The Signal

Issue date: 5/21/08 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Thomas Bumpers

Bwahahahahaha, the end of the semester is upon us! For many this is a time for joy for graduation is coming up. For others it's a chance to get mad money unhindered by the constraints of classes. And for those damn overachievers it's another chance to get further ahead on the road to getting a degree. While for those in my block, it's time for the Big 3. Conventions meant to engage every single part of our fannish ways … even some which leave many wondering why such a thing was created in the first place.

As I've said before in my spiel on cosplay, conventions for the most part are chaotic. But for the most part the entire thing is enjoyable … if you follow some rules of thumb. Well not really rules, but just some suggestions which will make the experience all the more enjoyable to you.

First and foremost is the biggest thing which all con-goers abide by, that is if they have a shred of decency and common sense, and that my friends is to shower every day and apply deodorant afterwards. Yes, if you're the type that's going to be staying near the location of the convention in a hotel or yours/buddies place then keeping fresh is paramount.

For a person in cosplay, getting glomped (a devastating tackle-hug that is typically mastered by girls around 5-4 and under and is capable of making a linebacker eat a blue sky) by somebody with a thick haze of body funk is horrible and makes them want to cry in a corner. Nutrition and hydration is one thing that many seem to forget about. Sure you may want that limited edition plushie but don't forget that you still need to eat something, lest you drop down due to low blood sugar levels and have to be shuttled to a hospital. Same thing goes for water. Failed kidneys are bad. There's really nothing else that can be said for the need for filling your gut so we shall move onto the next part on how to enjoy yourself.

Having a decent sense of humor and a grasp on common manners is the final step. Manners, well for the most part, some people would appreciate it more if you take the time to ask them for a picture rather than running up to them sweating heavily and then dragging them off. No, one that's almost paramount to having somebody attempting to cry out that there's an attempted kidnapping in process. And humor will get you through anything. Long line in the middle of a sweltering July day? Laugh it up, joke around, do a song and dance like nobody's looking like you do in the shower. The jovial nature about you is for the most part infectious and will cause others who are more than likely having a somewhat crappy time lighten up also and it's also a good way to make new friends.

Those are the ways you can enjoy yourself at a convention. Now go and have some fun dangit.

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