Cosplay Is Not Consent

This week, The Con Men wander through the stars before landing squarely on the convention floor. What starts as a deceptively simple question—which era of Star Trek would you actually want to live in?—turns into a thoughtful (and occasionally ridiculous) breakdown of technology, comfort, danger, and the strange appeal of frontier living versus utopian polish. From smoky-jacket Original Series vibes to the clinical precision of Next Gen—and yes, the chaos of Deep Space Nine—it’s the kind of debate that only gets better the longer it goes on.But as always, the road leads back to conventions. Drawing from real-world experience on both sides of the table, Dan and Adrian dig into the unspoken rules that make or break a con experience. From the golden rule of “cosplay is not consent” to line etiquette, vendor respect, and the simple-but-somehow-necessary reminder to practice basic hygiene, this episode doubles as a field guide for first-timers and a reality check for veterans who should know better by now.Along the way, the conversation detours through pop culture’s take on conventions—from Galaxy Quest to Community—and why those portrayals hit (or miss) the mark. Whether you’re planning your next con weekend or just here for the ride, this episode is equal parts fandom philosophy, practical advice, and the kind of conversation that feels like you just pulled up a chair at the table. As always: be kind, be courteous… and don’t be a jerk.