New Wolf on the Block

well for badges, most furs like to get them so other furs can identify them. not just by name but by a pic. of their character/fursona as well. i just had one made for me and it'll be my first one too! it'll have a headshot of my sona howling,wearing a blue bone ID tag,with a spiffy back ground. this is who i commissioned to make it and she just happened to put it up on her site for commishs. ^W^

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n295/LePensive/Commissions/BadgesTYPE1.png

welcome to our large family ^-^

To answer your questions:

1) What exactly is there to look forward to?

Plenty. Panels, game rooms, dealers room/Artists Alley, Art Show, Room Parties, not to mention the groups of furs that'll gather here and there for no other reason than talking and getting to know each other.

2) Is there any websites or anybody willing to give me pointers on basic fursuiting? Or does one just... have the freedom to act silly in general?

I am not a fursuiter. Money has always been tight for me, and something as expensive as a Fursuit would be considered a major investment. That said, I can state with reasonable conviction that most fursuiters will, indeed, act very silly while staying in character. I would, however, recommend getting as much experience with the limited visibility of the head.

3) I see these badges and sites where people draw them? What is that about exactly?

Most people like to have a personalized badge to distingush themselves, to allow others to find them a bit easier. The AC name badge text isn't the largest. You can commision badges in the Dealers Room/Artist Alley, draw one yourself, or have a friend make one.

4) On the first day of the con... Do people wear fursuits? Like- from the time they walk in?

Actually, some Fursuiters start from the moment they get in their rooms and unpack their suits. Mostly, however, people wait for the con to officially start before donning the suit.

5) If somebody were to appear in a fursuit and whatnot- are there times they shouldn't wear it? Like- attending any shows and such?

You can wear your fursuit anywhere in the convention center and hotel, can attend shows, etc... but there is one thing that I will say: Those things get HOT. My personal recommendation? Wear it in general, but if you have specific things you want to do, like sit in on a panel, watch a show, or browse the dealers room, don't wear the suit. Nothing worse than having to leave a panel because you are overheating. It is also not recommended to wear your fursuit if heading out to explore the town... Dinner poses it's own issues. *grin*

6) -And with that- Are there times you don't have to wear it? Like if it gets too hot or whatever.

You are NEVER required to wear your Fursuit. You will get hot in it, and it would make several things a lot more difficult. Just use common sense.

Hope the information helps.

- Check out the Events section in the left nav panel for lots of info on what's to do and even a link to last year's Programming schedule. Participating in convention events does not make you look like an idiot.

- Take a look at the Welcome message in the Fursuit Construction And Building forum on this website for helpful links. Silliness is generally encouraged.

- Aside from the official convention badge you're given upon registration, you can commission artists before and during the convention to make you a personal badge of your own preferred design for a small fee.

- In order to check into the hotel, it's usually preferred that the attendee be out of costume. That said, some folks get right down to fursuiting once they get settled. But others wear theirs only an hour or two during the con. Many are out and about as early as Thursday.

- Please see the "General Rating of the Convention and Public Decorum" section of the Standards of Conduct for required costume etiquette. Outside of that, use common sense as to where costumes are appropriate.

- Only about 7-10% of attendees have costumes, so it's always ok to go without one. You're never required to wear a costume unless you're participating in an event for which a costume is a prerequisite.

Thanks for answering my questions so fast! ^_^ Much appreciated everybody *wags tail* Okay I have a couple other questions.
Kids... Are there generally some around? Mainly my sister was wanting to know if there were little ones around. Especially because she has a couple little ones, like a 2 and a 4 year old. I think she was wondering if she could have her kids with her. Plus- we both think it would be fun to entertain kids. lol

My sister was also wondering- If we attended the con, would we have to get a room at that hotel?

Welcome to our "little" gathering of friends.

For things to do...there are lots to choose from. Since you mention fursuiting, there will be lots of fursuit events including the Fursuit Games, construction and performance panels, and a fursuit parade.

You may want to go to the "So this is your first convention" panel...just to get some good tips and advice for folks that have never been to AC before.

Let me also give ya a couple of pieces of advice. Anthrocon is BIG. Don't let the size intimidate you. You will probably meet many new friends and find lots of exciting things to do. Look through the programming guide and go to things that interest you.

Second, give yourself time to eat, sleep, shower, etc. Many folks get so excited that they don't take care of themselves...and tehy can get sick. Remember, we want you to have fun, but don't leave with a cold.

Lastly, have FUN. If this is your first furry con expereince, it will probably not be like anything you've done before. Anthrocon 1999 was my first convention, and it was one of the most amazing and social weekends I had ever experienced. I think you;'ll find Anthrocon attendees to be, for the most part, extremely warm and friendly.

I will more than likely be running around like mad at the convention, but if you like, please feel free to say hello. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

KP
Anthrocon Programming Director