You know my biggest regret in being involved for so long in the local cosplay community? Is that I don't often get to join contests without being completely free of bias. It may be a surprise to you, but other than supporting cosplaying for fun, I also support cosplay competitions, because it helps heighten the quality of the hobby. Its really those who cannot handle the responsibilities of joining contests that annoy me (sour-graping, cheating and power tripping).
I enjoyed the days when I was just a regular cosplayer. And if I wanted to join a contest, I'm good with it because I hardly know the organizers and the judges, and they hardly know me. These days I'm now part of a group that organizes cosplayers, that I'm invited to judge contests, and for better or worse, personally knew some (if not, most) who have become popular or famous because of cosplay. If ever I would like to join a contest, I would join one that has little to do with me (a good example is TOEI, but I missed this year and have to wait for the next 5 years). Also true why I jumped on the chance to join a contest overseas like AFA. Less bias.
