Over the past 9 years or so, I have gone to a number of conventions. Large or small, anime-focused or emphasizing other areas of geekery, I’ve gone from a relatively inexperienced con-goer to one with agendas. As I have grown as a geek, so too have my tastes developed, and I realize that as much as I find my growth to be a good thing, I sometimes wish I knew less.

When I went to my first convention, the science fiction-themed Lunacon, I recall there being quite a few things I wanted to see (Godzilla vs Megaguirus comes to mind), but at the same time I allowed myself plenty of opportunities to just wander into panels just to see what was going on. But now that I’ve developed my focuses as an anime fan, as a nerd and admirer of fiction and art, I feel myself less able to wander.

Sure, when it’s small and there aren’t very many good guests or must-see events it’s easy to remain the con flâneur. But when there are a ton of worthwhile things to see, then I start to feel like I’ve affixed myself to some rails. The rails may be of my own design, and I am capable of deviating from them, but they can still feel somewhat restrictive. I could try to just float through the convention, but then I’d be missing so much.

It’s kind of like going to a restaurant. If nothing on the menu looks familiar to you, you’re more likely to just try something new, but if you happen to see your favorite dish on the menu, then it takes no small amount of willpower to not order it and go for the new and the mysterious.