rant

This kinda got at me... (and I am in a mood to be got at) so if you don't want to hear me rant over something probably stupid (come on, it's the internet) Then move along. Its this article 5 Cosplay Tips for Your Next Nerd Conventino that I came upon while looking at cosplay pictures. Please fellow cosplayers don't listen to it. I am thinking most of you are smart enough to do that automatically.

For 1 you shouldn't dress for harassment levels. You dress as what you want to dress as. You show as much skin as your comfortable with, with the character you like (and of course the guidelines of whatever con you go too). Of course you need to be aware that some people in the world are mean (especially on the internet) and many say nasty things. Prepare for that, yes, but just like you shouldn't dress modestly because of potential rape "oh it might tempt them" [see awesome blog Smokin' Hot Conversations:Elizabeth Marrow on Modesty ] nor should you dress for harassment. That behavior is uncalled for. No excuse. Period. Don't let it stop you from doing what you love. I don't know about you but most cosplayers I know don't choose a cosplay for attention. They choose for fun.

For 2 I don't think you HAVE to know every aspect of your character or show/move/comic etc. Sometimes a character is chosen because one is a fan of Cosplay and it looked fun and interesting to make. Example Yaya Han's Code Geas She is a fan but not necessarily of the show/manga itself. That's what I got out of her comment anyway. I love Catwoman but the DC multiverse is super confusing. Besides one could be just new... so therefore not know much yet. Don't judge others.

3 Connect with who and what you want to connect with. Who cares. Just have fun! last Con I was Yin from Darker than Black on Sunday... the people I went to the con with where dressed up as Winry from FMA and Ichigo from Bleach. We later played a very awesome game of Gloom with 2 ponies.

Which brings me to 4
Who stays in character all the time? Sure you should try if you are competing on stage and it makes better pictures. But all the time? This is not LARP. This is cosplay. Be who you are. Be who you are comfortable bring. Unless it's a really bad jerk, don't be a jerk. It is just not cool.

5 is the only one that doesn't bother me much.
A good cosplay does pay attention to the detail. Usually it's the detail that makes or breaks it. That said, it usually cost time and money that not everyone has. It may not win competitions. As long as you are enjoying yourself then who cares. Btw whats with this "real world"? Maybe my life is a dream...

To be honest I wonder if this person even goes to conventions for fun or even cosplays. Is he even involved in the community?

I have gone to 3 cons (they where on the small side).

My simple advice.
1. Cosplay what you want and enjoy it. Don't be afraid to adjust a costume to suit you. (Like making a bare-midriff not bare if you are uncomfortable)

2. Meet people and talk. You don't' have to be super social but you can meet some amazing people who are into the same things you are.

3. Don't be a creepy jerk. I repeat don't be a creepy jerk. (Girls can do this too, and its not always sexual. Just because it is a con and a whole other culture doesn't mean you throw social niceties out the window. Say please and thank you and be polite. It goes along the same line as Wil Wheaton's slogan.

4. Budget. All of this takes money not just the costumes. There is the admission fees, hotel, food, transportation and of course VENDER'S ROOM :D. Save up, debt is not fun. (tips: go with friends and share hotel fees it cuts cost. Early tickets are cheaper)

5 HAVE FUN! Take pictures. These are memories you are making. Make it worth while and cherish the moments.