Otakon Tip #1

It is that time of year where Otakon is right around the corner! It’s happening from July 30th through August 1st! Of course, the pre-registration, for those of you who paid ahead, occurs on July 29th. And that is what today’s Okaton tip is about today.

Ok, as we all know, this is when I start giving out tips on Otakon. It’s for those of you who are new the convention, and for those of you who really should know better. I realize it’s a bit repetitive from year to year, but hey, better forewarned than looking like a shmuck.

OTAKON TIP #1: The Pre-Registration Line

Listen…its summer. It’s hot. Otakon is in Baltimore, a city. Cities have a tendency to amplify the heat. Yet every year, we all flock down on the Thursday before the con to get our passes. So let’s review some Pre-Reg line tips.

You don’t actually have to be the first in line. Really. You don’t. Unless, of course you are one of those people who feel the need to get whatever you need ASAP or just to be able to say that you got there first. Kind of like waiting in line for the newest iPhone. So unless you are one of those people, you literally have until around nine at night to pickup your pass.

If you’re like me, you sort of consider the pre-reg line as a part of the convention. I usually bring my camera, take my pictures and video and then make a YouTube vid later that evening. Still, even I don’t show up until somewhere around five or six. I wait no more than hour or so and I get my wondrous pass. The guys running Otakon know what they are doing…there’s no need to camp out on the sidewalk, in the heat, pollution, dying a slow death of dehydration, because…

Odds are some of you didn’t bring water.

This is something I don’t get. You know it’s hot. The line is long. And if you decide to cosplay…you just upped your misery. I always carry extra water, not just for myself, but because I almost always find that poor person who is so red-faced, shuffling their feet, arms limp, tongue hanging out until they trip over their costume and fall and not get back up. This year, I swear, I am going to tape you first, then help you…like a PSA for YouTube.

Also, don’t show up drunk or drink while in line. Aside from the afore mentioned health risks of dehydration…you will most likely look very, very foolish…and wind upon YouTube to be laughed at by some fanboy in Japan. Seriously, being sober is a good idea, because some of these girls in fukus that you are hitting on may actually be boys. Again…you run the risk of being immortalized on YouTube.

Next week are tips for you cosplayers!


SIDE NOTES:

kanon is appearing at Otakon! I may have to check this out at the rave. Just watch for a big guy spinning out of control! http://www.otakon.com/guests.asp#kanon

I have some vids I made that I think are funny. Or it could just be me. Debating to send some in for the Fan Parodies.

Ok, as always, give me vlog some love. This week I talk a little bit about Pre-Reg, the best sha cha beef in the area…and my favorite megaphone guy; the Creature Feature Preacher!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tBEzDjd588


TONIGHT’S PLAY LIST:

Go here and then go to the music section to hear the music!

http://bigstevegearhart.multiply.com/


“Dimension of Love” – Dimension
“Noise, Noise, Noise” – The Damned
“Labour of Love” – Frente
“Wishful Thinking” – The Ditty Bops
“Rapture” – Blondie


I need to update my playlist…like to hear something I haven’t heard before. I’m pretty open to anything. If you would like to tell me about an artist or band or if you would like to send me a music file (please!), then email me at stevegearhart70@hotmail.com

Thanks!!!!