Monday, 12 July 2004 03:09 pm
Something to feel warm and fuzzy about
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deckardcanineBack from Anthrocon. I didn't see an LJ friend who said he'd be there, but the convention itself was not disappointing. The attendance has increased to 2,000 and it will have to straddle neighbor hotels next year.
I had been afraid that there would be extended periods with nothing for me to do, but that was only true when I came early. Instead of spending much time at the open video gaming, I attended various nice discussion panels, watched the Funday Pawpet Show, participated in the longest and silliest mad lib I've ever heard, browsed vendor booths, bid in a voice auction and won four artworks in a silent auction. (Kinda disappointing that I got three for the minimum bid, and interesting that I paid the most for the item with the lowest minimum.) Normally I'm as conservative a spender as they come, but I used almost all the cash my folks gave me and paid as much in credit.
The getups, of course, were interesting. The fursuits did not comprise a high-enough percentage to make me feel out of place. I hear they typically cost $2-7K, and an unspecified suit cost $20K. I can narrow it down to two possibilities: a tall lupine cyborg with an unintelligible "voice," and a mech-suited dolphin with neon light patterns and music. I did not expect to see so many people dressed normally except for a tail. I liked seeing a guy with spiked hair, chains, and a black dragon tail. Also a crawling baby with a raccoon tail and ears, tho I hope he doesn't need therapy later.
I saw many celebs of sorts within the anthro community (I expect few if any readers to know them), but the only ones I really met were Bill Holbrook and his publishing company owner, both of whom I've known from a forum. I spent more time with him than I expected, having claimed a seat across from him at the dinner social. When I showed Bill the dedicatory cartoons I'd drawn, he started by flipping but soon slowed to read each one. He laughed, but I couldn't determine his favorite. Not surprisingly, he recommended I go somewhere with the characters of my own creation. Unfortunately, I doubt I can take them anywhere else, but my mind is now invigorated and furiously looking for new ideas. This is furthered by the three "Safe Havens" collections I bought and read on the way home.
I stayed with my cousin during this time, and her nearby parents and grandmother visited me on Saturday evening. All pleasant, even if my cousin was seldom around when I was. They liked my cartoons too, but I can tell that this subculture is foreign to much of my extended family. My cousin didn't even know that "Calvin and Hobbes" was retired. Also, my dad tells me that my granddad didn't grasp the anthro concept over the phone.
My folks wanted to know about my other big first, the train ride. For some reason, the most promising ride listed online turned out to be nonexistent, so I took a trained scheduled for earlier but delayed to about the same time. I paid little attention to the experience of riding. As can happen with the subway, I had to put up with random slows and stops, but I was engrossed enough in reading and puzzling not to care. Altho I got tired of sitting on the way back, I never stood up. Just like me to avoid a particular perk for no sensible reason.
I had been afraid that there would be extended periods with nothing for me to do, but that was only true when I came early. Instead of spending much time at the open video gaming, I attended various nice discussion panels, watched the Funday Pawpet Show, participated in the longest and silliest mad lib I've ever heard, browsed vendor booths, bid in a voice auction and won four artworks in a silent auction. (Kinda disappointing that I got three for the minimum bid, and interesting that I paid the most for the item with the lowest minimum.) Normally I'm as conservative a spender as they come, but I used almost all the cash my folks gave me and paid as much in credit.
The getups, of course, were interesting. The fursuits did not comprise a high-enough percentage to make me feel out of place. I hear they typically cost $2-7K, and an unspecified suit cost $20K. I can narrow it down to two possibilities: a tall lupine cyborg with an unintelligible "voice," and a mech-suited dolphin with neon light patterns and music. I did not expect to see so many people dressed normally except for a tail. I liked seeing a guy with spiked hair, chains, and a black dragon tail. Also a crawling baby with a raccoon tail and ears, tho I hope he doesn't need therapy later.
I saw many celebs of sorts within the anthro community (I expect few if any readers to know them), but the only ones I really met were Bill Holbrook and his publishing company owner, both of whom I've known from a forum. I spent more time with him than I expected, having claimed a seat across from him at the dinner social. When I showed Bill the dedicatory cartoons I'd drawn, he started by flipping but soon slowed to read each one. He laughed, but I couldn't determine his favorite. Not surprisingly, he recommended I go somewhere with the characters of my own creation. Unfortunately, I doubt I can take them anywhere else, but my mind is now invigorated and furiously looking for new ideas. This is furthered by the three "Safe Havens" collections I bought and read on the way home.
I stayed with my cousin during this time, and her nearby parents and grandmother visited me on Saturday evening. All pleasant, even if my cousin was seldom around when I was. They liked my cartoons too, but I can tell that this subculture is foreign to much of my extended family. My cousin didn't even know that "Calvin and Hobbes" was retired. Also, my dad tells me that my granddad didn't grasp the anthro concept over the phone.
My folks wanted to know about my other big first, the train ride. For some reason, the most promising ride listed online turned out to be nonexistent, so I took a trained scheduled for earlier but delayed to about the same time. I paid little attention to the experience of riding. As can happen with the subway, I had to put up with random slows and stops, but I was engrossed enough in reading and puzzling not to care. Altho I got tired of sitting on the way back, I never stood up. Just like me to avoid a particular perk for no sensible reason.
