So what are you going to a con for BESIDES the intended content of the con? Apparently the peanut gallery says that guys are there to oogle girls in costumes. So it that the only difference? The question comes down to this: do (straight) women go to conventions to oogle men? On the flipside of the coin, do men go to conventions in costumes with the intention to attract attention? Do women go in costumes to attract attention? Is the intention for either side meant more to awe on-lookers wih the awesomesauce-atude of your costume, or do you want people to notice how attractive you are?? And if you’re not in costume, do you want to meet people or just admire from afar?

these fundamental questions of intended effect verses actual effect I think define the differences between the experiences of men and women at a convention.