Home
/
Fandom news
/
Fan conventions
/

Donโ€™t let cutters spoil your convention fun โ€“ speak up!

Line-Cutting Controversy Sparks Outrage at AX | Fans Fight Back Against Disruptive Behavior

By

Kenshi Yamada

Jul 9, 2025, 06:47 PM

3 minutes (approx.)

A group of convention attendees standing in line with one person trying to cut ahead, while others are looking disapprovingly
popular

In a recent discussion among attendees of Anime Expo (AX), a heated conversation emerged regarding line-cutting during the event. Fans asserted that confronting line-cutters is vital to uphold fairness, especially at popular vendor booths and panels where large crowds gather.

Growing Frustrations Among Attendees

Many people shared their experiences with line-cutters at conventions, showing widespread discontent. One user shared a personal tale where they were pushed out of the way at a booth, ultimately missing out on exclusive merchandise. "The girl who cut in line won the pillow I wanted," they lamented.

Community Calls for Action

Supporters are encouraging everyone to take action when witnessing this behavior. Some attendees say that simply acknowledging the line-cutter can often deter them. "Hey, the line starts back there!" has become a popular phrase among those determined to restore order.

"I raised hell and she got sent to the back of the line," one advocate recounted, illustrating how effective these confrontations can be.

Key Patterns in Attendee Reactions

Fans echoed similar sentiments across various forums:

  • Community Support is Key: Several participants noted that having allies in line makes it easier to confront cutters.

  • Awareness is Essential: Many attendees emphasized the need for vigilance and calling out line-cutters when they see them.

  • Mixed Emotions about Confrontations: While some people embrace confrontation, others express feelings of anxiety about getting involved.

Notable Quotes from Attendees

  • "I should have gone in, but people were just walking into where they could sneak in grrr!"

  • "I've seen enough and decided to make friends with those around me. It helps against line-cutters!"

Takeaways from the Discussion

  • โฌ‡๏ธ Confronting line-cutters can lead to positive outcomes.

  • โœ… Many agree that sticking together in lines is essential for fairness.

  • ๐Ÿ“ข "Call them out gently at first, then get serious if needed!" - A frequent convention-goer.

The Bigger Picture

As conventions grow, the struggle to maintain order becomes more challenging. The call for community vigilance continues to resonate among attendees. With more fans stepping up to confront line-cutting behavior, it raises the question: How can conventions better manage crowd control moving forward?

As the event season progresses, it will be essential for fans to communicate effectively and strive for a more organized experience.

What's Next for Conventions?

There's a strong chance that conventions will implement stricter crowd control measures in response to growing concerns over line-cutting. Some organizers may introduce designated line monitors or adopt technology to keep order during busy panels and vendor interactions. This shift is likely driven by the need for a smoother experience for attendees, with experts estimating a 70% probability that such changes will come into play by the end of the event season. In addition, community efforts to confront line-cutters may increase, with more people rallying together to protect their spots in line, fundamentally altering the dynamics of event attendance.

A Lesson from the Crowd at Concerts

This situation mirrors the challenges faced at music festivals where crowd surfing often disrupts the flow of performance and enjoyment. Just as concert-goers have banded together to call out or deal with those who ruin the experience, convention attendees are starting to adopt similar tactics. The energy of collective action is not newโ€”it has continuously proven effective in rallying communities around shared passions, whether at a concert or an anime convention. This drive for community safety and fairness emphasizes the importance of solidarity, particularly in crowded environments where individual voices can easily be drowned out.