I've cosplayed twice in my life. I'm in Australia, so I thought the whole cosplay thing was tiny.

Manifest was awesome. Last year I ran around as Revy from Black Lagoon - I wasn't perfect, but I loved it.
This year, for both Manifest and Armageddon, I ran around as Song from Avatar. I didn't get as much attention as I did last year, but I still loved it.

All those bastards who wouldn't let you take a photo? They aren't worth the tears. Just put a smile on your face, and cosplay for the most important person there is - yourself.
(except for Armageddon, I was cosplaying by myself. The girls I went to Armageddon with I met at Manifest. There's no shame in going on your own.)