After much discussion over the years (and much hair pulling) the four inch heel/diameter of a nickel was decided upon as a compromise between fashion and potential cost (injury/floor).
That is an understatement. More like very public, heated discussions. One time between me and the old department head after meetings about this.
Since I have been around for a little while longer I will provide some prospective on this issue. It is an issue that will make some people unhappy. Not everyone is going to like it. We have always had rules about the size and length of heels. And we say it is about the floor and it is. But it is more than just that as well. It is about the safety of you and those around you. Because in the end when you are at the Convention we want you to be safe and those around you safe as well. That is why we are also a dry con.
Are there rules? Yes. Does everyone like them? No. But they exist for a reason and the code of conduct for attendees.
Will the rules ever be perfect? Will people still complain and then claim they heard, saw or know someone who got in that was against the rules? The answer to those questions is the following : No and Yes.
In terms of drunks. This happens every year, seems to be about the same percentages. We try to keep it under control. Several people were asked to leave because they were intoxicated. Some are more visible than others.
We know many young people come to this convention, and are often away from home and from the normal rules they are use to following everyday. But when they come to Fanime their will be rules, just rules to keep a crowd of 30,000 people a bit under control and civilized. But then again not everyone like the rules.
If you think you have some good ideas you can either send an anonymous email to bwball@fanime.com. Also as a staff member of the Ball, and a long time one, I will also take PM on this forum and they will remain anonymous as well. And I will respond to each one.
Yours,
Kevin