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Con Courtesy: A Guide for Mouth-Breathers
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Sunday, July 26, 2009

Editor's Note: To answer Nigel's question below, "Who gives him the right?"...we do. We'll give him the right by front-paging this sucker. We back this post 1000% and would love it if the world would re-read it right before PAX, Tokyo Game Show, CES, E3, etc. -Shoe


I am writing this after having attended Comic-Con. I had a great time as always -- it was awesome. What wasn't awesome was the droves of people who thought it OK to be flatulent. Let's go over some rules:

 

Rule 1: Be courteous.

I can't stress this enough: If you are at a convention or any large social setting, if you bump into someone, say you're sorry. I realize that this might lead to you having to say sorry often, but do it anyways. I don't mean just brushing up against people, I mean bumping into someone, shoulder colliding with shoulder.

The number of times I was bumped, stepped on, or moved aside without a word started to get to me. I can only imagine what it would be like to be a woman in this setting.

Rule 2: Keep your bodily functions between you and the restroom.

Situation: "Ah dammit I shouldn't have eaten those nachos with that jalapeno pretzel dog. My stomach is kickin' something fierce."

Solution: Go to the restroom to expel your gases, or just hold it.

I was on the floor yesterday and the bombardment of gas was awful. The reason I bring this up is because, as I was on the show floor, my group and I would be having a good time only to be punched in the nostrils with the worst scent that one can imagine. Just imagine someone with stomach problems laying down patches all day.

Rule 3: Booth babes are not into you.

This rule here is the part that outraged me the most at Comic Con yesterday. I would be walking around and then I would see people gathering for photos. I would then look to see what was going on, and there would be a booth babe posing for photos.

I have no problem with people taking pictures with booth babes. I do, however, have a problem with guys touching these woman inappropriately. I saw some booth babe getting her back rubbed by "Rico Suave"and her with an awkward smile while the photo was being taken. This point just echos back to being courteous.

Rule 4: Be Hygienic

I am a bigger guy, and as such I know I sweat a little bit more than the average man. Therefore when I go into places where I know I am going to be for extended amounts of time, I carry a stick of deodorant. I do this for myself more than for others, but I can only imagine that everyone around me is unknowingly grateful. Because who really wants to be standing in a line to get into a panel next to a guy who has rank body odor? I don't and I am positive no one else does either.

You might ask yourself, "What gives him the right to say this?" My answer is nothing gives me the right, but this is an open forum for discussion and ideas, and I personally feel that some people would benefit from reading this.

Anyway, that's it for now. Hopefully you, the reader, can pass this along to those who need it so that all of our convention-going experiences can be ideal.

 
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Comments (15)
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July 30, 2009
From a cosplayer and booth babe's point of view, it's always nice to acknowledge us after we pose for your picture. Don't just snap it then walk away. Take your picture and then a little smile, nod or friendly gesture is always appreciated. ;D

Great observations Nigel!
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July 30, 2009
I back you too, Nigel, not a damn thing wrong with soap or civilization.
Photo_159
July 30, 2009
Awesome post! I know we all get excited when going to conventions-gatherings-cons, but just little extra courtesy from each us makes everyone's experience a lot better.
Jason_wilson
July 30, 2009
I've never been to a convention...but do the folks smell better than, say, Oakland Raiders fans after three quarters in the sun and 7 hour or 8 hours of boozing time?
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July 30, 2009
Oh man do I agree all around! Especially when the con is somewhere warm in the summer! Its so easy to not be the offensive person and I never understood why people feel that showering is not something they have time for. Get up earlier if you dont want to miss anything at the convention! I agree with the politeness stuff as well. Basic courtesy is so easy.
As Raychul said, after taking a picture with someone, be it booth babe or cosplayer saying thanks is the nice thing to do. And no, please dont touch. Its a picture not a grab fest. :D
2966_513869270512_81101958_30570548_1084048_n
July 30, 2009
well said.
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July 30, 2009
What if they are really into me?
Lance_darnell
July 30, 2009
Wow, I have never been to a convention before, but from what I am reading, I think I am dodging a bullet...

And I wrote this before, but where are the booth boys!!!
Default_picture
July 30, 2009
This is very, very specific, but don't feed the scalpers. If you're in line for an exclusive action figure, why help screw another fan out of it by buying for scalpers? You're going to make $5 or $10, and the scalper is going to probably make double that. Are we the same people that complain about Gamestop's used prices?
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July 31, 2009
You know in that booth babe picture the girl all the way to the right looks like she could care less about being there.

Nicely written.
4540_79476034228_610804228_1674526_2221611_n
July 31, 2009
It's amazing how many people lack basic etiquette and common sense. I've never once felt compelled to go to E3 or similar conventions simply because I don't like the thought sharing my space with so many inconsiderate people - the same thing that keeps me from going out to see movies more than once or twice a year.
Lance_darnell
July 31, 2009
Booth Boys!!!! ;D
July 31, 2009
@Michael I see your reference to movie theaters and I raise you one hour at the local shopping mall. When I lived in San Francisco I both loved and hated the Metreon/Megatron or the Daly City Centuries on Friday nights.

Great places filled with (mostly) smelly inconsiderati.

*shudder*
Default_picture
August 01, 2009
Now that's a side of Comic-Con I haven't seen written about yet! Thanks. And P.S., I'm okay with booth boys too.
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August 02, 2009
I believe it in my heart that most offenders act out on purpose, as if the convention atmosphere gives them the right. I fear that this post will never reach the ones who need to hear it (and learn it) most. So, let's continue to talk about it in the hopes that shame will be introduced to our expo floors.

We can also pass out tummy soothers at the doors.
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