fun environments. However, that doesn't mean that you can't get your purse stolen or something happens that leaves you in dire financial straits. In case that happens, it's great to have anywhere between 40-100 dollars tucked away in your sock or some place separate from the rest of your money to handle emergency transportation/food, etc.

2) If you have a hotel room, COLLECT MONEY THE DAY YOU ARRIVE!: If you have the hotel under your card, make sure that your roommates pay you the day they arrive and make it PERFECTLY clear long before the day of the convention. If the roomie can't cough it up, especially if you connected via internet, tell them they can't stay. It sucks, but people have to be willing to do that or else they get totally reamed. I had a friend who put the room down on his card with three other guys and didn't collect the cash the first day. These guys made calls out of the room, ran up the bill, and late the night before took all their stuff and split. My friend was left with a 900 dollar hotel bill...and no way to contact the people who ripped him off. So, always ALWAYS collect the day you arrive. And if you are not the person with the room on your card, be prepared to fork out the money the day you arrive.

3) Bring cash to the dealers room, only what you want to spend: Much like people with gambling problems, when you're faced with a dealers room, whether it be 2,000 square feet or 50,000 square feet, chances are you may be tempted to dip into funds that weren't meant for the convention. To help avoid this, it's always best to bring a set amount of cash into the dealers room daily. Sure, it's no fun to shop on a 25 dollar a day budget, for those of you in more dire financial straits, however, you can also lump money from one day to another. For example, if you're busy all day Saturday with panels, etc...then save that money for Monday when there are a lot of sales going on. Nab a few wall scrolls for 20 bucks, and some figures or whatever. Make your money last.

That's about all for now, I'll try to think of more.
Title: survival tips
Post by: Lizchan33 on April 28, 2007, 11:00:01 PM
Sleep is one of the most important things.... sleep at lease 4-6 hours because no one likes a grumpy otaku!

Have back-up clothing, accidents do happen so if you tear or stain an outfit having back-up clothing assures you that you won't wear stinky clothing.

And on the subject of smells, BATHE, no one should have to smell another person like that. ^o^;;;;
Title: survival tips
Post by: heeroyuy135 on April 28, 2007, 11:43:24 PM
Here's a tip:

Drinks lots of water or Gatorade. Anything else (soda, energy drinks) will slow you down and your rate of crashing will increase.
Title: survival tips
Post by: lil_mouse on April 29, 2007, 12:23:01 AM
i'm only gonna be there saturday, so all the overnight stuff is sorta moot
Title: survival tips
Post by: LordKefka on April 29, 2007, 12:33:02 AM
food, water... bring those. They go crazy with the price for something to eat and stuff. Although they did have some free water last year as I remember...=\

Buy rare stuff that would otherwise cost you a lot for shipping or hard to find such as art books, cels, figures, MEGAMI mags (WEE), and be sure to wait for the swap meet. You can't go wrong with that.

Don't bother with DVDs unless it's from the swap meet. The dealers charge up the rear end for those (like $30 for Gankutsou or Princess Tutu wtf bbq?) or Manga.

Also, posters, pencil boards, and anything rare. But if you are there to buy DVDs, might as well go to DDD or your Bestbuy for the deals =D.

What else.. hmm... and get as many free things as you can. Hopefully it'll be better than last year with more ANime companies showing up. 2004 was the good time when FUNI and CPM was there. Hopefully they will appear again to give free posters *hugs the DNA^2 poster*.

Well... that's all I can think of for now.
Title: survival tips
Post by: LordKefka on April 29, 2007, 12:33:58 AM
Oh yea.. and most importantly... doujins... though I don't know how much you are into that stuff...
Title: survival tips
Post by: otakuya on April 29, 2007, 01:07:45 AM
Sometimes, money just makes things harder. You can enjoy the convention even without some extra cash (although it does help).

Fanime is much more than the dealers room. The badge (pre-reg or paper on-site) allows you to explore every part of what the convention has to offer, often with no extra fee. You can attend panels, watch an anime marathon, or just simply sit in one area and watch people in costume pass by. The main events of Fanime: Cosplay Spectacular (<--is it called that this year?), Karaoke, Anime Music Videos, MusicFest, Midnight Marathons/Madness, Stage Zero, etc... are all free with the badge.

Some events do cost of money, but it's reasonable, such as quarters to use at the video arcade, but that's all I can think of.

Other "survival" tips:
-save money, spend wisely, be a smart shopper (like what everyone in this thread was talking about)
-stay hydrated and eat right
-bring a backpack or a heavy duty bag to carry stuff with you (you WILL need it)
-try not to be like an "otaku" for your first con. Sleep, shower, rest your eyes, and explore
-plan ahead: study the schedule of events and video programs and plan your day out so you won't be surprised or disappointed you had to miss something
-know where the key areas of Fanime are: info desks and con-ops. They are there to help attendants with any information about the convention, any schedule/location changes, and overall customer service
-talk to people and make new friends. The theme of anime conventions is to gather people of the same interest and interact with each other in a common way. Many would like to be friends with you and spend time with you at the con and maybe even after the con is over (example, I know some people I've met at my 1st Fanime in 2000 and still am friends with them). Some people have also found their significant other this way, too.
-have fun! FanimeCon is "By Fans, For Fans" (like you!)
Title: survival tips
Post by: zoupzuop2 on April 29, 2007, 11:26:16 AM
*BATHE. I cannot find any individuals that can stress this enough, myself included. NOBODY likes walking down the hall, smiling and giggling/chuckling, then turning around and facing a blaring wall of UNGODLY WANK. Please, take a shower in your hotel room about twice a day (noonish and nightish), or when you get home.
*BRING FOOD, OR AT LEAST WATER. Even if you do have money to spend on food, you will do very well for yourself if you can carry around a good snack or two each day, so as to save money and stay happy during the con. Water is an absolute must, given that the average con-goer does a lot of walking.
*HAVE A SET BUDGET. Nothing saps the joy of a con-goer after the con quite like realizing they spent their whole life-savings, college funds, and secret hoardes, or that they sold their firstborns before they knew they had them. Setting aside a relatively larger budget than one expects (meaning, leaving room for a little excess spending) will leave no room for unpleasant surprises. I spent WAY too much on the arcades last year, but was still satisfied (even on a life-savings budget of $200 before I spent a cent on the con)...
*IF YOU'RE GOING TO COSPLAY THE OPPOSITE SEX, SHAVE. Sailor Moon never had a beard. If you're trying to look like her, neither should you. Not fun.
*BE NICE TO THE ROVERS, SECURITY AND STAFF. These people make the con possible and safe. Pissing the wrong people off will either have you torn apart by a very angry Sailor Beefcake as Security watches nearby, or taken away from the con Naruto-cosplayer style. Neither is fun.
*IF YOU RUN OUT OF MONEY, DRAW STUFF AND/OR GO HOBO. Oddly enough, sitting alongside the walls of the convention hall is a nice way to relax and make some money back. However, you can't just sit with a cup in front of you and expect nice people to fill it; in my case, I had signs with slogans appropriate to my costume/cosplay, such as "Anything-Goes-Martial-Artist, needs money to start dojo. Will accept money, Visa, Mastercard, or NES Cartridges" and whatnot. If you feel hardpressed and don't mind dropping your dignity for a second, by all means, enjoy it (and employ all your sales tactics). Offering to draw for people also generates nice revenue every once in a while.
*HAVE FUN. This one is vital. There's no point of going to this if you're not having fun.
Title: survival tips
Post by: phoenixphire24 on April 29, 2007, 01:21:55 PM
I assume you'll be waiting in line to get a badge since you say you're only going Saturday. The line can get long, so if there's something you know you want to see, get to the convention center early!

I think everyone else has it covered.
Title: survival tips
Post by: lil_mouse on April 29, 2007, 01:38:44 PM
aww man these are awsome!
A few responses

to LordKefka:
Yay, Doujinshi and free stuff, i am a godess of free stuff ^_^
to Otakuya:
do you know if they have lockers or somesuch where i could stash a backpack with my 'survival gear'?
to zoupzuop2
no worries on the cosplaying for i am a girl cos-ing a girl character^_^
to phoenixphire24
i have so lucked out, our anime club is heading down there on saturday and our chaperone is gonna be there the whole weekend so he's gonna get our badges the day before ^_^

thanks for all your advice, keep it commin!
Title: survival tips
Post by: zoupzuop2 on April 29, 2007, 03:12:30 PM
Quote from: lil_mouseaww man these are awsome!
A few responses

to LordKefka:
Yay, Doujinshi and free stuff, i am a godess of free stuff ^_^
to Otakuya:
do you know if they have lockers or somesuch where i could stash a backpack with my 'survival gear'?
to zoupzuop2
no worries on the cosplaying for i am a girl cos-ing a girl character^_^
to phoenixphire24
i have so lucked out, our anime club is heading down there on saturday and our chaperone is gonna be there the whole weekend so he's gonna get our badges the day before ^_^

thanks for all your advice, keep it commin!
Oh! Ah, actually, my advices were more for the newspaper write-up... I'm sorry! If you'd like I could put up more specific advice.
Title: survival tips
Post by: lil_mouse on April 29, 2007, 04:19:08 PM
no worries, wether it was directed at me or the article your tips still help a lot
Title: survival tips
Post by: phoenixphire24 on April 29, 2007, 05:45:02 PM
I don't think there are any lockers in the convention center. You might want to ask the person whose going to be there all weekend if you (and your club) can stash your stuff in a car or hotel room.
Title: survival tips
Post by: otakuya on April 29, 2007, 07:13:11 PM
To lil_mouse: There's no real "lockers" available. The ultimate "locker" is your hotel room. It's safe to put stuff in and only people you know can have access to it. If you don't have a hotel room, then you may have to carry it with you. I think there is a thread about storage somewhere.

But do not leave bags unattended. 1) you run the risk of something being stolen, lost, or broken, which is unfortunately common. and 2) like airports, y'know, don't want to raise suspicion....

As for more tips, several Fanimecon program guides already have "survival" tips (2002's guide had a small manga about it).
Title: survival tips
Post by: BlueOracle on April 30, 2007, 02:09:22 PM
No matter what...do NOT be this person.  Make good decisions about what you do, and leave situations that might be getting out of hand.  Fanime is a safe place, but you're still responsible for your actions.

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi177.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw221%2Fblueoracle_2007%2Fsasuke_detenido.jpg&hash=0d68463e061c8756e5c633c92a3a1a3ed921e0b2)
Title: survival tips
Post by: LadyKaren on April 30, 2007, 04:25:07 PM
Quote from: zoupzuop2
*IF YOU'RE GOING TO COSPLAY THE OPPOSITE SEX, SHAVE. Sailor Moon never had a beard. If you're trying to look like her, neither should you. Not fun..

Out of everyone I would think that would say that, I wasn't expecting you. But it is REALLY funny.

Quote from: zoupzuop2
*IF YOU RUN OUT OF MONEY, DRAW STUFF AND/OR GO HOBO. Oddly enough, sitting alongside the walls of the convention hall is a nice way to relax and make some money back. However, you can't just sit with a cup in front of you and expect nice people to fill it; in my case, I had signs with slogans appropriate to my costume/cosplay, such as "Anything-Goes-Martial-Artist, needs money to start dojo. Will accept money, Visa, Mastercard, or NES Cartridges" and whatnot. If you feel hardpressed and don't mind dropping your dignity for a second, by all means, enjoy it (and employ all your sales tactics). Offering to draw for people also generates nice revenue every once in a while.

Signs have gotten really distasteful in past years. All signs now-a-days are rather looked down upon.
Title: survival tips
Post by: otakuapprentice on April 30, 2007, 04:43:53 PM
the golden rules that i know so far are:

*drink lots 'o water.
*bathe.
*sleep.
*bathe.
*eat, but not the stuff from the con center that cost 6 bucks where anywhere else it costs $2.
oh, did i mention BATHE?
Title: survival tips
Post by: FanFicGuru on April 30, 2007, 08:33:40 PM
Zoupzuop2- Your tips are good, except I'd warn against selling random drawings and stuff if you don't have an Artist colony table. random sitting around and selling stuff may get you in trouble with rovers and security. I know this because it happened to my friends before. So...yeah.

Also, I agree that signs are kinda meh..especially those 'Will Yuri/Yaoi for money'. Most of the time these are underage kids offering what could be seen as 'sexual' services for money.

Nobody really cares in Fanime, but you could be receiving a stern lecture from a patrolling policeman if caught.

At least, that's my thought.
Title: survival tips
Post by: zoupzuop2 on April 30, 2007, 09:07:08 PM
Quote from: FanFicGuruZoupzuop2- Your tips are good, except I'd warn against selling random drawings and stuff if you don't have an Artist colony table. random sitting around and selling stuff may get you in trouble with rovers and security. I know this because it happened to my friends before. So...yeah.

Also, I agree that signs are kinda meh..especially those 'Will Yuri/Yaoi for money'. Most of the time these are underage kids offering what could be seen as 'sexual' services for money.

Nobody really cares in Fanime, but you could be receiving a stern lecture from a patrolling policeman if caught.

At least, that's my thought.
Yeah, I was only talking through experience... I had some guy pay me $6 to draw a furry in the back of his book... and I'm no artist, but... 0_o
And, while I would totally think that offering sexual services for money is totally unethical, it's up to the person at hand. It's all up to what they're willing to put forward.

Karen, how do you mean?
Title: survival tips
Post by: Kintaka on April 30, 2007, 11:13:57 PM
Here's a tip I'm somewhat surprised hasn't been mentioned yet, bring extra batteries for your camera, (meaning also make sure you have a camera) as you will never know when you may need/want it.  I know my first year at Fanime I regret not having my camera easily accessible as I would have liked and therefore lost a lot of great photo opportunities.  

Also a small sewing kit for repairs (if you are cosplaying) and a small first aid kit are also good things to have.  

Be prepared to do a lot of walking around as well as standing in line, so if you aren't cosplaying make sure to have comfortable shoes and something to do while waiting in lines.
Title: survival tips
Post by: otakuya on April 30, 2007, 11:29:34 PM
To add to Kintaka's tips:
-bring any or all of the following: Nintendo DS, PSP, laptop, camcorder, camera, chargers for all, batteries, film, secure storage for them, possibly a 52 card playing deck or Pokemon/YuGiOh/Magic/etc deck(s)

The game systems are for if you're waiting in lines or sitting down somewhere. There will be an area for wireless gaming, so you may be able to make friends through there. The TCGs are for the tabletop gaming room, if you have the cards. There may also be regular card games, like poker. (In fact, I think there's still a poker tournament going on)
Title: survival tips
Post by: ~~Loktera~~ on May 01, 2007, 12:10:37 AM
Money. Clothing. Food. Water. Soap. Bring all and apply liberally.
Title: survival tips
Post by: Barnes on May 01, 2007, 08:08:25 AM
-Watch the Foamy the Squirrel piece on anime cons. I can't remember the link though.
-Remember links! XD
Title: survival tips
Post by: Moonblossom on May 01, 2007, 09:34:05 AM
Quote from: zoupzuop2And, while I would totally think that offering sexual services for money is totally unethical, it's up to the person at hand. It's all up to what they're willing to put forward.

I'm pretty sure some law enforcement officers would tell you differently. Or does California have particularly lax prostitution and solicitation laws?
Title: survival tips
Post by: zoupzuop2 on May 01, 2007, 11:45:25 AM
Quote from: Moonblossom
Quote from: zoupzuop2And, while I would totally think that offering sexual services for money is totally unethical, it's up to the person at hand. It's all up to what they're willing to put forward.

I'm pretty sure some law enforcement officers would tell you differently. Or does California have particularly lax prostitution and solicitation laws?
Awk, something tells me I've started something bigger than I should've...

...I meant, say, someone holding a "Will Yaoi for $$$" sign, not as much a "Will sexxorz for $$$" sign. I'm sure law enforcement, as well as most of San Jose, would be much more clear on what's allowed or not.
Title: survival tips
Post by: Moonblossom on May 01, 2007, 11:53:44 AM
Whatever the sign says, it's the act that's illegal. It could say "will snoo-snoo for binkymuffins." If cash changes hands for any sort of remotely sexually gratifying act and The Man finds out about it, that's just a big freaking hassle for everyone involved, even if it was intended as a joke.

edit: I'm not trying to be argumentative or start shit here, I'm just stating that recommending this sort of sign or action to anyone is dangerous, because they could theoretically get into a fuckton of trouble for that sort of thing, even if they meant it as a joke.

As a (rather silly) example - I've got really large breasts (34F). I could theoretically make a sign or set up in corner allowing people to grab them for a dollar or whatever (not that I would, egh!). Even that, as silly and innocuous and otaku-ish as it seems, is a form of solicitation, since it's a sexual act for money.
Title: survival tips
Post by: G.I.R on May 01, 2007, 12:28:25 PM
Quote from: Barnes-Watch the Foamy the Squirrel piece on anime cons. I can't remember the link though.
-Remember links! XD
"Rules for the Masses" (http://www.lookatentertainment.com/v/v-1664.htm)
A true Fandom must watch! :lol:
Title: survival tips
Post by: FanFicGuru on May 01, 2007, 02:09:56 PM
Quote from: MoonblossomWhatever the sign says, it's the act that's illegal. It could say "will snoo-snoo for binkymuffins." If cash changes hands for any sort of remotely sexually gratifying act and The Man finds out about it, that's just a big freaking hassle for everyone involved, even if it was intended as a joke.

edit: I'm not trying to be argumentative or start shit here, I'm just stating that recommending this sort of sign or action to anyone is dangerous, because they could theoretically get into a fuckton of trouble for that sort of thing, even if they meant it as a joke.

As a (rather silly) example - I've got really large breasts (34F). I could theoretically make a sign or set up in corner allowing people to grab them for a dollar or whatever (not that I would, egh!). Even that, as silly and innocuous and otaku-ish as it seems, is a form of solicitation, since it's a sexual act for money.

1) I didn't know they went to F
2) I agree. This problem is further compounded when said officials witness that the people holding up these signs are, oh, 13-15 years old. THEN it gets to be a real problem, or it could be.

That's all we're saying. We're not saying "OMG DON'T DO IT!" all I'm saying is that it wouldn't be wise, and you want to avoid getting in trouble with rovers and cops.

Rovers and security in general are kind of like doctors, the less you see of them (for disciplinary purposes) the better it is for you.
Title: survival tips
Post by: Moonblossom on May 01, 2007, 03:30:34 PM
Quote from: FanFicGuru1) I didn't know they went to F
2) I agree. This problem is further compounded when said officials witness that the people holding up these signs are, oh, 13-15 years old. THEN it gets to be a real problem, or it could be.

That's all we're saying. We're not saying "OMG DON'T DO IT!" all I'm saying is that it wouldn't be wise, and you want to avoid getting in trouble with rovers and cops.

Rovers and security in general are kind of like doctors, the less you see of them (for disciplinary purposes) the better it is for you.

Oh god, they go up to like, H. >< I have a friend who is a GG cup, but she's generally quite large all over, so they don't look ridiculously huge. I suppose they could go bigger in really extreme cases, but F is not actually that big.

But I digress...

Yeah, I really hope I didn't come across as all like "omg this is teh wrong!" or anything, my initial comment about lax prostitutions laws in Cali was intended to be taken more as a joke than anything, to go with a word of caution. I'd just hate to see anyone's Fanime experience ruined by a misunderstanding that led to a run-in with the fuzz.
Title: survival tips
Post by: PacificPikachu on May 01, 2007, 08:20:14 PM
These aren't so much survival tips as enjoyment tips, but whatever. I think they'll serve you well anyway. :wink:

~ Be sure to go to as many things as possible. Don't overdo it, but if something looks interesting to you, don't pass it up! I've had friends go to conventions and not have a very eventful time. When I asked them why they didn't enjoy the convention as much as they expected, it became apparent that they had hardly gone to any events. Go to things!

Also, oftentimes the best events are the ones that seem embarrassing/a little outside your comfort level before you go to them. For instance, it took me twenty-one whole conventions to work up the courage to do karaoke, but once I did--wow, I sucked--but I wish I had done it at every convention, because I had a blast! So, don't be afraid to take some little risks or go to things even if they're a little intimidating to you.

~ On the flip side, don't do too much. Cramming your schedule too much will cause a lot of stress, and sometimes you'll find amazing amounts of fun waiting for you in the halls, in lines talking to people, or just hanging around. Find a happy medium where you have gaps between panels/viewing room/whatever so you have time to peruse the dealer's room, artist's alley, and generally wander.

~ If you're cosplaying, leave early for panels. I've been late to several panels because I was stopped so often for pictures! XD

~ Usually convention folk are great people, but if someone is making you uncomfortable (taking inappropriate pictures, following you, whatever), be sure to tell the person so. If they don't leave you alone, go to Con-Ops about it. In my experience, Con-Ops are friendly and willing to help.

~ Make sure to keep your badge on you at all times! This is especially difficult if you change in and out of costumes during the convention. Do a double-check on it often, because it's a hassle when you lose your badge. I lost mine jumping up and down at MusicFest one year.

~ If you're like me and enjoy having convention memories, definitely bring a charged camera with lots of pictures on it, or a camcorder, or even a notebook to write down your experiences in.

~ Go to the cosplay gatherings! They're fun, and it seems like a lot of the convention goers aren't aware they're happening.

~ Make friends! Convention people are almost always happy to make friends and talk anime with you. If you're in a line or you see a cosplayer who interests you, go up and chat!

~ Try to travel around the convention with a small group of friends. Having no friends around makes conventions a bit lonely, and big groups can get messy or hard to manage. Smaller groups tend to be the most fun and it's easier to agree what to go to.

I'm sure I have more, but I can't think of any right now. I hope you have fun, though! :D I think you're going to love the convention.
Title: survival tips
Post by: narutofan17 on May 09, 2007, 06:04:33 PM
Don't take all of your money with you. Leave some of it at the hotel. I made that mistake when I went the first time and ended up spending all of my money the first day. Also, map out a schedule. Don't try to see everything (although that would be cool). Try to get to the things that you really want to see.
Title: survival tips
Post by: kuroi on May 12, 2007, 09:20:58 PM
+ Set a budget -seriously, it seems that every con I attend, I don't think I'm buying that much stuff, but then I look back, and in one day, I've spent over $200, and I realize that my next payday is a month away, and that I'm living on stocked up cup ramen and water until then.

+Bring a bag - a large tote bag or backpack is nice, especially if you're not staying overnight. If you're cosplaying, this could get difficult, as it can ruin the look, but not every place will give you a plastic bag to carry stuff in, and even then, after a while, you start to look like the bag person on the corner. Plus, then your hands are free to snap pictures, wave at people, or peruse other shops.

+STAY HYDRATED - no matter how many people say it, this is probably one of the most important tips. I've seen far too many a friend have to go to the first aid station because they got excited, and didn't get thirsty, so thought they were fine. Five hours later, they're sitting with their heads between their knees trying not to pass out.

+Build in plenty of time to rest - sure there's so much going on and you'll want to see it all, but as related to the last one, spending time in the first aid station trying your hardest not to pass out is not fun. Even if it means having to miss the late-night marathons, get some sleep. Your con-mates and your body will thank you.

+Batteries are a must - memory cards as well; I don't know how big a picture taker you are, but as an example, in one hour at Sakura Matsuri, I managed to take over 75 photos. Fanime is four days. You do the math.

+Wear comfortable shoes - or, if your cosplay insists on shoes that you think will have your feet screaming at you by the end of the day, bring plenty of Band-Aids. Having to limp around because a blister popped and it hurts to walk normally ruins what should be a wonderful time.

+Explore! - cons have so many amazing things at them, and Fanime is one of my favorite cons because of its variety, of panels, people, shows, everything. If you see a long line for something that you want to see, don't be afraid! Stand in line for it! You meet some of the best people in line, especially if they're long. At AX 06, waiting for the CLAMP panel, I stood in line for almost two hours, but met some of the most fun people ever, and it made it a lot easier, as I was at AX on my own- not recommended.

+Get involved! - whether this means cosplaying, kareoke, taking photos, playing a massive game of CTF, or being the person everyone remembers fondly next year, DO IT! Conventions are held so that we can meet people with similar interests, and enjoy activities relevant to them, and most of all have FUN!

+Listen to the staff - they're there to make everything run more smoothly and make the entire con more fun; arguing with them just makes them mad, which ends up as a less-fun Fanime for the rest of us. Plus, as much as we all enjoy seeing the police cosplayers, I don't think any of us would much like if the real police invaded Fanime.

+Dress appropriately - this is more aimed towards dressing for the weather, as the con has its own rules about decency for cosplay. Sure, we're inside a lot of the time, but all the gatherings are outside, and you will have to travel the streets if you want cheap food, or get back to your hotel. And remember, this is the Bay Area. We've gone from 90+ degree weather to low 60s in a week. And that was normal. Having a sweaty costume or being freezing cold is not fun.

+Bring a notebook - If you're like me and like meeting a lot of new people, you'll want something to write down email addresses or IM screennames. Plus, you'll never know when you'll need something to write on or with! ^_^

+Ask before you glomp(or touch) - We see it all the time- someone rushing up, usually with a high-pitched squeal of joy, and the next thing you know, you've got a body hanging off of you, usually with their arms around your neck. A lot of people have no problem with this, welcome it, and some almost expect it. But, there are plenty of people out there who will get offended and upset if you try, and then you'll just look like a fool.

Speaking of signs, did anyone see the "<3 me, I'm lolicon" someone had last year? If signs like that are allowed, what're the rules?
Title: survival tips
Post by: Rainbow Ichi on May 12, 2007, 09:52:03 PM

---->kuroi

In my mind, i think I'll be bringing two bags. One for tabletop gaming, and one for my food/entertainment/camera/paper and whatnot.

It does get bulky, is there some sort of storage system in Fanime?
Title: survival tips
Post by: heeroyuy135 on May 12, 2007, 09:53:28 PM
I'll be wearing a little sticky note with the words "Yes, I'm glompable!"
Title: survival tips
Post by: kuroi on May 12, 2007, 10:22:12 PM
Quote from: Rainbow Ichi
---->kuroi

In my mind, i think I'll be bringing two bags. One for tabletop gaming, and one for my food/entertainment/camera/paper and whatnot.

It does get bulky, is there some sort of storage system in Fanime?

As far as I know, there aren't anything like lockers or a room where you can stash stuff. I usually just throw things in my hotel room if I don't think I'll need it anytime soon. At cons where I don't have a hotel room, I usually just bring a backpack and plan on cosplaying as something that won't be ruined by it.

the other option is to find a friend who is taking their rest and drop stuff with them ^_^

I've got one last tip

+Try out your outfit - this is mostly for cosplayers only, especially if you're bringing a costume out of retirement, or are just introducing it. Try it on at least a week or two beforehand to make sure that everything fits as it should, and that you don't have too much trouble with accessories or hairstyles. Check for anything that may fall off during the con and check on these items during the con to make sure they don't get lost. Also, if you're planning on a hair style that does not occur without large amounts of manipulation (e.g. Cloud or Sasuke), test it out and find what works best and stays. Also, easily touch-up-able makeup is awesome.
Title: survival tips
Post by: Eri on May 13, 2007, 11:22:34 AM
Thanks for the replies!

The article with the tips has a tentative print date of May 17th in the San Jose Mercury...

:D
Title: survival tips
Post by: K&K4ever on May 16, 2007, 09:19:37 PM
I can't add much, but I can comment on a few things: Having signs is pretty cool, if you come up with something original, like at AX, these ass holes left early and left us with the bill, so I made a singe that went with my costume and made enough money to cover the remaining tab. . . that is until they banned singes and a security guard took mine.  :evil:

But anyway bring food, extra money and if you think you're getting worn out . . . TAKE A BREATHER AND GET SOME REST.
Title: survival tips
Post by: CompyFranko on May 18, 2007, 08:09:15 AM
Some cheap food that will tide you over during con is trail mix and ramen and beef jerky.  My friend and I got through AX with two bags of trail mix and jerky.  We had ramen for breakfast every morning, and we bought dinner every evening.  We still got hungry, but we only paid for one meal a day.  We also brought Gatorade and fruit to hydrate us.

If you are going to get trail mix, avoid the kind with the dried fruit.  Raisins are fine, but the dried fruit gets all pasty in your mouth and makes you feel more dehydrated when you can't swallow it down.
Title: survival tips
Post by: ~~Loktera~~ on May 23, 2007, 03:18:44 PM
Quote from: kuroi
+Try out your outfit -

IMPORTANT!!!

I've seen too many people altering their costumes in the pre-reg line with little hand-held sewing machines. When I ask them about it, it turns out they either gained or lost weight and they have to do a little fixing on their costumes, but tried it on the night before without giving it much of a thought about how they might have grown/changed.

But you know, some people work better under pressure.
Title: survival tips
Post by: K&K4ever on May 23, 2007, 03:22:55 PM
yeah, and I aint one of them,

BTW I like your new signature. :lol:
Title: survival tips
Post by: otakuya on May 23, 2007, 09:40:41 PM
Those survival tips from earlier?
It's here! (although it was last week's "Eye") (http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_5916043)
Title: survival tips
Post by: deepbluevibes on May 23, 2007, 09:53:29 PM
(removed per privacy policy)
Title: survival tips
Post by: otakuapprentice on May 23, 2007, 09:56:32 PM
Quote from: deepbluevibes(removed per privacy policy)
seconded.
Title: survival tips
Post by: zoupzuop2 on May 24, 2007, 10:43:42 AM
Quote from: otakuapprentice
Quote from: deepbluevibes(removed per privacy policy)
seconded.
Thirded.
Title: survival tips
Post by: Jun-Watarase on May 24, 2007, 10:53:11 AM
Quote from: zoupzuop2
Quote from: otakuapprentice
Quote from: deepbluevibes(removed per privacy policy)
seconded.
Thirded.

Ahahahahahahahaa.... 'kay.


Nee, zoop-zoop. Is that Mizuho's eye, I see there?