I figured it out! I figured out the why!!!

[Kasinator]

For as long as we have existed in our fandom. People outside our circle have wondered why we do this? Why do we play dressup and go to a comic book convention? Like many people. I couldn't really explain it. I just liked it. Plain and simple. I couldn't tell people why I paid an arm and a leg for something that happens every con. But now I get it. This is like the prom for us! Or the big football game!

Think about it. People at football games pay big bucks for a huge TV or tickets to the game they can see on TV for free, and if that's not enough, they paint their faces and wear Viking helmets and cheese hats and even go streaking across the field.

And what about the prom people who pull out every possible expense for one night of their lives? They pay for the perfect dress, buy the limo, fight for the title of king and queen! What are we doing that is so different?

Why do you do it? Does my theory make sense LET ME KNOW!~

[meepstio]

This is like the prom for us!

bingo.

[Cheshare]

ive always sort of seen it that way : P when people ask me why i spend so much on cons and even book a hotel for the con thats in my city i just say:

"well, how much do you spend on your sports/dancing/acting/fashion/other hobby's things? Let alone how much time? Anime to me is like your love of (insert here) I dont really see why your into those sorts of things, but I can understand why you put so much effort into it."

[SanaK]

One thing I have heard people say over and over again about the hobby is the escapism. It's very relaxing to play as a character around other people who are like-minded and have similar interests. It's relaxing to be around people who understand you. It feels good to get away from the harsh reality of life and have one, big party of a weekend. It's just a very relaxing and fun experience.. Like anyone else's average vacation, but just a little different.

[stuffed_panda]

Originally Posted by SanaK

One thing I have heard people say over and over again about the hobby is the escapism. It's very relaxing to play as a character around other people who are like-minded and have similar interests. It's relaxing to be around people who understand you. It feels good to get away from the harsh reality of life and have one, big party of a weekend. It's just a very relaxing and fun experience.. Like anyone else's average vacation, but just a little different.

Exactly this. It's a way to escape reality for a weekend, and it's always a blast!

[ShinobiXikyu]

Agreed with the Escapism. Nothing's more fun than just forgetting about your daily life and having fun acting as a whole other character, in a costume you can't wear out around town without getting jeered at. AND getting praise for it too instead of weird stares.

[Mangochutney]

I am, at heart, an attention whore. That's why. I believe it's best to be honest about this.

[Fashwiing]

Originally Posted by Mangochutney

I am, at heart, an attention whore. That's why. I believe it's best to be honest about this.

Quoted for truthiness, but mostly because this is my reason too. But it's good attention so I don't feel like the bad kind of whore!

[ShinobiXikyu]

Originally Posted by Anti-Shoujo-XD

Quoted for truthiness, but mostly because this is my reason too. But it's good attention so I don't feel like the bad kind of whore!

Thirded. Long as it's positive attention/praise. I'm not the attention whore sort who'd make a huge fanservice scene solely to get a reaction:P.

[Fory-san]

It's fun to dress as characters you love to the point of associating your feelings with that character. Plus, it lets me show a bit of my creative side which is sort of kept private.

[MDA]

It is like the prom for us... except it happens for 2-3 days, and it's every year instead of one night of our lives.

I love dressing up period, so the discovery of cosplay just gave things a huge boost ^^ And like has been said, it's an escapism for me as well. It's a great chance to escape the reality of every day life, and dip into our otaku worlds to our otaku heart's content.

[Bekalou]

LOL! That's so true! It's truly something to be excited for, that gives us a thrill. And I hear so often that while cosplay looks weird from the perspective of outsiders, once you cosplay among other cosplayers, you'll understand why without questioning it.

Also, I make my own cosplays, and the process itself is a chance to be as explosively creative as I feel like I need to be. Sometimes we just need to blow off our creative steam. Yes, I'm broke on this stuff and sometimes I feel guilty for spending so much on cosplay and not having money to burn on other things, but I'm having the time of my life and I'm learning a TON and building skills I otherwise would never have the chance to develop. How many non-cosplayers get the opportunity to figure out how to make stuff like this!?

[jounink]

Originally Posted by Bekalou

I make my own cosplays, and the process itself is a chance to be as explosively creative as I feel like I need to be. Sometimes we just need to blow off our creative steam. [...] I'm having the time of my life and I'm learning a TON and building skills I otherwise would never have the chance to develop. How many non-cosplayers get the opportunity to figure out how to make stuff like this!?

You took the words right out out my mouth (err...even though im typing)

Kasinator

I,d have to say for me, only one event would have the super bowl-esque feel to me and thats Anime Expo, not cosplay as a whole.... i suppose the local cons are like the games leading up to the "super bowl" and small cosplay gatherings are like the pre-season games.

[NailoSyanodel]

Originally Posted by SanaK

One thing I have heard people say over and over again about the hobby is the escapism. It's very relaxing to play as a character around other people who are like-minded and have similar interests. It's relaxing to be around people who understand you. It feels good to get away from the harsh reality of life and have one, big party of a weekend. It's just a very relaxing and fun experience.. Like anyone else's average vacation, but just a little different.

Exactemundo (umm...SP?) Just for one week-end, to get to be and do something totally different than any other days in your life is relaxing and rewarding. To get to LIVE your hobby for 48/72 hours is just so much fun.

[distantarray]

For people who grew up loving halloween it's great, the best part is instead of candy, you get to see a lot of eye candy and see and meet a lot of people who have similar intrests and hobbies. Then there are people who like it cause it's an excuse to dress as slutty as possible as well, and see how many girls they can get lol, but I just go for an escape, and feel like a kid again. I miss being a kid, and no more toyz R us are in my city anymore so meh.