Con etiquette?

[QueenCheetah]

Well, I'm not strictly a furry (I don't have a fursona or anything) but I do very much appreciate furry art and culture.  I also LOVE seeing fursuiters, even though I'm kinda intimidated by them O.o (size-wise).
So, does anyone have any advice for a first-timer?  I have Asperger's and it's very hard for me to deal with large crowds, so I'm hoping that knowing more of the etiquette and norms will help me enjoy everything- if I decide to go this year.    

1).  The Con I would attend is FurFest (Chicago)- is this a good first-timer Con?  How many people typically are there?  Does it take up the whole center (like ACEN) or is it smaller?

2).  What is polite and not polite when it comes to greeting furries?  I mean, like, I know many suiters don't mind giving hugs and stuff, but can I talk to them?  Or is it rude to try and make them talk?  What if I recognize them from their site/fanfiction/other work- can I say I'm a fan?

3).  Is it polite to compliment someone's suit?  Can I ask the who/what they are?  Or is that too personal?  Can I ask them if I can take their photo?  Or an autograph (if I know who they are)? 

4).  When someone is just in a mask with partial costume (eg. plastic mask and a tail) is ok to talk to them?  Will they answer?  Or are they considered "suiting" as well?

5).  I've hear a lot of fursuiters have "spotters-" are they ok to talk to?  Can I ask them questions, or do they take questions for the suiter?

6).  What kind of forums and panels are there?  Given the time of year the FurFest website is a little mum on everything, so I'm wondering what I can look forward too if I go (I like panels about making costumes, taking cosplay photos, animals, and drawing/crafts).


I also might (MIGHT) try my hand at a partial suit (I know how to do the head, and tail- not sure about the feet).  So, some of my questions for "in-suit" etiquette are:


1).  Is is normal to talk in-suit?  Or would it be weird?  How do I communicate with other people when I need to ask questions?  Like, if I have to ask a vendor a price do I write it on a notepad, or...?


2).  I'm slightly agoraphobic- if I wear just a partial will people try to hug me?  I don't mind telling them off by wagging a finger, or putting my hands out, but I'm still a little nervous.  (I'm VERY obviously a girl, if you know what I mean >.< and I'm just not comfortable with guys out-of-suit touching me).

3).  I'm also VERY short- under 5'.  Will I need a spotter if I suit?  Or does it stricly depend on eyesight?  (I plan on having a very visible head).  I don't have any friends who I feel comfortable asking to the con (One in particular

[Red-Black]

Before we get started, I'd like to suggest that you read this page on Con Tips and Etiquette.  I highly recommend it as it's a great guide for all cons, not just furry ones.

1).  Generally a con takes up the whole center. It's not a small con. I have never been there so I can't say more, though!

2).  Most people don't mind you coming up and saying hi as long as they aren't busy with something/someone else at the time. Seriously, say hi. If they don't return it, say hi to someone else. Some people are just more friendly than others. Don't bug people for autographs/commissions if they aren't in the Dealer's Den at their own booth, though!

3) Yes to all of the above.

4).  They are also suiting, but may be more open to talking as they are in a less bulky outfit. See #2 for more.

5).  Don't distract the spotter. If the suiter is busy or can't talk and the spotter isn't, however, it's OK to ask quick questions.

6).  Check out the con website for a list of panels. If there's not one up yet, check for one again closer to the date.

"in-suit" etiquette are:


1). Do what feels right when in-suit. The trick is to be entertaining to others! This means no shopping until the suit is off and stay in character.

2). Typically people don't hug you unless you make the first move because they know not everyone wants hugs and that the suiter has limited sight in that outfit and may be startled or knocked over. A "No hugs, please" button always helps.

3). You always need a spotter when you suit. Not having one increases the risk of knocking someone over or getting hurt a lot. Spotters are your friends, too, which can make things more fun! My personal rule of thumb: can you drive in it? If no, get a spotter pronto!

[QueenCheetah]

Cool "How-To!" page!  I'm not entirely new to Cons, though- just furry cons ^^  I also live very close to the convention center, so overnighting isn't really worth the $$$ to me.  (It's a good list to use as a reminder; I'll look at it again before I go.  Strangely enough, the only thing I HAVEN'T brought to a con that he wrote about is the sewing kit O.o).

ACEN used to be a pretty small con, but now it takes up two of the surrounding hotels as well as the Rosemont Center; I'm just wondering if FurFest is only in the main hall, the whole center, or in the entire hotel and surrounding hotels. 

Ah, and I didn't know that about spotters O.o; that's a pretty important thing to know.  Maybe I'll just stick with a Halloween-style mask for this con   sounds safer and simpler.  They have a pretty big job to do there- I wonder if they have rent-a-spotters, lol.  XD  Maybe I'll be one of those instead.

Thank you for the info., Red- I take it you've been to a con or two?

[Red-Black]

Be careful with Halloween masks- some can block your vision. Personally I prefer prosthetics or face paint as they usually can pass the "I can drive in it" test better than most masks can. I wish there were rent-a-spotters. Most people prefer to have friends spot them as they know their friend is trustworthy and won't wander off.

Yeah, I'm a con rat.   I've been going to cons for about 5 years now, not all of them furry. The Furcons I've been to are MFM and Furfright.

My favorite non-furry con is Marscon. I live in the next town over which makes getting there easy. I also love the relaxed, "family" feel and hanging around with other nerds from my area. It also has the best food of any con I have ever seen!
Friday: Barbecue chicken and ribs or pasta if you don't eat meat.
Saturday: 5 kinds of chili and loaded potatoes
Sunday: Leftover night! Chili, ribs, pasta, loaded potatoes, cold barbecue sandwiches... yum!

I also like to game and party at cons. Lord Jack's Cross Time Cafe is a Marscon favorite. It's a "bring and share" bar and everyone tries to outdo the host, which is impossible because Lord Jack and Prince Ramirez are awesome at finding the best drinks and music. Picture 30 nerds drinking 30 year old sake, complete with the toast from Seven Samurai. "KAMPAI!"