From someone who's never been to a con . . . .

[Dannywilson]

What did you think about it all: The con's a blast, however the day AFTER the con sucks. Imagine spending three days at a party where everyone knows what the heck you're talking about, and then having to drive all the way home and wake up the next morning to go to work. Reality sucks ~.~

The perfect answer to your question dude. It's like a 3-4 day long party, and it's best to try to convince a friend along for the wild ride that it is.

[trythil]

Um... you're twenty-six and you still care desperately about which high-school cliche you're going to fit into? Wow, I'm sorry, man.

Anyway, if you're so ultimately paranoid about your image, maybe you shouldn't go. They're mostly for people who just want to relax and enjoy things they like. 8)

Um, no. I'm twenty six and I'm wondering if an anime con is worth the time and money of attending. I'm curious as to the atmosphere of such events. Are they like car shows or a McDonald's playground? I'm not the type who cares what people think of me (unless I do something to upset them). But I'm also the type who is curious about something that seems interesting yet also has people dressed in funny costumes and speaking in Japanese cliche's. Hence my questions.

I appreciate people's response on the matter. I doubt I'll be attending an anime con anytime soon, but if I get the chance, I might check one out.

You get all kinds of people at a con. You get those who are amazing cosplayers that you could easily mistake for the real thing, and then you get those who are "eh". You get people who are fluent in Japanese and could render Lambert Wilson's beautiful Matrix Reloaded one-liner into equally rapid-fire 日本語, and then you get people who like to tack "-sama" onto everyone's names without really knowing what it means.

In general, though, the people that you'll meet at a con are some of the coolest people you'll ever meet. Maybe it was just a weird year, but at ACen 2003 (my first con) everyone just seemed so nice. There was this one girl -- I never caught her name, not that it really mattered -- who was an amazing musician; it was just great fun to just sit by and listen to her re-enact songs from various anime and video games (she, in particular, did a really nice rendition of the prelude to Final Fantasy).

Hmm...

Oh yeah. Neatest thing for me -- meeting people on this board. I've been wired for quite a while, but it's always a shock to me to converse with someone online and then talk to them in real life. It's actually very neat...it's like meeting someone new and then suddenly finding out that you share a hell of a lot in common with each other. It's also pretty neat how it can change your perception of people, for better or for worse (my guess is that people's perception of me changed in the latter case, but eh )

Summary: If you do get the chance (and finances ) to go to a con, don't pass up the chance. Chances are you'll love it. (Unless the congoers suck.)

[dokidoki]

and then you get people who like to tack "-sama" onto everyone's names without really knowing what it means.

and then you get people who like to tack "-sama" onto their own name... <smack forehead>

[Declan_Vee]

Did you go to your first con wary of "geeks" and "nerds" only to discover you were among the grand-class of "geeks" and "nerds"? One of these days I might be in the mainland and hear of an Otaku convention, and I'll be intrigued enough to check it out instead of thinking "holy crap, that dude is dressed up like Chi".

Hmm, cross/cosplayers shouldn't worry you. You're 26 right? Just let it slide and find out that they actually have a good reason for doing whatever crazy things they might be doing?
There'll always be Geeks, Nerds and even Gerds. Chances are, you fit into one of these categories. You're just in denial.
Closing: meh. I agree with SarahtheBoring

[Cole]

Actually, I am a geek. But there's a difference between the geek who enjoys sci-fi and the geek who completely immerses themselves in it. That's what I was getting at. I can see why you guys took it to mean I thought I was some high-maka-maka allaroundcoolguy, but I don't. I just know alot people who need to spend less time in front of the TV, reading only anime/sci-fi material, and/or constantly thinking and living Cowboy Bebop/Trigun/insert-your-fave-anime-here. If a con was mostly for people like that, then my question is answered. But it seems people who are responding here are telling me I wouldn't be weirded out at a con any more than I would at Wal-Mart.

[paizuri]

and then you get people who like to tack "-sama" onto everyone's names without really knowing what it means.

and then you get people who like to tack "-sama" onto their own name... <smack forehead>

I like tacking -sama into people's foreheads. With a staple gun.

[dwchang]

In general, though, the people that you'll meet at a con are some of the coolest people you'll ever meet. Maybe it was just a weird year, but at ACen 2003 (my first con) everyone just seemed so nice.

I was nice to you? Hmm...better change that next year...

Oh yeah. Neatest thing for me -- meeting people on this board....It's also pretty neat how it can change your perception of people, for better or for worse (my guess is that people's perception of me changed in the latter case, but eh )

Hahaha...changed perceptions eh? IIRC you thought I was someone else while my videos were playing too.

[Cole]

I like tacking -sama into people's foreheads. With a staple gun.

That was friggin hilarious.

[scottanime]

I just know alot people who need to spend less time in front of the TV, reading only anime/sci-fi material, and/or constantly thinking and living Cowboy Bebop/Trigun/insert-your-fave-anime-here. If a con was mostly for people like that, then my question is answered. But it seems people who are responding here are telling me I wouldn't be weirded out at a con any more than I would at Wal-Mart.

My advice would be that once a convention gets closer, to look at their web site and see what programming they have available. For example if you go to www.fanime.com right now they have a con this weekend. They have their Live and Video programming lists avaialble so you can see what is going on in some parts of the show.

Also be aware that there are things liek a dealers room where you can buy things, some fans will have their own rooms open to show things, and depending on the show is a wide range of activities.

The best advice I can give is make a desision for yourself what type of con experience you would liek to have and see if a show will allow you to do it. Some fans jsut want to get out and sit in a room to watch the latest titles. Some go becasue they love costumes and theater. At some shows that have access to guests, many go for the educational value of the show. Mr. Yamaga was at Faniem a few years back and did a class about the process of making an anime that students in Japan pay thousands of dolars to attend, but con attendees go to see it for free. IF you want to learn about the process of anime or artistic information there are lots of people and places at a con that will assist you in this.

If you are being careful about attending a con I would say go to which ever show is closest to you and get a one day pass and see what you think. Beaware about con sizes though, if your first con is Anime Expo in Southern CA or Otakon then you are looking at a good size line for registration.

If there is more specific info you want for a con, check their web site and see if they have an info e-mail address, almsot every con will try to answer any question you have.

And most important... Have Fun !!!

[Bloodyfäng]

and then you get people who like to tack "-sama" onto everyone's names without really knowing what it means.

and then you get people who like to tack "-sama" onto their own name... <smack forehead>

I like tacking -sama into people's foreheads. With a staple gun.

Where is that damn gif of you with your thumbs up when I need it, damnit.