ORLANDO, Florida – September 2, 2015 – Founder Marty Grifka ( http://twitter.com/martygrifka ) and Co-Founder Levon Clark ( http://twitter.com/levonclark ) today announced the launch of its new website Orlando Cosplay (ORLANDOCOSPLAY.com), Orlando Cosplay is the easiest way to find events, organize meetups, get advice on costume ideas and connect with Orlando Cosplayers. Orlando Cosplay features user written articles, an events calendar, and what will become a growing online community.
Combining the words “costume” and “play,” the term cosplay is evocative of a hobby that occupies one’s leisure time. While many undoubtedly participate in cosplay as a leisurely pastime, what of those who have sought to professionalize these practices? The early 1990s saw the rising of cosplay into popular culture, although it probably originated initially in Japan. It is the practice of portraying a fictional character and at times completely identifying as that character while in costume.
“We are thrilled to open our newest online site to the public,” said Marty Grifka, Orlando Cosplay founder. “Time to suit up”, he added.
The site was launched just two days ahead of Orlando Cosplays target date of September 4th. Just in time for Dragon Con which takes place from September 4th to September 7th in Atlanta, Georgia. “We have many members from Florida that travel around the country and even the world to attend these cosplay conventions. It’s that dedication in our members which I believe will contribute to the success of this new venture.” said Orlando Cosplay Co-Founder Levon Clark.
Also starting today, users are able to submit their own articles and contribute directly to the Orlando Cosplay front page. Orlando Cosplay describes itself as “Your #1 Cosplay and Meet Up Destination”
My name is Megan Turcotte and you’ll find this Cosplayer posting on the new Orlando Cosplay forums. Cheers!
While I understand that it’s DragonCon weekend and all, why not use a photo from an Orlando convention? When this page is linked on FB, it shows the DC photo as the thumbnail with the headline being, “Orlando Cosplay Starts off with a Bang Launching Its All New Online Website.” Seeing that headline with a photo of another city’s home convention isn’t really reaffirming or showing any pride for Orlando imo…
Hey Davin! Thanks for your feedback. We totally understand how posting a picture from a different state can give that appearance. At the same time, DragonCon is relevant to what is going on right now in the nearby community as lots of cosplayers from Orlando and surrounding areas dedicate their time and hard earned money on getting to these events. If you have any ideas or feedback on how to improve the site, we are always here. Thanks for your time Davin!