by Bill Todd

Created on: February 05, 2011   Last Updated: February 06, 2011

I find it much easier to explain this topic by examples, but common sense can go a long way when you're at a convention. Here's what not to do at conventions:

Media/autograph conventions:

Yes, that is a big name Hollywood star sitting behind the table signing autographs. No, you cannot run up to them like a madman screaming at the top of your lungs with your arms flailing over your head. I would go so far as to advise you to not even twiddle your thumbs. Just wait in line like everyone else and treat the celebrity like a normal person when you reach the table. They'll thank you for it. And if you actually do get a chance to talk to the celebrity, again, treat them like they were your neighbor. They will talk with you if the chance presents itself, providing you act like normal person.

Fan-run conventions:

If you have an animal, please take into careful consideration the hotel, convention center, and the convention's policy on pets. This goes for animals other than cats or dogs, as well. Many people are allergic to pets, and some attendees at a particular convention are bound to be allergic, so where one attendee thinks having a roaming dog or cat might be nice, another may wind up leaving the convention because of it.

They did what? Yes, I guarantee that no matter what convention you're attending, you're going to run into someone who doesn't see the world the same way you do. This does not mean you get to force your views on them, nor does it mean a loud debate in the hall. Conventions, unless specified by the committee running them, are generally neutral when it comes to family values. I've seen people wearing outfits they had no business wearing. I've seen moms breastfeeding their kids in game rooms. I know people referred to as 'polys'. Regardless of what I personally think about any of those issues, at a convention, I cannot stop or argue with anyone about anything they are doing. All you can do is say you don't want to get involved if someone asks you to do something you don't want to.

Kids are double-edged swords. Small children need to be watched. Tweens are easily wrangled if the right activities are available. Teens, however, are the real problems, as there is always one troublemaker in the crowd. Marco-Polo isn't fun, it's annoying, and it's gotten so bad at one local convention that posters on the forums are openly talking about physically hurting the first kid that so much as whispers it. In other cases it may be complete disrespect for other

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