“Happy” here is hard to quantify - it’s a market. I’ve been to many of these conventions (DragonCon and NYCC for 15+ years) and while people certainly complain

“Happy” here is hard to quantify - it’s a market. I’ve been to many of these conventions (DragonCon and NYCC for 15+ years) and while people certainly complain about the autograph & ticket prices, the lines snake around the block. The hotels are full. People brag and post on social about every celebrity interaction. I’ve made lifelong friends at these conventions and while I don’t personally stand in line for the latest Marvel stars, many of my friends do. It feels like a healthy market for parasocial relationships in which harm and deception are minimal. You know exactly what you’re getting for $80 and a few hours in line to see whoever is playing Spider-Man this year.