FanimeCon 2024 Forums

FanimeCon: Participate, Join, Create => Staff & Volunteers => Topic started by: TheMaKaKi on February 17, 2008, 11:55:23 PM

Title: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: TheMaKaKi on February 17, 2008, 11:55:23 PM
Hi All,

I just wanted to simply ask if there has been any updates regarding Maid Cafe OR if there is an official thread about it. I just want to know the requirements of being able to volunteer as a Maid and if there were any announcements about it.

Anyone who has volunteered before, please tell us about your experiences!!! And how you went about being a Maid. I am interested to read how people fared from last year.

So, please keep this topic, simple and clean-- NO Hostile Debate/Argument, or I will report you IMMEDIATELY! I read the last topic regarding Maid Cafe and one simple question turned into a heated debate that was locked by an Admin. Please keep this thread friendly so people can come and read it. Be considerate and respectful!  :) Thank you all!

-MKK
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Tony on February 18, 2008, 11:48:00 AM
Unfortunately things are going a little slow in the higher/corporate-y areas, and that's causing some delays at the department and volunteer levels. You may want to contact [email protected] to let them know you're interested; they'll likely contact you once things get up to speed!
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jerry on February 19, 2008, 09:14:32 AM
Thanks again for your interested in this 'little' project.

Just like Tony said, we'll try to get the info to you as soon as we get some logistics and legal stuff down on paper first.

you know how that could be  :P

More information coming up soon?
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: xiaomei on March 20, 2008, 06:03:37 PM
nothing yet..? DD:

well, i was wondering if there was any requirements to volunteer, and if the outfits would be provided :3
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Tony on March 21, 2008, 07:46:45 AM
Actually, we just recently got the food contract and floor plan squared away, so maid selection and training should be  starting soon! We'll probably have official announcements of when and where that's going to happen on the forum, so check back...
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Mister_E on March 21, 2008, 07:53:41 AM
Maid Boot Camp, sounds fun.

DROP AND GIVE ME 20 "YES MASTERS", MAGGOT!
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jerry on March 21, 2008, 02:47:08 PM
Quote from: Mister_E on March 21, 2008, 07:53:41 AM
Maid Boot Camp, sounds fun.

DROP AND GIVE ME 20 "YES MASTERS", MAGGOT!

Its... not quite like that...

though it would be a funny thought tho...  ::)
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: TheMaKaKi on March 24, 2008, 02:05:01 AM
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2008, 07:46:45 AM
Actually, we just recently got the food contract and floor plan squared away, so maid selection and training should be  starting soon! We'll probably have official announcements of when and where that's going to happen on the forum, so check back...

So I did email Maid Cafe. I am waiting for a reply. Is there any more info? Because Fanime is coming close, and I want to know what the requirements are and schedule it ^^
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: mousou_machine on March 25, 2008, 12:49:09 AM
we should have an application form for the maid cafe... for various reasons i mean (over flooding on a certain day etc)
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: nyuu-latte on March 26, 2008, 01:07:52 PM
Yes, I would also like to know what the requirements are for volunteering at the Maid Cafe :) Does anyone know when any updates or announcements might be made? Since Fanime's getting closer and closer, I want to be able to plan for this accordingly ^-^
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: zoupzuop2 on March 26, 2008, 01:23:18 PM
I wasn't a maid (for obvious reasons), but I was a Butler.

We butlers had a pretty good job; just keep an eye on things, see if anyone wanted anything, stay on patrol, and even take pictures every so often. A nice job, I MIGHT do it again. Then again, things may be different this time, so... we'll have to see.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: moosehime on March 31, 2008, 10:45:40 PM
OK, I would like to volunteer as a maid as well, but my mother is not allowing me yet (she is worried about the customers and uniform skirt lengths)  If one is provided, what does the uniform look like, and what kind of people eat at the cafe?  And, is there any sort of age restriction?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Kazuko on April 01, 2008, 02:28:07 AM
I think the age restriction was 15 or 16+ I cant quite remember, but you had to get a parent consent if you are under 18. Uniforms arent decided yet, you will have to pay for it. and well almost every con goer eat at a cafe =\ it is open to the con/general public so you will get almost every type of person

thats what i can recall, and theres another maid cafe thread mentioning alot of these things in the live programing event section
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Thoth on April 08, 2008, 01:19:53 AM
Just a reminder, that any information posted in here that is not from me, Sydney, any other Maid Cafe staff, or our superiors, should not be taken as official information. An email has gone out containing information, and I am available to answer questions you may have in the thread on Live Programming Events.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jerry on April 08, 2008, 08:17:54 AM
So remember to Contact the Fanime Maid team : for any questions!
Thanks for being interested!

http://www.fanime.com/events/maid-cafe

Maid Cafe e-mail : [email protected]

*edit*

sorry about that previous post ladies and gents.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: LadyKaren on April 08, 2008, 11:09:57 PM
Quote from: Jerry on April 08, 2008, 08:17:54 AM
So remember to Contact the Fanime Maid team : for any questions!
Thanks for being interested!

Sydney - [email protected]

Ted - [email protected]




Do [email protected]

Let's keep it official guys.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Thoth on April 15, 2008, 07:21:15 PM
For those still interested in volunteering for the cafe, please check the maid cafe section of the website, under events. We have dates, times, and locations for upcoming training dates. Those looking to volunteer for this year's Maid Cafe need to attend one of these training meetings.

Sunday 4/13/08 - Parkside Hall - Room B (Parkside Hall is located across the street from the San Jose Convention directly behind the Civic Auditorium)


Sunday 4/20/08 - San Jose Convention Center - Meeting Room B - 2nd Floor


Sunday 5/4/08 - San Jose Civic Auditorium (across the street from San Jose Convention Center)

All meetings from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 02:05:13 PM
Augh, late to the first meeting but will definitely be there this weekend.

For those that weren't around to pick up the handouts at the last minute, and cannot make it to the next meeting, I'll get e-mails from Sydney and forward the documents to you. Or uh, e-mail me if you were there at the first meeting and didn't get them (at [email protected]) and I could forward that to Sydney. For those attending the next meeting, all paper documents will be received and reviewed throughout the meeting. From what I know, progress is going pretty well. Remember to do your best. =o

@Jerry: Sorry again for getting lost.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jerry on April 16, 2008, 07:23:42 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 02:05:13 PM
@Jerry: Sorry again for getting lost.

No Worries, according to some people's opinions I wasnt even suppose to be there.  :P

Besides, a maid dress would totally make me look fat, considering my horrible figure. >_<
That plus I'm WAY top heavy too.  :-[
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 07:39:54 PM
Quote from: Jerry on April 16, 2008, 07:23:42 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 02:05:13 PM
@Jerry: Sorry again for getting lost.

No Worries, according to some people's opinions I wasnt even suppose to be there.  :P

Besides, a maid dress would totally make me look fat, considering my horrible figure. >_<
That plus I'm WAY top heavy too.  :-[

You're part of the whole project aren't you? Yeah, GIRLS ONLY, YOU FAT COW.

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fjerrymeido.jpg&hash=4d25251180d40de1bdb03179b56a3b8899d452cd) *Rubs chin*
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Steve.Young on April 16, 2008, 10:25:49 PM
I can never look at Jerry the same way...ever...again...
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 11:22:54 PM
Quote from: Steve.Young on April 16, 2008, 10:25:49 PM
I can never look at Jerry the same way...ever...again...

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fjerrymeido2.jpg&hash=02ca110badcc2a4c284533bd821867818c4745ae)

Let's see what Jerry has to say about that. =|
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Chun on April 16, 2008, 11:30:31 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 07:39:54 PM
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fjerrymeido.jpg&hash=4d25251180d40de1bdb03179b56a3b8899d452cd) *Rubs chin*

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F2398%2Fariariex9.jpg&hash=d4bd1f8abf229bca4e556acb3cdce4f5183ff5b0)
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jerry on April 16, 2008, 11:35:30 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 07:39:54 PM
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fjerrymeido.jpg&hash=4d25251180d40de1bdb03179b56a3b8899d452cd) *Rubs chin*

You promised you wouldnt release those photos! GASP! my secret is out!
....Darn, I've really let myself go. I better get back into shape.  :-[
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on April 17, 2008, 01:16:14 AM
Quote from: Chun on April 16, 2008, 11:30:31 PM
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F2398%2Fariariex9.jpg&hash=d4bd1f8abf229bca4e556acb3cdce4f5183ff5b0)

*Thinks about it for a minute.*

... It works, it works!

EDIT: Hahaha, I feel guilty for spamming this thread now. Uh... For those that were at the meeting on the 13th, I'll send e-mails including the hand-outs tomorrow afternoon. E'yup. :U
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: zoupzuop2 on April 17, 2008, 09:39:52 AM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 16, 2008, 07:39:54 PM
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fjerrymeido.jpg&hash=4d25251180d40de1bdb03179b56a3b8899d452cd)
[Insert Rabbid-like DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH here]

I'll be at the meeting on Sunday.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: *rei* on April 17, 2008, 02:26:40 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on April 01, 2008, 02:28:07 AM
I think the age restriction was 15 or 16+ I cant quite remember, but you had to get a parent consent if you are under 18. Uniforms arent decided yet, you will have to pay for it. and well almost every con goer eat at a cafe =\ it is open to the con/general public so you will get almost every type of person

thats what i can recall, and theres another maid cafe thread mentioning alot of these things in the live programing event section

you said you have to pay for the uniforms? how much was it last year?
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on April 17, 2008, 02:38:02 PM
Quote from: *rei* on April 17, 2008, 02:26:40 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on April 01, 2008, 02:28:07 AM
I think the age restriction was 15 or 16+ I cant quite remember, but you had to get a parent consent if you are under 18. Uniforms arent decided yet, you will have to pay for it. and well almost every con goer eat at a cafe =\ it is open to the con/general public so you will get almost every type of person

thats what i can recall, and theres another maid cafe thread mentioning alot of these things in the live programing event section

you said you have to pay for the uniforms? how much was it last year?

Here's quoting from the e-mail sent to all applicants that were interested.

- - - -

Applicants aged 16 and 17 will be asked to have their parent/guardian sign a simple take-home form for the Cafe (you do not need to bring your parent with you; just have the form in by the time of the convention, or you will not be able to participate.) We cannot take any applicants under the age of 15, sorry!

The last hour will be devoted to the most important part: costume approval.

The previous year, our uniforms were ordered through Honest Dragon China's Ebay store. The volunteers themselves bought three specific uniforms, of which, two versions are available from the seller:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gothic-Lolita-Cosplay-Costume-Home-Maid-BW2L-CUSTOM_W0QQitemZ230239881141QQihZ013QQcategoryZ63861QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gothic-Lolita-Home-Maid-Sissy-Cosplay-costume-B-W_W0QQitemZ230184259576QQihZ013QQcategoryZ314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You are welcome and encouraged to order these costumes; you will match those who are volunteering from last year, and these uniforms are beautiful and traditional. If you are interested in ordering them, please do so promptly! You are welcome to "dress up" these uniforms with headdresses, ribbons and the like, but no major alterations to the dress should be made. Our uniforms are black and white ONLY, with optional touches of red if you like.

If not, we've opened the floor for you to make your own costume, or wear one that has been made for you! (On a few conditions.) Our uniforms must be black and white ONLY, touches of red are optional. An apron on the front of some kind if highly recommended. Please keep traditionality in mind: we are looking for Japanese maid uniforms, like the ones exemplified above. Some lolita styles are acceptable if they look enough like service wear, and Western Maid uniforms are relatively acceptable if they look close enough or are modified. Very heavy J-rock influence should be avoided- we're looking for adorable or classy or elegant or feminine, etc. Please, no very short skirts. French maid uniforms are absolutely UNacceptable, for example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hot-Sexy-Lingerie-Costume-Party-Maid-Cosplay-M04_W0QQitemZ150232849466QQihZ005QQcategoryZ4844QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: LadyKaren on April 17, 2008, 08:10:24 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 17, 2008, 02:38:02 PM
Quote from: *rei* on April 17, 2008, 02:26:40 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on April 01, 2008, 02:28:07 AM
I think the age restriction was 15 or 16+ I cant quite remember, but you had to get a parent consent if you are under 18. Uniforms arent decided yet, you will have to pay for it. and well almost every con goer eat at a cafe =\ it is open to the con/general public so you will get almost every type of person

thats what i can recall, and theres another maid cafe thread mentioning alot of these things in the live programing event section

you said you have to pay for the uniforms? how much was it last year?

Here's quoting from the e-mail sent to all applicants that were interested.

- - - -

Applicants aged 16 and 17 will be asked to have their parent/guardian sign a simple take-home form for the Cafe (you do not need to bring your parent with you; just have the form in by the time of the convention, or you will not be able to participate.) We cannot take any applicants under the age of 15, sorry!

The last hour will be devoted to the most important part: costume approval.

The previous year, our uniforms were ordered through Honest Dragon China's Ebay store. The volunteers themselves bought three specific uniforms, of which, two versions are available from the seller:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gothic-Lolita-Cosplay-Costume-Home-Maid-BW2L-CUSTOM_W0QQitemZ230239881141QQihZ013QQcategoryZ63861QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gothic-Lolita-Home-Maid-Sissy-Cosplay-costume-B-W_W0QQitemZ230184259576QQihZ013QQcategoryZ314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You are welcome and encouraged to order these costumes; you will match those who are volunteering from last year, and these uniforms are beautiful and traditional. If you are interested in ordering them, please do so promptly! You are welcome to "dress up" these uniforms with headdresses, ribbons and the like, but no major alterations to the dress should be made. Our uniforms are black and white ONLY, with optional touches of red if you like.

If not, we've opened the floor for you to make your own costume, or wear one that has been made for you! (On a few conditions.) Our uniforms must be black and white ONLY, touches of red are optional. An apron on the front of some kind if highly recommended. Please keep traditionality in mind: we are looking for Japanese maid uniforms, like the ones exemplified above. Some lolita styles are acceptable if they look enough like service wear, and Western Maid uniforms are relatively acceptable if they look close enough or are modified. Very heavy J-rock influence should be avoided- we're looking for adorable or classy or elegant or feminine, etc. Please, no very short skirts. French maid uniforms are absolutely UNacceptable, for example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hot-Sexy-Lingerie-Costume-Party-Maid-Cosplay-M04_W0QQitemZ150232849466QQihZ005QQcategoryZ4844QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I tend to skim threads and I read: "we're looking for adorable or classy... for example: *link*"

Then I saw the outfit and had a "..." moment.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Thoth on April 21, 2008, 08:01:59 PM
There's one more meeting! If you haven't yet attended, here's the last date and time!

Sunday 5/4/08 - San Jose Civic Auditorium (across the street from San Jose Convention Center)

9 AM to 1 PM.

Please be there if you want to volunteer for the maid cafe.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on April 21, 2008, 08:25:26 PM
Crossposting this from my other post in the other Maid Cafe thread.

The meeting went relatively well this week! For those who have attended today and read this thread, it's advisory to come to the follow up meetings to review and have someone work with you one-on-one with the specifics, e.g. language training, bowing, and overall appearance. Some of the people I worked with today during training had trouble projecting, and pronouncing the phrases, but please remember that this is a very important part of being both a maid and a waitress in general. You need to be able to have your patron understand what you are saying. Remember to study, but do not rush yourself, otherwise, you will develop bad habits and get too nervous! But everything worked very hard and did a good job. Just please, remember to practice! Review the hand-outs I gave you. Here are the notes on the handout for you to refer to if you don't have the hand-out with you.

Master (for male patrons): 「ご主人様」 "Goshujinsama" goh-shoo-jeen-sah-mah
Miss (for female patrons): 「お嬢様」 "Ojousama" oh-joh-sah-mah (The "joh" is elongated.)
Welcome home, Master/Miss: 「お帰りなさい」 "Okaerinasai" oh-kah-eh-lee-na-sai (Remember that 'ka' is before 'e', slow down and break down syllables to practice"
Have a nice day: 「行ってらっしゃいませ」 "Itterasshaimase" ee-tte-ra-sshai-mah-seh (Remember the notes I have said for double letters like "tte")

Practice from the examples I've given you today and do your best. Remember to slow down and break things down into syllables before saying it naturally.

If you have lost it COMPLETELY, or have any trouble with studying, please e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll send you a .doc copy of it to you as soon as possible. If you can, it'd be best if you're able to go to the next meetings for review. Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Thoth on May 17, 2008, 08:57:16 PM
There will be an emergency training meeting held Sunday, May 18th, from 10 am to 1 pm, at the San Jose Convention Center, Parkside Hall Room B. If you are interested in being a maid at the maid cafe, or volunteering in some fashion, please attend!
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Thoth on May 18, 2008, 08:11:15 PM
There will a review meeting during Fanime at Meeting Room N, on Friday, at 5 PM. All maids need to attend this meeting.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on May 23, 2008, 09:39:41 AM
HEY. HEY. YOU PEOPLE. Yeah, that's right. YOU.

... thooooooose involved with the maid cafe, GO to the meeting at 5pm. All maids need to be there. It's mandatory. It's very mandatory. That's right. I mean it.

Go or we'll hunt you down.

With harpoons.

That is all.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: TheMaKaKi on May 25, 2008, 01:37:53 AM
Volunteered at Fanimaid Cafe today and least to say, I was so sad at how understaffed the event was :(!!

Sydney had tried her best emailing people like CRAZY (Well, she emailed me back continuously without fail) and even kindly, setting up emergency meetings to encourage people to volunteer.

I have been reading Fanimaid Cafe comments for like an hour and I have seen all the positive and negative comments.

Thanks to all who have been so kind to help teach us and no thanks to those who just sit on their butts at the computer hoping to upset people and shock them into drastically changing Fanimaid Cafe.

Least to say, I was upset at the very, very negative comments about Fanimaid Cafe. It is VERY hard to coordinate Maid volunteers because we all live around California or even out of state. A lot of the girls or guys who want to volunteer and help display a "maid cafe" also do not know what to expect.

In the beginning, I MOST certainly did not know what a maid cafe particularly was, but after going to one of the training dates, I definitely got the gist of it and researched it myself. I tried my best to not only handle the trays and serve customers, but I also interacted with them and saw how comfortable my customers were. I maintained myself in a calm composure and bowed each and every time with a smile.

Volunteering at the Cafe today was fun. I was very happy with the girls who wanted to be there and dedicate their time instead of watching panels and shows. Not all girls are shy, timid, and dainty as mouse, but their vibrant, energetic personalities definitely brought a lot of life to the Maid Cafe.

I am thankful for this ideal and event. Like the Fanime Convention when it was once held as a one-day convention at Foothill College, I believe in Fanimaid Cafe and its future growth. I hope the cafe will get its OWN room one day and that we will have a solid staff/volunteer base dedicated to return to this cafe every year. So thank you to all of the maid trainers and staff for helping the maids.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: Jun-Watarase on May 26, 2008, 08:24:30 PM
I applaud the results, and am proud of all of us.
Title: Re: Inquiry about Maid Cafe
Post by: SyntaxSnack on May 29, 2008, 10:39:56 AM
Pictures!  Pictures!  I'd like to see how the pictures everyone took came out :3