I used to organize photoshoots for a big fandom years ago. I would generally do it for every convention I attended, but half because the cosplayers defaulted to me. I think there was one time someone else was the organizer and everyone just kept asking me what to do...

I think it's ok if the same person wants to do it and is willing to do it and they have been doing it. It bothers me when all of the above applies and some newbie jumps in and takes over without asking the said person and makes everything shitty.

>>6888219 (OP)
It happens from time to time out here, but it's really a "who wants to do it first" kind of deal. But there are people who are repeat hosts or organizers for gatherings.

>>6888341
>>6888353
If the person is good at what they do and doesn't mind doing it again then you should take it as a blessing. I've seen some bad gatherings happen where the leader doesn't showup or is a glory hog.

The ALA SMT gathering two years ago was a huge example of this.

Here's a simple question for /cgl/

What makes a good gathering and what makes a good gathering lead?

>>6888400

From someone who's had to take charge of a smaller Durarara gathering, assisted in the Fanime homestuck gatherings twice, and co-run a 400-person Homestuck gathering...

A good gathering lead should be well-organized with a good sense of time management, and be able to run a gathering without personal biases showing. They should speak clearly and loudly, or have an assistant who does. It's okay and preferrable to set a few ground rules (for example, some Homestuck gathering leaders enforce no whistles/horns), but don't be too much of a hardass.

Have a sense of humor, but don't goof off too much or else nothing will get done and people won't take you, or your orders, seriously.

Also, be respectful to the gatherings and cosplayers around you, and MAKE SURE YOUR ATTENDEES DO THE SAME.

>>6888557
Also, MAKE SURE EVERYONE STAYS SAFE. Clear space for photographers, and have set walkways if your gathering is on the larger side. Good tip for summer/warm place gatherings is to have some bottled water on hand for emergencies.

>>6888400
Keep your gatherings moving. A good leader knows how to go from shoot to shoot and minimizes deadtime as that's what causes people to lose interest and leave.

How can you keep people from hijacking gatherings?

>>6889160
Define Hijacking

>>6888557

Who were you at the Fanime gathering (if you went this year)? Were you the Equius?

>>6889197
Last year at Anime Central, some guy told the people running gatherings that he was staff and hijacked their gatherings to run them. When you get people who are loud and start running your stuff before you even get there, even though you're still a few minutes early and stuff.

>>6889475
Ouch that is a tough situation. Your best bet is to assume control. If he claimed to be staff just simply thank him for his time and relieve him of his duties.

>>6889475
God damn what a dick

>>6889475
I remember that guy! Didn't he take over like 6 gatherings or something over the weekend? Poor gathering leaders were too polite or flaberghasted to speak up.