Experiences are not limited to the apparent. Something absent can invade one's perception of the world and become heavier and more forceful than what is present. Absent material can feel imposing, even commanding and restricting the consumer's interaction with the world. In this study, we investigated the cosplayersconsumers at geek conventions who voluntarily dress as a fictional character, to have a theatrical experience and their experience consuming the same themed marketplace stage without its core material. To these consumers, the experience is mainly one of absence, with the absent cosplay making itself present to remind them that they cannot use the convention as a stage, a conflicting experience of free and disengaged anonymity.

No abstract