Cosplay is not always a competition. No need to look down on other cosplayers just because they don't meet your expectations. Just as long as you are having fun, that's what counts.
Of course, I think that dissing fellow cosplayers can greatly affect one's morale whether to try out cosplay for starters or to continue cosplaying for those who have been already doing it. If you truly love the art of cosplay, you should encourage, share your art and hopefully inspire other people with your passion.
And another thing, would you hate artists who get paid to do what they love doing? That's what is called a dream job. We have illustrators who get commissioned to draw for Marvel, DC, Blizzard, Square Enix, etc. We have theater actors who get paid to perform on stage. Gamers who get paid to compete in Korea just like athletes. Cosplayers are also artists since it combines many aspects - crafts-making, sewing, make-up, performing, etc. And there is nothing wrong about earning with what you love doing.
My little sister and I started out as a competitors. We didn't get paid to join and we didn't even win on our first competition. But since we were having fun, we just continued to do it. Years and years, we've been cosplaying; meeting friends who share the same passions in the community; spending time, effort and funds on our costumes; joining competitions; winning a few but the prize money wasn't even enough to cover our expenses. But as I mentioned, we really loved what we were doing so the prizes didn't really matter.
Prizes, features and projects were bonuses that we are really thankful for. And we are also very blessed for having our family, friends and other people support us in our crafts ever since.. especially when cosplay was still very new back then. It means a lot to us. There were tough times - bashing, people not understanding the art, etc - but we still kept going and going. :) Anyhow, just let your passion drive you - whatever it may be - art, cosplay, music, fashion, photography, etc - and everything will follow!
And of course, be nice! No amount of make-up can hide a wicked heart. And no matter how successful you are, if you are mean to others, things might not work out the way you envisioned it to be. Be a role model to the youth and let your works inspire others. :)
Just my two cents. :)
♥ Alodia
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And so reads the two cents of Alodia.
