I've wanted to go to a convention like that for years. You go in costume, and you can act accordingly. I mean, who wants to scrutinize and judge davidburke when you can do the same to his costume, and how that particular incarnation of a favorite character is different from the thousands of other costumed individuals?
I've always thought going in costume to something like that would afford one a degree of invisibility. Because no one will be looking at
you. As long as you don't go dressed like yourself, it won't be
you that everyone sees. So you can let loose and have a bit of fun. And if you make a fool of yourself, you'll only be the obnoxious Hobbit. Or the Stormtrooper who should have looked before taking the steps. Or whatever.
On a somewhat related note, my sister and her husband are going to a Renaissance Faire this autumn. They're getting dressed up, too. And despite having absolutely no period-appropriate attire, I've been tossing around the idea of going with them. I haven't mentioned it to them yet, since that would seal my fate.
But I've been thinking that maybe I
should go. It gives me something to look forward to, a few months to prepare, and at least I won't be sitting around the house on one day (probably in October, I guess?). Maybe I can convince myself that it'll make for some good therapy. Even though "medieval" is more my thing than "renaissance."
So if you have the time and the means (and the interest) to go to a convention, by all means go! Don't let your SA hold you back, and take lots of pictures.