<p>Of the things that I've done when attending conventions:</p>

<ol>
<li><p><strong>Cosplay doesn't mean consent.</strong>  I realize that's more catch-termy than anything else, but it translates to something very simple; just because someone's dressed up for the event doesn't mean that they want or have to take a picture with you.  Some conventions even have specific areas for this to take place; should you want to get a picture anyway, see if they're going to make their way to that area and arrange a time to meet with them there instead.</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Be mindful of where you are on the convention floor, and avoid stopping in the middle of it.</strong>  This is especially true of larger conventions, but if you stop in the middle of the floor to look at a particular artist or particular thing, you run the risk of someone running  into or tripping over you, which would be an undesirable experience for everyone involved.  It's good to have a healthy interest in the stuff around you, but please be sure to pull off to the side and look at it, instead of stopping right in the middle of ped traffic.</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Don't be a jerk.</strong>  Artists, actors, mangaka and creators alike are all people, and should be treated with some level of respect and courtesy.    Don't get upset if the thing you want is sold out, and don't decide to pitch a fit right in the middle of the shops because you felt like their prices are too high.  Most importantly, if you're meeting them in person, please don't act any other way than with how you'd want someone to act if you met them in person.  This means, you can't complain about how long it took for them to get there to meet you, and you can't make unreasonable demands of them just because you're a paying customer.</p></li>
<li><p><strong>If you're ever confused, read the site/ask information.</strong>  The site usually posts what's acceptable months in advance for cosplayers, and what they expect of guests, so it's important to be peruse this listing.  Additionally, this can provide guidelines/rules for expected con behavior, which has to be observed for everyone to be safe.  Failure to do so can and often will result in you being moved to the back of the line or removed from the convention floor.</p></li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:23:27.530Z
Number 3 hit me so hard...
"Don't get upset if the thing you want is sold out, and don't decide to pitch a fit right in the middle of the shops because you felt like their prices are too high."

i am so dumb...
Gagantous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:25:08.793Z
Which convention did you attend @Makoto
Gagantous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:26:07.807Z
I've been to Denver Comic Con for several years in a row now, only missing one due to a mandatory work vacation to the Dominican Republic.  I've seen some things there, and largely the convention has cleaned itself up and made these things more second nature other than a guessing game.
Makoto
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:21:05.697Z
2017-08-22T15:37:32.500Z
2017-08-22T15:37:32.500Z
Makoto
<p>One rule that is heavily emphasized at the cons I've been to is:</p>

<p><em>please, please, please</em></p>

<h1><strong>Observe basic hygiene practises</strong></h1>

<p>Conventions can smell really, really bad:</p>

<ul>
<li>Lots of people --> Heat to enduce sweat</li>
<li>Lots of costumes made of unbreathable material --> Sweaty cosplayers</li>
<li>Close proximity of seats --> Your nose being close to the sweat.</li>
<li>Anime fans and general geek culture aren't known for great hygiene --> unwashed beards, clothes, etc.</li>
<li>Some venues do not have air conditioning </li>
</ul>

<p>Hygiene doesn't start at the venue - If you are taking public transport, you may end up squished against a wall under another con-goers armpit (I speak from experience).</p>

<p>Some conventions will actually kick you out if you smell too bad (although, I'm sure if it is a medical reason it is okay).</p>

<p>If you wash each morning of the convention (don't be tempted to skip) and bring some deodorant, you should be fine. </p>

<p>Eat healthily and enjoy the con.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T16:02:00.230Z
i havent seen some people that actually kicked out from conventions because they smell so bad...
Gagantous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T16:08:47.810Z
I haven't either, and presumably it is only for extreme cases (if someone pooped themselves and refused to wash or something). But conventions do have it in their own rules:
http://www.bak-anime.com/?page_id=11
Toshinou Kyouko
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-23T00:47:14.080Z
Dice Tower Con (a board games convention) recommends 6/2/1 - minimum each of 6 hours sleep, 2 meals and 1 shower per day. With emphasis on minimum.
ConMan
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-25T12:56:43.657Z
Most fandom events these days seem to recommend the 6/2/1 rule, and it's just good, common sense even outside of conventions.
Chris Charabaruk
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:58:02.957Z
2017-08-22T15:58:02.957Z
Toshinou Kyouko
<p>The etiquette shouldn't differ much, if at all, between cons. But here's just a short checklist for you. </p>

<p>Be sure to respect the rules. Most conventions have a set of rules on their websites, more often even several. Take for example the dutch animecon which has <a href="http://www.animecon.nl/rules/house-rules-huisregels" rel="noreferrer">general house rules</a> and <a href="http://www.animecon.nl/rules/photography-video-rules" rel="noreferrer">recording/photography rules</a>. Most of these are updated every year, so be sure to re-read them before you visit again. </p>

<p>Some special events, such as concerts might also feature a special subset of rules. These often can  be found on the  events website, or will be told at the beginning of such a show. </p>

<p>Besides those, there are some good practices:</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Don't take pictures of cosplayers without asking.</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>They try hard to look and act like their character, and often have special poses which make their characters look better/more appealing. Taking pictures without asking could annoy and sometimes even anger them. So be sure to ask them if it is OK first!</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>If handed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatrical_property" rel="noreferrer">props</a>, be gentle.</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>In some occasions, for example if you asked, you might be handed props to feel. Those props may look like sturdy broad swords, but are often not made to be swung around. Be gentle and careful, they put a lot of time in those things</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Free hug signs don't equal free grope signs.</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Often you will see guys and girls alike walk around with a "free hug sign". When hugging said people, keep your hands level. No butt squeezes, no groping. (Yes, these things actually happen.) Also be sure to show your intention to hug them! Hugging them without them expecting it could end painfully for you.</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Don't randomly hug, grab, or touch people.</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Although this is often considered normal practice, at cons this somehow seems to be forgotten quite often. Just don't do it; keep it fun for everybody.</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Don't be too pushy.</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>If people tell you to back off, back off. You may be very enthusiastic and happy, but some people might not like such behavior. And if they tell you so, just stop. </p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Unsure? Ask first!</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>If for whatever reason you are uncertain about rules or behaviour, you can always ask the convention grounds about it through an email. Or once on-site you can always ask the staff/gofers of said con.</p>

<p>Besides that, you are free to enjoy the conventions as you wish. No need for poker faces, but being too excited can be a bother to people as well. Just try to maintain some common sense throughout all the excitement.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T20:52:33.680Z
@jackwise As a fellow cosplayer I totally agree ;)
Dimitri mx
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-23T00:45:26.887Z
Also, depending on how the con venue is organised there may be reasons to not take photos in particular places - e.g. where lots of people need to walk through a narrow space.
ConMan
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-23T08:23:59.940Z
Don't take pictures of cosplayers without asking. Im confused about this. In what context should people avoid taking pictures? If they are doing some kind of show or posing, i kind of assume people will start taking videos/pictures. Also whatever you photograph there will be cosplayers on the picture no matter how hard you try to avoid it. I'm assuming you meant in a way that you should not take a picture of someone who is just walking/chatting around which kind of seems to be obvious.
Proxy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-23T08:30:33.777Z
@Proxy This might seem very common to you, and me as well. But it happens a lot. People just walking by and taking a picture. Or when you just dropped a piece of paper, and you are bending over, and they take a picture. You just took of your cosplay helmet/jacket because of the heat, and you guess it, they take a picture. Off course if you see them posing, and other people are taking pictures as well, it should be OK, however, you could always still ask to be sure. Accidentally including another cosplayer happens, but those ain't your main focus in the picture, and therefore should be ok.
Dimitri mx
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-23T08:38:57.413Z
Yeah, i see. I visited only 1-2 conferences so i never noticed it(well not that i have even looked at it too much)
Proxy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:24:59.877Z
2017-08-23T07:23:23.533Z
2017-08-23T07:23:23.533Z
Dimitri mx
<p>When attending anime/manga/pop culture conventions, is there any guidance or any good manners I need to observe?  Is there something specific I need to observe, or is it just like the other "normal" conventions? For example, when you meet with a cosplayer or meet and greet with your favorite author, should we get hyped up, or do we have to have a poker face?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T14:38:31.577Z
Legit question IMO. As far as I know, there are no rules other that the ones that apply in any convention, such as "do not be rude with cosplayers, people and artists, don't be too pushy, etc". Just good manners :)
Ikaros
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T14:54:39.017Z
since each con has  different audience and theme, so the answer is no ?
Gagantous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:13:21.760Z
Are you asking specifically for [animecon](http://www.animecon.nl/) or just conventions in general?
Dimitri mx
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T15:15:01.623Z
all related anime/manga/ conventions @Dimitrimx

i will edit my question
Gagantous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T16:43:22.447Z
Rule #1: please please please take a shower and use deodorant!
Pyritie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T18:31:01.163Z
All the etiquette rules which apply to other conventions should also apply to anime/manga cons, but I suspect you're interested in nuances  specifically related to this topic. I can't think of such situations which would need clarification myself, but perhaps you have a list of specific con-related questions, in which case you should add them to your question.
Hakase
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-22T23:42:28.473Z
@Pyritie looks like you really have a  bad experience with odor in conventions lol ( well, i cant argue with that, since i got the same experience )
Gagantous
<conventions>
Social etiquette in anime/manga/pop culture Japan conventions
# Social etiquette in anime/manga/pop culture Japan conventions
Posted by: username_0 on 2017-08-22
When attending anime/manga/pop culture conventions, is there any guidance or any good manners I need to observe? Is there something specific I need to observe, or is it just like the other "normal" conventions? For example, when you meet with a cosplayer or meet and greet with your favorite author, should we get hyped up, or do we have to have a poker face?
**Tags:** conventions
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Legit question IMO. As far as I know, there are no rules other that the ones that apply in any convention, such as "do not be rude with cosplayers, people and artists, don't be too pushy, etc". Just good manners :)  
> **username_0**: since each con has  different audience and theme, so the answer is no ?  
> **username_2**: Are you asking specifically for [animecon](http://www.animecon.nl/) or just conventions in general?  
> **username_0**: all related anime/manga/ conventions @Dimitrimx

i will edit my question  
> **username_3**: Rule #1: please please please take a shower and use deodorant!  
> **username_4**: All the etiquette rules which apply to other conventions should also apply to anime/manga cons, but I suspect you're interested in nuances  specifically related to this topic. I can't think of such situations which would need clarification myself, but perhaps you have a list of specific con-related questions, in which case you should add them to your question.  
> **username_0**: @Pyritie looks like you really have a  bad experience with odor in conventions lol ( well, i cant argue with that, since i got the same experience )  
---
## 3 answers
### Answer by username_2 on 2017-08-22. Score: 24 | Accepted answer
The etiquette shouldn't differ much, if at all, between cons. But here's just a short checklist for you.

Be sure to respect the rules. Most conventions have a set of rules on their websites, more often even several. Take for example the dutch animecon which has [general house rules](http://www.animecon.nl/rules/house-rules-huisregels) and [recording/photography rules](http://www.animecon.nl/rules/photography-video-rules). Most of these are updated every year, so be sure to re-read them before you visit again.

Some special events, such as concerts might also feature a special subset of rules. These often can be found on the events website, or will be told at the beginning of such a show.

Besides those, there are some good practices:

* **Don't take pictures of cosplayers without asking.**

They try hard to look and act like their character, and often have special poses which make their characters look better/more appealing. Taking pictures without asking could annoy and sometimes even anger them. So be sure to ask them if it is OK first!

* **If handed [props](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatrical_property), be gentle.**

In some occasions, for example if you asked, you might be handed props to feel. Those props may look like sturdy broad swords, but are often not made to be swung around. Be gentle and careful, they put a lot of time in those things

* **Free hug signs don't equal free grope signs.**

Often you will see guys and girls alike walk around with a "free hug sign". When hugging said people, keep your hands level. No butt squeezes, no groping. (Yes, these things actually happen.) Also be sure to show your intention to hug them! Hugging them without them expecting it could end painfully for you.

* **Don't randomly hug, grab, or touch people.**

Although this is often considered normal practice, at cons this somehow seems to be forgotten quite often. Just don't do it; keep it fun for everybody.

* **Don't be too pushy.**

If people tell you to back off, back off. You may be very enthusiastic and happy, but some people might not like such behavior. And if they tell you so, just stop.

* **Unsure? Ask first!**

If for whatever reason you are uncertain about rules or behaviour, you can always ask the convention grounds about it through an email. Or once on-site you can always ask the staff/gofers of said con.

Besides that, you are free to enjoy the conventions as you wish. No need for poker faces, but being too excited can be a bother to people as well. Just try to maintain some common sense throughout all the excitement.
> **Comments:**
> **username_2** (2017-08-22): @jackwise As a fellow cosplayer I totally agree ;)  
> **username_7** (2017-08-23): Also, depending on how the con venue is organised there may be reasons to not take photos in particular places - e.g. where lots of people need to walk through a narrow space.  
> **username_9** (2017-08-23): Don't take pictures of cosplayers without asking. Im confused about this. In what context should people avoid taking pictures? If they are doing some kind of show or posing, i kind of assume people will start taking videos/pictures. Also whatever you photograph there will be cosplayers on the picture no matter how hard you try to avoid it. I'm assuming you meant in a way that you should not take a picture of someone who is just walking/chatting around which kind of seems to be obvious.  
> **username_2** (2017-08-23): @Proxy This might seem very common to you, and me as well. But it happens a lot. People just walking by and taking a picture. Or when you just dropped a piece of paper, and you are bending over, and they take a picture. You just took of your cosplay helmet/jacket because of the heat, and you guess it, they take a picture. Off course if you see them posing, and other people are taking pictures as well, it should be OK, however, you could always still ask to be sure. Accidentally including another cosplayer happens, but those ain't your main focus in the picture, and therefore should be ok.  
> **username_9** (2017-08-23): Yeah, i see. I visited only 1-2 conferences so i never noticed it(well not that i have even looked at it too much)  
---
### Answer by username_6 on 2017-08-22. Score: 15
One rule that is heavily emphasized at the cons I've been to is:

*please, please, please*

# **Observe basic hygiene practises**

Conventions can smell really, really bad:

* Lots of people --> Heat to enduce sweat
* Lots of costumes made of unbreathable material --> Sweaty cosplayers
* Close proximity of seats --> Your nose being close to the sweat.
* Anime fans and general geek culture aren't known for great hygiene --> unwashed beards, clothes, etc.
* Some venues do not have air conditioning

Hygiene doesn't start at the venue - If you are taking public transport, you may end up squished against a wall under another con-goers armpit (I speak from experience).

Some conventions will actually kick you out if you smell too bad (although, I'm sure if it is a medical reason it is okay).

If you wash each morning of the convention (don't be tempted to skip) and bring some deodorant, you should be fine.

Eat healthily and enjoy the con.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2017-08-22): i havent seen some people that actually kicked out from conventions because they smell so bad...  
> **username_6** (2017-08-22): I haven't either, and presumably it is only for extreme cases (if someone pooped themselves and refused to wash or something). But conventions do have it in their own rules:
http://www.bak-anime.com/?page_id=11  
> **username_7** (2017-08-23): Dice Tower Con (a board games convention) recommends 6/2/1 - minimum each of 6 hours sleep, 2 meals and 1 shower per day. With emphasis on minimum.  
> **username_8** (2017-08-25): Most fandom events these days seem to recommend the 6/2/1 rule, and it's just good, common sense even outside of conventions.  
---
### Answer by username_5 on 2017-08-22. Score: 12
Of the things that I've done when attending conventions:

1. **Cosplay doesn't mean consent.** I realize that's more catch-termy than anything else, but it translates to something very simple; just because someone's dressed up for the event doesn't mean that they want or have to take a picture with you. Some conventions even have specific areas for this to take place; should you want to get a picture anyway, see if they're going to make their way to that area and arrange a time to meet with them there instead.
2. **Be mindful of where you are on the convention floor, and avoid stopping in the middle of it.** This is especially true of larger conventions, but if you stop in the middle of the floor to look at a particular artist or particular thing, you run the risk of someone running into or tripping over you, which would be an undesirable experience for everyone involved. It's good to have a healthy interest in the stuff around you, but please be sure to pull off to the side and look at it, instead of stopping right in the middle of ped traffic.
3. **Don't be a jerk.** Artists, actors, mangaka and creators alike are all people, and should be treated with some level of respect and courtesy. Don't get upset if the thing you want is sold out, and don't decide to pitch a fit right in the middle of the shops because you felt like their prices are too high. Most importantly, if you're meeting them in person, please don't act any other way than with how you'd want someone to act if you met them in person. This means, you can't complain about how long it took for them to get there to meet you, and you can't make unreasonable demands of them just because you're a paying customer.
4. **If you're ever confused, read the site/ask information.** The site usually posts what's acceptable months in advance for cosplayers, and what they expect of guests, so it's important to be peruse this listing. Additionally, this can provide guidelines/rules for expected con behavior, which has to be observed for everyone to be safe. Failure to do so can and often will result in you being moved to the back of the line or removed from the convention floor.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2017-08-22): Number 3 hit me so hard...
"Don't get upset if the thing you want is sold out, and don't decide to pitch a fit right in the middle of the shops because you felt like their prices are too high."

i am so dumb...  
> **username_0** (2017-08-22): Which convention did you attend @Makoto  
> **username_5** (2017-08-22): I've been to Denver Comic Con for several years in a row now, only missing one due to a mandatory work vacation to the Dominican Republic.  I've seen some things there, and largely the convention has cleaned itself up and made these things more second nature other than a guessing game.  
---
