Ok so Anime Detour's around the corner. So I thought I'd just go over some general con etiquette and safety tips for con-goers (as well as some of you first-timers at Anime Detour). Please pass this on to your friends so they can see this too.

1.) Photography - Always ask to take a picture if you see an awesome cosplayer. We don't mind you asking. But we might mind if it winds up on Facebook. We want to look good for the camera, so ask us first so we can make any adjustments.

2.) Conduct - I hear this all the time: Cosplay is NOT consent. Don't be a perv about it if you see a hot Erza cosplayer walking around the convention hallways. Women don't like creepers, guys. Be nice.

3.) Props - All props are peace-bonded at cons. You must present them at the appropriate desk to have them bonded. If you don't know where it is, ask one of the friendly staff members. They will tell you not to swing it around at a con. Listen to them. I don't want to hear about how someone got injured because Ichigo wanted to swing around his zanpakuto for the camera.

4.) Water - The source of life. Not to mention will save your butt at a con. Conventions tend to get really warm, especially during the summer. Even moreso if you have a bulky cosplay. Keep some handy and keep yourselves hydrated. Take breaks every now and then and go outside. Believe me when I say this: it will make a HUGE difference if you are feeling really warm at the con.

5.) Food - Conventions usually have a "consuite" loaded with things like ramen, rice, pop, and other goodies for you to munch on. It's good in a pinch or if you're on a budget. But eating like that all three days is not healthy. Try to go to a local restaurant for something to eat or bring something healthy from home if you're staying at a hotel room with a mini-fridge in it. If not, bring a cooler with you stuffed with some healthy goods. And if all else fails, Burger King DOES have salads and wraps.

6.) Suspicious activity - Just because you're cosplaying as Goku doesn't mean you have the power to stop suspicious activity. Don't be a hero. If you see something that looks suspicious, inform a convention staff member and let them handle it.

7.) Hygeine - I know this is a given, but I've seen (and sometimes smelled) it already. Keep yourselves clean. This is especially important because we are all gathered in small spaces and lots of crowded hallways. Take 1-2 showers a day to keep yourself clean and odor-free. Please follow this for other people, if not yourself. It makes us all look bad if we don't.

8.) Respect the hotel - The hotel that the convention is at is letting us have the convention there. Please refrain from reckless activity that might damage or destroy things at the hotel.

9.) Substance abuse - None of us want to hear it. But it does happen from time to time. If you see anything going around, talk to a convention staff member about it. Drugs are ILLEGAL. You will be banned from the con if you are caught. The police will also be contacted, meaning you will more than likely serve jail time on top of that.

10.) Your hotel room - It's AWESOME to have a room at the con. Not only are you able to join the fun right away after a good night's rest, but it's just fun being around your friends all day for a few days (and maybe some new faces too). But do keep in mind that it can be rather unsafe if you pile way too many people into a room. It's rather unpleasant to trip over someone sleeping on the floor on a nighttime stroll to use the bathroom. And I'm sure the guy sleeping there wouldn't like his face kicked in on accident because you tripped over it. Keep the room clean and have a designated space for your stuff and keep props, cosplay items, and other belongings off the floor. Leave the bathroom light on at night too to make it easier to navigate. My advice is to have people that are sleeping on the floor to avoid sleeping in the traffic areas at night.