What are conventions like?

I know this might sound crazy, but I've never been to one, and more than likely I won't g to one until I'm 18 and have my own place ._. My parents are always broke, too young for a job, and they're not very *coughs* "accepting" of people who like to cosplay (Well, it's mainly my dad). Like, a couple of nights ago while my parents were watching the news, they saw "Brotocon" or something like that, and my father was really, really, judgmental of them because they're bronies (Note: he's old and overly-religious). My mom was neutral about it (like she always is) and I find nothing wrong with them having fun and doing what they love. I've told him many times about cosplay and how it's not what he think it is, but he's always getting defensive and refuses to open his mind to new things. He sees cosplayers as people who are obsessed with that particular character and are immoral geeks ._. On the other hand, I LOVE cosplayers. I love going on youtube to see conventions and different people dressing up as different characters. I love the lolitas ! I think I'm the most interested in that. I enjoy watching videos on hilarious skits about different animes. If it's this fun to watch them, then imagine how fun it is to be the one that's in it.. Ugh! I got carried away (like I always do) and wrote more than I intended to write xD My point is, what is it like to go to a convention? I heard it was expensive. Do you pay to actually go into the building, or is it like a farmers market where people are selling certain items that you can't get anywhere else? I know conventions last for a few days, but what activities are being held overnight? If conventions are as fun as they are watching them, then I will definitely have to save up a lot of money next year when I do get a job.

It's basically one gigantic weekend long party. A lot of cons have different events, but the premise for each remains the same. To get a bunch of people together with similar interests and celebrate all things anime, gaming, sci-fi, geeky, etc.

It is a Party where everyone is similar to you and is non-stop fun. You;re never not moving always on go cause there is always something to see something to buy someone to talk to a picture that needs to be taken. For most part no one judges you and you feel *AT HOME* surrounded by your people hehe. Again is non-stop party and ya wish was longer....

T_T That sounds better than anime club.

<font color="red"><strong>One thing I can warn ya about is you better brace yourself is horrible body odor. When you're in a place, event, or anywhere with a lot of people, you'll run into those who don't take proper hygiene measures when in public. So yeah, they can be smelly.</strong></font>

That can be said about any Con. Just cause everyone seems to think of Otaku all as Shut ins with no life sit in front of their computers watching Hentai playing games and basically being a NEET. 90% of Otaku do not fit that stereotype and so is kinda insulting that even other Otaku spread it.. man that sucks. There are smelly rich folk too. I mean it is all your way of living and weather or not you fear the bath is your choice but not every Otaku is like that. Just Like not every White collar business man is prim and clean. ARGH! And ANYTIME no matter who they are ya gather 20K people into a limited space ya gonna get a bit of funk specially when they wearing costumes that make ya sweat.

One more thing to note is that a lot of cons end up being the same. After enough years of going to cons, they more become excuses to meet up with friends across the country or on the internet, rather than events with programming to enjoy. However its still fun to walk around and take pictures of people, hang out and go shopping for trinkets. Also if you're a girl be prepared to get hit on.

<font color="red"><strong>Sorry Talamar, it's one of those "It's wrong but true" sayings. Just kiddin' about that part. All I'm saying is that I wasn't prepared for that when I went to my first con back on 2001. I was over at another MaiOtaku member's place and their otaku brother came and sat next to me on the sofa... oh the stink!. I had to get the hell out of there. Pisses me off I work with a guy in my department who doesn't get it that good hygiene practices are greatly appreciated. My poor nose has to put up with it.</strong></font>

<font color="red"><strong>Despite elements out of your control anime conventions can be really fun. You forget all the worries of the outside world and lose yourself in your fandom. Meet people in the industry, see first hand the latest and greatest things to come. Meet up with friends from online, go to fun panels, dances, concerts, gaming, and much more. I love going to my local anime conventions as a mini vacation for myself. I still haven't forgotten my first anime convention. It's kinda like when you lose your virginity.</strong></font>