[identity profile] arexandria.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] dragoncon_lj_archive
Alright, I had origionally planned on attending Dragon Con with my leather working; however, now I am not sure what may transpire in the next few weeks.  I am 2 weeks from being out of Paramedic school and am stressed to the max so I havn't had much time to think or worry about anything else.

My problem is that I originally was planning on going with my fiance, but now I am newly singled and have no one to attend with.  I am not sure about going alone and I can't seem to vibe up any interest with anyone else around here...what should I do?  Should I suck it up and just go?  Just not sure because it makes me nervous to go so far away by myself but I really do want to bring my leatherworking out because I am so proud of it.  Would love some creative feed back on this or something of the sort :(

Date: 2009-07-13 10:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fluffydragon.livejournal.com
condolences on your break up : (

I'd suggest going by yourself unless you you think you really will be miserable. It sounds like no one you know is going either, so being alone in a group of 80,000 plus attendees could be intimidating, or it can be a great oppurtunity to make new friends - I actually have made many new great friends while cosplaying :D.

You don't say if you are male or female, but there's a great strip club not far from DCon too.

Date: 2009-07-13 10:13 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] phantomminuet.livejournal.com
I think you should go. There's so much to see and do, and you can meet all kinds of interesting people.

And if you have a particular fandom you follow, you could post here and ask if anyone would like to meet up for lunch or supper one day to discuss your favorites.

Date: 2009-07-13 10:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] boomergoodheart.livejournal.com
As fellow leatherworkers, we'd love for you to come find us with your stuff. My husband, the main leatherworker and president of our local leatherworking guild, is always happy to talk with another...er....let's say enthusiast. (I hesitate to use the word "crazy" but I do live with a leatherworker.) We're at the Southeastern Browncoats table in the Exhibitor's Hall all weekend.

Personally, it sounds to me like you could really use the D*C vacation. :-D

Re: Yeah

Date: 2009-07-15 07:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] boomergoodheart.livejournal.com
Well, as my husband is forever working until the very last minute on his leatherwork (and sometimes *after* the last minute), I'm well aware of time-crunches. Come by and show us what you have done, anyway! :-)

Date: 2009-07-13 10:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] susie-que.livejournal.com
I say you should still go. Be independent and have a great time. ^_^. Its so easy to make new friends at conventions.

Date: 2009-07-13 10:19 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] susie-que.livejournal.com
I also forgot to mention if you ever want to chat, feel free to message me. My sns are in my profile. I'm always up to meeting new folks.

Date: 2009-07-13 10:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wicked-swann.livejournal.com
Go anyway! Dragoncon is a great place to meet people. It's a really friendly atmosphere. Plus there's still time to meet people through this group, and probably through the different track sites, who share your fandom interests and would be happy to have a new person to hang out with.

Date: 2009-07-13 10:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] starlady42.livejournal.com
Go, go, go! You'll meet plenty of people, and it should be easy to strike up conversations about other peoples' leatherwork. If you're really worried, though, why not try to hook up with a group ahead of time -- a fan table (like the SEBC), volunteer staff, something like that -- so you'll have "built-in friends" when you arrive? :)

Date: 2009-07-13 10:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] svarney99.livejournal.com
Definitely go if the finances still work out.

I have gone alone every year (being chronically single as I am). On top of that, I'm also very shy. Regardless, I still have a great time and actually speak to a few people here and there.

Look at it this way. In a few months, after things have settled down, if you stay at home you'll kick yourself as you realize all the fun you missed out on.

Date: 2009-07-13 10:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] klgrl76.livejournal.com
Go, go, go! I went to the Star Wars Celebration IV by myself and had a blast!

Date: 2009-07-13 11:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kitt79.livejournal.com
Go anyway! You don't need him/her to have a good time. You'll make some new friends and have a ball. You could probably get in on a room share if that's not too scary for you, too, to save money.

After all... we're all friends at dragoncon... we just haven't all met yet.

Date: 2009-07-13 11:02 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wdnsdyschld.livejournal.com
Great comments, all! I think there are more people who start out going to D*C by themselves than one would think. As the others have said, making new friends at D*C is a given. Actually, the ones I've developed there have turned out to be among the dearest friends that I have. Kindred spirits, I suppose, mixed with the fact that for a lot of us, this is where we can let loose and really be ourselves.

Go go go!

Date: 2009-07-13 11:14 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] neovenom.livejournal.com
I can't say I've been in your exact situation, but after my engagement ended, I re-invented myself and adopted new hobbies to fill up that time that was previously taken up by the relationship. Well, one of those hobbies eventually led to Dragon*Con, and I attended my first one alone and HAD A BLAST! You'll still find lots to do by yourself, including making new friends. I feel it's almost impossible to not talk to people while you're there.

Date: 2009-07-13 11:14 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] paradisacorbasi.livejournal.com
I think you could find a way to have a good time even by yourself. And your leatherworking is bound to get you attention.

Date: 2009-07-13 11:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thedooz.livejournal.com
we are so positive in this community! I also say go and also offer some ways to make friends at D*con

1. Hang out in the Hyatt bar after you arrive. Ask if you can sit with someone and then start talking. The Hyatt bar is awesome like that.

Alternatively stand in front of the Hyatt elevators and make small talk about how long the elevators will take by Sunday. It doesn't matter if you have no clue how long they will take. It is a favorite subject at Con.

2. Based on fandom interests see when meet-ups are planned and attend those.

3. Send some messages to people in this community like, "Hey could I go to dinner with you people on Friday," or "so, when are you going to the chick-fil-a." Trust me almost everyone goes to the chick-fil-a (or at least the food court).

4. Come walk in the parade with a group.

The main thing is once you get your badge and booklet, sit somewhere and decide things you want to do. You will be busy and meet people, as long as you leave your room. Do not stay in your room because you don't know anyone. Just strike up conversations---everyone is really friendly.

Date: 2009-07-14 12:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jarissa.livejournal.com
I'm very sorry for your loss.

Every year -- [livejournal.com profile] wookieegunner, how many years has our household been going to this thing? -- I get to a point where I feel like I'm putting in a lot of effort on D*C preparation when I'm not going to have that great a time, and the money could be better spent elsewhere. And every year, by Friday afternoon, I'm glad I'm there. We schedule times to do things together purely to prove to one another that we haven't died, or run away to Tahiti with a Guest.

Here's one suggestion: contact [livejournal.com profile] dcsecurity, tell them you are about to graduate from Paramedic school just before Dragon*Con, you don't want a free badge, and you don't know anybody at D*C yet. I will bet you an Orange Julius that they have a volunteer slot you'll enjoy, that'll provide you with an instant friendly circle, and that they'll have you blessing the day Cap'n Clunkhead stepped out of your life so the appreciative adoration could begin!

Date: 2009-07-14 04:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wookieegunner.livejournal.com
Our first was 2002 dear. And she means it. The only thing more stressful than dealing with Jarissa's bout of pre-DC depression is our friend who would spend August on 2 hours a night sleep working on the latest costume that just won't work right!!

So seriously, if you can, go. I can assure you we go with a group (anywhere from 3-10 people) and over half the time we are all doing our own thing so its like we're solo. So don't worry about being there alone, just be careful if a stranger hands you a drink and have fun.

Date: 2009-07-14 12:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] charismaryllis.livejournal.com
What everybody else said. I always go by myself and have a great time. It's a great distraction from whatever might be bothering you. :)

Date: 2009-07-14 12:56 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] theaterman007.livejournal.com
I say go. You'll have a great time! I'm always looking for new friends and most people at Dragoncon do to.

Date: 2009-07-14 01:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jackwabbit.livejournal.com
Just to echo: GO! Only you know what is best for you, but if there's anyway to swing it, I'd say go. I was always scared to travel alone, but then when I finally did it, I was fine. Bet you would be, too!

Date: 2009-07-14 02:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] memysza.livejournal.com
Last year I ended up planning for D*C alone and late in the Summer, topped off by a car accident. I wasn't even sure how I was going to get to con. I was exhausted and frustrated with the world but I arrived on Friday and relaxed for the first time in months. I also connected to groups I'd never interacted with before. Now I'm really excited at the prospect of seeing them all again this year. : )

So go. If you still need to settle things to attend, check out roomshares (http://community.livejournal.com/dragonconrooms/profile) or the Atlanta Hostel if you don't mind MARTA/cab back in the evenings. Look into your favorite tracks to see what they have planned on and off schedule, even if you've been before. It will be a break away from deeper worries and you'll probably return afresh to face things back at home. It helped me. : )

Date: 2009-07-14 02:49 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] guen-the-cat.livejournal.com
If you can still afford to go alone, definately go. Con is just a great way to blow off steam. Sometimes escaping the real world is just the right medicine. *hugs*

Date: 2009-07-14 02:49 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] naveen.livejournal.com
i always say at conventions, your surrounded by several thousand of your closest friends that you just havent been introduced to yet. i echo everyone else; please go, and have a good time. :)

Date: 2009-07-14 04:53 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cyberdragon56.livejournal.com
Go! The first few years I went, I went alone and had a blast every single time! I'll be going alone this year too as my room mate had financial problems and had to bail on me just recently ;-(

Date: 2009-07-14 07:45 am (UTC)
veracity: (Annie Taintor - High Maintenance)
From: [personal profile] veracity
I've gone alone 2006-2008. I met up with an LJer talking about Dragon*Con in 2006, who I met through the friendsfriends filter. 07, I stayed with the Stargate track group and ended up with some extremely awesome people. I was bummed when one couldn't make it last year. There are a few people on my flist that are attending and plan to meet up (ask yours!). This year I have people staying with me who've never been. A first.

I say you should come as a way to remind yourself that you can have fun on your own and your own terms. To relax. Most people don't know each other at the con. You break out of your shell in one of the many long lines and start talking. Probably the badge line from the beginning. If you don't go, you'll regret it. Just remember everyone's new to something at the con because things are constantly added. You won't be alone in that.

If you're still nervous, check the various comms on LJ for the tracks/hobbies you're interested in. See if they're active and make some acquaintances and plan to meet up. That way you've got a starting point and you can branch out. Look lost and someone will talk you because most people are friendly. Or so I've notice since I had random strangers try and help me in the past. Which is good.

Date: 2009-07-14 11:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] meowwl.livejournal.com
I've never actually gone WITH anyone, and I've managed to have a ball every year...Shoot, join the Dragoncon Yahoo group (we've a friendly meet n greet too), or show up in the drum circle and you'll find people who'll adopt you.

I'd add that the Marriot Pulse bar is a good place to meet people too, but a little less crowded than the Hyatt's Parasol.

Date: 2009-07-14 12:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ldsman.livejournal.com
Come hang with us other single people! :)
I can't seem to get anyone around here interested in coming as well.

Date: 2009-07-14 12:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mykal.livejournal.com
Doooo it!!! Just go! Chances are you'll find something to distract you. I wussed out of going two years in a row, which would have been by myself, and I'm still kicking myself for it.

Date: 2009-07-14 01:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] liltigris14.livejournal.com
Totally go. It's even more fun to go if you're single. I always wander around by myself, and always meet random people to hang with. Plus, I would like to see your leather working since I just got into leather mask making myself!

Date: 2009-07-14 05:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gothpanda.livejournal.com
Come. Flirt. Relax. Have fun. Show off! You'll be glad you did, I 'spect.

Date: 2009-07-14 09:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hazelwitch.livejournal.com
If you can afford to, then I'd go. One of the nifty things about DragonCon is that if you want to find someone to have some funtimes with, it's definitely...do-able. It's a good place to let go of your other worries for a while and just live in this crazy departure from reality for a long weekend.

Date: 2009-07-14 10:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bama-spyder.livejournal.com
The first 2 years I went to D*Con I went with girls I was dating at the time...but the past 2 years I've gone alone and HAD A BLAST!

I was very reluctant at first...as I knew no one...but everyone at D*Con seems to be friendly and always open to meeting others.

Don't let being single keep you from. Go for all of those who WISH they could go, but for whatever reason, can't. Just look at all of the above comments....it may be difficult traveling alone when you are used to having a side-kick...but take a chance and just go for yourself.

No one needs anyone else to make the feel "complete." Dragon*Con is my "escpape" each year and it just keeps getting more fun...personally, I can't imagine taking someone with me now ;)

Date: 2009-07-14 10:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eaglecry.livejournal.com
I think you need to get out and do it just because you need the break. Sell your leatherwork or not, you can make sure you get the loser out of your mind at D*con!!!

I say go and have a blast. Make it all about you.

Besides, even if you go alone you'll be with the rest of us so you won't be really by yourself.

There's always okcupid!

Date: 2009-07-14 11:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dlorean.livejournal.com
Check out okcupid.com and maybe you can meet someone new before con!

(I'm thinking of arranging an okcupid meetup during dragoncon). And no, i don't work for them, I just find the site amusing. It definitely beats paying for a dating site!

also, what everyone else said. Go and have a blast!

(oh, and also you could meet someone on craigslist...but....um...yeah)

Maybe come check out security staff?

Date: 2009-07-15 06:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bannanna.livejournal.com
Not saying you should commit to working with us, cause I don't necessarily think you should just jump in both feet at your first con, but we have a pretty tight-knit but incredibly open and very friendly group. We have more than a few paramedics on staff, and lots of folks to hang out with.

Encouraged

Date: 2009-08-02 09:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] yfate.livejournal.com
Thank you for posting this! Reading all the encouraging replies has helped me make up my mind to just go it alone, too. I went with a friend last year and she can't make it this year. I had so much fun last year but I have been really intimidated by the thought of going by myself. I'm really shy until I warm up (or suck down some alcoholic courage) and have bitten my nails to the quick wondering if it's such a good idea. But the thought of NOT going is worse. =)

Bless you for bringing it up.

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