Be ye a local geek (comme Moi) and didn't get in (ni comme Moi), there's still a faint ray of hope. Local "news" station FOX5 is giving away a pair of badges in this week leading up to the Con; naturally, one must actually watch the local broadcast every morn to learn a code-word. Of course, considering what one goes through for badges, the hoops could be worse than having to endure an hour a day of local news ... maybe. If you are going, local or not, contest winner or no, I proffer a few helpful tips and links to help your Comic-Con be as easy-peasy lemon-squeezy as can be.
- Toucan Blog: daily tips leading up to the Con from the very wizards themselves behind the Comic-Con Int'l (CCI) curtain
- Programming Schedule: SDCC's complete, online, Wed.-Sun. catalogue of panels, screenings, autograph signings et al
- Transportation Info.: quick links to parking, hotel shuttles and local transportation like the MTS Trolleys, Coaster and Amtrak
- Uberand Lyft: sure-fire, friendly ride-sharing to, from and around the Con; but know these private companies' rates fluctuate depending on the time of day/night and need. Business 101, kids. Supply and demand hard at work here.
- Taxi Magic: the beauty of free enterprise and capitalism? It forces real competition! The taxi industry is trying a friendlier, gentler, cleaner approach to service. Download the Taxi Magic app and give S.D. Yellow Cabs another chance.
- North County Coaster: a great option if you're coming anywhere from Oceanside south; the Coaster is a quiet, clean ride with great views of the Pacific for most of the way (Snag a seat on the west-facing side for the best views!).
- Call a friend or beg Dad: if you have anyone in the area whom claims to love you, even tolerate you, even a little bit, capitalize on that. Beg them for a ride! Drop-off and pick-up anywhere in the Gaslamp District makes your life easy-peasy!
As one expects, SDCC is a complete jumblef#&* at every turn. Whether you end up inside the Con rubbing elbows and armour with the likes of Salma Hayek, Daniel Radcliffe, George R.R. Martin, Weird Al and Seth Green or, enjoying the wild festivities that occur just outside the Con doors, it can, at times, feel like a claustrophobic nightmare. Remember to be kind. (As a dyed-in-the-wool geek, I can attest that a lot of us don't groove well in large volumes of people; we're oft a pale, quiet, nervous type.)
Comic-Con is a haven for nerdery, creativity and pop-culture camaraderie. It's also a Tokyo metro-style, sardine-packed, hot-and-humid mess. Try to say "Pardon me" when you bump into Poison Ivy, "Thank you" when Adam West Batman holds open a door for you and a chivalric "After you, Milady!" when you and Princess Leia arrive at the same egress, at the same time. When it comes to cosplay, leave the snark and sneers at home; compliments go a long way in making someone's day. Some of those costumes take forever to make, are probably raw-ther uncomfortable and it's a good bet that no matter how smoking they look, the wearer feels just a tad self-conscious.
Apropos: the boobs. Yes, the boobs. As I wrote in my coverage of WonderCon Anaheim 2014, Of course, de rigueur, there are lots and lots of boobs. There are always lots and lots of boobs. Funny thing is, after a few years of this, I’m beginning to recognize some of them. There is also a lot of chatter about the appropriate amount of attention one should give those boobs. For this girl's take, if you're going to put them out there, waaaay out there as some of the ladies do, I think you'd better expect some feedback. Still, that does not excuse some of the vile, verbal assaults hurled their way. Keep it clean, folks. Common courtesy guides one should ask before taking a picture, glance but don't gawk and never, ever touch! (Please, see official guidelines below.) Just be nice. Like Thumper's mama says, "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." A good time shall be had by all, especially when we're all cheery comic chums! Come on, everyone! Let's all play the Pollyanna Glad Game! -
- Word to the wise, if you don't care about common courtesy, how about a nice bullwhipping by Mistress of the Dorks, Adrianne Curry to help you mind your manners?
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*CCI's Code of Conduct and Anti Harassment Policy
Attendees must respect common sense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Comic-Con reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the membership and badge of any attendee not in compliance with this policy.
Persons finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately locate a member of security, or a Comic-Con staff member, so that the matter can be handled in an expeditious manner. If your safety is at risk and you need immediate assistance you may also use a white house phone and dial 5911.
Security may be contacted by visiting our Show Office in Lobby C. A Comic-Con staff member will be in the office during public hours.
