Author Topic: Respect for Venues (Read 27798 times)

DancingTofu · « **on:** July 22, 2009, 02:43:01 am »

The summer is well under way, the con is coming up soon, and meetups are happening multiple times every week. This is all good and fun, and I want to remind everyone organizing and attending meetups to be respectful.

"Respectful of what?" you might ask!

Kumoricon, the cosplay community, and society would greatly appreciate it if you could remember to be respectful of...

....BUSINESSES!
If the meetup is at a business, big or small, aim to buy something, especially if you are taking advantage of the business for seating, power, bathrooms, et cetera.

....LANDMARKS!
If you see a church, statue, memorial, sculpture, et cetera, use your judgment before using it for a photoshoot. Getting the perfect picture is not worth defiling something that holds a lot of respect and significance.

....OFFICE BUILDINGS!
These are where much of the economy happens. Please respect people who are working in office buildings if you need to use them to go to the restroom, change clothes, etc.

....THE GENERAL PUBLIC!
The real world does not stop just because you are having fun, so make sure you are not generating a disturbance to the peace.

Also remember that it's important to be respectful during the con itself. There are still 2 million people in the Portland Metro Area going about their normal lives during the con, so don't act like we own the city for three days.

Thanks!

ha~ma · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2009, 02:44:30 am »

Excellent post, and I think the public's opinion of people who like anime will improve if you follow these guidelines. Don't like the stereotypes that you are handed when people find out you like anime? Be an ambassador for change, and help improve the community's standing with the rest of the world.

~boogiepop~ · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2009, 04:50:08 pm »

Being well behaved also helps promote this convention that we all love so much. From some of the few meetups I've gone to I've seen at least two people come up and ask cosplayers what's going on and when Kumoricon is. There's probably more since I don't tend to hang with cosplaying folk at meetups, but they won't bother to approach anyone if we are acting like a bunch of loons.

Hazuza · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2009, 05:07:38 pm »

I wish there were more people that followed this ^^;; It's the few rude ones who ruin it for the rest of us...
I came late, but at the last cosplay picnic I hear people got kicked out of the shelter of under a building because they were too noisy and annoying. >:
And it was nice taking photos in the skybridge, until many people started crowding up there in the middle of the walkway, and eventually everyone got kicked out.

Another thing, people should respect figures of authority o_< If you're at a mall for a meetup, it isn't YOUR mall. They have the right to kick out anyone, you should be glad they allow you in costume. It really gets on my nerves when a security guard asks what's going on, then someone in the group starts preaching about how we're "showing a respect for a japanese art form" or something. No we're not O-o;;; We're just having a get-together, dressing in costume, and trying to have some fun.
Rather than trying to defend what you're doing (_{especially when they usually are more curious than angry. sheesh, you act like you got pulled over and are hiding crack},) simply answer the question, apologize that/if you're being a disturbance, and do what the guy says. If they tell you to put away your cameras, do so. If they tell you not to go to a certain area, then don't go there.

Set a bad impression, and every cosplayer will suffer for it -_-

Radien · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2009, 04:02:32 am »

You've got a great point, Tofu, and I think it's good for us to hold each other accountable for upholding our reputation. Whether we like it or not, the general public is going to associate individual fans with the fan community as a whole. Remember, kids, if you're running through the mall in full cosplay, singing and shouting your head off and annoying the mall patrons, they're no longer staring at you because you're wearing crazy costumes... they're staring because you're being obnoxious.

Kayani_Neko · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2009, 02:15:19 pm »

Well put. I think it's very important to show that even if we are into uncommon things, we're still respectable people.

DancingTofu · « **Reply #6 on:** September 09, 2009, 06:22:56 am »

After our experiences with the Hotel staff this year, I think it's very important that we prove to them that we are respectable, courteous, rational patrons. Especially when a venue treats you wrongly, it is important to keep yourself well-composed. This is even more vital for staff at the con, and organizers of meetups.

melchizedek · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2009, 07:01:05 pm »

what if real world stops and takes pictures too?

DancingTofu · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2009, 07:34:58 pm »

Then stop and take pictures back at them. That's my strategy.

Same with when homeless people ask me for change. Most of them have a greater income than I do.

Shingami_lover · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2009, 12:06:45 pm »

Also something else Lloyd Center does not allow cosplayers.... they have been have a lot of trouble (stabbings and shottings) and if you meet up in a big group you will need a permit/ permission... Also if you come in even a small group no mask, weapons, a ton of make-up

It is a lot of hassle!

I went and talk to the mall police at Lloyd and that is what they told me...

I suggest Clackmas they are super nice about things just call a head and warn them...

Thank you!

Radien · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2009, 11:11:32 pm »

Quote from: Shingami_lover on October 15, 2009, 12:06:45 pm

Also something else Lloyd Center does not allow cosplayers.... they have been have a lot of trouble (stabbings and shottings) and if you meet up in a big group you will need a permit/ permission... Also if you come in even a small group no mask, weapons, a ton of make-up

It is a lot of hassle!

I went and talk to the mall police at Lloyd and that is what they told me...

Ummm... these statements don't quite line up. Plenty of cosplays have no mask, no weapon, and no excessive makeup. Big groups are also avoidable. Just don't schedule a photo shoot or formal large gathering there.

Anyway, all of these things are very different from "not allowing cosplayers." Are they REALLY putting in a ban on cosplayers? Or just certain activities you want to do?

Shingami_lover · « **Reply #11 on:** October 19, 2009, 08:44:48 am »

I guess the way I wrote it is a little weird...Sorry...

You can go but in a small group with no mask, weapons, or a ton of make-up... So if their is a big get together meet up outside in the park and then let a small group go in at a time and DO not crowd together inside the mall.... But all in all they would not like cosplayers but they are not going ban us they are just putting up a lot of rules and permissions we have to go though.... Does this make more sense....

*different story for when the con is going on though

Hazuza · « **Reply #12 on:** October 19, 2009, 08:16:45 pm »

Well, the whole no weapons/mask/giantmakeup is a given for anywhere we go really unless it's completely public, on halloween, or we've called ahead and gotten permission.

I can see where they're coming from with the big meetups thing. I mean, at the Christmas meet last year, we crowded a hallway for a long time xD; We tend to be an annoyance.

Radien · « **Reply #13 on:** October 19, 2009, 10:26:13 pm »

Well, all of those things are perfectly valid concerns, I just didn't want anybody to go ape-poo crazy because they thought Lloyd Center had a rule that they don't actually have. That's all.

ScrumYummy · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2009, 10:53:34 am »

Just wanted to throw in some 2 cents...

I work at the downtown mall (Pioneer Place) and was unable to come to Kumoricon this year because of work restrictions (long story). Anyway, two girl cosplayers came into the shop I work at and growled at my co-worker. All she did was say "hi," and they growled at her. Literally growled.

I've been meaning to post about this since the convention, and only just now remembered.

Anyway. If you are going into public, please be normal. I'm working hard to convince people that there is nothing "weird" about liking anime, and that the convention is a lot of fun, and it just takes us all back two steps whenever something like that happens!

cloud-9 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 26, 2010, 08:39:00 pm »

great point, 2010 will be my first con. im glad that theres people up-holding the law. i feel confident this will be a good experience.

Prinz Eugen · « **Reply #16 on:** September 20, 2010, 07:36:36 pm »

OK, How many people read this topic as 'Respect for VENUS?!?'

Washougal_Otaku · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2010, 10:22:25 pm »

I see that YOURS says "Venus" Guy, but I'm pretty sure that the original thread was "Venues."

Prinz Eugen · « **Reply #18 on:** November 29, 2010, 06:32:18 am »

Quote from: Washougal_Otaku on November 28, 2010, 10:22:25 pm

I see that YOURS says "Venus" Guy, but I'm pretty sure that the original thread was "Venues."

Yes - I switched the letters in my own text to illustrate what I had first perceived in a quick initial scan.

Washougal_Otaku · « **Reply #19 on:** November 30, 2010, 06:27:11 pm »

You're silly.

Prinz Eugen · « **Reply #20 on:** November 30, 2010, 09:50:51 pm »

Quote from: Washougal_Otaku on November 30, 2010, 06:27:11 pm

You're silly.

You're absolutely correct, and I like to share the mirth, exuberance, and zaniness whenever I can, even when it's egg on my own face.
I think it's healthy, and heck - sometimes when people are down it's the only thing one can do.

Enjoy every fleeting moment of life,**

- G

**even if you reflect that each of us will be required to present an account of everything in the hour of our own personal Judgement...

Washougal_Otaku · « **Reply #21 on:** December 01, 2010, 12:47:47 am »

Quote from: Prinz Eugen on November 30, 2010, 09:50:51 pm

I think it's healthy, and heck - sometimes when people are down it's the only thing one can do.

A very good point, my friend...

pengi · « **Reply #22 on:** May 01, 2011, 03:17:28 pm »

I've always noticed the people that get way too into their character and forget to respect others around them and I just have to shake my head. Thank you for posting this.

Randonarnold · « **Reply #23 on:** August 26, 2011, 09:51:32 pm »

It really annoyed me last year how people would loiter outside the hotel. Please do not block walkways, if you want to stop to chat go inside and find a spot or find a spot that doesn't block the flow of traffic. (that's cars, bikes, and people) I'm so excited for this con, but let's not cause fire hazards.

TalaRedWolf33 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 11, 2012, 10:54:30 pm »

Hai!
I saw this thread, and I'm bored, so I'm posting.

I would hope that since this year we are going to the Hilton again, people will act in such a way as last year. I think last year was amazingly well behaved, and let's face it, that's saying something based on some of the events that have happened in the past. So since we are using the same park as last year, I hope that everyone will respect it.

Please pick up your garbe if you eat in the park I know there are some picnics and meet ups happening, so please just remember to throw away your garbage and leave the place clean when you leave.
Please respect the Farmers Market and marketers.I know that some of the people at the market will probably give us some weird looks and such, but don't let it bother you. Don't be rude, don't growl, curse, or bother them. Just ignore them, or kill them with kindness. Be polite and just let it roll off your back.
Please keep walkways and sidewalks clear. If you are having a photoshoot or participating in a staged "fight" please keep it in the grass or under the covering, and if a non con goer tries to get by, don't block their way. Just pause your business and let them on by.
Please watch your noise levels. Yes we will all be outside, but that doesn't mean that you can scream and shout and cause a problem. How you act reflects back on the con, and so being too loud and getting a noise compliant isn't exactly the right kind of reflection we want for the con.

I know I'm not staff or anything, but I'm pretty sure you guys can follow these suggestions.

DancingTofu · « **Reply #25 on:** September 07, 2012, 09:51:31 am »

Quote from: TalaRedWolf33 on July 11, 2012, 10:54:30 pm

Please pick up your garbage if you eat in the park I know there are some picnics and meet ups happening, so please just remember to throw away your garbage and leave the place clean when you leave.

I cannot emphasize this point enough. I saw soooooo much garbage lying around during con both inside the hotels and in the public space (particularly parking lots) around the hotels. It's vital to our relationship with our venues and to our general collective sense of hygiene that we pick up our trash and throw it away. At one during this year's convention point I saw a pile of food waste sitting not 10 feet from a trash basket (I escorted it to the garbage, naturally)--that's just not cool! Please pick up your trash wherever you go and dispose of it in the proper receptacle. The power is yours!

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Author Topic: Respect for Venues (Read 27798 times)