It does seem like that's the direction that some cosplayers are going... it's happened in just about every hobby I've been in. As it grows more popular, elitism becomes more of a problem. It's driven me out of several hobbies (at least the social aspect of them).
I can understand the "classified" aspect of the costume if making/selling cosplay costumes or accessories is your source of income. Someone saying politely, "I'm sorry, but selling these steampunk hydraulic-powered wings (random example) is how I make my living, so I can't tell you how to make them. But you're welcome to order some from me," - that wouldn't offend me. But if you're just a person making the costume for the fun of it and your response is, "none of your business", it comes off as rude.
If someone asks me "how did you make that?" I'm happy to share. I wore a headpiece for one of my costumes this year made out of Fosshape, and I had a handful of people ask me what it was made out of. I was flattered, and happy to let them know how it was made. (If they asked nicely, I let them touch it to see how the material felt).
But I'd never go up to someone and say "that's all wrong, you should have done it this way". That's just rude and mean-spirited, not to mention presumptuous. Not everyone has the same priorities when it comes to costuming. For example, I'll often sacrifice screen-accuracy to make something that seems more realistic and wearable to me. (Especially since I like to cosplay video game characters, whose clothing sometimes defies all reason and laws of physics). So yes, I may be aware that the character actually wears a strapless top, but I added straps for comfort. Others would rather go all-out on the screen-accuracy instead. Everyone has their own preferences.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-09-10 08:50 pm (UTC)I can understand the "classified" aspect of the costume if making/selling cosplay costumes or accessories is your source of income. Someone saying politely, "I'm sorry, but selling these steampunk hydraulic-powered wings (random example) is how I make my living, so I can't tell you how to make them. But you're welcome to order some from me," - that wouldn't offend me. But if you're just a person making the costume for the fun of it and your response is, "none of your business", it comes off as rude.
If someone asks me "how did you make that?" I'm happy to share. I wore a headpiece for one of my costumes this year made out of Fosshape, and I had a handful of people ask me what it was made out of. I was flattered, and happy to let them know how it was made. (If they asked nicely, I let them touch it to see how the material felt).
But I'd never go up to someone and say "that's all wrong, you should have done it this way". That's just rude and mean-spirited, not to mention presumptuous. Not everyone has the same priorities when it comes to costuming. For example, I'll often sacrifice screen-accuracy to make something that seems more realistic and wearable to me. (Especially since I like to cosplay video game characters, whose clothing sometimes defies all reason and laws of physics). So yes, I may be aware that the character actually wears a strapless top, but I added straps for comfort. Others would rather go all-out on the screen-accuracy instead. Everyone has their own preferences.