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Anyone got con advice?
13 years ago
General
I'm not, nor am I considering going to a con anytime soon, but I do feel like getting info ahead of time would be a good idea.
I've heard from plenty of folks to start out with something small instead of just jumping straight into anything like AC, and that makes sense. At the moment that makes me a little frustrated since I'd have trouble even making it to the closest con to me, and I feel like I dunno anyone well enough in the area to justify going to a con, now that I've had at least six months to think about that. Granted, furry's just a silly little hobby and going to a con isn't a requirement, I've lacked a social life post High School (not that it was much of one while I was there, but shit, it beat what I have now), and cons are a social event, no?
I've also heard that say, knowing someone ahead of time and planning with them beforehand is a good idea. My problem here is I don't think I actually know the locals well enough to justify going to a con. Without knowing some locals, I'd probably just aimlessly wander a con and end up not having much fun whatsoever. There's always a shot of meeting some folks by just walking up to em and chatting, but I'm willing to bet that can piss some people off.
I've heard from plenty of folks to start out with something small instead of just jumping straight into anything like AC, and that makes sense. At the moment that makes me a little frustrated since I'd have trouble even making it to the closest con to me, and I feel like I dunno anyone well enough in the area to justify going to a con, now that I've had at least six months to think about that. Granted, furry's just a silly little hobby and going to a con isn't a requirement, I've lacked a social life post High School (not that it was much of one while I was there, but shit, it beat what I have now), and cons are a social event, no?
I've also heard that say, knowing someone ahead of time and planning with them beforehand is a good idea. My problem here is I don't think I actually know the locals well enough to justify going to a con. Without knowing some locals, I'd probably just aimlessly wander a con and end up not having much fun whatsoever. There's always a shot of meeting some folks by just walking up to em and chatting, but I'm willing to bet that can piss some people off.
I used to plan cons out, but believe me: you'll have a lot more fun if you just wing it and be a "yes" man of sorts. Whenever someone asks if you wanna go do something, just say "yes" and don't over-think it. I've had a lot more fun at cons where I went in without any plans at all. But again, just make sure you do have a few friends to do something with. I'm sure they won't mind you tagging along!
And most of all, if you go into a con/plan on attending a con thinking about all the reasons you can't do it, or why you may not have fun, or just the why's and why not's in general, then I wouldn't bother. It'll ruin the fun for you if you have a negative mindset. Just go and have fun! Do stuff you normally wouldn't. Meet people you haven't before. I know from personal experience that it's hard to break the ice the first convention or two, but eventually it becomes second-nature to be more outgoing at cons.
Other advice -- Work out in advance how much money you'll need, including taxes and tips, then take twice that much. Remember the 5:2:1 rule; every day of the con you should get at least 5 hours sleep, 2 hot meals, (preferably one should be breakfast), and 1 shower. For every day of the con, pack 1 pair of trousers, 1 shirt, 1 pair of socks and 1 pair of briefs, then add; 2 extra pair of socks and briefs, (one for coming, one for going), swimming trunks, (if the hotel has a pool), a towel, a sweater, a big bag for laundry and a small bag. The small bag will hold your razor, shaving cream, (if your razor's not electric), toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, plus any meds you might need and a bar of soap if there's room. If there's room in your luggage, a sewing kit and a basic first aid kit are a good idea. (Dollar stores have these cheap.) If you're flying, add socks and briefs to the small bag and keep it with you as carry-on in case they lose your luggage; remember that you can only take 3 oz or 100ml containers on a plane. (You'll probably be driving to FCN, but this is general advice.)
Yeah, FCN is ridiculously close to me, but I'd still need a ride if I were ever going to go there.
They've got forums for rides, too, y'know.
I should be honest, BTW. I've only been to three or four Furry cons. But I can't count how many SF cons I've been too... dozens, including several Worldcons... and they're very similar.
But if you need to save up, maybe you should think twice. There'll always be another AC as long as Kage lives and others all over the place. I really hope I get to meet you IRL one day, Adders. You're nice!
And thankies. You've been a bit of help!