Fanime AA REDUNCULOUS

[crystori]

Alright. I've damned well bloody had it. I want to know if anyone else shares my feelings for the Artist alley on this.

WHY am I posting this? I think others might have a say so in this too. Add on that I'd like us to be heard. For those mods who might decide to "hush me up" you are corrupt bastards and I'd like my dislike known.

I've had a table at fanime for many years in a row now.  It USED to be in the "hallway" of sorts with the artists around the pillars when I started. (I thought that was awesome because you could look to the pillars to see where which artist was.) but because of expansion I'm fully aware that we had to move to a "larger" room. (which is always either cold and drafty or stuffy and therefor kinda annoying.) BUT all of that was handle-able  but..... I think that they need to re-evaluate what they are doing.

Usually I sign up and pay AT the con- At the end of each con they offer super discounted rates for those who want to sign up for the NEXT year. As I don't usually make a "killing" or enough to cover expenses  I usually have to do this. I run my table for the enjoyment and to get my name out there. And usually I discount things according to what a certain person has money-wise. Not very good business but.... haven't you ever gotten the "wants" for something and then someone discounted it down to that and you get to have the warm fuzzies of someone being nice to you and you get that one item your heart left for at con? You appreciate it WAY more!

Well I signed up this last year- but they have decided to do something "different". (Different is BAD, people. I go to fanime because Anime Expo is EXPENSIVE as all get-out and they charge WAY to much for.... what? most of the workers are volunteers! I understand that it costs but I'm already paying *censored* enough for my BADGE for the ENTIRE weekend. But now- I've signed up early for that discount because I lost my job (they closed down) and my store is all I have. BUT!- what happens? I don't get ANY info till THREE MONTHS before the con  and ONE TABLE is a worthless "anime expo type" $50. WHO THE HELL CAN SPEND $50 on ONE table? I usually get two for that friggin price!This year there will be no table from me. I can't AFFORD to pay $50 for a table that they borrow or rent. Can I ring my own flipping table? No, I have to pay you to do.... oh yeah tell me where to SIT.

SERIOUSLY?

I'm not doing a table for the first time in five years because- I not only cannot afford it but I SIGNED UP EARLY and now I'm getting *censored* buy some jerk who decided to changed the ever-loving bloody system.  What was fanime's motto again? "BY FANS, FOR FANS" ?  Well it's not anymore. it's become the prick who *censored for the kiddies* you  over in the effing alley way and stole your bloody money to leave you curled up behind the trash can wishing you were dead!

FUN.

I spend absurd amounts of money at cons to have FUN- Because life does not OFFER "fun" it has work, sexual/or verbal abuse, plain old abuse, bills, maybe school, money issues (especially now), and STRESS. But now "fun" is not even AVAILABLE to those of us who work our asses off! Fanime in general gets more and more expensive EVERY year.  Now I might be "ok" with paying ABSURD amounts of money if they were working. Doing a service. BUT so far site updates are later than hell(like someone unpaid is doing it), the work is sloppy usually(like someone unpaid is doing it), and I'm not getting any extras in my bag that may me go "oh this was SOOOOO not worth eating for a month!"
I vote that you pricks stop skimming off the extras. "by fans, for fans". If you aren't going to honor that, change it to "to *censored* over the fans, by not really fans anymore".

I'm AWARE how much a con costs- lines that stretch back by two blocks with $75 a pop is WAY more than needed.


Now if I wanted to get a DEALERS booth and get all the extra people that spend their money THERE and take in loads of cash I'd pay for that! But I want the artist alley! I friggin remember when AA was $15 a table! WHY are you charging so much? We all know that the dealers room gets all the customers and idiots all spend ALL their money there first!

I have enough money problems as is- I am not paying them to fill their pockets. I understand times are hard but this is not the way to go about it. RAISING the price every year? Stop. Just stop.

Who cosplays? How much does that cost?  now for fun you are on ..... average spending about $100 per costume (wig, contacts, make-up, fabric, accessories, ect. ect.) Now add on the con. ..... is it starting to not be worth it? Does going to that "Escape" from life making life worse and not worth it? WHY should it be that way?  Why should our fun be marred with worrying about money. can you make that car payment? how much time off of work are you taking? do you have to stand on a street corner to make rent?

It's not ok to charge us this much. Add on that I really don't like the new AA staff. You don't DO anything- so WHY am I paying you so much?! I already have to pay taxes for my friggin shop and in general. I think the only thing that you guys have done is.... scan my sellers permit and charge me for it. I wasn't warned that I would need a COPY the first time. I just got CHARGED for a MANDATORY copy- WITHOUT ANY WARNING. Add on that "going digital" didn't work fyi.

To be honest I'm angry and I want to know who else feels this way? What's your take? Who DOESN'T feel this way? WHY?  (if your are spending "daddies" money don't flipping post. Let HIM post- you aren't allowed to "opinionate" until you know what it's like to stand on your feet eight hours a day and listen to bitchy customers who are getting snappy at YOU, when YOU get paid a measly $7.50per hr and couldn't give a shit if thy "didn't like the toothpaste they bought and want to return it even though they used it." While your boss is yelling at you that you have to restock the Gatorade and twenty thieving little prats have just gotten out of school so now you have to watch for pit-pockets!)

And to anyone who feels the need to get uppity- I don't rightly care and you have no reason.(oh that would be a good new fanime motto. Our new mascot should be a big fat pig in a suit with a dildo "I don't rightly care- because you're screwed out of your money if you come here!"  or maybe "*censored* you all I like your money!")

[Biblio]

This isn't really a response to the thread since the OP already stated that he/she doesn't care.

Rather, I'm just posting a general observation on the part of a Fanime newbie. Fanime is a very impressive con considering how much of it relies on volunteer-power. Having attended industry/professional events, I still can't believe Fanime relies on volunteers for all this work. Every event of this size will have issues, but I don't see it warranting some of the comments of this post.

As the OP stated over and over, he/she seems to have lost the "fun" factor. Please note that "fun" is not a right.

I'm sure others more knowledgable about Fanime history and operations will have better comments. But this is just my "outsider" view.

Also, is Live Programming the right place for this thread?

[jAded]

Alright. I've damned well bloody had it. I want to know if anyone else shares my feelings for the Artist alley on this.

WHY am I posting this? I think others might have a say so in this too. Add on that I'd like us to be heard. For those mods who might decide to "hush me up" you are corrupt bastards and I'd like my dislike known.

I've had a table at fanime for many years in a row now.  It USED to be in the "hallway" of sorts with the artists around the pillars when I started. (I thought that was awesome because you could look to the pillars to see where which artist was.) but because of expansion I'm fully aware that we had to move to a "larger" room. (which is always either cold and drafty or stuffy and therefor kinda annoying.) BUT all of that was handle-able  but..... I think that they need to re-evaluate what they are doing.

The reason they probably moved it as it Fanime got bigger was due to demand and most likey fire safety codes. They don't have much control over that, same reason why they don't allow more than two people behind a table.

Usually I sign up and pay AT the con- At the end of each con they offer super discounted rates for those who want to sign up for the NEXT year. As I don't usually make a "killing" or enough to cover expenses  I usually have to do this. I run my table for the enjoyment and to get my name out there. And usually I discount things according to what a certain person has money-wise. Not very good business but.... haven't you ever gotten the "wants" for something and then someone discounted it down to that and you get to have the warm fuzzies of someone being nice to you and you get that one item your heart left for at con? You appreciate it WAY more!

Like you I use cons to promote my art and to meet artists that I can only meet once or twice a year. If I make money to cover my costs, I'm happy. I'm far happier that my art went to somebody who enjoyed it. To do any sort of promotion, you're going to need to spend money. A table in the AA is a means of advertising.

And we all get a table in the alley in hopes to sell our wares, so we're recouping some of our costs.

Well I signed up this last year- but they have decided to do something "different". (Different is BAD, people. I go to fanime because Anime Expo is EXPENSIVE as all get-out and they charge WAY to much for.... what? most of the workers are volunteers! I understand that it costs but I'm already paying fucking enough for my BADGE for the ENTIRE weekend. But now- I've signed up early for that discount because I lost my job (they closed down) and my store is all I have. BUT!- what happens? I don't get ANY info till THREE MONTHS before the con  and ONE TABLE is a worthless "anime expo type" $50. WHO THE HELL CAN SPEND $50 on ONE table? I usually get two for that friggin price!This year there will be no table from me. I can't AFFORD to pay $50 for a table that they borrow or rent. Can I ring my own flipping table? No, I have to pay you to do.... oh yeah tell me where to SIT.

Try sharing a table with other artists and split the cost of the table. If you lost your job, maybe attending cons and spending money that you would need for stuff like bills/rent/food/etc should not be a priority right now. :/ And if you've been getting two tables for that price, then getting one for the same price shouldn't be a problem?

Plus, losing your job because your place of employment closed means that you are qualified for and will get unemployment benefits (visit your local unemployment office to pick up an application. You can even apply online!), if you apply for it. So, no, your store is not all that you have left. You still have options.

SERIOUSLY?

I'm not doing a table for the first time in five years because- I not only cannot afford it but I SIGNED UP EARLY and now I'm getting *censored* buy some jerk who decided to changed the ever-loving bloody system.  What was fanime's motto again? "BY FANS, FOR FANS" ?  Well it's not anymore. it's become the prick who *censored for the kiddies* you  over in the effing alley way and stole your bloody money to leave you curled up behind the trash can wishing you were dead!

Honestly, I remember them say last year that they were changing things around this year but we can submit our emails so that we would get updates when they were ready. (So far the updates have been slow and far in between, but we were told at the end of the con that the email submission wasn't a guarantee for tables or that we could buy them before as in previous years.) I, for one, loved the fact that we could choose to sign up for our tables at the end of the con. Things change, we deal with it.

FUN.

I spend absurd amounts of money at cons to have FUN- Because life does not OFFER "fun" it has work, sexual/or verbal abuse, plain old abuse, bills, maybe school, money issues (especially now), and STRESS. But now "fun" is not even AVAILABLE to those of us who work our asses off! Fanime in general gets more and more expensive EVERY year.  Now I might be "ok" with paying ABSURD amounts of money if they were working. Doing a service. BUT so far site updates are later than hell(like someone unpaid is doing it), the work is sloppy usually(like someone unpaid is doing it), and I'm not getting any extras in my bag that may me go "oh this was SOOOOO not worth eating for a month!"
I vote that you pricks stop skimming off the extras. "by fans, for fans". If you aren't going to honor that, change it to "to fuck over the fans, by not really fans anymore".

You can always help by volunteering to help make the con better. $50 is not an absurd amount of money to spend on a table. It breaks down to $12.5/day for a table. If you're that pressed for money, then consider cutting down on the absurd amount that you spend on having fun (doesn't the table count as fun as well?). You always have the option of sharing your table with other artists and splitting the cost.


Have you considered how much it costs to rent a huge convention center in the middle of downtown in a large city? There's fees for rental space, fees for the licensing rights, to run all the activities, to get all the guests/performers, etc. ?

I'm AWARE how much a con costs- lines that stretch back by two blocks with $75 a pop is WAY more than needed.


Now if I wanted to get a DEALERS booth and get all the extra people that spend their money THERE and take in loads of cash I'd pay for that! But I want the artist alley! I friggin remember when AA was $15 a table! WHY are you charging so much? We all know that the dealers room gets all the customers and idiots all spend ALL their money there first!

As the economy changes, and cost of living increases, they're going to have to increase their prices. A convention ten years ago would have cost less to attend. That's why there's a cost of living adjustment to offset inflation. As we get older, things are going to get more expensive.

I have enough money problems as is- I am not paying them to fill their pockets. I understand times are hard but this is not the way to go about it. RAISING the price every year? Stop. Just stop.

Who cosplays? How much does that cost?  now for fun you are on ..... average spending about $100 per costume (wig, contacts, make-up, fabric, accessories, ect. ect.) Now add on the con. ..... is it starting to not be worth it? Does going to that "Escape" from life making life worse and not worth it? WHY should it be that way?  Why should our fun be marred with worrying about money. can you make that car payment? how much time off of work are you taking? do you have to stand on a street corner to make rent?

It's not ok to charge us this much. Add on that I really don't like the new AA staff. You don't DO anything- so WHY am I paying you so much?! I already have to pay taxes for my friggin shop and in general. I think the only thing that you guys have done is.... scan my sellers permit and charge me for it. I wasn't warned that I would need a COPY the first time. I just got CHARGED for a MANDATORY copy- WITHOUT ANY WARNING. Add on that "going digital" didn't work fyi.

It's a choice we all make, where we spend our money. We all have our money problems. What it breaks down to is this: if you cannot afford the $20 increase on the table from last year, you should not be attending the convention. It's pretty much along the lines of people always saying they are broke, but won't cut out that expresso they have every morning, or the deluxe cable package they have for their tv. It's a personal choice, and you need to prioritize what's important to you.


And I remember them distinctly saying that you had to have a copy of your permit for check in, that's why I was really irritated with having to wait extra while people who didn't read the directions and have their paperwork ready slowed the lines down. And by the time I got to my table to set up, people were already trickling into the alley while more people were still waiting in line to get checked in. So yeah, I'm glad that there was a charge to people who didn't read. It should be a lesson well learned. As far as I know, all CA cons require you to have a copy of your sellers permit to turn in with your paperwork.

Is there new staff? It seems the same AA head is still running the con from the past several years...

To be honest I'm angry and I want to know who else feels this way? What's your take? Who DOESN'T feel this way? WHY?  (if your are spending "daddies" money don't flipping post. Let HIM post- you aren't allowed to "opinionate" until you know what it's like to stand on your feet eight hours a day and listen to bitchy customers who are getting snappy at YOU, when YOU get paid a measly $7.50per hr and couldn't give a shit if thy "didn't like the toothpaste they bought and want to return it even though they used it." While your boss is yelling at you that you have to restock the Gatorade and twenty thieving little prats have just gotten out of school so now you have to watch for pit-pockets!)

And to anyone who feels the need to get uppity- I don't rightly care and you have no reason.(oh that would be a good new fanime motto. Our new mascot should be a big fat pig in a suit with a dildo "I don't rightly care- because you're screwed out of your money if you come here!"  or maybe "fuck you all I like your money!")

I've been attending Fanime the past 3 years, I've participated in every artist ally. So my response is from the perspective of an artist myself. I'm self employed. Fanime is a convention run by fans, for fans, and like any convention they are not perfect. The artist alley is a luxury that we as artists are able to access to promote ourselves and sell our wares. It's mainly a venue for congoers to got to other than the dealer's room or the night events.

It ultimately comes down to this, if you don't like how Fanime is run, get involved, volunteer and try to make changes for the better. The convention isn't a necessity, it's a convenience. If you can't afford to go, if it comes down to that twenty dollars feeding you for a week, then don't go.

[crystori]

The reason they probably moved it as it Fanime got bigger was due to demand and most likey fire safety codes. They don't have much control over that, same reason why they don't allow more than two people behind a table.

And like I stated I completely understand. I'm just saying that I remember what it used to be like. I remember walking into my first con and it was like a huge forest of artists and costumes. With signs instead of leaves of course.

Try sharing a table with other artists and split the cost of the table. If you lost your job, maybe attending cons and spending money that you would need for stuff like bills/rent/food/etc should not be a priority right now. :/ And if you've been getting two tables for that price, then getting one for the same price shouldn't be a problem?

Plus, losing your job because your place of employment closed means that you are qualified for and will get unemployment benefits (visit your local unemployment office to pick up an application. You can even apply online!), if you apply for it. So, no, your store is not all that you have left. You still have options.

I've actually had the money set aside and everything paid for since last year. I had actually made slightly more expensive but in my opinion somewhat necessary reservations before I left.

The reason I go is because I get to see friends and "family" ONCE a year. It may not be an actual priority being as my wedding is currently my priority but I do still promote my shop. When someone sees an awesome costume they ask who made it. If you are the maker with a store it's a form of promotion. Add on that with all my supplies and helpers I usually NEED two tables.

No need to be sarcastic about unemployment that was unnecessary and rude. I've actually attempted to apply. In person and online when I first became "jobless"- I was un aware of this but appearance I need my W-2 forms. Still haven't gotten my forms and now I'm not eligible. I'm not sure if it's the state's way of turning people away or not but... *shrugs* I've tried. I have a family I support so don't assume that I haven't tried.

Have you considered how much it costs to rent a huge convention center in the middle of downtown in a large city? There's fees for rental space, fees for the licensing rights, to run all the activities, to get all the guests/performers, etc. ?

Did I not say that I knew? I'm FULLY aware. I actually intended to run a con myself. Sadly health complications and whatnot have delayed this but I fully intend to. I did the research because I wanted to have a convention wedding, I am fairly sure that most conventions in the bay area would not permit me to have a "special event wedding Masquerade" and have yet to receive replies from any that I've emailed- and that was a year ago.
To sum up what I was saying- yes I know how much.  Far as I can tell it borders the 15k range. Possibly more per room rented.

As the economy changes, and cost of living increases, they're going to have to increase their prices. A convention ten years ago would have cost less to attend. That's why there's a cost of living adjustment to offset inflation. As we get older, things are going to get more expensive.

Sadly this was four to five years ago. Ten is maybe understandable. If the prices get raised much more people will stop COMING- that's my POINT. Cost of living is going up but people are still getting paid the SAME. poor went to homeless. Middle class went to bankrupt and struggling to pay bills. and the rich just sue the poor.

Is there new staff? It seems the same AA head is still running the con from the past several years...

(Above that you are simply being rude. Additionally as I was there the second day due to car issues I have to remembrance of any line so I am not your issue.)
Yes the head retired ....either last year or the year before. She made the announcement before the con ended. I remember she indeed was not there last year though.

[crystori]

This isn't really a response to the thread since the OP already stated that he/she doesn't care.

Rather, I'm just posting a general observation on the part of a Fanime newbie. Fanime is a very impressive con considering how much of it relies on volunteer-power. Having attended industry/professional events, I still can't believe Fanime relies on volunteers for all this work. Every event of this size will have issues, but I don't see it warranting some of the comments of this post.

As the OP stated over and over, he/she seems to have lost the "fun" factor. Please note that "fun" is not a right.

I'm sure others more knowledgable about Fanime history and operations will have better comments. But this is just my "outsider" view.

Also, is Live Programming the right place for this thread?

I actually said I didn't care if you wanted to get uppity.

Also May I  that fun is indeed a right. If I pay for a meal I have the right to EAT it. If I pay to go and have fun I have the RIGHT to HAVE fun. I'm not paying someone to jerk off on my face.

............ Seriously? Can you not read?

FanimeCon 2009 Forums > FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism > Live Programming and Events

Yeah it's the right place. That's kinda rude suggesting that I'm not going to READ and CLICK on someplace that ISN'T where I want to talk.
Why did YOU click the little sign that said "Live Programming and Events " ? oh? Because you were looking for a live programming or event topic? Well congrats you found one.

[Kertus]

Your view on what is and what isn't a 'right' seems to be a little off to me.

Also I don't think there was a reason to start off with such a rant, did you try to contact anyone and gently tell them about what you thought about the con and AA?  I don't think you really took the right angle with this thread.

Fanime is by fans and for fans, but with a rant like this I don't think you really get lots of people on your side.  Maybe if you had contacted someone on staff and alerted them to your issues something may have been done since you've come for so many years and been loyal?

I'm not sure entirely since I'm not in your situation, just my thoughts is all.

[Oniko]

Cant say I agree with your post at all.  "Fun" is not a right, I agree with this statement.

Usually I sign up and pay AT the con- At the end of each con they offer super discounted rates for those who want to sign up for the NEXT year. As I don't usually make a "killing" or enough to cover expenses  I usually have to do this. I run my table for the enjoyment and to get my name out there. And usually I discount things according to what a certain person has money-wise. Not very good business but.... haven't you ever gotten the "wants" for something and then someone discounted it down to that and you get to have the warm fuzzies of someone being nice to you and you get that one item your heart left for at con? You appreciate it WAY more!

First off the sign up at the con to my understand was never a "pre-reg".  I even asked them and they told me it was just an email list to send those people info that were interested.  They tried the pre-reg thing before and drama exploded.  Talks of tables being sold out and how unfair it was ran a bit wild. So I don't blame them for not going with that system again this year.

Well I signed up this last year- but they have decided to do something "different". (Different is BAD, people. I go to fanime because Anime Expo is EXPENSIVE as all get-out and they charge WAY to much for.... what? most of the workers are volunteers! I understand that it costs but I'm already paying fucking enough for my BADGE for the ENTIRE weekend. But now- I've signed up early for that discount because I lost my job (they closed down) and my store is all I have. BUT!- what happens? I don't get ANY info till THREE MONTHS before the con  and ONE TABLE is a worthless "anime expo type" $50. WHO THE HELL CAN SPEND $50 on ONE table? I usually get two for that friggin price!This year there will be no table from me. I can't AFFORD to pay $50 for a table that they borrow or rent. Can I ring my own flipping table? No, I have to pay you to do.... oh yeah tell me where to SIT.

Now as far as cost.  $50 is not that much.  For the size of this convention $50 seems to be a fair price.  When you look at the size of other conventions you will be spending a lot more, and the same price for badges.
Example:  AX = $150, Sac Anime = $45, Otakon = $70 (That's after redeeming more money back I hear), so they are running about average prices.

FUN.

I spend absurd amounts of money at cons to have FUN- Because life does not OFFER "fun" it has work, sexual/or verbal abuse, plain old abuse, bills, maybe school, money issues (especially now), and STRESS. But now "fun" is not even AVAILABLE to those of us who work our asses off! Fanime in general gets more and more expensive EVERY year.  Now I might be "ok" with paying ABSURD amounts of money if they were working. Doing a service. BUT so far site updates are later than hell(like someone unpaid is doing it), the work is sloppy usually(like someone unpaid is doing it), and I'm not getting any extras in my bag that may me go "oh this was SOOOOO not worth eating for a month!"
I vote that you pricks stop skimming off the extras. "by fans, for fans". If you aren't going to honor that, change it to "to fuck over the fans, by not really fans anymore".

If $50 is that big of a problem then share your table.  It is certainly not that hard to fit your stuff on half of it if you plan the lay out right. I do so every year even with my sample and stock growing every year. If you lost your job that truly sucks but it honestly is not the staffs problem.  If yove fallen on hard times it is time to get your prioities straight.  Life is tough and paying those bills or feeding yourself can become more important than going away on vacation for 4 days.  Sometimes you just cant buy that video game, dvd, anime figure, see a movie, etc cause you have bills to pay.  It's a fact of life you really need to get use to.  I had to drop two conventions I go to because of it because that's just how things worked out.  My school fees were more important than hopping over to a convention.  Even Faime this year is cutting it close and I wont be able to do a lot of the things I normally like.

I'm AWARE how much a con costs- lines that stretch back by two blocks with $75 a pop is WAY more than needed.


Now if I wanted to get a DEALERS booth and get all the extra people that spend their money THERE and take in loads of cash I'd pay for that! But I want the artist alley! I friggin remember when AA was $15 a table! WHY are you charging so much? We all know that the dealers room gets all the customers and idiots all spend ALL their money there first!

I'm not a staff member, nor ever have been, but I'm sure it cost a lot more.  They have to run out the convention space, and all the rooms.  I bet it cost them more to have it open 24 hours too.  They could close down at 7pm and open at 10pm everyday and be so  sad to bad to us.  Not only that they rent out the place across the street for events.  On top of all that there is equipment, some might be lent but I bet some is bought or rented.  Then you add into account of the guests, I cant speak for all of them but I'm sure some require a room and food that they don't pay for themselves but Fanime offers just to get them here.  Oh and the music groups?  Somehow I doubt they are hopping it all the way over from Japan and staying here on their own dome, I could of course be wrong however but sense nothing in life is free...meh.

I have enough money problems as is- I am not paying them to fill their pockets. I understand times are hard but this is not the way to go about it. RAISING the price every year? Stop. Just stop.

Who cosplays? How much does that cost?  now for fun you are on ..... average spending about $100 per costume (wig, contacts, make-up, fabric, accessories, ect. ect.) Now add on the con. ..... is it starting to not be worth it? Does going to that "Escape" from life making life worse and not worth it? WHY should it be that way?  Why should our fun be marred with worrying about money. can you make that car payment? how much time off of work are you taking? do you have to stand on a street corner to make rent?

It's not ok to charge us this much. Add on that I really don't like the new AA staff. You don't DO anything- so WHY am I paying you so much?! I already have to pay taxes for my friggin shop and in general. I think the only thing that you guys have done is.... scan my sellers permit and charge me for it. I wasn't warned that I would need a COPY the first time. I just got CHARGED for a MANDATORY copy- WITHOUT ANY WARNING. Add on that "going digital" didn't work fyi.

Again I don't see why your being this into the topic.  It sound more like you want pitty.  I'm sorry but things happen in life and you gotta start thinking about what is most important.  If you decide that a convention is more important to you then eating for a month then you have no one else t blame but yourself when your tummy start to rumble.  I don't feel screwed over at all by the staff.  They don't have to be holding this convention. It is in no way a right that we even have this con.  We should be lucky to have one so big and so eventful as other locations don't get anything of the sort or close to nothing.

What does Cosplay even have to do with the AA anyways?  Nothing.  You dont have to Cosplay and do AA.  It's your own choice if you chose to buy a new costume instead of wear the old one from last year.  Hell I cant afford a new one this year so I'm just not doing it.

To be honest I'm angry and I want to know who else feels this way? What's your take? Who DOESN'T feel this way? WHY?  (if your are spending "daddies" money don't flipping post. Let HIM post- you aren't allowed to "opinionate" until you know what it's like to stand on your feet eight hours a day and listen to bitchy customers who are getting snappy at YOU, when YOU get paid a measly $7.50per hr and couldn't give a shit if thy "didn't like the toothpaste they bought and want to return it even though they used it." While your boss is yelling at you that you have to restock the Gatorade and twenty thieving little prats have just gotten out of school so now you have to watch for pit-pockets!)

And to anyone who feels the need to get uppity- I don't rightly care and you have no reason.(oh that would be a good new fanime motto. Our new mascot should be a big fat pig in a suit with a dildo "I don't rightly care- because you're screwed out of your money if you come here!"  or maybe "fuck you all I like your money!")

As far as the staff, you are not paying them.  The money is for renting the space.   And they did warn about the copy.  I saw multiple posts about it and so came with the copy.  It is not their fault is you missed it.
Bottom line is you cant please everyone.  Even if they adjusted thing there would be someone else somewhere raging about it too.

[TC X0 Lt 0X]

Apparently those replying are being rude and uppity to the OP.
IC  ::)
Just waiting for Pyron to post.

BTW this is all ridiculous, no one is forcing you to go Fanime in any way shape or form. Fanime is a leisure. Leisure is most definitely not a priority, or at least not as much as your post seems to suggest. If you don't have money for leisure then you should not be going regardless if it is more expensive then past years or not.

[Oniko]

P.S.
In the time I was typing I noticed your responded to jAded.

I dont think they were being rude or sarastic.  They seemed to be calming explaining how they felt about the subject (Which you asked to hear) and then tried to give you advice.  They were trying to help you, because we shouldnt just assume you know everything to life.  You wanted to know how people felt, you encouraged it and asked for it, so you got it. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about this that you are and calling people rude who when you have been throwing names does not make you look any better.

[SukebeStudios]

Um, not that I know your skills as an artist, but if you KNEW you were going to be making a lot of money at Fanime because people liked your art, $50 wouldn't sound like a lot. Since you're complaining this much about the price, probably nobody buys from you so it WOULDN'T make sense to pay that much if your art sucks.

[TC X0 Lt 0X]

Um, not that I know your skills as an artist, but if you KNEW you were going to be making a lot of money at Fanime because people liked your art, $50 wouldn't sound like a lot. Since you're complaining this much about the price, probably nobody buys from you so it WOULDN'T make sense to pay that much if your art sucks.

The only REAL rude comment towards the OP, and imo justly deserved.
Though Studio that was rather harsh  :P

[SukebeStudios]

Um, not that I know your skills as an artist, but if you KNEW you were going to be making a lot of money at Fanime because people liked your art, $50 wouldn't sound like a lot. Since you're complaining this much about the price, probably nobody buys from you so it WOULDN'T make sense to pay that much if your art sucks.

The only REAL rude comment towards the OP, and imo justly deserved.
Though Studio that was rather harsh  :P

Well, it was meant to be. Myself personally? I KNOW my artwork isn't all that, so I WOULDN'T want to pay $50 with no garuntee that I'd be able to make that money back. I mean, the only guys that really can garuntee that they can are artists with mad skills like David Wong who comes every year to Artist Alley.

[slifertheskydragon]

... isn't the point of fanart to show your love for the fandom, not make a profit...

still $50 is a lot, but that's why i'm sharing with friends ^^

i do agree in saying that i am sad we couldn't sign up for 2010 at the end of 2009...

[BrightHeart76]

I have a job and have been employed full time for the last 15 years as well as putting myself thru college at the same time.  At times I have worked 2 jobs at a time to keep my head above water.  I have real bills.  I have priorities and responsibilities that consume most of my money.  I am a single income so I know that I can lose everything if I'm not careful.  I understand the value of a dollar and the work required to earn it.  Having said that let me say this, $50 isn't that much.  Even when I made minimum wage it wasn't enough to warrant a screaming post like that. 

If you don't like the way things are, work WITH people to change them.  After flaming the Artists Alley and the changes they've made this year the way you just did, do you honestly expect that the powers that be will listen to you and make changes?  I don't think so.  Use your voice.  Speak out.  Disagree.  Saying "I don't agree with the way things are and I will fight to change them" is what our country is founded on.  But flaming staff and cussing does no one any good. 

So what could you have done instead?  Posted the same concerns in a post that wasn't dripping in venom and foul language.  Contacted people you've met over the years at Artists Alley and started a letter writing campaign.  Contacted fans of your art to ask them to "sponsor" your table so you could afford to be there this year.  You're an artist, I'm sure you could have found creative ways to address the problem.  Instead you sunk to this level. 

I don't know what you were hoping to achieve here, but I feel fairly certain that you've missed the mark by approaching things the way you have.

[Glitch]

At first I thought this was gonna be a post about some horrible staff involved incident that happened to somebody at fanime, but this is just some very long rant about the raised price on artist tables? Tsk,tsk. This is just taking out the anger on what has happened in your life on fanime.

[slifertheskydragon]

also forgot to add:

better than sacanime - $45, and you have to bring your OWN table. or rent one from the hotel for +$30... >_>

[Tsu]

P.S.
In the time I was typing I noticed your responded to jAded.

I dont think they were being rude or sarastic.  They seemed to be calming explaining how they felt about the subject (Which you asked to hear) and then tried to give you advice.  They were trying to help you, because we shouldnt just assume you know everything to life.  You wanted to know how people felt, you encouraged it and asked for it, so you got it. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about this that you are and calling people rude who when you have been throwing names does not make you look any better.

Agreed.  There was nothing snide or sarcastic about their comment whatsoever. Think what you will, but a lot of people don't know how important it is to get signed up for unemployed benefits right away so you can make the most of it. jAded simply was making the suggestion, and since you never said anything about having applied for it, cool it.

I'm not an artist, so I can't say anything about the prices there. Of course the rising prices at Fanime bum me out. I've been going since they were at the Santa Clara center, and the general registration prices were MUCH lower. Now they start at what, $40 if you pre-register at the con the year before? It's a pain, especially since I have to balance whether to pre-reg right away and save some money- but pay the bill right then- or do it later, and pay more- but what can you do about it? It's never seemed to me that Fanime has actively raised their prices to make money off of us. They moved to a bigger con center, extended it to 4 days, have a music festival across the street in yet another building they have to rent for 1-4 days of the con (depending on what else they're using it for), permits and so on. Hell, the first year we were at San Jose, they didn't even rent the whole con center. There was a graduation ceremony and a bunch of perturbed looking veterans wandering around, as they rented portions of the center as well. Yes, it sucks that the prices for AA is so high, but as others have pointed out, they're in the same league as other conventions, and better than most of them.

Really, I can understand your complaints about the price, especially with your financial situation. Things have gotten incredibly tough for me this year financially, and I look at Fanime as a way to get away, have fun and relax each year- but the price tag attached to it makes me cringe, wondering if I should even bother.  Far as I can tell, nobody here was particularly looking to fight with you about that.  Chill out, at least towards us. We're not responsible for the price.

[jAded]

The reason I go is because I get to see friends and "family" ONCE a year. It may not be an actual priority being as my wedding is currently my priority but I do still promote my shop. When someone sees an awesome costume they ask who made it. If you are the maker with a store it's a form of promotion. Add on that with all my supplies and helpers I usually NEED two tables.

No need to be sarcastic about unemployment that was unnecessary and rude. I've actually attempted to apply. In person and online when I first became "jobless"- I was un aware of this but appearance I need my W-2 forms. Still haven't gotten my forms and now I'm not eligible. I'm not sure if it's the state's way of turning people away or not but... *shrugs* I've tried. I have a family I support so don't assume that I haven't tried.

That's the main reason I go to conventions: to see my art friends that I see once a year. To me, that's worth the money and more affordable than me flying cross country.

As for unemployment, I was not being sarcastic or rude, if you read it as that, you're already on the defensive. I have no control over how you read or interpret things. I speak from experience. Before I was self employed, I worked for a company. I didnt' recall needing your W-2 for the application process because since they are a government institution, they really just need your social security number in order to access all your W-2 information (hopefully your boss was up to date). I'm sorry you did not get your unemployment.
[/quote]

(Above that you are simply being rude. Additionally as I was there the second day due to car issues I have to remembrance of any line so I am not your issue.)
Yes the head retired ....either last year or the year before. She made the announcement before the con ended. I remember she indeed was not there last year though.

I did not see myself as rude, it was stated repeatedly in the paperwork. I was pointing out the obvious. I'm sorry that you weren't there to contribute to the line on the first day and I'm sorry to hear about your car issues. Again, as with the unemployment issue, I had no knowledge of your misfortunes or actions aside from what you wrote here. And, just like you, I am entitled to my opinion on that matter. It does not make me rude.

This will be my 4th year at Fanime, and I honestly don't remember that change in leadership. If the head did retire, most of the head staff seem the same.


I tried to respond in a civilized matter with no intent to be cruel or attack or rude. I've kept my personal opinions to myself. If the OP thought that I was rude, then they posted this with the intent of getting sympathy/pity responses.

[Tony]

Alrighty - I won't stand for the staff - none of whom are getting paid, myself included - to just get flamed out like that, so I'm locking this thread.

If you want to complain about rising prices - no problem. We're more than happy to field feedback and discussion, and you can contact us via these forums or email. If you want to flame, however, do it elsewhere.

By the way, even at the $50 price point (which is still significantly less than other conventions) we're still losing money on the tables. We're just losing a little less. Bear in mind that the facilities raise their prices on every year as well. Inflation, sadly, is part of life.

I'm not about to be so rude as to presume why you can't afford the price, so in all fairness, I would expect you would similarly give FanimeCon the benefit of the doubt.