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This is a repost from the website. Please forgive the formatting and unpublished information.

Fanime Masquerade, Cosplay Spectacular 2015

Each year Fanime holds a cosplay contest on the San Jose civic stage, featuring astounding cosplays, performances and dance featuring anime from the newest releases to old favorites and original designs.

All contestants must do the following:
1.   Be an attending member of Fanime.
2.   Check-in to the Masquerade Registration Desk located in the main convention hall first floor (look for the signs)
3.   Fill out the following before check-in:
       •   Masquerade entry form <<LINK>>
       •   Release & Waiver form  <<Link>>
4.   Be 18 years or older or have the permission form signed by a Parent or legal guardian.
5.   Read and understand the competition rules

Once registered, you will be sent your entry number.  If we receive more then 55 entries you will be placed on the waiting list and will advance up if other contestants drop out.  If you advance, the primary contact and all listed contacts in the registration form will be notified.

The Masquerade will e-mail the primary contact for your group on a regular basis with important updates.   If you need to change your registration information or drop out from the competition please email [email protected] with your changes and modifications.

If you have any question do not hesitate to ask [email protected]

Divisions:

There are two categories of awards that are judged separately --- Craftsmanship and Performance. You or your group can possibly win awards from both categories. We divide our competition into three divisions: Open, Journeyman, and Novice.

•   Open Division:
       o   Any competitor may enter in the Open Division.

•   Journeyman Division:
       o   Professional costumers cannot enter the Journeyman Division.
       o   If you have won a Best-in-Show major regional, national or international competition you cannot enter in the Journeyman Division.
If you have won any award in the Open or Master Division at any other major convention, you cannot enter in the Journeyman Division.

•   Novice Division:
       o   Professional costumers cannot enter the Novice Division.
       o   If you have won any award at a major regional, national or international competition, you cannot enter in the Novice Division.
       o   If you have won more than 3 awards at prior FanimeCon Masquerade or other regional conventions you cannot enter in the Novice Division.


Award categories

- Best in Show $600
- Best in the Open division $100
- Best in the journeyman division $100
- Best in the Novice division $100
- Most Original $100

Performance (skits):
- Best Dramatic Performance, group
- Best Dramatic Performance, individual
- Best Comedic Performance, group
- Best Comedic Performance, individual
- Best Dance Performance

Presentation:
- Best presentation
- Best interpretation, reimagining

Craftsmanship:
- Best Original Craftsmanship $200
- Best Craftsmanship, Novice division $
- Best Craftsmanship, Journeyman division $
- Best Craftsmanship, Open division $

* judges will award individually recognition awards at their discretion


Judges:
Presentation:
Wind of the Stars - <<Link to bio>>

Lindsey Tillman: <<Link to bio>>

Craftsmanship:
---<<Link to bio>>

--- <<Link to bio>>

Corporate awards:
   TBA
   TBA

Our Master of Ceremonies  - Tadeo Tomomatsu <<link to bio>>

Schedule
-   ONLINE REGISTRATION: up to May 22th, 2015.
-   IN-PERSON REGISTRATION: May 22nd at 4:00pm – Saturday May 23th 2015 @ 6pm
-   PROPS:
       o   Drop offs: Noon May 23rd
       o   All props must be picked up before 10pm or they will be moved to the Masquerade room in the Marriott.
-   Masquerade work room located in << location>> :
-   REHEARSAL TIMES:
       o   Rehearsals start 9am May 24th Sunday at the San Jose Civic Auditorium
       o   Rehearsal space is available by request in ballrooms from Friday to Sunday.
-   CURTAIN OPENING: 4:00 pm sharp Sunday May 24th San Jose Civic Auditorium
-   Opening announcements
-   Karaoke winners star performance
-   First half– entries 1 - 25
-   Intermission: 15 minute break to get up, stretch your legs and get ready for the second half.
-   Second half – entries 26 - 55
-   Exposition performance << Link to group Bio>>
-   Extravaganzas game show
-   AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT: ~6:30

Competition rules
All contestants must adhere to the Performance Rules as detailed below:

1.   Check-in at the Convention Masquerade Desk  located on the 2nd floor of the convention center near Cosplay gatherings or in the Marriott hotel's Blossom Hill III room, located on the third floor on Friday or Saturday to get your official Backstage Pass and turn in your music. Otherwise, you will be dropped from the Masquerade.
2.   MAXIMUM stage time:
       a.   Maximum performances time is 2 minutes 30 seconds. You must get permission from the Masquerade Director if you need to have more time
       b.   Display Entries (walk-ons) time is 90 seconds.
3.   Number of Contestants.
       a.   Up to 12 contestants are allowed to appear on stage. You must get permission from the Masquerade Director if you need to have more people
       b.   All members of a performance must be present at the pre-Masquerade meeting on May 24th @ 12noon.
       c.   Each person can only participate in one performance. You cannot appear in multiple performances unless cleared in advanced by the Masquerade Director
4.   Any costume purchased or rented from a costume shop, designer direct, eBay, Yahoo Auction, Yahoo Japan Auctions, Cospa, or any other costuming store, online resource, or any costume made for you by a designer or seamstress is prohibited from entering the Masquerade.
5.   Cosplays from previous FanimeCon conventions will automatically be consider non-competition
6.   All entries must be based on the following requirements:
       •   Asian film, such as characters from 13 Assassins (Japan) or The Flying Swords Of Dragon Gate (China),  47 Ronin
       •   Asian animation, such as the Japanese animation Naruto, the Korean animation Wonderful Days, Asian inspired anime like Big Hero 6.
       •   Asian comics, such as the Japanese Fairy Tail, Korean Breaker, or Chinese Story of the Tao, or
       •   Asian-origin video game, such as Final Fantasy or Ragnarok Online, or Street fighter
       •   Asian music stars (such as Girls' Generation). 
       •   Asian-inspired sources; including your own inspiration, such as an Avatar.
       •   The rule of thumb is: if the series and/or character originated anywhere else than the Pacific, it doesn't qualify. If you aren't sure, ask [email protected]
7.   All performance rules must be followed Make sure you read and understand our performance rules for the Masquerade << link to performance rules>>
8.   AUDIO/VIDEO REQUIREMENTS: All entries must provide an audio clip or a movie clip (with embedded music / dialog) or we will provide it for you.  There will be a sound technician on call to assist you.
9.   WEAPONS: Make sure you read and understand our Weapons Policy for the Masquerade (see below).
10.   PROPS: Make sure to read and understand the Props Policy (see below).

Ninjas
We have a set staff of ninjas to help contestants; their primary function is the safety and smooth performance of the show.  If you need to use ninjas as part of your performance to hold props or be part of the act you are required to inform the Masquerade director ahead of time at [email protected] or bring your own.  We highly encourage you to bring your own ninjas in these cases.

Weapons Policy
The Masquerade allows some Display Weapons, which are not allowed to be carried in the halls at FanimeCon. You must follow these steps for these items to be acceptable:

1.   You must check the box on the registration form for "Requires Weapon Master review."
2.   You must pass inspection from the Masquerade weapons master, including chorography, and make any changes required by them.
3.   For safety reasons, all edges must be blunted or protected.
4.   Weapon must be transported to the Masquerade Event either boxed or covered.

Props
1.   All large props (including scenery, backgrounds, etc.) must be:
      a.   Easy to assemble and disassemble. You have 30 seconds (each) to get the props on and off the stage.
      b.   Brought to rehearsal and stored on-site for the competition.
      c.   Described in detail on your registration forms
      d.   Immediately disassembled after your performance, so it does not take up space backstage.
2.   Picked up after the competition or it will be moved to Masquerade room in the Marriott Blossom Hill Ballroom

If you are concerned about being able to meet these rules please contact [email protected] for special arrangements to be made.


Music
1.   All music must be provided in advance (online or during in-person registration) and confirmed by close of registration, or you will not be allowed to participate.
2.   DIALOGUE / MUSIC LENGTH:  You can MAXIMUM 2 minutes and 30 seconds for your dialogue or music.
3.   We accept mp3,
4.   Provide two separate copies of your audio in case of damage.

Video
1.   If you choose to show a video during your skit, it will serve as a replacement for your music track. Your video must play for the entire skit, or fade to black or a logo for the rest of your skit. There must be music for the entire skit.
2.   VIDEO DUE DATE: Two copies of your video must be provided in advance.
3.   REQUIRED REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE: You must attend the Masquerade Rehearsal if you choose to use video for your skit. If you do not show up for the rehearsal, we will not play your video and will default to the audio-only version.
4.   Video featuring real people is only allowed if they are participating members of your performance or they have signed the waver and release.
5.   VIDEO LENGTH: Videos must be no longer 2 minutes and 30 seconds
6.   VIDEO FORMAT:
      a.   The screens in the Civic are 16:9 HD format.
      b.   We will accept entries recorded on CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW.

<<this is a separate page titled judging>>

Judging:
Our panel of judges is empowered to make independent decisions on the awarding or prizes and recognition and is selected from the cosplay community to judge cosplayers.  Each has their own unique skill and background and work collectively to determine awards.

<<link to judges bio>>

Judging rules:
•   All Display Entries (walk-ons) must be judged for Craftsmanship
•   Performance groups can choose to be judged (optional).
•   All submissions for craftsmanship judging must submit a Craftsmanship Judging Form. <<link to craftsmanship judging form>>
•   Judges have the option of not awarding a category award because of insufficient competition.  If there is only one dance performance then how can it be judged? 
•   Awards can be retracted if competitors are found to knowingly violate the competition rules by making false claims or deliberately not attributing the maker.
Make sure you read and understand the judging rules (see below).


Craftsmanship judging rules:
1.   PARTISIPATION: All Craftsmanship judging participants must also be approved entries for Masquerade and must participate (with a presentation or a walk-on) in Masquerade
2.   ELIGIBILITY: All Costumes are eligible for Craftsmanship Judging but mandatory for Display Entries. 
3.   REQUIRED FORMS:  You must fill out a Craftsmanship Judging Form
4.   JUDGING TIMES:  If you registered for Craftsmanship judging, you need to:
       a.   Present your costume(s) for judging prior to the start of the Masquerade at the designated time assigned to you.
       b.   There will only be limited craftsmanship judging at the event.
       c.   Every contestant needs to be prepared to answer the judges' questions about his/her role in the construction of their costume
5.   GROUP CONSTRUCTION:
      a.   If the entire group designed and constructed the costumes together and if you wish to win a group craftsmanship award, you must be judged as a group and all members of the group must be judged at the same time
      b.   If only one person in your group made all of the costumes, only that person is eligible for an award. He or she must be a participating costumed member of your group.
6.   INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION:
      a.   An individual (or a member of a group being judged as an individual) must have designed or constructed his/her own costume by himself/herself to win an Individual Craftsmanship Award.
      b.   An individual that designed and created all of the costumes for a group is eligible for an individual Craftsmanship award. He or she must be a participating costumed member of the group.
7.   DOCUMENTATION:  The Craftsmanship Judges recommend that each competitor bring the following:
       a.   At least one color picture, preferably two, of each character the costume entry represents.
       b.   Source Documentation on the character
       c.   The judges also appreciate craftsmanship documentation (also known as costume construction diaries)
For additional information, see the Craftsmanship Judging Form.

<<this is a separate page titled performance rules>>

Performance Rules
You must adhere to the following performance rules:

1.   Don't wear or use any substances that might ruin the costume of another contestant. If you are wearing body paint or make-up, make sure it will not come off in casual contact with others.
2.   Do not leave anything on the stage that cannot be picked up by the stage ninjas in a few seconds.
3.   Costumes must be self-contained. Connections to electrical sockets will not be available.
4.   Nothing is allowed that would be banned in a "PG-13"-rated film. Actions, dress, or mannerisms that would not be allowed on a public street or thoroughfare must be avoided. Specifically, the following must be avoided: explicit sexual gestures, nudity, and explicit swearing. Violating these rules will disqualify you and possibly result in your being escorted off the stage.
5.   No fire, flash powder, high power lasers, explosives or open flame of any kind will be allowed.
a.   Electronic flashes will be permitted provided that you notify the Masquerade Director in advance, and it must be announced in your MC introduction to protect those who might be affected by the flashing lights.
6.   No stage interaction with the MC, judges or audience is allowed. 
7.   The MC will read the name of the entry, the names of the contestants, and a short introduction.
8.   Any narration to be read by the MC will be limited to 35 words or less and a read must be done prior to the start of the performance
9.   There are only two acceptable exits – Stage Left and Stage Right.
a.   Jumping off the stage is not permitted,
b.   You cannot enter or exit the stage from any area that has not been approved by the head of Masquerade or the backstage director.

[Line]

This is a report of the website, please forgive the formatting.

Line
This year we will be using a fast pass line system.  This change is to prevent people from sitting outside in line for long hours in the San Jose hot weather.  Our goal is to only require that patrons stand in line a maximum of 15 minutes prior to being seated and to allow you to have more time to enjoy FanimeCon.

Stickers will be placed on your badge at the front entrance to the San Jose Civic auditorium; the color will indicate the order in which your block will be brought into the civic auditorium.  Please come by the front of the civic << see map>> between 8am and 3:30 Sunday to get a colored sticker on your badge.

Those with physical disabilities are welcome to come to the civic as early as 3:15 and come directly into the air-conditioned lobby.  You and one companion will be seated before the line blocks.

Line Rules:
1.   You must be present with your own badge to get a sticker at the entrance to the civic where a staff member will stamp your hand and put the current sticker on your badge.
2.   Stickers are first come, first serve when the first block stickers runs out then the we will move to the next color.
3.   No reserving of seats until the last line block has been loaded and you have been told to make yourself comfortable. 
4.   At 3:45 block lines will form up under the color of the sticker you have on your badge
5.   Transferring stickers to other attendees will invalidate your place in line.  Hand stamps and stickers must match.  We recommend you come with your friends to get your stickers
6.   After all line blocks are loaded the door open to any other attendees.


Audience rules:
1.   Photography and video is allowed – but only as long as it does not interfere with others enjoyment of the show.  If you stand up, hold your camera up at arms length above your head or have your screen to bright, the ushers will warn you. 
2.   No flash photography. Period.  It is not only unenjoyably for those around you but is a safety hazard for people on stage. 
3.   No reserving of seats until the last line block has been loaded and you have been told to make yourself comfortable. 
4.   Be respectful of the MC, a little bit of fun is one thing. But if you start being part of the show, we will ask you to leave.

Hi Groma,

Will we be able to have the lights off or very dim for part of our performance?

Yes, we have a expert light tech crew and a full theatrical system.  Here is a sample of standard stage directions, but you can add much more:

Stage black on music start, bring up lights - blue - to half and then lights full at 30 seconds - when music swells -.  Fade to black at exit of stage.
Stage full - white - then change to red at red dress entering stage, then fade to half red after 30 seconds. drop all lights on drums to black. end.

This is easy for us to make happen and part of what rehearsal is used to help jazz up performances and try out new things.   after this year we will have a video of the stage and its capabilities to provide people with understanding of what their performance will look like.

feel free to PM me with specific questions or ideas on what we can do for your entry. I'm always willing to collaborate.

[Hi Enkai,]

Hi Enkai,

A few more questions as I start developing specifics.  I'm trying to figure out what's available, even if I don't end up using it.
1. Time limits? When I competed a few years back, it was 2:30. Is that still the case?

Yes, 2 minutes thirty for skits, display entries is 90 seconds. exceptions will need to be worked out with me.

2. What is available to us as far as lighting? I recall that last year seemed to have more complex lighting direction for skits than the general flood lighting I was used to when competing a few years ago, but that could just be remembering electronic set pieces provided by competitors.

We have a full theatrical stage light system and an expert running them.  So you can describe it and he can probably make it happen.  This means you can have lights of any color, fade/increase, follow spot or lighting effects. Also we are working on a back projection system for animated backgrounds.

3. Projectors?  Can they be used for video again? If they aren't used, will they be used to show a larger view of performers? Is it an either/or situation, or can I use a video for the first 15 or so secs that switches to the stage view for the rest of the performance?

Yes, we have two projection screens stage left and right and your plan would work fine.  You would have to embed your entire audio in the video because we have difficulty switching audio feeds on the fly.  If we manage to secure a projected backdrop this will cover the whole of the back of the stage.  if you are not using a video file the feed defaults to the camera team providing detailed views. 

[Hi Admiral Donuts]

Cuteiebunny,

Lets start with who would you like to see as a guest.  3 picks would help me ask some questions and see if I run into any walls. Then I can get back to you.

Hi Admiral Donuts

I think ewu post is clear why we not post numbers and that those that have been posted and what those numbers means are tricky.  its made even more tricky because Fanime incubates a steam-punk convention under its umbrella and so a clear understanding of which event people attended is hard. To your point though, perhaps this is an area that it should provide clear analytics and drive a conversation around what attendance means across the conventions in general. 

Back 20 years ago sci-fi conventions used to use this as a yard stick, but the numbers are rather meaningless.  for example Creation Entertainment events (generally known as star trek cons) pull in huge numbers of people to basically hit the dealers rooms and signature tables.  These people would often only attend a single day and leave right after getting X item or Y signature and thus could not be a measurement of the vibrancy of the convention experience. 

Take San Diego Comic Con a convention I attend and compete in, only provides a rough number of 130k+ attendees for the "last several years" with no information about the exact nature of the number, nor what the actual cap is.  SD city estimations range for 100k to 160+k of foot traffic at the site at any given time.  Is that number, as vague as it is, meaningful?  not really, the convention center only has around 85k event seating capacity in the rooms that are used (not counting lines).  This means at peak times there is a quarter of the convention that is in line waiting for seating space. 

Then there is a odd counter point where international conventions generally have significantly smaller attendance numbers, yet given higher prestige.

budget. I've not ever asked about the whole budget myself. I have mine and that's been work itself.  Generally events don't publish their full budgets because vendors and publicist use them to argue for a larger fee or move up prices. 

Hotel registration, specifically housing blocks had issues this year and there are some very detailed posts about the issues and efforts to avoid it in the future. 

I think a key point to consider is that fanime is,  in general, willing to talk about the rational for why some information is not published or in some cases why issues with vendors are not aired publicly. 

[Hi Enkai]

Hi Enkai

Since I don't see an official 2015 thread, I am going to ask questions here.

I'll post what is going on the site in a separate thread.

I am working on a costume for an individual entry this year, and I would like to know what to expect as far as what performance to prepare.

1. Will there be walk-ons this year, in a segment of the show for walk-ons?

Yes, I will be balancing out the acts so there is not a specific walk on block or skit block. The feedback from last years proposals was clear that having a balanced show was more desirable.   I do however require that all entries have music and I encourage these entries to be on the stage between 30 and 45 seconds as a minimum.  If anyone needs help on how to make your walk on as dramatic, the masquerade staff will work with every entry.

2. Will it be possible to do a singing performance? This is my preferred solo method of performance if there isn't a walk-on segment. Not really planning on this anymore; I've got a non-walk-on idea I think is a little more reliable.  Still curious to know though.

Do you mean a live mic?  as a general rule no, I don't provide live mic's for a few reasons:
  - The rehearsal time to balance voice, acoustics and volume.
  - You never know what people will say, we all don't need a repeat of the Akon incident a few years back with the racist/sexist rant.
  - Its actually easier on the contestant to not have accidental slips derail your performance.
If its vital to have a live mic to make your performance work I will need you to send me a video recording and a short run down of your act to make sure we can accommodate the exception.

As said before, I do however require that all entries have music and would greatly encourage you to prerecord your performance and sync to it. 

3. Will the karaoke winner be singing in masquerade this year?

Yes, the winner is the opening act after the introductions, to get us kicked off.

Hi KuriQueenofFeels

Sounds great, looking forward to seeing both of you.

I know in the rules last year at least there was a statement or something that makes the weapons policy more open for the masquerade? It'll make a little more sense if I say we're doing Assassin's Creed 4, but I have an antique sword that my grandpa gave me that fits the period, and costume pretty well. I already know that it is not ok to carry around the con (7th Fanime, not news to me), but I'm wondering if it's alright for the masquerade. It's alright if its not, i'm just curious because it would make a very nice addition.

Yes, I'll quote the exact rules below, but the masquerade allows much more leeway for performances then the general convention.  The primary stipulations are:
-  that the weapons must be inspected by the weapons master or head ninja during rehearsal.
-  That if the weapon is used in mock combat that it be tethered to the welder, the the combat be approved before hand
-  Mock combat can not cause the ninjas to leak any bodily fluids (they are surprisingly hard to patch up)
-  That during transportation to and returning from the masquerade that they are transported securely

Other then that, you can have things that look like real guns, swords (no sharpened edges please) or general spiky bits.


Weapons Policy
The Masquerade allows some Display Weapons, which are not allowed to be carried in the halls at FanimeCon. You must follow these steps for these items to be acceptable for participation:
1.   You must check the box on the registration form for "Requires Weapon Master review."
2.   You must pass inspection from the Masquerade weapons master, including chorography, and make any changes required by them.
3.   For safety reasons, all edges must be blunted or protected.
4.   Weapon must be transported to the Masquerade Event either boxed or covered.


Hi Angelx624

@Erik - So by registration you mean Masquerade reg? I don't see anything about it on the website, unless I'm looking in the wrong places. Or do you mean it'll be open soon? Did I miss something??

Yes, we had an issue with some of the bios from the guest judges, fixing it hopefully tonight.

[Hi KuriQueenofFeel,]

Hi KuriQueenofFeel,

I am beating the website house elves to get the new pages up.  There are backup forms on google docs if it takes any longer.

Registration is still open (will be opening).  You can register and if you need to bow out your spot will go to another entry, if you need to adjust the entry you have the option to do so until Saturday at noon.

Also we have a at convention work room, so if you need space to complete construction or adjust elements this is provided for.

Not to defend AX, but its hard to think how they could have grown as fast as they have without the structure they took.  Its just very hard to get to that scale, that quickly.  While I personally have qualms about their practices, I am delighted that anime is as accessible and enjoyed as it is today.  The fact that there are so many options for peoples time and attention is something to be celebrated.

Personally I have always felt that anime conventions do better by helping each other then looking in suspicion one another.  I try to volunteer for ALA and any other convention I can because we, as fans are really in it together.

The motto is misleading; It indicates that whatever money is made by the event will be, for the most part, re-invested and used towards the following year's event.  The reality, though, is quite a bit different, with a good chunk of the profits going to pay off investors, just like every other convention run by a corporation.

You wouldn't mind pointing me to the source of this information?  While conventions can rack up debts from loans, this is no different then every other convention or event, even charity events require investors to start. 

Organizations are required to incorporate, all organizations to be incorporated as a tax entity.  This means 'Make a Wish', PETA, Greenpeace or the American Red Cross all are organized the the same way, these are all charity organizations under the US tax code.  This does not mean its a business intended to make profits for investors.

After attending several conventions around the US for years, I have found that the most effective way to get things to change is not by donating your time nor by vocalizing your preferences on forums/Facebook, but rather through money.

The only problem with this, vote with your feet approach is that there are so many reasons why someone switches from attending events.  This kind of economic voting only works when you are talking about two identical stores where all things being even except a key difference like quality or service.  Often time this is a post rationalization groups use to explain why something happen with incomplete information.  I still recommend asking for what you want and see what will come out of it.

I am under no illusion that Fanime management gives one iota about my choice as attendance numbers have increased during my absence. As long as attendance increases and profit is made, there is no impetus for Fanime to change.

Actually I, and I am in management care quite a bit and would like to see what can change or grow to make it both an event you would want to attend and recommend to others.  Its why I am here having this discussion.

As for impetus, this can come from various motivations.  If it was just a profit motive like ComicCon, the focus would be on big name guests,from hot general media movies, TV shows, charging for every event and extracting value from every interaction with fans.  However Fanime's motivation is to make a convention where fans enjoy it, where its not for sale at the highest bidder. 

Now we still have to pay guests, we have to pay for the facilities to host the event, insurance and so on. These costs do not come cheep, but if the intention was to 'run it as a business', Fanime would look far different; from badge prices, selling tickets, cutting services and paying the bare minimum for content.

Would people be interested in a class to go over key construction techniques for mens suit of uniform construction.  This would go from fabrics, under structure, interfacing and stitching to pressing, arm synth, collar and lapel attachment.  It would take about two hours or have to be broken up to a multi block panels.

What do you think?

Full disclosure: I am staff and I head up the Cosplay Masquerade, however I am responding a private individual and not my role.

For tax purposes Fanime, like every other convention, fair or event is organized as a corporation, so its misleading to imply that this is the same as a for profit corporation like AX, ComicCon or Wizard.  What 'for fans by fans' means is that we volunteer our time and while some perks are rewarded generally we spend far more time and money then the benefit.  Personally I spent around $3000 last year of my own funds to host my event.

On the tax status in general, there has long been the accusation of groups using 501c6 status, however this seems unlikely because that status is used to promote business without favoritism.  You can search for the records here for yourself:

http://990finder.foundationcenter.org/990results.aspx?990_type=&fn=Animazement&st=&zp=&ei=&fy=&action=Find

On the Fanime staff/volunteers has addressed issues around the use of guests time and it is now part of the standard training that such behavior is not allowed.  Just as volunteers do not get to cut lines when not working for an event.

Personally, if you want Fanime to improve, come to the meetings and voice your concerns.  Join the convention team and make things happen.  We are very transparent and are always looking for passionate people to make it a better event.

Proposal: Historical or recreation competition

I've been toying with this idea for a while and a resent post prompted me to bring it up. This competition would be heavily skewed to craftsmanship and the details of a costumes construction.  This would be roughly split between media (modern sources) and historical (based on historical documentation and accounts before 1940).  All of this must be from asia or asia inspired sources.

The competition would require dress diaries/ tailor journals of the construction details and supported documentation. The room itself would have a low riser and runway platform that would allow the audience to admire the garments up close and the wearer would be able to have up to 3 minutes to display with lengthly narration from the MC or a recorded narration.

We would use the same Open, Journeyman, Novice, Professional devisions.

To be clear, this is not for displaying vintage (actual garments from that era) garments.  You may use vintage accessories, but they will not be part of the judging of your entry.

WHat are your thought?

1) would you be tempted into competing?

2) would you want to attend and see the competition?

3) Do you think this is a welcome addition to Fanime?

4) ideas, thoughts, concerns?

Hi mlarad,

Thank you for the feedback, here is my impressions

How about:

- Most beautiful

I think this would be covered in either the best in devision categories or the best in show.

- Best Re-creation

This has potential, however its may be limited in that the majority of sources tend to be anime.  While I can see craftsmanship awarding based on this, I can't see it being a independent category of competition unless we open up the scope of available sources to include general media. 

I am tempted to encourage historical cosplay which would make this a possibility. Though I am tempted to split that to an entirely separate competition from the masquerade, that would allow the audience to see in detail the historical recreations and have a much longer narrated description and a booklet for people to read.  In this way it would be the art of recreation and the detail of work that is on display rather then the results.

My hope would be that the winners from a historical masquerade would be brought up on stage or imaged projected and displayed during the judging at the cosplay spectacular.  I will need to toy around with the idea more and send out feelers to the wider community.

What are your thoughts?

[Hi PrincessSquib,]

Hi PrincessSquib,

Some updates on your feedback

Craftsmanship judging has moved to Sunday Morning and is part of the the rehearsal time. Judging will not start at 1:00 pm Sunday.  This is done for a number of reasons
1. it allows our judges to enjoy the convention themselves
2. It allows contestants to get in everything setup and relax.
3. it opens up two rooms for costume construction program panels/workshops the rest of the weekend.

Official photography will be done as you exit the stage left.  You will go down a few steps and be in the photography area.  Once done you can then walk around and join your seats rather then past the rest of the contestants.  this should ease traffic flow and again frees up our photographer and competitors time. 

Intermission: We will have a real honest intermission this year.  15 minutes to get up and take a break, nothing will go on but some music and if you want people can take pictures on platforms provided around the civic center.

Prizes and awards: separate thread on this, but I have things in the works that should


Now I do have a slightly evil reason for working very hard to free up all your time.  Next year will be the start of the Fanime Cosplay fashion folio design competition.  This will likely take place Saturday morning/midday or Friday night and I want you all able to enter and compete in it. 

[Basic requirements:]

Masquerade ninja application becomes available June 15th

We need a core group of 10 stage ninjas for the Masquerade and other related events. 

Basic requirements:
- You must be able to move quickly and quietly, on stage
- You must be able to lift 25 pounds without injuring yourself or contestants
- To commit to working the core masquerade hours 9am to 9pm maximum on Sunday
- Take direction and assist performances

What you get:
- An official masquerade stage ninja gi, with embroidered black on black back logo.
- An easy way to get all your volunteer hours
- Love an admiration of cosplayers
- Food, sweets and drinks
- strike terror in the eyes of your dreaded enemy... stage glitter.

I will update when the form is live

[Homestuck folks:]

--- This is my personal opinion and in no way reflect that of Fanime Staff or my department ---

Any community that failed to embrace new groups are destine to die.  I have grown up and been a part of conventions for over 39 years, I was conceived at a convention and this pattern repeated itself over and over.  Homestuck is new, it is developing its own social norms and its growing.  So as a community we have the choice of embracing them, bringing them into the fold and making them a part of this crazy thing we call Fanime.

Not to many decades ago Anime was considered a fringe group of annoying kids who were "ruining" conventions.  Their rejection is what caused Anime to create their own conventions and to break away from sci-fi fandom and resulted in the current schism.  If anything as Fanime
grows it should grow and evolve, let smaller groups under our big tent and allow people to do cosplay on friday, Dr who on Saturday morning, clockwork in the afternoon and jpop.  Give people choices, but remember our roots.

Homestuck folks:
You need an event, something for your people to focus on and to be respected.  The gathering in the park if a great start, but I would personally love to see you have an event.  If its something like having everyone donate their time (since many are young and the one thing they have in abundance is time) to the convention.

I can tell you that one thing we need is volunteers on thursday, If the Homestuck community stepped up and volunteered hours to the convention on thursday and even hosted some events like a rave, helped the swap meet or something you came up with, it would make a huge difference in the perception of the group.

If your community owns making Thursday rock for fanime, I am certain you will be seen in another (brighter) light.

[Hi Tris-chan]

Hi Tris-chan

Thank you for the feedback, keep it coming.

plus it allows any press photographers some good posing time.

We actually give press photographers their own area with better lighting and the ability to set up poses with a proper backdrop.  Next year we will do more for them, but they get about 5 - 8 minutes with the contestants to get the best shots possible.

Any press photographers who read this, I would love more feedback from you.

I was talking with the hubby, and we like the take a closer look idea with one caveat. Lighting. The lighting in the Civic is all kinds of horrible, and not that great for photos, getting a good look at details, anything. Maybe if the stage was open for people to walk up on, where at least there is a little more light. Heck, if masq is between 5 and 7, outside would be better. That's near the best time of day for photos.

The platforms would include strong lights, but perhaps putting some outside for those who want to go out into the light.  We can't always rely on good weather, plus some outfits are warm as it is. 

The stage has too many liability issues and usually we are running around trying to get ready for the next part of the show to have to mind random audience members coming up.  Plus the stairs in the front are horrible.

I should mention that there is a Media phone area on the stage left hall.  This has full photograph lighting and backdrops.

Hi Enkai

In general, I think these are excellent.  However, I am not a big fan of separating out best in show.  That award, in my mind, is to be awarded to somebody who has a top notch entry in both craftsmanship and performance.

This is a good point and I agree.  Best in show, is best in show.

[Hi toraraven]

Hi toraraven

Why not take a cue from other large conventions on how they structure their walk-on performances? Usually it isn't just "go on stage and wave and get off" but usually they're required to be on stage for about 30 sec.

I'm definitely of the mindset that the bigger conventions get more things wrong more then they get things right, mindset.  For one thing many of their contests are based on either a costume contest grown too large or on a 'got talent' tv show model that is more interested in the judges and their drama then the quality of the acts.  An example would be that Syfy show.

That said i think the most separation I may do is by having a Part A for walk-on acts and a Part B for performances.  During the intermission we will encourage the walk-on acts to use platforms set up around the hall to allow the audience member who are not going to the bathroom, getting water and so on, to see them up close and the take pictures of them.  This I think could be a great addition and give both the audience and the contestants.

Again, thanks you for the feedback and lets keep making the show better