[ChisaChi]

Interesting topic. The first time I attended a con and saw cosplayers I thought the whole thing was quite laughable too, although some of the costumes were undeniably awesome and very well constructed. I changed my mind after a while that day when I realised how much more fun they were having than I was - they were really getting into the spirit of the event and participating completely. The next year I cosplayed, took photos and helped run a group art stall, and it was a really great experience. It comes down to different things to do different people, but for most people the main reason is for fun!

For the record I am not overweight, like to think I'm not unattractive, bathe often, have developed social skills and my life doesn't revolve around anime =P Considering the fact that I do cosplay and create doujinshi/fanart I suppose I would be classified by most as an otaku though.

I do know of some people who wear cosplay outside of these events, and personally I find it the same as wearing alternatives clothes, or dressing up to the latest fashion, or whatever you choose to wear. It's about self expression in the end, and just because mainstream fashion is considered more 'normal' doesn't mean that people don't have the right to be a bit different.