Comic-con – Do I or Don’t I?

It’s that SDCC time of year again, though earlier in July than usual which kind of threw me off. I’m at Comic-con International, reporting from a very hot and crowded San Diego. The convention is crazy crowded. Even with all the new hotel additions and expansions going on, there are way too many people.

Preview night used to be that calm before the storm, that time for exhibitors to set up and press to sit in hotels preparing and going through interview requests. Not anymore. No longer is the exhibit floor open only to vendors and press the night before – it’s open to the public and there’s stuff going on all over town. It feels like opening day the morning before! I arrived at 9:00 a.m. and the city had already gone Comic-con crazy. Streets are jam packed, excitement is in the air, and oh my gosh the lines!

While I stood in the boiling hot sun waiting in the press line (hint hint SDCC, how about some tents or awnings to protect people if they are going to be in line for hours?), I couldn’t help but notice all the things that typically drive me nuts about huge crowds of people. It also got me thinking about what I do right at this monster that is the Con. I’m kind of an expert having been here more times than I can count, not to mention other conventions. I kind of have it down to a science, so I figured I’d share my hints and peeves with more than just a bit of snark.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Comic-con

Do plan ahead. This will help you keep things straight and might even help me from bumping into you as you stand gaping in the middle of a walkway.

Don’t stand gaping in the middle of a walkway! People bump into you, trip over you and get all grumpy.

Do wear deodorant. Really. When there are 130,000 people all in the same place, everyone appreciates it tremendously if you wear it.

Don’t skip bathing no matter the hurry. Really. Please, please, please don’t skip the shower or bath.

Do wear comfortable shoes. You’ll thank me, honest. Also, do bring a spare pair. Even the most comfortable shoes give you a pain if you’ve been trudging in them for hours on end. Switching pairs helps.

Don’t wear high heels that make you helplessly mince, trip in cracks and otherwise hold up traffic or put yourself in danger. I don’t give a rat’s behind how cute you think you look.

Do be patient. No one likes an impatient asshole in a line that is a quarter mile long.

Don’t be an asshole. Really. There are people with swords here. They WILL stick you. Ok, maybe not, but there are at least 100 Darth Vaders. Don’t piss them off.

Do bring healthy snacks and as much water as you can comfortably carry. The convention center lines for sustenance or horribly long. I recommend things like nuts, dried fruit, granola bars to keep you from passing out.

Don’t count on Doritos and Mountain Dew to sustain you. I know, I know, it’s geekalicious but really, really bad for you and you might pass out.

Do not smoke in a posted non-smoking area. Ick.

Do read the effing Non-Smoking signs! READ DAMNIT READ

Do bring breath mints, a toothbrush, and wet wipes. You’ll be talking to tons of people and maybe even shaking hands. I know I appreciate it when you don’t shake my hand with Ruffles dust on your fingers and breathe your lunch in my face.

Don’t talk to vendors, talent or anyone with your mouth full. It’s disgusting and you should have learned that when you were two.

Do be careful crossing train/trolley tracks, streets, and parking lots. Be safe out there everyone.

Don’t cross train/trolley tracks when the train or trolley is coming! Don’t run red lights. Don’t stand in driveways. Please don’t.

Do eat a good breakfast before you get to the convention center. You’ll feel better.

Don’t skip breakfast, then complain about how hungry you are while in line. No one wants to hear it. You should have planned better.

Do remember to have your paperwork, I.D.s, etc ready to go.

Don’t try and beg someone for their pass. It’s tacky and not allowed.

Do be accepting and tolerant of everyone. You’ll see things, lots of things that might seem weird to you but this is Comic-con. Deal with it.

Don’t be rude, make snarky and LOUD .

Do be aware that if you are breastfeeding your newborn at Comic-con, you just might get hit on.

Don’t be surprised if you get hit on at Comic-con.

Do respect closed panels. Everyone else got here on time and they don’t appreciate being interrupted by your tantrum because you can’t get into a closed panel.

Don’t throw tantrums because you can’t get into a place.

Do take your turn.

Don’t cut in lines. It’s rude.

Do remember to be careful turning if you have a post tube slung on your back. No one wants to be smacked in the face with a poster tube.

Don’t be careless and oblivious to those around you.

Do mind your own business.

Don’t look over my shoulder (or anyone else’s) when they are working on their laptop/ipad or whatever.

Do have your impromptu meetings in alcoves, corners or seating areas.

Don’t have gatherings in the middle of a frigging aisle or hallway. Really. Don’t.

Do respect the disabled and move out of their way when they are trying to wheel through an aisle.

Don’t get in the way of a cane or wheelchair. Also, don’t drag your bags or straps on the floor where a wheelchair can get tangled up in them.

Do try and practice walking if you’re not used to exercise. San Diego Convention Center is 1/4 mile from end to end and you will be walking back and forth and up and down for hours. On a typical convention day, you can walk several miles.

Don’t hesitate to rest if you need to. The days are long, crowded and you don’t always get the best food. Resting helps.

Do remember to charge up all your electronics and load up on memory cards, batteries etc. before you get to the Convention Center.

Don’t expect to do it all. There’s just no way.

Do be respectful of women. Yes, that means the ones in very revealing costumes.

Don’t ogle the people in very revealing costumes or make openly sexual and inappropriate comments. Put your tongue back in your mouth.

Do keep your children close under supervision.

Don’t let your kids run amuck.

Do bring aspirin, bandages and antibiotic ointment. Trust me someone is going to have a headache or get a blister.

Don’t forget your meds if you need ’em.

Do pack a light sweater. Even if it is hot outside, some of the panel rooms can be freezing.

Don’t forget to tip pedicab drivers, waiters, etc while you are out and about in town.

Do behave at industry parties.

Don’t get arrested in the Gaslamp.

Do remember that not everyone believes that there are unicorns and vampires in the world.

Do not ask strangers if you can bite them. You are NOT a vampire. Honestly. You’re not.

Do remember to ask permission to snap pictures of people in costume.

Don’t be a costume snob and say snarky things like, “that shade of pink on her hair isn’t the EXACT right shade of pink for that character.” Seriously. Don’t. They worked hard on that costume, so leave them alone.

Do remember to have cash on hand. ATMs aren’t always easy to get to and some people do cash only business.

Don’t blow your budget no matter how cool that limited edition whatsit is.

Do get a good night’s sleep. Trust me, you will need it.

Don’t wander the halls like a zombie. Unless you’re a zombie.

Most of all, do have fun. Be safe and have a great Comic-con.