First Time at Anthrocon/Furry Con
Well this was my first time going to a furry convention, and I had a great time. I met a bunch of really cool people, and bought some neat stuff. For next year, I am going to arrange to stay for 4 days at the most. The drive in on Wednesday was really tiring but the next two days I was up and about. By Saturday, I felt a bit "conned-out". Although it was really just my feet complaining.
One thing I made sure to do was to let loose and be pretty laid back.
I enjoyed the panels they offered on drawing emotions for characters, as well as the one on poses. I learned a lot and I'm really happy about that.
As for you, animal16365, I'd suggest just biting the bullet and asking. Or if you don't want to say anything, try motioning with you camera in front of a fursuiter. My friend got video of me playing with Flitz. Just type in "Flitz" in YouTube. I'm the guy with the iPhone.
This was my first convention as well, I had an awesome time! Do you remember me? I was at the drawing panel also, I was the one who taught the last half of it. Haha, that was so cool that I was able to do that.
I was so glad I was able to meet Mr. Schwartz and buy a ton of his artwork. I did get to ask one fursuiter if I could get a picture with her, it was a sexxy vixen named Autumn, hehe. I became very good friends with my roommates, except for one, but still.
I barely ate anything, which I thought was very weird, I would skip breakfast, then lunch past, and no food. Finally by the end of the day, I would have to force myself to go get food, even if I wasn't hungry.
I got there at 6pm on Thursday, and left at 1pm on Monday. Next time, I will get there earlier, it is really fun the day before the con than the day after the con. I will not use traveler's checks again, nobody takes them, and had to go out and find a bank.
Yeah, you might be better off with a prepaid debit card -- just keep track of what you spend on a slip of paper.
Yeah I remember you. I heard you introduce yourself and I thought "Hey. I've heard of you before."
I did spot you drawing! 
And to note, registration will take Traveller's Checks. Otherwise, cash is really the payment method of choice everywhere at AC; followed by Credit card.
Concerning the food, I ended up spending the majority of the money I saved up to buy stuff at the con on food 
Next time I'm definitely packing a cooler or getting a mini-fridge and just buying PB&J and bread or something. OR set it up so that al my roommates eat together to share the food bill.
BTW, I know it isn't in line with the thread topic, but I want to maximize my chances of getting this question answered. Is there anyone who has the contact info for the artist Fluke? I need to get in touch with him so that I can give him my mailing address. We never met up to pick up the badge and print I bought from him, and I am a bit nervous that he has lost my contact info.
Note to first-time con-goers: Make sure you give your contact information to the artist, as well as get theirs (if they are okay with it).
This was also my first furry con and the weekend was completely worthwhile. I figured that coming to Anthrocon would be my way to finally learn about the fandom and what it is really all about rather than what you read on the Internet. I wasn't disappointed, I met some good folks, saw a lot of awesome art; bought some neat things in the dealers room, spent way too much at the art show/auction (but it was worth it!) and just had a good time. I am still coming down from this last weekend and I kind of wish it had not ended.
I ended up going on the writing track for many of the panels, and for me it ended up worthwhile. I had an urge to start writing recently, but had never ever done so as a creative writer, only as a blogger. By the time I wrote out a story for the final panel and had it critiqued, I felt very encouraged by my attempt, so I will continue exploring it more.
I really think that if one is fairly new to the fandom and wants to see a good and truthful picture of furries (Wait, you mean we're not all sex maniacs doing it in fursuits after starting drama with 10 other people?) then they should be attending Anthrocon for the whole weekend.
Now to figure out my ears and tail commission so I can approach one of the makers from this weekend.
That's awesome. Would you mind sharing your story, I'd love to read it.
This was also my first visit to AC, as well as my first ever visit to the USA. I must admit, I was a lil nervous at first, had no idea what to expect. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised ! I had a real blast, was awed at all the great fursuits and the sheer goodwill that seemed to infect everyone there. From the point of view of a total newbie, everything seemed to run smoothly and on schedule - congratulations to all the hard workers behind the scenes who ran the Con. I'm already planning on trying to come back in 2011, even to the extent of trying to come up with some form of fursuit 
My only hint for anyone planning on attending..bring more money than you think you'll need - there's so many goodies there to spend on
i thinnk the weirdest experiance for me was getting grouped fur hugged during the fursuit meet and greet, my room mate dj rory put me on the spot 
. it deffanatly was a fun time, im going again, and im going to stay a little longer in pittsburgh, due to family living there, hope to see yall there...
I havent been to Anthrocon, but I am going in 2011 with my mate, and three of my furry friends. All 5 of us are furries. However, I am gonna be the only one in full fursuit. My friends are gonna have ears and tails associated with their animal. I am Kori Vixen, my mate is Relikior the black wolf, and my three other friends are Heneko the winged white and black cat, Akaku the wolf/bat, and Berry the pink husky. I hope to see someone I know from the forums there!!
My first Con was RMFC this year (last year in one day XD)
Other than the long plane trips and awaiting my roommates for over an hour, it was really worth it.
The convention was more than fun, although I had a little run in on the most fun day, and these only last about three days sadly.
I got a bunch of friendly comments on my fursuit, and quite a few pictures to boot.
Had several kids come up to me at various times; got hugs, pokes, glomps, and commands to do tricks. *lol*
I was also in their talent show, and I decided to sing a song. Take a random guess at what it was... 
Also attended their dance, which didn't really expand much beyond techno.
That's good and all, but it kind of got old after the first hour. At least I had a chance to "dance" as foolishly as I pleased. ^-^
The only thing I hadn't managed was footage with my camcorder, as it's difficult enough to see my way around. Not to mention a big fox carrying a camera around isn't exactly as... "free" looking. But I did dawn a collar and leash. XD
As I predicted, I didn't overheat at all, so I stayed furry the entirety of each day.
Well, at least except for the necessities. ;P
I'm looking forward to my second being AnthroCon come 2011. ^-^
Just a warning, if I have the dates right: Pittsburgh in June is likely to be much hotter and more humid than Denver in October. Just be aware that fursuiting all of the time at Anthrocon is much more difficult for those reasons.
Actually RMFC occurs in August so it is still quite warm, however it is definitely not as humid.
RMFC was my first convention too. 2008 was the first year I attended. Been to 3 out of th 4 they have had so far.
Are you going this year? We are loking for others from Colorado or Wyoming that are going to Anthrocon.
yep. My mate, son and I will all be going to AC again this year.
Let me know if you guys are looking for roomies. We will be at RMFC this year. My oldest son took second in the talent competetion at RMFC last year. It was so much fun and we are really looking forward to Anthrocon but would like to find room mates.
But I did dawn a collar and leash. XD
#1: I think you mean 'don'.
#2 As a quiet note, while the wearing of collars is permitted at Anthrocon, leashes are considered a safety hazard; our standards of Conduct prohibit them from being worn.
--Chi
To be honest, I hadn't expected a reply, much less three! *lol* Quite a lively community I presume. ^-^
Actually RMFC occurs in August so it is still quite warm, however it is definitely not as humid.
RMFC was my first convention too. 2008 was the first year I attended. Been to 3 out of th 4 they have had so far.
__
Well, it's a good thing I love the heat and humidity. XD
#1: I think you mean 'don'.
#2 As a quiet note, while the wearing of collars is permitted at Anthrocon, leashes are considered a safety hazard; our standards of Conduct prohibit them from being worn.
--Chi
__
Yes, I had meant 'don'. Forgive my utter misspelling on the internet.
And regarding collars, I thought they were permissed via the Security Chief.
Quoted from the Standard of Conduct, "... Certain accoutrements such as leashes may be included as part of a costume at the discretion of the Security Chief."
Please correct me if I am wrong, as I'd rather know what's right than to think I'm right.
And regarding collars, I thought they were permissed via the Security Chief. Quoted from the Standard of Conduct, "... Certain accoutrements such as leashes may be included as part of a costume at the discretion of the Security Chief." Please correct me if I am wrong, as I'd rather know what's right than to think I'm right.
For the most part leashes are frowned upon for safety reasons. Parts of the convention space can get very crowded and having someone being led around on a leash can pose a hazard for not only the person who has the leash strapped to their neck but also other fursuiters who will have limited visibility. Not to mention you will always get the smarta** who will think it will be fun to just come up and pull on the leash. If you do want to wear a leash you will have to stop by con ops and have it approved by security. Just don't expect to have it approved.
Collars (without leashes attached) are a different story. Collars are allowed without security approval, it is just the leashes that have to be approved. As stated just a couple of paragraphs above the one you quoted:
Collars are acceptable and are worn by numerous attendees as a fashion statement, but leashes attached thereunto are not.
Greetings, Oh King of the Lions!
But I did dawn a collar and leash. XD
I think you mean 'don'.
Yes, I had meant 'don'. Forgive my utter misspelling on the internet.
Please don't be too harsh on our Head of Registration; he was probably confused by your meaning - as was I. According to my dictionary, you spelled "dawn" perfectly! It's just that I can't make any sense of your statement, is all. I can't find a meaning for the word "dawn" which seems to fit.
Chiaroscuro might have also misunderstood your meaning, and in an attempt to clarify your statement, he suggested that you might have meant to use another word, "don". You see, the statement makes more sense that way - but he might have been wrong and maybe you meant to use "dawn" - in which case, you might have explained this new meaning to us.
But thank you for clearing up our misunderstanding, by clarifying what you meant. That was most kind of you to do so.
I would not count on permission to wear a leash as it's a common request and there's lots of reasons the convention would rather not allow it. Even though it says exceptions may be made, though I don't understand the intent, my gut instinct tells me that that's for extreme circumstances, i.e. a costume of a very specific character that would look incomplete without it and an understanding that the leash is held at all times by the individual wearing it (and only them) so as not to create any sort of hazard.
All in all the average attendee is not going to see themselves receive an exception to the rule, just wanting to wear one isn't reason enough for them to bend for you. Lots of people ask this question, if a few randomly-selected folks got approval while the rest did not, that would be even more of a problem than just banning 'em outright.
I'm not official.
I will quote from the officials. With links.
http://www.anthrocon.org/rules-conduct#rating
"Attendees, when in public areas, may not wear clothing which is overly revealing or inappropriate to the atmosphere of the convention, such as fetish-related garb and accoutrements. Collars are acceptable and are worn by numerous attendees as a fashion statement, but leashes attached thereunto are not."
http://www.anthrocon.org/node/4577/are-leashes-allowed
Giza:"I'll talk to Kage and see if we can get some clarification on this."
Uncle Kage:"No leashes."
http://www.anthrocon.org/node/3160/want-go-ac-whats-cost
Uncle Kage:"Actually, there's sufficient concern among those in charge about safety issues that we must ask that leashes not be worn even as part of a fursuit."
Uncle Kage:"I answer to a board of directors, and they have asked that leashes not be worn at all, even as part of a fursuit, for safety reasons."
As the Chairman of AnthroCon (and the Board of Directors thereof), Kage's as official a source as there is.
He's said "no leashes" a few times. Therefore, no leashes.
==============
Edit: Chiaroscuro's also on the Board and already chimed in on this thread on that, so the positions of
the Board are "no leashes" and "no leashes."
Please don't be too harsh on our Head of Registration; he was probably confused by your meaning - as was I. According to my dictionary, you spelled "dawn" perfectly! It's just that I can't make any sense of your statement, is all. I can't find a meaning for the word "dawn" which seems to fit.
I'm sorry. I hadn't meant to sound like a total thorn. ^-^;
I do appreciate the concern for correction. It's just that whenever I aim to understand via correction, I always get slapped. So I figured, "If I can understand with the context provided, may as well not correct them". Again, just my nature. Sorry.
Edit: Chiaroscuro's also on the Board and already chimed in on this thread on that, so the positions of
the Board are "no leashes" and "no leashes."
I'll take that as a "No leashes." Thank you much for attaining confirmation from Uncle Kage. ^-^
I'm also a pedantic English major who doesn't let his own frequent goofs stop him from correcting those of others. And yes, there was enough context- but you also seem sharp enough you'd intended to use the correct word, and might appreciate knowing the proper spelling. There are posts that one looks at and merely despairs and walks away from the atrocities of punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
To put it another way, the wrong spelling there was like a cracked tail-light on a Ferrari. I figure the Ferrari owner wants to know, while the guy in the rusted 1972 Pinto with different-colored doors has other things to worry about.
I was aware of the proper spelling, but I really do appreciate your well-intended concern.
I probably shouldn't be typing on forums at the crack of dawn anyway. *lol*
Without further digression, I thank you all for welcoming me to AnthroCon! ^-^
Are you sure you didn't mean "The crack of don"? I've heard some dons crack quite nicely. 
Yes, I am sure.
Sorry about the time of reply; I was away for a week.
... ... Lots of people ask this question, if a few randomly-selected folks got approval while the rest did not, that would be even more of a problem than just banning 'em outright.
I had intended to hold my own leash at all times, but I understand that they're best off not inquired about at all.
Thank you for the input.
this was my 1st time attending a furry con, i had a good time, the people were nice and i gotgood pictures and video footage, the only thing i couldnt get myself to do was approch a fursuiter and ask for a picture.( i was shy and nervous). but all in all ihad a good time minus my feet killing me. if i come next year ill make sure to bring a cattle prode for uncle kagy to be used on anyone to unsafe thing