Post Cosplay Drama SUCKS!

Note : Everything here, as in all other pages, is my own personal opinon.  If you don't want to read a somewhat bitter, annoyed point of view, you'd better close this window.

I acknowledge that I may be completely wrong here, and I apoligize to anyone I may offend with this.  I am not targeting anyone in particular with this rant, but I do question the appearance of unfair judging.  Unfortunately, there's no way for me to rant about this without raising some tempers - so please understand that I'm particularly biased here.  If I'm unfair, please email me and let me know.  I am hoping that I'm simply off the mark here.

Cosplay was an enjoyable experience, however the news and reports we had after the cosplay put a MAJOR damper on things, and really in some ways made Saturday a very unplesant night. 

Time Limits - You know, I entered cosplay because fun was to be had by everyone, right?  We went out on stage, and made people laugh.  However, I'm going to seriously take issue with one staffer telling us that we were not voted on due to time restraints...  If we went over time, fine.  However, time rules should be handed out EVENLY - and there were several skits that ran well over time and were still judged..  If you don't think our skit was good, just tell us so and don't give us a lame excuse.  Its demeaning.  I'd rather have lost to a good set of competition than to be told that we were not judged at all due to a technicality.  As for going over time...  Look, to the lady in the elevator - we did not run over 10 minutes.  5 minutes?  Sure, I'll admit that - but don't say 5 minutes, then say 10 minutes in your next sentence.  We're smart enough to notice..

Choices in exercising morality  - There were noises about our skit being raunchy, or somehow out of line.

I count one possible incident of going over the line, which I chalk up to slightly bad timing and people not realizing that our cosplayers were completely dressed.  Now, from my perspective on stage I don't know exactly what happened, so I will acknowledge the possibility that we went too far. 

The rest of the skit was simply jokes on the nature of fandom, fanservice, and what people want.  If you didn't notice, we were doing a bit of satirical humor - and having fun doing it.

While I agree that people go too far sometimes on stage, I also believe that healthy innuendo, is not a big deal.  People are caught up in what's taboo and what isn't - and never stop to really think about it.  Why are things taboo?  Stop and think about what you're trying to squelch before you do so. 

As for innuendo - Hey...  To quote a juggler I once heard who had just launched a relatively off-color joke, "Parents, if your kids understood that, its YOUR fault." 

Be clear in your agenda - Look, simply put, its not fair for a convention to judge on things that aren't made clear.  Judging on content?  If you're going to do so, then be damned sure you make it clear.  Make those pre-cosplay rehearsals manditory, and be fair when you apply your rules.  Put into place a way to warn people that their skits are beyond whatever "moral" guideline you're using, so they have the chance to change it, or choose NOT to participate.

The Rules should apply to anyone and everyone, not selectively.  Part of the problem with Nekocon is the unfortunate appearance that rules were exercised SELECTIVELY - according to some decision process that I will not mention.  I'm far enough away from the con to say clearly that I may be unfair in saying this.  However, I would strongly suggest that organizers and judges at conventions be very aware of the danger of the appearance of bias.  Take caution and do your best to make sure its clear how things are done, and that rules are applied fairly.

For the Future : Cosplay organizers - PLEASE watch out for appearances.  Make damned sure you've been fair, and that there's no room for misunderstanding, or you do the very cosplayers you're holding an event for a disservice.

Would I do cosplay again?  Sure - cus the audience enjoys it, and damnit, it was fun.  Would I care to repeat the night of dirty suspicions that judging was unfair, and the heartache of seeing other people miserable about what may have happened?  Hells no.  I'd rather quit going to a particular convention than to see that again.

Comments on my thoughts?   Want to rebut or correct me? Please send all email or flames regarding this issue to diefanboydie@flybynightdesign.com

Yes, the email does function. :)