No costume contest?

[Scott Gibbons]

So I got my Rifter # 68 in the mail yesterday, and I'm cruising through it (good stuff from the preliminary look through, btw) when I stumble across a little paragraph in the POH '15 write-up on page 12 that reads"

Note: No Costume Contest. We're skipping the costume contest, unless we hear from a large number of you who were planning to compete.

My initial reaction is, 'What the heck, no Costume Contest!?!'

Then I think, 'Man, that will help relax my next few months a lot if I don't have to complete the three costumes I'm building for myself, my wife and my son.'

Then the other half of my brain says, 'You've been planning your costumes for two and a half years! You have money, time and experimentation already invested!!'

Then the little voice from the darkest corner of the furthest reaches of my brain whispers, 'I want a cheeseburger.'

Wisely, the rest of my mind ignores that voice, as it almost certainly has some ulterior motive for the request that has nothing to do with sustenance.

...Uh, where was I? Oh yeah!

So I am totally torn by this announcement. On the one hand, I am super-busy with a freakin' ton of projects, so eliminating the need to finish the costumes in time for the Open House is a big relief. Not to mention I will save money on buying further materials, money that can be put to other good uses (like buying stuff at the Open House).

On the other hand, I really look forward to the Costume Contest. It is a lot of fun figuring out the costume concept, building it, and figuring out special effects for it (yes, I am the guy who set himself on fire at the last OH). All the prep work is, in its own way, like an extension of the Open House itself. And I was really hoping to capture the best-in-show award this year.

So I'm just not sure which side of this question I fall on. Do I voice my dismay at having no Costume Contest, or do I endorse the decision?

What are your thoughts? Was anyone else here planning on having a costume?

[The Oh So Amazing Nate]

Hrmmm my thoughts. .a cheeseburger sounds like a really good idea.

[Soldier of Od]

Your costumes are always innovative and really cool - even if they don't have a costume contest this time, you should should wear one anyway!

[Alpha 11]

I remember that! That was cool! I was also planning on doing another one this year, and yes, I'm also torn as well.

[Warshield73]

I have that little voice from the darkest corner of the furthest reaches of my brain that always wants a cheeseburger. However, mine always adds bacon and it usually screams, not whispers.

I am of two minds on the contest. First, I always enjoy the costumes and it is a lot of fun to see people go all out. However, since I do not compete this just sounds like more time for gaming and maybe a few more panel discussions which are the two things I am going for.

[zyanitevp]

My voice says Tacos!

[Alpha 11]

My voice says Tacos!

I have that little voice from the darkest corner of the furthest reaches of my brain that always wants a cheeseburger. However, mine always adds bacon and it usually screams, not whispers.

I am of two minds on the contest. First, I always enjoy the costumes and it is a lot of fun to see people go all out. However, since I do not compete this just sounds like more time for gaming and maybe a few more panel discussions which are the two things I am going for.

Agree. Though it looks like there will be not a lot of people who will complain real bad about it. So ya, I'll be a little sad that they won't do it, but at the same time, there will be so much more other things going on, I don't think it will be really missed.

[Aliraza351]

Like any decent city, there is cool stuff to be found, but there is cooler stuff if you know what you're looking for. Actually, I haven't made it over to Windsor yet, so I'd be interested in meeting up with some people who are headed that way. Should be a fun weekend all around.

[Boethermsbrukan]

Question, thus: if we assume for the moment that the Costume Contest will not be going ahead for the 2015 Open House, is it a corollary that being in costume at all at the OH will be discouraged? I'd hate to think someone who was previously planning to attend with a homemade getup had to abandon wearing it at all, given that this is a once-a-year biz.

We've still got a while until the OH comes along, but I thought it was worth asking. Cheers!

-Boe.

[Scott Gibbons]

Question, thus: if we assume for the moment that the Costume Contest will not be going ahead for the 2015 Open House, is it a corollary that being in costume at all at the OH will be discouraged? I'd hate to think someone who was previously planning to attend with a homemade getup had to abandon wearing it at all, given that this is a once-a-year biz.

We've still got a while until the OH comes along, but I thought it was worth asking. Cheers!

-Boe.

I don't see any problem with people wearing costumes even without the contest - in years past on the day of the costume contest there were several people who just wore their costume all day long.

For myself, after more time to consider, I'm relieved to not have the (self-imposed) pressure of having to complete three costumes - the next few months look to be very busy for me and my family, and one less thing to do is great. Considering that none of our costumes are more than 50% complete yet, I don't think any of us will be wearing anything there though.

[Boethermsbrukan]

I don't see any problem with people wearing costumes even without the contest - in years past on the day of the costume contest there were several people who just wore their costume all day long.

Good afternoon, Involved_O!

I had the feeling that it was along those lines; it would be difficult for me to consider Mr. Siembieda & Crew would ask people not to come in costume at all if they'd been planning on it (though I would respect that request if it did come up) even if the organized Costume Contest would be off the schedule beforehand.

For myself, after more time to consider, I'm relieved to not have the (self-imposed) pressure of having to complete three costumes - the next few months look to be very busy for me and my family, and one less thing to do is great. Considering that none of our costumes are more than 50% complete yet, I don't think any of us will be wearing anything there though.

Believe me, I definitely dig. If you have a costume planned that you need to build and finish, it's a bit of business to do it even if it's just for yourself, and if you've _three_ costumes to finish with your significant other and a wee one to bring along (I assume your three are you, your mate and your young'un) that's definitely outside of my realm of experience, aside from being sure it takes a fair bit more to co-ordinate! o_o

Assuming it's a planned surprise, whether you decide to go ahead with costuming yourself and your family for the next OH, I won't pry as to what your costumes would be, but if you have any desire to mention what they'll be, I'd love to know. Multi-person costumes are awesome when done well.

Cheers, ami!

-Boe.

[NMI]

Please see the stickied poll at the top of this forum. Palladium and crew are considering having the Costume Contest.

The main reason it was being considered not happening was there was chatter that it interrupted gaming events. After a talk with the Palladium staff, the Costume Contest "might" make a comeback IF enough of you want it.

[The Dark Elf]

As always I will be spending the ENTIRE weekend in full RPG costume as a Nightbane in facade form!

[Glistam]

Myself, I'll be in costume as an "Ordinary Person" from BTS2.

[Elly_G]

I loved the Costume Contest in years before. My husband and I both fight in the SCA, I was going to bring two full suits of armor decked out in El wire for Cyber knights .

But hey! More time for Gaming!! I'm absolutely ok with that.

Elly_G