If you ever want to talk to people at a con but are too worried that you'll sound like an idiot, I'd like to tell you to just talk to them. At Gridlock 2, I was too afraid to talk to people and everyone thought I was intimidating and/or hated them. So learn from my stupidity, talk to people. Do the thing. #amessagefromyourneighborhoodweirdo
And for the love of all that is good in the world please shower - don’t care if this vid is from 2009, still applicable. Also showering helps to not spread germs. PSA over - see y’all at the con.
PSA to make your con experience more enjoyable and safe!
Since fanime is rolling around the corner, I wanted to make sure my followers and anyone reading this has a great time!
PLEASE for the love of all that is holy, wash your hands before you touch your eyes/face or eat anything. There was a post going around months ago that stated at least one person died from HIV in the past years at a different con, and since fanime is a pretty huge con now its better to be safe than sorry! (This will also help try to keep the "con plague" at bay) So if you dont want to go to the bathroom constantly I suggest purell or wet wipes!
*EDIT* I know you cant get HIV from touching things guys... I even stated that from what I remember seeing on the post was that it was only 1 person so its NOT LIKELY THAT YOU'LL GET HIV. I just used it as an example.
Goes without saying but dont forget to bathe! Its a 4 day con and I think everyone would appreciate it if more people would do their part to chase off the con funk, cause nobody likes that. (just so its clear, deoderant is greatly appreciated. There is a special place in hell for people who expose other people to their nasty pit funk)
Make sure your valuables are within reach at any time! I've never had anything stolen from me, but I know people who have lost things important to them. Make sure you can either have your eyes or a hand on your money/phone/camera at all times. (Or a friend you trust!)
Please watch where you are walking! Many of us get lost in the sea of beautiful costumes, but watch out for people taking photos so you dont rudely walk into their shot. Also make way for people with bulky cosplays so you dont bump into them and knock them down/ruin their costume! This goes for people IN costume as well, since unless you have bodyguards making sure you dont bump into people, they wont easily part like the red sea.
Avoid being rude to the staff/venders/artists. Fanime staff is mostly volunteers, and a huge number of them dont even get paid to deal with your sass. Also, dont give venders/artists smack for their prices because it isnt your place to tell them how much their art is worth (unless they ask). You accomplish nothing by complaining, so if its out of your budget just walk away :)
If someone is harassing you, go STRAIGHT to a staff member and alert them immediately! there have been cases where people who were getting harassed go to friends for help which seems like a good idea, but you could be endangering your friends as well. You dont know what these people are capable of and if they're carrying concealed weapons or anything. Your BEST and SAFEST bet would be to go straight to the staff members because they are trained how to handle these situations and they can alert authorities if need be.
If you are given food/drinks by a stranger use your best judgement. If you dont know if the food has been tampered with and they look shady, just be polite and thank them then set it aside. I know justduet accepts food trades in exchange for prints but since AA is a secure, enclosed space, I dont think we'll have much trouble if anything is drugged. (Were also a group of 7+ people so nobody is ever alone) If anyone tries to force you to eat anything, see number 6.
All that said, I hope everybody has a great con! Stay safe, keep the buddy system in mind, and watch each others backs! If I missed anything let me know via ask and I'll add it on :)
