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alchemicinkAfter a short hiatus, I'm finally getting a chance to do another Snowflake Challenge 😅
Challenge #13
Talk about a community space you like. It doesn’t need to be your favorite, or the one where you spend the most time (although it certainly can be). Maybe it’s even one that you’ve barely visited. But talk about that space and how it helps support fannish community.
So considering that the majority of my online fannish stuff happens on Dreamwidth lately and it feels silly to talk about it when we're all already here, let me ramble a bit about my favorite offline space: the anime convention I attend every year ✨️
It's called Animazement and I have been going since I was a teenager. This year's event will be my 16th time attending!
It's the only anime convention I've ever attended, to be honest, because it's only a two-hour drive from home and it's familiar enough now that I have no troubles attending on my own. I know the convention center and the surrounding parking options like the back of my hand now 😂
I also like this convention because it's focused not only on anime but on Japanese culture as well. So it can be a fun learning experience too. I have learned so much over the years, honestly. (For example, there are frequently musical guests who play traditional Japanese instruments, and I love their performances.) But the anime content is also usually pretty good too. Interesting guests from the Japanese industry and the American dubbing industry. A good variety of fan panels. And, of course, all the amazing cosplays!
It's a fun space for me who does not otherwise get to interact with people offline with similar interests. But for this one time each year, I'm surrounded by people who understand what I'm talking about. It's a lovely feeling.
I could go on and on, reminiscing about all the fun and crazy stuff I've witnessed over the years. (You could read my recap from last year if you want a taste.) But I'll wrap up with this: I'm grateful this space continues to exist, and I am able to continue to go each year. I appreciate the people who put the time and effort into running a whole convention. And I love that there's still an opportunity for me to connect with people offline, even if just in passing.
Challenge #13
Talk about a community space you like. It doesn’t need to be your favorite, or the one where you spend the most time (although it certainly can be). Maybe it’s even one that you’ve barely visited. But talk about that space and how it helps support fannish community.
So considering that the majority of my online fannish stuff happens on Dreamwidth lately and it feels silly to talk about it when we're all already here, let me ramble a bit about my favorite offline space: the anime convention I attend every year ✨️
It's called Animazement and I have been going since I was a teenager. This year's event will be my 16th time attending!
It's the only anime convention I've ever attended, to be honest, because it's only a two-hour drive from home and it's familiar enough now that I have no troubles attending on my own. I know the convention center and the surrounding parking options like the back of my hand now 😂
I also like this convention because it's focused not only on anime but on Japanese culture as well. So it can be a fun learning experience too. I have learned so much over the years, honestly. (For example, there are frequently musical guests who play traditional Japanese instruments, and I love their performances.) But the anime content is also usually pretty good too. Interesting guests from the Japanese industry and the American dubbing industry. A good variety of fan panels. And, of course, all the amazing cosplays!
It's a fun space for me who does not otherwise get to interact with people offline with similar interests. But for this one time each year, I'm surrounded by people who understand what I'm talking about. It's a lovely feeling.
I could go on and on, reminiscing about all the fun and crazy stuff I've witnessed over the years. (You could read my recap from last year if you want a taste.) But I'll wrap up with this: I'm grateful this space continues to exist, and I am able to continue to go each year. I appreciate the people who put the time and effort into running a whole convention. And I love that there's still an opportunity for me to connect with people offline, even if just in passing.
