How Not to be an Asshole in the Exhibit Hall

With Comic-Con-- and, by extension, the primary chunk of “con season” --over, it seems like it's high time for me to post part two of my little series on How Not to be an Asshole at Anime Conventions.

Now, it's worth noting here that most of what I say probably wouldn't apply on the same level to Comic-Con-- the show is just plain too big to expect anyone to be able to really get a handle on it. Still, if you obey these tips at Comic-Con (or anywhere else), you'll at least be less likely to have someone think “freakin' asshole” while glaring at you.

There is really one big rule for walking at a convention-- and one really big exception. That rule is: 
 

Walk Like you Drive.

1. Most people in America, and other countries where you drive on the right side of the road, will walk along the rightmost edge of any 'lane' they find themselves in. This is great, because the more that people all do this, the more smoothly traffic can flow through the convention hall.
2. If you're driving with a trailer hitched to the back of your vehicle, you will always be aware that the thing you're trailing needs space, too. If you are wearing a ginormous backpack stuffed to the gills with laptops, DVDs, books, porn, food, and other necessities, be aware of where it is at all times. You would not believe the number of near-concussions I've had due to people being oblivious with their bags. (Yes, I'm short. Move on!)
3. When you drive, you do not generally stop suddenly in the middle of the road except in an emergency. Now, in an exhibit hall this is a bit different since you're probably looking at booths where you will want to stop and buy things, but you can still make your movement really clear by turning deliberately towards the booth and walking closer to it, alerting the person behind you to the fact that you're stopping. Then if they bump into you, it's because they're not paying attention. Which brings me to...
4. If you are driving a car then you are probably PAYING ATTENTION! I know, it's tough at cons. There are shiny objects and pretty things every which way. And the consequences of collision are usually less dire than when you're in a car. Still, nothing pays off more than being aware of all the motion around you.
5. Not technically a car-related thing, but if you're in a group of four or five, I know it can be tempting to walk along like you're in the mod squad...but you're probably taking up most if not all of the aisle. Try to keep it to double- or triple-file as best you can.

The Big Exception: Cosplay Photos

You see the costume. You love it. You have no clue if you will ever see that person or costume again in your life. You run up, and ask to take a photo. I won't fault you for that! 
 
But here are a few tips that will help you, the cosplayer, and everyone else who wants to keep on moving. I actually have a longer piece, “How Not to be an Asshole Photographer,” coming later in which I'll go more in-depth into this and other stuff, but here are a few quick tips:

1. First and foremost, if at all possible, MOVE OUT OF THE AISLE! If it means pulling the cosplayer into a corner or further down the aisle, well, most cosplayers are equipped for that (or they'll decline your photo request-- you ARE asking first, right?)
2. I'm going to reiterate the above again: if you can move out of the way or out of the aisle entirely (especially if you're going to insist on taking more than one quick shot), that's the best way to do it. Simple and effective.
3. In the event that you really just ca'nt do this without making even more trouble than you'd be causing taking the photo there, be quick, be courteous, and be aware of everyone else moving around. Don't get mad when people bump into you or accidentally walk into your shot-- YOU are stopping and taking up space in a walkway. If you've got to do it, at least be aware that it may cause others problems as much as it causes them for you.

Sorry for the lack of silly videos this time around. It's a lot easier to mimic an attendee at a panel than it is to simulate an actual exhibit hall, and I just didn't have time at the cons!