Hello all,
I'm not new to the furry world, but to the whole AnthroCon thing and quite frankly I couldn't be more stoked. I've already setup a reservation with the Westin Hotel and was curious about a few things. I've already looked around on this webpage and didn't really find the rights answers, so I'm hoping I can ask here.
Question #1:
I'm curious about the real deal behind the 3 different registration options. Does being a supersponsor mean you'll spend more time helping others setup displays and the like and less time mingling with others on the floor or no? I'm looking to meet new friends and peruse around.
Question #2:
I was looking at the program on the main page and saw some classes on how to properly act out your fursuit persona. However, I still have a few questions I'd like to know beforehand
2a. I know the "no talking while in the suit" bit (unless a staff member or someone important needs to ask you something) but when it comes to doing something like going out to eat with the others, do they go into the restaurant with their suits on and then remove the heads or what?
2b. Do those in fursuits sometimes talk to other fursuiters or is it all body language?
2c. And, when you want to introduce yourself to a new fursuiter, what would be a proper way to do so? Any examples would be great.
Concern:
Right now, really, the only way I'd want to attend AnthroCon '08 is by having a fursuit (otherwise I'd feel really out of place and couldn't really enjoy the most out of it) and I did check out the link for people that do fursuits. However, it seems that during this month, a few of them are booked solid. I did get a reply back from ArendStudios (they are quite expensive) saying they have some slots open and I'm waiting to hear from One Fur All (they seem cheaper and provide the 3D eyes). Really, it's the price that's slowing my momentum because I'm trying extremely hard to come up with the funds but afraid that when I do get close to a deposit, everyone will be filled. And, I really want to attend AC '08 in a fursuit, otherwise, I may have to cancel the reservation because I'll feel out of place. And, looking really forward to mingling with the rest of the fursuits.
Sorry for the long winded post, I'm just new to this and still running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to gather everything up.
-Shy Wolf
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Hi SW!
I'll take a crack at answering your questions:
1. Being a super-sponsor means you put more money into the pot for registration. In return, you get gratitude and some nice perks (like dinner with the Guest(s) of Honor).
There is no obligation to help with setup or the like at any of the registration levels. You're confusing that with volunteer work---which, if you do enough of it, has some perks as well. But that's a completely different animal from registration.
2a. Most fursuiters will go to restaurants out of suit. Not only is this simpler from a practical point of view, it's safer, and AC rules actually require it for the Westin's in-house restaurant.
Now, some fursuiters have gone to local bars in suit, taking shots through straws, but... you may want to pass on that for your first AC :-3
2b. It varies. Some fursuiters like the challenge of using only body language; others are more pragmatic than purist. It's a your-mileage-may-vary sort of thing.
2c. Nothing fancy needed here, just say "I love your suit!" or "Can I take a picture of you?" or "GIMME A HUG!!!" ^_^
As for getting a fursuit, don't sweat it too much. Fursuiters have always been in the minority at cons (usually around 15%), and the expense and effort of one really make it a bit much for a first-time attendee.
Looking at your user name, I'm going to assume that shyness is something you struggle with. Fursuits have a real power to short-circuit this tendency, and for that reason (among others) you may wish to seriously look into obtaining one in the future. But I would strongly recommend not committing yourself to that before attending your first con, be it AC or some other one. (Note that MFF is taking place this month in Illinois, for example.)
Let us know if there's anything else we can help you with!
--
iSKUNK!
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permalinkTo be honest, with the user name, I couldn't think of anything else at the moment. *L* Usually, I'm very friendly and by being shy, it's not how you think. I'm more cautious in making sure I don't do the wrong thing that may push someone away or make them feel uncomfortable. I'm always willing to greet with other people and make new friends. ^_^
As far as the fursuit, I'm already in the process of commissioning. I asked two places. One did say they have a few spots for AC and quite frankly, I don't care, I'm busting my tail off to ensure I get a fursuit. Really, I couldn't be more happier. Once I secure that suit, I'll be even happier.
I'm still figuring out a decent name for my character/suit/persona/etc. It's just been a little tricky is all, however I'm aiming towards Lakota. I figured Shy Wolf would be a cute enough name for someone to take a liking to and be even more inclined to give a hug. Call it a pathetic attempt of a "pity excuse". *L* I'm trying to think of an intriguing name and still figuring it out. Anyone else have suggestions, I'm up to them!
I do have a few more additional questions (sorry, I'm very curious ^^ ). I was watching a couple of Big Blue Fox's videos from AC '04 (kinda boring) and AC '07 (very long and interesting). For the duration of the convention, let's say some people don't choose some of those "session classes" or whatever, do they just mostly mingle around and meet and greet other people, fursuits and non-fursuits?
And, I figure that there are some regulars (it seems that a wolf by the name of Vincent goes to them regulary, and BBF, along with a few other) there. Not sure how many newcomers (in suits and the like). My question is, do some of the regulars notice newcomers and say "Hi" to them or would they more in like a clique to where the newcomer would have to go up and say "Hi" ? I don't want the word "clique" to sound like I'm being rude, far from it, but I'm not sure if regulars start to become comfortable with people they know and it takes a bit for them to warm up to newcomers.
I figured body language would be a nice challenge and more fun to watch someone act out their animal. Would one just go up and wave or something for a new greeting?
And, why is it when I went to the Westin Hotel's reservation page, it listed an entire week of the Convention? The main page says 26th to 29th. The Westin page lays out their calendar as the Convention from the 22nd to July 2nd. What's the story on that?
Again, sorry for the long post, I still have a lot on my mind. ^^
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permalinkLocation: Ardmore, PA
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
Pretty much. There is plenty of socializing that takes place at Anthrocon.
I'd actually say it's more like people who meet at the convention in person are people who have gotten to know either online first, and meeting at the convention is the first time they do so in person.
We have the Anthrocon room rate for that period of about 2 weeks, in case folks would like to arrive early or stay after the convention.
--
My LiveJournal - My Website
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permalinkAh, okay. Thanks, giza.
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permalinkThe 22 to the 2nd is the time you can stay at the hotel for the reduced price.
That is, if you wish to spend some non AC time in the area and need a place to hang your hat, assuming you have a hat.
Noy
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permalinkWhy yes, I do happen to have a hat. ^_~ However, I think leaving on Sunday night ( most people stay until Sunday evening and then leave, I assume) would be best for me. Can't be out of work forever. ^^ During the non AC time (before the convention), like from what I saw from watching BBF's AC '07 video, do some people dress up in their suits sometimes?
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permalinkLocation: Youngstown, OH
Different fursuiters act different way. I have a friend who really hams it up in a suit even though he was very afraid of them at first. Depending on where you live you might even find other furries near-by. A lot of furs tend to hang out on the east coast of the US, for instance.
As for a name, perhaps Mohegan (NOT Mahican) would do as it comes from the word "Mahiingan" meaning "wolf"
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permalinkThat works, too, and that's generally been my approach (less by choice than by nature). I should point out, however, that furry cons can be pretty free-wheeling events, and uninhibited personalities work very well there. So don't be afraid to let loose, if you've got it
As for getting a fursuit... I wish you the best of luck on that, and hope that the experience will be manageable for you. If you can attend a smaller con out-of-suit, sometime before AC, I would highly recommend it---for no reason other than learning what to expect.
Be sure to log several hours in suit before hitting AC, too; you need to figure out how your body reacts to the heat and weight of the suit. I'm sure several folks here can recount horror stories of first-time fursuiters who pushed themselves too hard and ended up passing out from heatstroke and/or dehydration.
--
iSKUNK!
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permalinkActually, I used to work for FedEx Express for two years and their trucks, while nice, 98% of them didn't have A/C. So, during the middle of summer, those things were like saunas. Plus, during this past summer, I was running a dump truck out of the local quarry. When we're sitting still, we can't always be running the motor with the A/C blowing (well, we can, but you waste fuel) so I just shut the engine off and bear with the heat. You tend to get used to it after awhile. As long as I have plenty of water around. Maybe I should make friends quick to have them there with a bottle and a long drinking straw nearby.
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permalinkBeing able to resist heat is good, but believe me, fursuiting is a whole 'nuther can of worms.
If you poke around the material at fursuit.org, for example, you'll see talk of how someone in suit can often go up to six hours between bathroom breaks, despite drinking prodigious amounts of water. How? The body sweats so much that it actually pulls water out of the bladder for that.
(Let me remind you, Anthrocon takes place in the dead middle of summer.)
So, yeah---your body works a little differently when it's in suit, and it is very important that you figure out exactly how in advance of any appearance in public. (FYI: If EMTs have to be called in to help you, they will cut up the suit to get it off.)
Anyway, plenty of cold water and long straws will be provided, along with fans and air conditioning running at full blast. That's what the "headless lounges" are there for
--
iSKUNK!
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permalinkBlog: [Link]
I don't recommend this unless you talk to the bar manager ahead of time. A fursuit makes it impossible for the bartender to check ID, which is required in Pennsylvania. You won't be served any alcohol unless you pop your head to show who you are, and that's no fun.
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permalinkRight now, really, the only way I'd want to attend AnthroCon '08 is by having a fursuit (otherwise I'd feel really out of place and couldn't really enjoy the most out of it)
You wouldn't be out of place at all! The majority of attendees don't have or want to wear fursuits. Out of the 2800+ attendees last year, there were only around 400 people in fursuits, which is pretty extraordinary.
It really is a "Come As You Are" event (well unless you surf the web naked then puts some pants on, Man!)
-----------------------------------------------
David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
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permalinkWhat are these so called "pants"?
I don't believe I own any.
Can you buy them in stores?
Noy
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permalinkLocation: Orlando, FL
Hi,
Let me also give perhaps a bit of insight on things.
With Supersponors, you get our eternal gratitude and some really cool gifts. You also get to attend a swanky catered luncheon just for supersponsors. This apst year, that luncheon was attended by our Guests of Honor, and you could hear them tell interesting stories while they lunch with you. You don't have to do any work at all...unless you choose to volunteer. (Which also makes us eternally grateful.)
As far as fursuiting..I'm a fursuiter myself, so I can give a bit of insight. There is an entire track of programming events that deals specifically with fursuit related topics. Construction, performance, all kinds of things. If you don't have a fursuit, there are OODLES of panels you can go to that will help you learn about other aspects of fursuiting (maintenance, commissioning people, finding places to perform, etc.) If you don't want to go to those...fear not, because Anthrocon has MANY MANY other events that aren't fursuit related. There are comedy shows, game shows, art panels, puppet performances, musical events, informational panels about various kinds of animals...and the list goes on and on. Plus, if you're looking to meet new friends, you can hang out in the Zoo (which is our general hangout location) and meet scads of people there.
I think someone described this year's Anthrocon as going to a small, furry city. And that's a really good way to think of it. It has it's own pulse and rhythm. There's tons of people there and lots of new things to do. You may even find something that interests you that you didn't even think about before. If you don't have a fursuit, don't worry too much about that....because less than 20% of our attendees have fursuits. You'll be welcomed just the same.
KP
Anthrocon Programming Director
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permalinkThank you very much everyone for the insight.
I've already sent a commission to two places and waiting to hear from one of them to still see if they have any spots open. The other said they do have a few spots open (I'm waiting for their reply back on my commission that I sent them), so either way I'm going to do what it takes to get a fursuit! Sorry, I can't help myself, but this is just too cool to go in plain street clothes.
As far as the name, I like Mohegan. After doing some research, I found out that the meaning of Lakota is "Tribe Name" and it is not culturally appropriate to name one after the name of a tribe. However, I might still think something up after doing some research, but so far, thank you!
I saw Mingan, which means "grey wolf" or Takoda which means "friend to everyone". These are both male Native American names by the way. ^_~
K.P. You said you're a fursuiter as well. You wouldn't be the fursuit that looks just like your avatar are you? (Probably a dumb question, seeing as how most do dress up like their avatar). Because your avatar looks like the two fursuiters that look alike in Big Blue Fox's AC '07 video, the section he called "Twins".
As per volunteering, would I just have to walk up to anyone of the staff and ask if they need any help?
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permalinkThe side menu is your friend - http://www.anthrocon.org/volunteer
Noy
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permalinkThen I'm not a very good friend because I forgot that part.
Bad me. Thanks, it's been a long, long day and I didn't even bother to look. Thanks.
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permalinkLocation: Philadelphia area, PA
Glad your fursuit plans seem to be working out. Sorry if we board folks seem to be pushing this non-fursuit thing--speaking personally, i've just seen a lot of folks turn up on board thinking that they won't be accepted or they won't fit in if they come in street clothes. If that were true of furry gathers, i wouldn't be going; i've never had any interest in so much as donning a tail.
Most of the volunteering is staff directed; there has, in the past, been a big red flashing light placed prominently at the convention center; when one of the staff calls or tells con ops that they need more volunteers, con ops turns on the light, volunteers report to con ops, and the con ops folks direct their helping paws to the right space. That way, you don't have to know anyone on staff to get to the right place at the right time.
Once you've volunteered once, of course, it's not uncommon for staff to remember you. If you ask them, sometimes they can tell you when they expect to need help again, and you can plan to come back. Anyone who's friendly, sensible, and focused enough to do the work is more than welcome.
I fell compelled to add, also, that Petercat has indicated that he's particularly short of staff just now, which means he's on the lookout for new staff and he'll probably be happy to have lots of folks come volunteer. And of course anytime you happen to know a staff person, you can always check in with them in advance, to see if there's a time when they particularly hope to get some friendly helpers.
Hope that helps!
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permalinkLocation: Ardmore, PA
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
And if you volunteer lots, we punish reward you by making you a member of the staff at next year's convention.
--
My LiveJournal - My Website
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permalinkThanks, but I think I'll start with baby steps and just attend my firt Con and mingle around a bit and get a feel for it.
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permalinkLocation: Philadelphia area, PA
*chucklesandnods*
So let that be a lesson to you, boys and girls--beware of volunteering for staff that know your contact info.
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permalinkLocation: Orlando, FL
Yes, my fursuit looks like my avatar.
If you want to see a few pics of it...you can look at:
kuddlepup (dot) org / scrapbook (dot) htm
If you want to volunteer...come over to Con ops...and sign up on a volunteer form...that's about all you'd need to do. (It's a great way to meet many new people as well.)
KP
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permalinkOh wait, nevermind, it was someone else. I thought you were that hyper dog that looks almost like your avatar, except there's two fursuits that resemble each other. Cause of mistaken identity.
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permalinkLocation: Youngstown, OH
Are you thinking of JD Puppy? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN3d0QcOU1c
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permalinkThat's the one.
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permalinkWebsite: [Link]
Well, being a fursuiter, I can answer the questions about that.
2a. Not true about "no talking in suit", I am one of (very) few who do talk while in their suit. Anyway, I prefer to go to restraunts with out my fursuit on - just makes it so much easier to eat, and I don't risk damaging/staining my suit.
2b. As I said, I prefer to talk, though almost all fursuiters I've met in the past use only body language.
2c. Really, it seems I meet more non-suiters while in my fursuit. As other fursuiters don't talk, it makes it hard to meet them, heh.
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permalinkLocation: Menomonie, WI U.S.A.
Hello there.
*Offers a paw* My name is Cheetar Cheetah, and I've been a Furry for quite some time, but have never been to a con before. Tell me, Are you looking for a Rommie for the con in 2008? If so, please feel free to E-mail, or IM me at or simply post here and I will see it.
Thanks
Cheetar "Spots" Cheetah
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