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FanimeCon: Participate, Join, Create => Ideas and Suggestions => Topic started by: M on May 29, 2010, 10:37:02 PM

Title: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: M on May 29, 2010, 10:37:02 PM
Place feedback here please.

We do have staffers that read this, so in order to keep things better organized, please use a format such as the following to give your feedback:
[Department Name/Event Name: Description]

i.e.

Marketing: Needs better Marketing.
Dealers: Needs more dealers!
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Dracil on May 30, 2010, 01:53:22 AM
Info Desk: Should actually have correct info.  So first, there was some confusion with the schedule saying Fanimaid Live was at 12 while some flyers said 1PM.  After Yukie's concert, our group got ourselves some seats.  But the website (m.fanime.com) still said Fanimaid was still at 12.  At about 12:30 the MC was saying there was some dance group coming up, which wasn't on the schedule so I went up to the Info Desk right next to the stage to verify when it was supposed to happen.  They said Yukie's concert WAS Fanimaid Live and when I pressed them they continued saying that was the case and nothing could be done.  We were there mainly to see and support our friend in there so we left disappointed, with a feeling of, that was it?  Imagine my surprise then when at 1:15 I passed by and noticed that the Fanimaid performance was indeed going on.  What is the point of having an Info Desk if they don't even have the correct info, and if they really don't know, can't be bothered to check with the people who do know what's going on?

Rovers: Not a real criticism like the above, but it was certainly amusing to see a couple of them taking the elevator from the 3rd floor to the 2nd floor.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: HarpB on May 30, 2010, 02:54:14 AM
Panels: Only thing I would like to see is additional places inside the room to charge the camera or run the camera when it is low on battery and I want to record the panel. Now that I think about it, maybe I should take the responsibility of carrying a long extension.

I don't have any other issues, it has been an awesome experience so far.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Anon on May 30, 2010, 09:47:00 PM
swap meet:

-Your policy of skipping/bumping people that were not physically there for when their number was called was not followed. I understand that there were plenty of spots and that in the end it didn't matter, but regardless many people were left standing around waiting at the desk while earlier numbers came in long after their number should have been checked in.

-Your people that were checking the inventory of sellers were standing around many times doing little/nothing while waiting for sellers to check in at the desk. Checking the inventory before admitting people in, or even before the check-in would have sped up the process and kept the entrance to the room clear. This is not to say they weren't being helpful, on both days my friend and I were both escorted to our spot by the same guy, he even offered to help carry some of our things. Kudos to that guy.

-This issue was not so much a deal on Thursday, but on Friday, the line of people checking was lead in through the same door as the one people that were coming in to shop/game. It got very hairy when people also started going through the same door as the exit (which, eventually got marked as entrance only. Also on that note, many times people were told to come back in and exit through the proper exit, making things even worse.) Lastly in regards to the door, your staffer on many occasions people were told to "go go go!" "hurry up!" and "run!" while being badge-checked. Worse case scenario, between the seller check-in line streaming through that door, people exiting and the people being told to run in, you could have had a serious injury there.

-Please allow more time for swap meet sellers to check-in and set up/lay out their wares, before letting people in. My friend and I had a ton of stuff to put out for display and had to tend to people asking about things we had, while trying to watch the things I had set out and make sure nobody stole anything, all while still setting up. I understand that the area was shared with the gaming area, possibly switch the room next year this with a room that closes its doors at a specific time, as opposed to the game room that is open 24 hours, or perhaps even it's own dedicated room. The attendance during the first few hours certainly filled the entire room, meriting a larger space may need be facilitated.

Those are the biggest issues off the top of my head. I'll probably think of more after a day or two, still winding down and taking inventory

Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Dracil on May 31, 2010, 01:03:25 AM
Gaming Hall: At 2AM in the morning, when most people are sleeping or partying in their rooms and there isn't much traffic flows, those entrance/exits that are supposed to help the congoers become more of a hindrance.  You could probably just open both doors, and have the staff sit in the center but a little inside the room and have people enter/exit from their right like standard traffic flow.  They only need to check the badges of the people from the side entering then, but still allows people to enter or exit from both sides to go back to their respective hotels.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: heeroyuy135 on May 31, 2010, 03:33:13 AM
BlazBlue/Guilty Gear creators' autograph session - The policy of the BlazBlue/Guilty Gear creators' autograph session was unacceptable if people wanted both signatures and sketches and if others just wanted one or the other which will lead to some skipped merchandise and poor quality. What they should of done and make one pure signature session, and if you want to come back for sketches you do one a different day for a sketch session.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: ZaichikArky on May 31, 2010, 12:54:53 PM
Ok Here is all my feedback.

Asian Drama Room: What happened to this? I'm pretty disappointed that you guys didn't have it this year. I'm very, very picky with what anime I watch, so most years I just watched Asian drama shows.

Gaming Room: The board games were pretty cool, though a lot of them were missing instructions, which made them hard if not impossible to play for the newbs or people who didn't know all the instructions. We went home and printed instructions for Risk and left it in there so hopefully no one stole it 0_o. Also, would it be possible to keep tabs on which games get checked out? This would be beneficial to know for future years as some games I imagine aren't going to really be checked out and some are always checked out. So instead of having video trivial persuit games (a less popular choice) you could have more (insert very popular game).

One minor complaint... I don't really understand why there is a SPECIFIC entrance and exit for the games room. Do any of the other areas have this?

The fanime magazine thing: My biggest complaint is that I would really, really love to have all the summaries for every anime/movies at the con. I don't really know any of the shows that fanime plays so it's kind of hard to decide what I want to watch. I gotta go up to all the salons and read the summaries if the show sounds interesting to me. It would be helpful if people had some kind of wifi device, I guess, but a lot of people don't have those. I'd rather not pay the extra free for the cellphone internet, sorry!

That's about it. Thank you.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: mirnamomo on May 31, 2010, 01:15:59 PM
General: Prices on water need to be dropped, it is easier for people to just buy sodas and not drink water cause sodas don't cost as much, but everyone still needs water. It would be nice if ya'll think about dropping the price of the water from $4 down to something reasonable. People would rather stay thirsty than have to pay $4 for a normal sized bottle of water.

Dance: The music really sucks. I know its sposed to be a rave-like place and have a lot of beats, but not for the whole time! Play some remixed songs. Popular J-pop, J-rock, hip hop, pop, dance, techno, songs, but not just only beats. It is annoying, you can only dance to that for so long without getting bored. The place might have looked really cool, and fully packed, but it really was just people making giant circles to watch other people show their moves, while everyone else is trying to dance to the same beat that has been going on for 10 minutes. They were saying they had great DJs, but they sucked.

Black and White Ball: Almost the same like I said before but concerning coordinating the dances with the songs. My brother went with my friends and my self to it so that we would have some knowledge on how to do the dances. And he had some comments that he wanted ya'll to know. When picking songs to styles of dances place them accordingly to their beats matching up. At one moment there was a very slow song playing for the 2-step, at another there was a 4/4 song playing for a 3/4 dance. The only time the songs matched the dance was for some of the demonstrations, but again not all.  Last but not least this is not concerning the music, but the dress code. Please make it well known in the booklet of the dress code, and don't leave out talking about Lolita. At last minute we were hearing from multiple places different things [two of those places were: straight from a staff members mouth and from the booklet.] We weren't sure if Lolita was okay to wear. Cause the booklet didn't say if, and a staff member said no, then later on changing his answer to "Gothic Lolita is accepted". Then the colors of clothing that were allowed were not told, we were hearing from staff that clothing could only be either: black, white, or red. But when we arrived there, we saw a multitude of colorful clothing and Lolita, and not just Gothic Lolita.  
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Mantaray3000 on May 31, 2010, 04:04:51 PM
Video Screenings: Fanime needs to work out the video screening sessions. I mean honestly was it really necessary to make the saturday screening of Evangelion 2.22 @ 8am!? Couldn't there have been a better time for that considering that a movie like that could draw in a full crowd!? I am aware that there were other showings of it buy my point is; not everyone can attend all 4 days let alone get up so early in the morning. Hopefully when Fanime shows 3.0 or the Trigun movie, we will never have to exprience that ever again.

Dealers: What ever happened to the booth that sells anime soundtracks? What happened to Japanvideogames? Wasn't there more booths last year especially industry like funimation and bandai?

Guests: Need a little more guests especially seiyuus. This is only a small complaint because I've mentioned this before how I understand that Fanime is not like Anime Expo where they are funded by the State and not every seiyuu is worth bringing overseas. However I just find it a little frustrating how many people (including myself) are constantly requesting certain seiyuus only to come up short :-\. Its like no one from staff is listening or taking it seriously. Then again I could be wrong.

Dance: Have an open ballroom dance floor like you did with open rave night. Not everyone can attend B&W ball but some us still love to dance just not always fast pace.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: chifunii on May 31, 2010, 04:43:41 PM
Info Desk: I only asked them once where the pre-reg badge pick-up line was. So I can't really offer feedback about this.

LINES!!!: Lines. Lineslineslines. Fanime is full of them. So I was thinking. Perhaps have bigger signs of where things are. I didn't even know where the pre-reg line was until I asked. Also, for long lines such as FLOW, LM.C etc., it would be clearer if there were signs for the front of the line, and the end of the line. Plus, a sign for what the line is for. I know it seems like a bunch of signs, but a clearly-written whiteboard would suffice for most of them! :) I hope this can be implemented next year.

Marketing: I have no idea what more I can say. They did a great job doing some promo, although sometimes I wish updates came more often, even if nothing much has been happening, updates are awesome. And also... I didn't find out about Fanime until my friend told me about it...I don't really know how else people find out about Fanime. Maybe that could use a little work.

Dealer's Hall: SO glad there was a JMusic stand. Although I wish that there were more dealers this time around, I only bought a couple things because some dealers I saw last year weren't there, and many of the items within the hall were similar...

Artist's Alley: Nothing much.

MusicFest: YES. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THIS YEAR. FLOW and LM.C were so amazing, and everyone involved were VERY FAIR about people who would cut in line, or try to get into the show unfairly...etc.? And whoever/whatever team asks the artists to come, they really knocked it out of the park this year around. If music guests like FLOW and LM.C could come, or if they could come again, Fanime would beat out all other cons everr. Slight critique because I wanted to offer something helpful: There were a couple people for both shows that had people waiting in line that were saving seats for others. Usually I don't mind this, since waiting in line is tough sometimes, but when five or six other people show up per person in the line, it gets a little out of hand. Perhaps come up with a way to make sure that the people that wait the longest time to have the privilege of going in earlier. :<

FLOW & LM.C Q&A to autograph session: SOOO FARRR AWAY!!! The timing was very very tight, and it was always a race across the con center (of walking quickly) it was pretty intense...But I enjoyed it nonetheless.

For the Q&A panel, I was given little sheets of paper for panel feedback (which were full points for both FLOW and LM.C Q&A), but nobody ever told us where to put it or where to turn it in....

Rovers: Were a buncha bunch nicer this year around...And more understanding, and, especially, EVEN MORE ORGANIZED!!! In the previous cons some rovers would give different information. It seems to have really cleared up this year.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on May 31, 2010, 09:14:41 PM
Artist Alley: One of the best I've seen in years.
Gaming: Nice selection of old school games, but I had one issue. One, the staff needs to keep better tabs on who is using what and how they are using it. One person on Saturday night kept getting mad at his game and slamming the controller on the ground. I told a staffer who just brushed me off.
Convention in General: Pick which door is which and stick with it. Artist Alley had it's entrance and exit switched a bunch of times, with both doors eventually becoming both an entrance and an exit. I was also pleased to see we had non-god complex staffers this year, that was a major plus.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: DTJAAAAM on May 31, 2010, 09:25:42 PM
Dealers: I was disappointed by the lack of vendors selling video games, so hopefully Japan Video Games or another company will fill that void in 2011.

Swap Meet: My favorite event! I wish it could happen on more than two days, and possibly start up a bit earlier.

Maid Cafe: I was unaware that pictures weren't allowed, and was scolded by a Rover for zooming in from across the railing for a photo. I'd say put up some signs on that railing since it's just asking for oblivious people like me to start shooting photos.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Somebody on May 31, 2010, 10:47:11 PM
Rovers: Most of them did a fabulous job, but I was disappointed to see some in the gaming room and in general places towards the end of the convention completely and purposely ignoring ongoing problems, even when my fellow staffers mentioned what was happening to them. Although, is Spin the Bottle allowed in the game room? Just curious. Otherwise, very helpful, kind, and hard-working.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Sora on June 01, 2010, 12:46:00 AM
Karaoke Room: I blame myself for not suggesting any songs for Open Mic, but I was a little upset that some of the songs I wanted to sing didn't have lyrics, so I just walked out and didn't sing at all.

Guests: Just one more would be nice or a few more different people each year.

Hotel: I wish I didn't get just an estimate on the hotel room this year prior to the con instead of the actual price of it. The other people in my room complained about how much we each had to pay (as we felt not knowing the real price of the hotel with all of its charges threw us all off).

Swap Meet: I wish there were something to sit on besides the floor...like a mat or something...I mean, sitting down for a long time can put your feet and/or legs to sleep...
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: BenihimeSama on June 01, 2010, 01:59:21 AM
Quote from: daiphyer.com on May 30, 2010, 02:54:14 AM
Panels: Only thing I would like to see is additional places inside the room to charge the camera or run the camera when it is low on battery and I want to record the panel. Now that I think about it, maybe I should take the responsibility of carrying a long extension.

I don't have any other issues, it has been an awesome experience so far.

As a staffer, just to let you know, the panels room in the hotel, was actually one big room, broken into three separate rooms. And many of  the electrical plugs in the panels rooms, are at the front, and are used for panels tech. We will look into it for the future for everyone, but please keep in mind that spare batteries are your friends if you do a lot of video taping and pictures.   :)

Thank you for your suggestion!

Staff Note: If there are any specific suggestions for specific panels, the Panels department has a thread available for your to share your improvements and ideas for panels as well! ----http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,14469.0.html (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,14469.0.html)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AmazingKenchan on June 01, 2010, 03:39:47 AM
Quote from: Dracil on May 31, 2010, 01:03:25 AM
Gaming Hall: At 2AM in the morning, when most people are sleeping or partying in their rooms and there isn't much traffic flows, those entrance/exits that are supposed to help the congoers become more of a hindrance.  You could probably just open both doors, and have the staff sit in the center but a little inside the room and have people enter/exit from their right like standard traffic flow.  They only need to check the badges of the people from the side entering then, but still allows people to enter or exit from both sides to go back to their respective hotels.
We kinda talked about this a bit after con.  Late hours we were probably going to do this next year anyway.  It's a great suggestion, and we feel your pain ):

Quote from: Mantaray3000 on May 31, 2010, 04:04:51 PMDealers: What ever happened to the booth that sells anime soundtracks? Wasn't there more booths last year especially industry like funimation and bandai?
Fanime is by fans, for fans.  I'm pretty sure we're avoiding industry booths as a whole, somebody correct me if I'm wrong ^^;

On a side note, there are four gaming departments in the Game Room: Arcade, Tabletop, Social (Cosplay Chess, etc.), and eGaming (PC/Console).  We are separate entities working together, so sometimes we're a bit disorganized, gonna change that this year :3
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: mdarkpoet on June 01, 2010, 03:40:11 AM
Not closing the Dealer's Hall so early, having easier to read "Enter Only" and "Exit Only" signs as well as easier to understand signs outside the video rooms, I had to really search for what was playing and when.

Also feedback on the Gong Show specifically, I think the people judging the show were a little bit too rude to the people participating, I understand that they were jesting for fun however perhaps next year it should be regulated a little better? I don't know, just my take on things.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: LordMoufMouf on June 01, 2010, 03:34:59 PM
Is it just me, or is Fanime FREEZING in the evening? In the video rooms especially, I was SO COLD. I'm sort of sensitive to the chill, sharp air from air conditioners, and I ended up getting a nasty headache from the AC during bingo. My whole face hurt!
Is there anyway they can turn down the AC in the evenings? I also had this problem last year.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Otakun on June 01, 2010, 04:17:56 PM
Maid Cafe: Can we please get the convention staff to cooperated with them better? The maids do not deserve to be treated with such contempt!
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 01, 2010, 05:24:43 PM
Quote from: Mantaray3000 on May 31, 2010, 04:04:51 PMDealers: What ever happened to the booth that sells anime soundtracks? Wasn't there more booths last year especially industry like funimation and bandai?
Fanime is by fans, for fans.  I'm pretty sure we're avoiding industry booths as a whole, somebody correct me if I'm wrong ^^;

I seem to recall there being an industry table in the dealers room for the last few years and no one having a problem with it.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Nina Star 9 on June 01, 2010, 05:33:15 PM
Quote from: LordMoufMouf on June 01, 2010, 03:34:59 PM
Is it just me, or is Fanime FREEZING in the evening? In the video rooms especially, I was SO COLD. I'm sort of sensitive to the chill, sharp air from air conditioners, and I ended up getting a nasty headache from the AC during bingo. My whole face hurt!
Is there anyway they can turn down the AC in the evenings? I also had this problem last year.
It's not just you. :< On Saturday night, I was in the karaoke room freezing my butt off with a dress + tons of petticoats + socks + bloomers + wig + sweater + scarf. It was pretty bad.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AR-99 on June 01, 2010, 06:33:55 PM
This is my first FanimeCon in 10 years although I went to WonderCon last year and this year, so I will using that event for some of my comparisons.  I don't know how much the differences between Fanime and WC are funding driven, so please keep that in mind re. my feedback.

Artists' Alley & Dealers' Room
If it hasn't been mentioned before, maps and at least a listing of who is where. I read somewhere for 2008 or so that the dealers' room was very dynamic even up to Friday of the con start date, but is it at the very minimum possible to have a map of where the booths and tables are with the numbers on them, and a list that can be modified if need be even up to the last minute like the schedule was?  If it can't make the print program, what about having it at the info desk or at the entrance and exit to the various rooms?  I asked about a map at artists' alley and I was told something to the effect of, "we don't want you stalking them by knowing where they are." Is this for real???  Also in response to the argument that I can just walk around and find out for myself who is where and so on: this takes time, the most precious resource that anyone has, especially at a time-driven event like a con.  I want to use my time as effectively and wisely as I can.  This is the point of schedules after all, so people can plan.  For WonderCon the program has a map of the dealers' hall with a full directory of who is where.  Although there were Fanime booths at the back of both artists' alley and the dealers' room where people staffed and could point out who was where, I would think that at some of them could be freed up to do other things if there was a map and listing in place which would cut out having to ask location questions.

Autograph policy for LM.C
I didn't know that LM.C has a  very strict autograph policy until I found a mini flyer that stated that they will only sign official merchandise, which means I wouldn't expect them to sign something like the program, which was not an issue with the other GOH signings I was able to attend, even FLOW was cool with it.  A restrictive policy like this would preclude people who didn't attend MusicFest to purchase a shirt or were able to stop by the booth in the dealers' room selling official LM.C merchandise from getting an autograph.  Restrictions like this need to very clearly communicated very openly for groups like LM.C that have ground rules in place that need to be played by as a condition of their appearing.  However one can't play by the rules if one don't know what they are.  This is not about LM.C's policy, but about making policies like their's known as much as possible.

Info Desk
Overall they tried their best and I have no real complaints.  However one incident that's still bothering me (so I guess I do have 1) is that when I went to the one near Stage Zero on Monday to confirm when the dealer's room was closing and con was officially over, I got 2 conflicting answers which were quickly sorted out.  However the person I was asking seemed to take it personally when I pointed out the discrepancy and had to explain why she gave 2 responses.  When I was turning away, I saw her throw up her hands in exasperation that I was wondering why she mentioned 4:00, then corrected it to 3:00.  Or it could have been the way I asked, but I didn't put any undue stress in how I asked, I was just asking for clarification.  I understand that staffing things like this isn't easy and that it takes a lot of patience and can be difficult, but for someone working such a customer-focused point of contact like the info desk, I was expecting more professionalism, and the fact that I even saw kind of visual reaction, and that soon at that, was very disappointing.  It was uncalled for and very unprofessional especially since that particular info desk is in a very visible place.  There was a little area right behind the curtains and if staff need to cool off or vent, then can they at least do it out of sight of the con-goers, their customers?

Autograph signings for Ishiwatari, Mori and Yokota
All 3 GOHs did sketches and signed autographs.  Although the lines were not as crazy as FLOW and LM.C., what happened was that time was seriously crunched for the folks later in the line who were looking forward to sketches and had to settle for autographs.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that these GOHs were willing to do sketches to begin with.  What was done at Yokota's signing on Monday was to determine who wanted what, and for those who wanted sketches, to make a listing of what character for what series so Yokota could work on the ones that were easier for him first and do the trickier ones later.  Autograph people were allowed to quickly get in and out so they didn't have to wait as long.  Now Yokota's line on Monday was not as long as the one on Sunday was, but I'm wondering if something like this can be done next time for the signings where the GOHs may do sketches and autographs as a sort of triage to move people along faster.  I have to mention that for Yokota's Monday session that it was backing up into 12:30 when LM.C. was going to come in prior to their session at 1, so I really appreciate him and staff relocating to the storeroom so he was able to finish, especially since my request was one of the tricky ones.

Schedule
I'm curious as to if the schedule has been as dynamic this year as it has been previously and if it's hard to firm things up sooner, say by the time that the PDF of the pocket guide was posted.  I was lucky enough to discover the mobile schedule on Friday and take note of the major changes.  My understanding is that the copies of the pocket guide at the info desks were updated, but if one relied on the printed program it was already to some extent obsolete for the schedule.  I do like the idea of the mobile schedule, although I don't have a smart phone, so after Friday I went by a printed copy of it, but had no problems attending the signings I wanted to go to.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 06:36:20 PM
Autograph schedules: Autograph schedule needs to be posted by Friday morning.  The schedule was not posted and visible at info desk on Friday morning.  It would be nice to include the autograph schedule in the pocket guide or on fanime's website so we can plan out the events by Thursday.

Yamaga Party: Please introduce the guests of honor attending the party along with Yamaga at the beginning of the party.  Mori & Ishiwatari were just hanging out with the staffs.  They also looked bored.  When the churros were gone, so was Mori. 

The two people that won the Yamaga Party tickets at this year's slient auction were VERY VERY disappointed.  Also, if there is a no paper, pen, bags and backpack policy, put a notice along with the slient auction so people know what to expect. 

Last year's Yamaga party was fantastic which was the reason that they bid on the tickets at this year's slient auction.  Last year's Yamaga party didn't have the no paper, pen, bags and backpack policy.  GOH and party attendees were interacting with each other by asking for autographs which starts conversation about their work in the industry.

If party attendees can not bring pen and paper, give a sharpie to each guest.  The guests can sign each attendees's Yamaga party invitation which will provide interaction between GOH and party attendees.  GOH will not be bored.

Panel name in pocket guide: In the pocket guide, Mamoru Yokota's name were not in any of the schedules.  Put the guest of honors name in the front of the panel name.  Example: Yokota - Illustration...
It also took info desk a while to find Yokota's panel schedule.

Charity auction:  Don't conflict live charity auction schedule with any major events such as the Yamaga party.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: PeppstaR on June 01, 2010, 06:52:16 PM
Information Booths/Tables needs to have 'information' or at least the right info. Got either "I don't know" or completely wrong info all together from them that I totally gave up on asking them for anything.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 07:00:34 PM
Music Fest: It's really hot inside.  Don't want people passing out during the concert.  Please turn up the air conditioning.
Please communicate the no camera policy at Music Fest before the concert. It should be announced  at info booth, stage zero, and stated in pocket guide.  People who didn't have a place to store their camera had to give up attending one of the concert.  It would be better if we can bring our cameras inside but not use it.  Have the staff monitor camera usage.  
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Mango Bunny on June 01, 2010, 07:01:38 PM
My biggest problem was.... The in/out policy for the game room. It was a giant pain. GIANT. I understand the room has tons of traffic, but late into the night it was still being enforced. If I am at one end already and am going that way, I don't want to backtrack aaaaaaalll the way the opposite direction to get back to where I originally was, only outside the door. Biggest complaint. Also, other complaint would be the fact we couldn't go to the upper balcony for the fmv contest. =(
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: chifunii on June 01, 2010, 08:12:35 PM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 07:00:34 PM
Music Fest: It's really hot inside.  Don't want people passing out during the concert.  Please turn up the air conditioning.
Please communicate the no camera policy at Music Fest before the concert. It should be announced  at info booth, stage zero, and stated in pocket guide.  People who didn't have a place to store their camera had to give up attending one of the concert.  It would be better if we can bring our cameras inside but not use it.  Have the staff monitor camera usage.  

I didn't feel that it was hot inside at all, in fact, the circulation was really good...IMO.
Although for the camera policy, I definitely agree. Different artists and different companies have different policies regarding photos/videos, so if the exact rules could be posted somewhere beforehand, it would surely cause less confusion and panic for the people who want to see artists at MusicFest. :)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Kdoodha on June 01, 2010, 08:29:02 PM
The Rovers, especially those at the bonding station, were really nice this year. Because of the tightening on weapon restrictions, I had anticipated a lot more flak coming their way, which it did to a degree. But the rovers handled it with a calm, professional attitude that was exactly what was needed. They even advised some of us whose items passed how to be particularly careful so as not to ruffle any feathers. Big props to them this year. 
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Somebody on June 01, 2010, 08:38:10 PM
Yeah, I feel bad, I should give my good feedback too.

Egaming/gaming room (Idk what exactly they are called): Everyone I delt with in there were absolutely wonderful! At any time of day or night when I came around they were very polite and helpful, I was very impressed.  :)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: FemmeFatale on June 01, 2010, 10:21:11 PM
Quote from: ZaichikArky on May 31, 2010, 12:54:53 PM
The fanime magazine thing: My biggest complaint is that I would really, really love to have all the summaries for every anime/movies at the con. I don't really know any of the shows that fanime plays so it's kind of hard to decide what I want to watch. I gotta go up to all the salons and read the summaries if the show sounds interesting to me. It would be helpful if people had some kind of wifi device, I guess, but a lot of people don't have those. I'd rather not pay the extra free for the cellphone internet, sorry!

The full list of all of the anime shown at the con includes something like 150+ series. That, coupled with the Asian Movies, would have been 4-5 times the size of the space currently alloted for anime descriptions. Relative to the current size of the whole program guide, to include 50 word descriptions of all the series would take up nearly half of the guide. I agree with your point, but practically speaking it would get kind of crazy and isn't super feasible.

Maybe we could switch to haiku descriptions or 3-word summaries ^_^ That would amuse me and be awesome for space but I assume less helpful.

I totally agree that it would be useful to maybe have some photocopy packets of series and descriptions for people who specifically seek it out. Or to save you time, maybe just assemble a description packet for each info desk or have it all in one place so you're not walking room to room every time.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: blancoisma on June 01, 2010, 10:39:59 PM
Respecting personal space

I mentioned my experience to a fellow friend who's been staffing for years, but I felt I would share my experience and I apologize if this is similar to other incidents that may have been talked about.

Now, I know staff cannot control people and their more than hyper personalities, but one day a random girl hugged me, out of nowhere and I had no time to react. I made it clear I did not appreciate it and said "Please ASK if you can give me a hug" and I walked away. I was in cosplay, and while my outfit was not damaged, it's not to say that the possiblity wasn't there. I feel like it should be made a clear, and very important notice to any Fanime attendee to please respect a person's personal space, and make hugging/glomping without permission something that will not be tolerated. The last thing I want to see is someone get hurt, or have their hard work on their cosplay be ruined by someone's ignorance and disrespect.

Other than that, I felt Fanime was fun, relaxing, and I give staff a hand.

Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: doriangray on June 01, 2010, 11:11:17 PM
Prop policy:  Publish this further in advance of the con.  Several props, which were not even functional as weapons, were made useless by the way that the weapons policy was worded and money was wasted on them.  The rest of us should have to suffer because a few people were not using common sense and courtesy.  In any case, one week before the con isn't enough time to prepare on props.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 11:27:58 PM
Quote from: chifunii on June 01, 2010, 08:12:35 PM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 07:00:34 PM
Music Fest: It's really hot inside.  Don't want people passing out during the concert.  Please turn up the air conditioning.
Please communicate the no camera policy at Music Fest before the concert. It should be announced  at info booth, stage zero, and stated in pocket guide.  People who didn't have a place to store their camera had to give up attending one of the concert.  It would be better if we can bring our cameras inside but not use it.  Have the staff monitor camera usage.  

I didn't feel that it was hot inside at all, in fact, the circulation was really good...IMO.
Although for the camera policy, I definitely agree. Different artists and different companies have different policies regarding photos/videos, so if the exact rules could be posted somewhere beforehand, it would surely cause less confusion and panic for the people who want to see artists at MusicFest. :)

Main floor towards the front section was hot.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: iomoon on June 01, 2010, 11:43:15 PM
Good things:

1) I thought the idea of the double-yellow line in the hallway was adorable. It helped a lot with the foot traffic.
2) The rovers who handled the panels and closing ceremony I attended were well-organized. You got people in and out very efficiently, even though there were delays on the panelists' parts.
3) I found the staff very pleasant. They were polite and answered my questions in a patient manner.

Things that could improve:

1) The switching of the entrances and exits were confusing. I entered one side, only to find out an hour later that it became the exit.
2) One person told me that the dealer's room closed at 12:00, so I went to ask another person. They told me it closed at 3:00 p.m. The schedule said 4:00.

I have seen the convention improve in efficiency from last year, so I give you a thumbs up. Thanks for hosting a great Fanime.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 01, 2010, 11:45:16 PM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 11:27:58 PM
Quote from: chifunii on June 01, 2010, 08:12:35 PM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 07:00:34 PM
Music Fest: It's really hot inside.  Don't want people passing out during the concert.  Please turn up the air conditioning.
Please communicate the no camera policy at Music Fest before the concert. It should be announced  at info booth, stage zero, and stated in pocket guide.  People who didn't have a place to store their camera had to give up attending one of the concert.  It would be better if we can bring our cameras inside but not use it.  Have the staff monitor camera usage.  

I didn't feel that it was hot inside at all, in fact, the circulation was really good...IMO.
Although for the camera policy, I definitely agree. Different artists and different companies have different policies regarding photos/videos, so if the exact rules could be posted somewhere beforehand, it would surely cause less confusion and panic for the people who want to see artists at MusicFest. :)

Main floor towards the front section was hot.

Might that be due to the large number of people standing closely together towards the front section?
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: BenihimeSama on June 02, 2010, 12:23:28 AM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 06:36:20 PM

Panel name in pocket guide: In the pocket guide, Mamoru Yokota's name were not in any of the schedules.  Put the guest of honors name in the front of the panel name.  Example: Yokota - Illustration...
It also took info desk a while to find Yokota's panel schedule.


Panels Staffer Response--When it comes to Pocket Guide, we are really tightened when it comes to space. Any GOH panels were labeled and colored in blue. Going forward, we'll be sure to get the GOH name somewhere in the pocket guide as well. We're sorry about the inconvenience, and thanks for letting us know about that!
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 02, 2010, 12:33:26 AM
Quote from: BenihimeSama on June 02, 2010, 12:23:28 AM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 06:36:20 PM

Panel name in pocket guide: In the pocket guide, Mamoru Yokota's name were not in any of the schedules.  Put the guest of honors name in the front of the panel name.  Example: Yokota - Illustration...
It also took info desk a while to find Yokota's panel schedule.


Panels Staffer Response--When it comes to Pocket Guide, we are really tightened when it comes to space. Any GOH panels were labeled and colored in blue. Going forward, we'll be sure to get the GOH name somewhere in the pocket guide as well. We're sorry about the inconvenience, and thanks for letting us know about that!


You could always just put in the name as the guest as the panel name and then explain the panel on a flyer at the panel room or in the full color guide.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: BenihimeSama on June 02, 2010, 12:56:44 AM
Quote from: Jelly Soup on June 02, 2010, 12:33:26 AM
Quote from: BenihimeSama on June 02, 2010, 12:23:28 AM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 06:36:20 PM

Panel name in pocket guide: In the pocket guide, Mamoru Yokota's name were not in any of the schedules.  Put the guest of honors name in the front of the panel name.  Example: Yokota - Illustration...
It also took info desk a while to find Yokota's panel schedule.


Panels Staffer Response--When it comes to Pocket Guide, we are really tightened when it comes to space. Any GOH panels were labeled and colored in blue. Going forward, we'll be sure to get the GOH name somewhere in the pocket guide as well. We're sorry about the inconvenience, and thanks for letting us know about that!


You could always just put in the name as the guest as the panel name and then explain the panel on a flyer at the panel room or in the full color guide.

We do have the GOH name on the Master Panels Board which is right outside the doors of the panels room. Also since we have many GOH's doing multiple panels, it makes it hard to determine which panel is which on the schedule sometimes. Again, this is something we will work on in the future to be more efficient!
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Crewd on June 02, 2010, 02:25:33 AM
Quote from: doriangray on June 01, 2010, 11:11:17 PM
Prop policy:  Publish this further in advance of the con.  Several props, which were not even functional as weapons, were made useless by the way that the weapons policy was worded and money was wasted on them.  The rest of us should have to suffer because a few people were not using common sense and courtesy.  In any case, one week before the con isn't enough time to prepare on props.

I lost half my cosplays to this D:
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Dracil on June 02, 2010, 11:38:24 AM
Pocket Guide: If you shift the pages over by 1 it would make more logical sense.  Currently you have something like

Left page/Right Page
Friday PM/Saturday AM
Saturday AM/Saturday PM
Saturday PM/ Sunday AM

Instead, do this:
Friday PM/Friday PM
Saturday AM/Saturday AM
Saturday PM/Saturday PM
Sunday AM/Sunday AM

This way you can just open to any page and have everything for that particular time slot visible, instead of having to flip back and forth.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: ZaichikArky on June 02, 2010, 01:42:31 PM
Quote from: FemmeFatale on June 01, 2010, 10:21:11 PM
Quote from: ZaichikArky on May 31, 2010, 12:54:53 PM
The fanime magazine thing: My biggest complaint is that I would really, really love to have all the summaries for every anime/movies at the con. I don't really know any of the shows that fanime plays so it's kind of hard to decide what I want to watch. I gotta go up to all the salons and read the summaries if the show sounds interesting to me. It would be helpful if people had some kind of wifi device, I guess, but a lot of people don't have those. I'd rather not pay the extra free for the cellphone internet, sorry!

The full list of all of the anime shown at the con includes something like 150+ series. That, coupled with the Asian Movies, would have been 4-5 times the size of the space currently alloted for anime descriptions. Relative to the current size of the whole program guide, to include 50 word descriptions of all the series would take up nearly half of the guide. I agree with your point, but practically speaking it would get kind of crazy and isn't super feasible.

Maybe we could switch to haiku descriptions or 3-word summaries ^_^ That would amuse me and be awesome for space but I assume less helpful.

I totally agree that it would be useful to maybe have some photocopy packets of series and descriptions for people who specifically seek it out. Or to save you time, maybe just assemble a description packet for each info desk or have it all in one place so you're not walking room to room every time.

Good point. Your second suggestion is a good one. I'd definitely seek one of those out. In the magazine, the summaries of the anime/movies are the only things I really read in detail. Otherwise, maybe someone should make a page on the fanime site that has summaries of everything. At least I can reference that when I go home every night.

Edit: About the person complaining about the Gong thing, I think it's fine. I don't care that I was called a tranny(although these days in some states, that's calling someone that could go on their criminal record as hate speech XD;). My problem with the Gong competition is that when I participated last year, it kind of pissed me off how the judges were judging it. I mean, not that I thought I should have gotten a prize, but I was certainly more horrible than that friend of theirs they gave a prize to just for agreeing to participate(seriously, she was super not into it and didn't do anything remotely amusing). I almost think a voting system would be better, but it would also take a ton of more time. I dunno. I kind of wish the judges were less biased, though.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: SuperCoolPeeps on June 02, 2010, 01:54:02 PM
Dance: The dance was great and fun me and my friends had no issue. But the one issue I did have was one of the rovers tried to stop me because they thought I was under the influence.. Now the only reason they'd think that.. was that I had lost a friend so I was running around back and forth looking for that person. But I didn't stumble or do anything to make myself flat out look stupid. I was not under the influence and honestly did not believe I gave them any reason to think I was either. ( Aside from running back and forth down the hall, xD not actually running btw.)

So my complaint was, that out of all the actual high/drunk/messed up people there, they stopped me. One of the other rovers excused me which made me happy of course cause I would have been really unhappy to be bothered about being drunk. When I passed him later after I was leaving he said " Oh sorry, he just thought you were drunk, but you're just really tired I saw you :>" Thanks I guess? I dont know, Fanime was great. But honestly if you are going to stop people who you think are drunk.

MAKE SURE THEY ARE. Maybe have a new or different method of checking people and leave the ones who are fine alone. It's extremely awkward for someone to say " Hey, we need to speak to you for a moment," then a 5 second awkward pause discussion between him and his friend then I'm excused.. Yeah..

mod edit: event name
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Arkham on June 02, 2010, 02:17:19 PM
Rovers: Well, just the one in particular that asked me to peace bind my walking cane. Fortunately after carefully explaining that my walking cane is in fact a walking cane used for walking, I was allowed to continue. I had hoped that it would be obvious...
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: BSaphire on June 02, 2010, 02:27:52 PM
Quote from: Dracil on June 02, 2010, 11:38:24 AM
Pocket Guide: If you shift the pages over by 1 it would make more logical sense.  Currently you have something like

Left page/Right Page
Friday PM/Saturday AM
Saturday AM/Saturday PM
Saturday PM/ Sunday AM

Instead, do this:
Friday PM/Friday PM
Saturday AM/Saturday AM
Saturday PM/Saturday PM
Sunday AM/Sunday AM

This way you can just open to any page and have everything for that particular time slot visible, instead of having to flip back and forth.
A little larger font would also help :)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: vporras on June 02, 2010, 02:34:32 PM
Stage Zero/Event Name: Blue Iris Fashion Show


For those who saw the fashion show on Saturday May 29th at 3-4pm at Stage Zero please send your feedback. Please be constructive and let us know if you would like to see a fashion show as part of FanimeCon yearly programming. Reply on this post. Thanks so much for your support.

Veronica Porras
Blue Iris Chairman

Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Inai on June 02, 2010, 02:52:50 PM
Artist Alley:
A separate section on the forum would be nice. It would make searching for answers that were previously asked much easier. When my friend and I were trying to find answers to our questions, a lot of the time the links were dead. Also the forum where AA info was under, it took a lot of time to wade through all the threads in order to find any information. In addition it would be nice to have registration go up earlier than it did this year. I'm local, but my friend who is the artist is from out of state. It was like a waiting game for her to see when registration would go up, and the price of plane tickets were steadily rising. I think this was previously mentioned, but maps of where artists are located would be great too. Other than that my friend and I had a great time, and we enjoyed how AA was held during the convention.  :)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Dracil on June 02, 2010, 03:34:45 PM
Tabletop gaming: The board game borrowing selection felt pretty disappointing IMO.  Too many trivial pursuits and monopolies.  Only thing interesting I saw in the selection was Arkham Horror.  Most fun I had was randomly getting into a game of Battlestar Galactica as it was being set up on Sunday night which was brought by a con attendee.

In general, I'd love if there was a better way for people who want to play less mainstream (but much better IMO) games to find each other.  We sort of did that for Arkham Horror on the forum before the con, but being able to do it during the con would be good too since most people probably don't even visit the forums.  Perhaps a sheet or two at the board game table for people bringing games to list what they have and what times they're available to teach games. [/boardgamesnob]
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AngieDesu on June 02, 2010, 05:04:57 PM
Quote from: Crewd on June 02, 2010, 02:25:33 AM
Quote from: doriangray on June 01, 2010, 11:11:17 PM
Prop policy:  Publish this further in advance of the con.  Several props, which were not even functional as weapons, were made useless by the way that the weapons policy was worded and money was wasted on them.  The rest of us should have to suffer because a few people were not using common sense and courtesy.  In any case, one week before the con isn't enough time to prepare on props.

I lost half my cosplays to this D:
I'm sorry, but I also agree with this. Fanime probably has one of the strictest prop policies I've ever seen at an anime convention. I was walking around with a wooden sign, because it was part of my character. I actually cosplayed this character last year too, and I was never bothered about it. This year a staff member came up to me and told me to get it peace bonded. I agreed, thinking it shouldn't be too much trouble. I go up to where they were peace bonding and talk to two guys there and our conversation went something like:
Me: "Do I need to get this peace bonded? A staff member told me I should"
Them: "...What's the worse you're going to do with this? Give people splinters?"
Me: "I actually sanded down the wood."
Guy 1: "I know, I was joking. You should probably ask that girl down there."
He points to the end of the table where another staff member is sitting, so I decide to go down there and again, ask if I need to get it peace bonded. She asks me what the sign says, saying she's not fluent in Japanese. I told her what the sign says. Confessions for 100 yen. Just like my character's sign in the anime. She then goes on to tell me I can't sell things and compares it to free hug signs. Then she tells me I need to change my sign all together...At this point I'm kind of angry. It is not in anyway similar to a free hug sign, It was a prop used for an accurate representation of the character. Even more than that, it was written in Japanese. We don't even use yen in America. I absolutely had no intention of making money off of my cosplay. I know that you guys are trying to be cautious, but I don't think that my sign was disruptive or caused problems. I can't think of a better way to word it. This was probably the only thing that really disappointed me about FanimeCon this year.
Sign looked similar to this:

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi19.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb182%2FAngelica17400%2F8b9f0f7251a7a1e0fe8f8159659ae957.jpg&hash=cd20ea5c4b4f22ee8609f595f2f3abd6d48d4ba8)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Michi on June 02, 2010, 05:17:26 PM
I'd like to add to the comment about the lack of a dealer's hall map. There wasn't even a list of dealers aside from on the website. When I tried to talk to staff in the dealer's hall, they weren't very helpful. One staff member snapped at me and the other treated me like I was a brand-new con-goer that didn't know what I was doing. I couldn't help but be a bit offended that she seemed to assume that I was clueless. She said I could "use the exercise" of walking through the hall searching for the booth because certainly I wouldn't be eating healthy during the weekend. I am in my mid-20s and have been attending anime conventions for 10 years now; I know better than to fill my con weekend with a diet of Pocky and Ramune and nothing else.
As somebody else mentioned, that idea would just not work for me. My Fanime weekend was full of event participation where I had to be somewhere at a certain time every day, and I couldn't really spend the time walking down every aisle memorizing where every booth was.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: SuperCoolPeeps on June 02, 2010, 05:21:50 PM
Quote from: Michi on June 02, 2010, 05:17:26 PM
I'd like to add to the comment about the lack of a dealer's hall map. There wasn't even a list of dealers aside from on the website. When I tried to talk to staff in the dealer's hall, they weren't very helpful. One staff member snapped at me and the other treated me like I was a brand-new con-goer that didn't know what I was doing. I couldn't help but be a bit offended that she seemed to assume that I was clueless. She said I could "use the exercise" of walking through the hall searching for the booth because certainly I wouldn't be eating healthy during the weekend. I am in my mid-20s and have been attending anime conventions for 10 years now; I know better than to fill my con weekend with a diet of Pocky and Ramune and nothing else.
As somebody else mentioned, that idea would just not work for me. My Fanime weekend was full of event participation where I had to be somewhere at a certain time every day, and I couldn't really spend the time walking down every aisle memorizing where every booth was.

Maybe the Rovers just need to be nicer? & More courtesy. I work in costumer service, and I know it's not always fun to sit there well everyone is having fun. I know it's easy to snap at someone, but I DO NOT. Maybe next year ;/ the rovers should just be better trained to handle people. Sure no one wants to bug anyone, but if you are lost or want a map, want info etc. You should be able to ask for it and not be treated like a 5 year old.. ;/
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: koji on June 02, 2010, 06:48:26 PM
Quote from: SuperCoolPeeps on June 02, 2010, 05:21:50 PM
Quote from: Michi on June 02, 2010, 05:17:26 PM
I'd like to add to the comment about the lack of a dealer's hall map. There wasn't even a list of dealers aside from on the website. When I tried to talk to staff in the dealer's hall, they weren't very helpful. One staff member snapped at me and the other treated me like I was a brand-new con-goer that didn't know what I was doing. I couldn't help but be a bit offended that she seemed to assume that I was clueless. She said I could "use the exercise" of walking through the hall searching for the booth because certainly I wouldn't be eating healthy during the weekend. I am in my mid-20s and have been attending anime conventions for 10 years now; I know better than to fill my con weekend with a diet of Pocky and Ramune and nothing else.
As somebody else mentioned, that idea would just not work for me. My Fanime weekend was full of event participation where I had to be somewhere at a certain time every day, and I couldn't really spend the time walking down every aisle memorizing where every booth was.

Maybe the Rovers just need to be nicer? & More courtesy. I work in costumer service, and I know it's not always fun to sit there well everyone is having fun. I know it's easy to snap at someone, but I DO NOT. Maybe next year ;/ the rovers should just be better trained to handle people. Sure no one wants to bug anyone, but if you are lost or want a map, want info etc. You should be able to ask for it and not be treated like a 5 year old.. ;/

You're assuming it was a Rover SCPeeps.  ;P
We were trained to direct any questions we could not answer ourselves to the info desk.

As for a Rover stopping you, it's a subjective thing. You might not look intoxicated to some people, but you might look so to others. Other than visual and odor check how (we're not SJPD or security guards) are we going to check you? The more understanding and cooperative (which i'm sure you were) you are the faster it is for you to get back to the fun.

If you feel like you were clearly mistreated and have a name or badge number you could bring the situation to the attention of ConOps.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: xxxplizit (pogi1kenobi) on June 02, 2010, 07:58:15 PM
Quote from: Jelly Soup on May 31, 2010, 09:14:41 PMthe staff needs to keep better tabs on who is using what and how they are using it. One person on Saturday night kept getting mad at his game and slamming the controller on the ground. I told a staffer who just brushed me off.

Who was slamming their controller?  And who was the staffer that brushed it out?  Equipment should be treated with respect, while at the same time staff should be aware of the issues.  We would like to get the names or badge number if possible.

Quote from: Somebody on May 31, 2010, 10:47:11 PMAlthough, is Spin the Bottle allowed in the game room? Just curious.

No.  Spin The Bottle is strictly prohibited in the Gaming Hall.  There was more to it than just Spin The Bottle that night, but I rather not get into further detail over it.

===================

As far as all the complaints regarding In and Out privileges in the Gaming Hall:

Quote from: Dracil on May 31, 2010, 01:03:25 AMAt 2AM in the morning, when most people are sleeping or partying in their rooms and there isn't much traffic flows, those entrance/exits that are supposed to help the congoers become more of a hindrance.  You could probably just open both doors, and have the staff sit in the center but a little inside the room and have people enter/exit from their right like standard traffic flow.  They only need to check the badges of the people from the side entering then, but still allows people to enter or exit from both sides to go back to their respective hotels.
Quote from: Mango Bunny on June 01, 2010, 07:01:38 PMMy biggest problem was.... The in/out policy for the game room. It was a giant pain. GIANT. I understand the room has tons of traffic, but late into the night it was still being enforced. If I am at one end already and am going that way, I don't want to backtrack aaaaaaalll the way the opposite direction to get back to where I originally was, only outside the door.
Quote from: ZaichikArky on May 31, 2010, 12:54:53 PMOne minor complaint... I don't really understand why there is a SPECIFIC entrance and exit for the games room. Do any of the other areas have this?

Due to the amount of traffic that area gets, we want to keep the flow of traffic going smoothly, hence why an Enter/Exit area is enforced.  This also helps reduce the number of non-attendees trying to steal equipment from any department in that room, in addition of making the Staff/Volunteer jobs easy to tab each and every badge.  We have dealt with numerous people who snuck in and out of the area in the past without a badge, but that isn't happening anymore.

We could do a section to where after 1 AM until 8 AM in the morning, all sides can be enter and exit.  However, we are concerned that this will be a bad habit to where "Oh, it was enter/exit before, and why can't we do it anymore" effect.  Also, we cannot implement this factor if heavy traffic comes through even at nighttime.  I remember Sunday Later Night having some heavy traffic since everyone has done almost everything they wanted to do.  We'll figure something out.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: otakuya on June 02, 2010, 10:01:42 PM
Back to the pocket guide, thank you for the FanimeCon mobile schedule. I think that format was way more helpful than the pocket guide.
http://m.fanime.com (http://m.fanime.com)
Plus, it was more accessible to those with a smartphone or wi-fi connection (like me and my PSP). I'd wish there were more free wi-fi spots available outside the convention center waiting in line for masquerade, musicfest, and registration.

Props to Fanime for also taping traffic lines down the halls, especially in front of Stage Zero. The flow around there was particularly smooth. Wish you can extend it throughout the convention center


Suggestions:
-hologram logos for badges to prevent fraud and stuff
-more outdoor-based or off-site activities (not cosplay gatherings) to reduce congestion inside convention center and hotels
-"quick clean" room for those with funk, or just want a freshen-up, without having to walk around and to hotel room
-increase A/C level, I like it cold
-bright yellow staff shirts instead of black or beige (2003 and 2004's color)
-use Tech Museum's IMAX theater for another video room
-use Parkside Hall or South Hall as the new dealers room or dedicated swap meet room
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jenius on June 02, 2010, 10:04:39 PM
Registration
I think the reg system is as effective as it can be, given the number of attendees (more on that in a sec) and that, I think, the desire is to get folks taken care of and into the festivities as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Convention Enjoyment: get in their face!
Reg and the reg lines are an area where FC can make an investment and take some of the suggestions and hints off of the forums and put them to use: that is, some of the great suggestions and postings you make here about enjoying the con? Print them. Large. Makes signs, posters and get them in front of people's faces. For those things that you want to be polite about, but need to make a point, make the point. If you're adamant about behaviors, tolerance and hygiene, don't apologize about it. The 99.9% who don't complain are silently thanking you.

Dealer's Room
Cool group of dealers with the exception of a couple of ass-hats (one 'weapon' dealer and one guy who looked like he was expecting everyone to steal from him. Or he was constipated.)
A few folks were surprised not to see, say, Kinokuniya or a music store or dealer present... I know the idea is not to repeat dealers, try to keep the cross-over down, and I don't know the thought on bringing heavy hitters in or not, but it seems like the room can expand a bit, and the tables at back be reduced. Someone may want to find a way to let the dealers in on that the fans, ahem, know what a lot of the merchandise can be got for. We want them to do well, but man, when I can see something Fri, get it online for 15-20% less on Sat and have it Tuesday... makes me less willing to support the dealers, and I feel bad cuz I know they put a lot of $ into being there, and time. I dug that a couple of them were hitting their first cons, hope they did well. Hours were good, no one seemed interested in bargaining on Monday though?

Panels
Main gripe was not easily seeing which panels the guests were going to be in, and totally mis-judging, based on the panel titles and times, the focus of the art panels I would have loved to sit in. Signage or additions to the guides about the guests and where to sit in with them would rock. I completely missed that the GoH names were on the master panels board (as I somehow completely missed that???)

Lines... Everywhere
What's the general feel of how people are sacrificing time to line-squatting inst. of seeing more of the convention, and being sure, even if arriving later, of getting seats? Can/should panel room sizes be re-thought? Too many cons lose folks b/c it simply isn't worth it to sit for 5 or 6 hours in a ten hour day for one or two panels.

Props and weapons
Playing devil's advocate, this needs to come down to some common sense. The fact that so much is allowed in any form, even bonded, is interesting to me. Being held chiefly in the CC, we're hanging out under the auspices of the city, and SJPD has some pretty straight-up policies about weapons and what reasonably appears to be real or not, as well as potentially used as a weapon, or not. You may understand 'all in good fun', but the reality of maintaining the health and safety of over 15000 people is a serious business, and one that has little leeway. As it is, I saw some things that I couldn't believe were passing unchallenged. If you feel your work was dealt some kind of blow b/c you couldn't hang or flash about your favorite doom devices, stop a second for a reality check. And yeah, I know it sucks when some really innocent piece of your costume also gets looked at sideways, but... This is a common issue at every convention, large ones like this have to err on the safer side. One major incident, well, you don't want to think about the repercussions.

Pocket Guide
Yeah, the flippy back and forth was a bit screwy, esp the midnight cross-overs. But Pocket Guides do rock, so please continue to make them. Great for notes and such too... so maybe add a page or a few in for that?

Guests
Hopefully Fanime will be on of the cons that always strives to bring over the big guns from Japan, the folks who are involved from day one; writers, directors, artists, musicians, personalities, actors... I personally don't care much for the hangers on and glorified groupies that smaller cons seem to have to bring in. This year's group was pretty solid. Huge on FLOW, LM.C, Mamoru Yokota, Hiroyuki Yamaga, Daisuke Ishiwatari.


Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AmazingKenchan on June 02, 2010, 11:07:57 PM
I just have to throw in my opinion on the prop rules as well; some of the best costumes I've ever seen are supported by great props.  Some regulation is acceptible, but I agree sometimes it's just going too far.  Things like the sign rule are designed to prevent certain messages, not ruin someone's hard work designed to genuinely portray a character.  Last year my staff was almost not allowed because it broke into two pieces for ease of transport.  Rather than complain about the current interpretation of the rules, I believe that these should be lightened up first.  After that, perhaps there should be a more equal decision on props between people doing peace bonding; if something is questionable, you should be able to get a second opinion.  I totally agree there should have been no problem whatsoever with that sign; even if someone understands it, it's not like anybody is going to ask you for what's on the sign.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: SuperCoolPeeps on June 02, 2010, 11:30:45 PM
@koji

Heavens no I didn't act rude or anything. But the awkward time i spent when they called me over and I stood there waiting was to me alittle violating. Having two people talk about you and you just stand there. Awkward much.

The only good thing about it was the guy who excused me, and actually bothered to explain a whole 2 hours later that one of them thought I was drunk. Why didn't they just say? Oh sorry just checking, it was a.

" Oh Nevermind,you can go "

Me ".. What?... what was that about.."

" It's fine, you can go,"

me "..... uhhh.. Okay.."

But half kudos to the guy who told me why I was first stopped in the first place. If I ever see you again I will pat you on the back ;> Maybe.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Runewitt on June 02, 2010, 11:49:11 PM
Quote from: LordMoufMouf on June 01, 2010, 03:34:59 PM
Is it just me, or is Fanime FREEZING in the evening? In the video rooms especially, I was SO COLD. I'm sort of sensitive to the chill, sharp air from air conditioners, and I ended up getting a nasty headache from the AC during bingo. My whole face hurt!
Is there anyway they can turn down the AC in the evenings? I also had this problem last year.
agreed. my freinds and i were watching a series and we all left because it was too cold in there.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: raltga on June 03, 2010, 02:27:43 AM
Cons
- Dealer's room was probably the worst dealer's room for me in the 10 years i've gone to fanime.  this, of course, is not fanime's fault as it is a confluence of factors outside the convention's control. it is also subjective as i'm sure there is someone out there who got a lot of "stuff" they were pleased with and felt was obtained for a fair price.
- Asian film room is one of my favorite parts of fanime, but this year there was only 1 film I really wanted to see, and it was scheduled at 5am on Monday, which made it very difficult to attend.  I understand that scheduling is scheduling and there is always something that needs to go in that spot and it is a decision that must be made to the ire of someone out there.  The film in question "Heaven's Door" was one I felt perhaps could have used a more 'prime' spot than arguably the worst possible slot (the film is directed by the same person who directed "Tekkonkinkreet" and has a soundtrack by Plaid).  Failing that maybe having 2 asian film rooms so there could be encores of films or at least 2 showings of each film at a different time as has been done in years past would alleviate this?

Pros
- Registration : great job as usual. Never had a problem with reg at fanime.
- Swap Meet : had a lot of great people / items and I enjoyed having it in the arcade.  Was more interested in merch here than in dealer's room to be honest.
- Video Rooms : like registration great job as usual.  had nearly no technical issues in the video's i saw, many movies/series I wanted to see.
- Most panels were great and started on-time and had excellent content.  The ones that weren't so great were largely the fault of the presenter or situations outside of fanime's control.
- Arcade : had a great selection of games for someone like me. very satisfied.
- Mobile schedule was very nice. very useful if you have a smartphone/laptop.

Overall one of the best fanime conventions in the 10 i've been to, and that's no easy task!  i know it's a hard line to balance for fanime to retain it's unique 'culture' as compared to other conventions, while still supporting a lot of attendees and running things smoothly. they certainly accomplished that this year in my experience. so maybe 80-85%/B?
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AR-99 on June 03, 2010, 08:42:59 AM
Quote from: Jenius on June 02, 2010, 10:04:39 PM
Dealer's Room
no one seemed interested in bargaining on Monday though?
Depends on who you talked to and how you came across I think. IMO as a consumer in the dealers hall I vote with my feet, and I figure I can always get x online or from someone else, it doesn't have to be at con right then from a particular dealer. Otherwise impulse buying can slap you and leave you with buyer's remorse. I only bought on Monday as dealers tend to discount on the last day or at least are more open to it vs. earlier days. All the manga I got was discounted from dealers who stated clearly that they were marking down. In hindsight I could have countered by asking for a little more of a discount on 4 School Rumble mangas I bought from 1 dealer but jumped on their offer too quickly. I was also able to get a collective $6 off on 2 Eva figures by getting the pair and asking although they weren't marked as discounted but I figured what the heck, just ask.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: ZaichikArky on June 03, 2010, 11:56:56 AM
Quote from: raltga on June 03, 2010, 02:27:43 AM

- Asian film room is one of my favorite parts of fanime, but this year there was only 1 film I really wanted to see, and it was scheduled at 5am on Monday, which made it very difficult to attend.  I understand that scheduling is scheduling and there is always something that needs to go in that spot and it is a decision that must be made to the ire of someone out there.  The film in question "Heaven's Door" was one I felt perhaps could have used a more 'prime' spot than arguably the worst possible slot (the film is directed by the same person who directed "Tekkonkinkreet" and has a soundtrack by Plaid).  Failing that maybe having 2 asian film rooms so there could be encores of films or at least 2 showings of each film at a different time as has been done in years past would alleviate this?


I agree with this. I already complained about getting rid of my beloved Asian drama room, but there was seriously nothing I wanted to watch from the Asian film room. Almost everything there was a crime/action flick during prime hours. It really sucked because I don't like action movies at all and I prefer girl movies/drama. I suggest next year trying to be more balanced. There are a lot of girls who'd be interested in watching something that isn't an action flick.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Aelia on June 03, 2010, 12:28:17 PM
Re: Peace-Bonding Policy
Unfortunately, big cons have to have tight rules. For those of you saying that Fanime has one of the tighter weapons policies, I'm guessing you haven't taken a look at Anime Expo's Weapon's Policy (http://www.anime-expo.org/guides/weapons-policy/). Admittedly, there were some issues with the 2010 policy, and we have every intention of addressing those we can. The 2011 policy should be up much earlier than this year's, and it will hopefully be easier for everyone to deal with.

As far as signs go (this was a specific comment I saw), we are considering what we can do about it next year. When we allowed nearly any sign, we got a lot of signs which were soliciting kisses, hugs, glomps, etc. Our rule for this year was that if you had a character who carried a sign, it would be ok. Unfortunately, not all of us know all anime, so sometimes things were unclear to some staff, and obvious to others. We did have an internet connection and a laptop in the Rover's base for looking up such things. We hope to expand this to include our table down by gatherings as well (which will be back next year).

Those of you who have additional comments about Props/Weapons Policy, please post  in this thread (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,13329.msg386301.html#msg386301), where I will actually see it. I am considering any and all intelligent suggestions about specific things we can improve. What I mean by that is if you can give me a specific issue, and a good alternative, then it's a potentially useable suggestion. I promise to consider everything suggested in that thread, though I cannot promise to use it.

Re: Rovers
We did grind into a lot of Rover heads that politeness and courtesy above all else was important. Everyone has their bad days though, and unfortunately people tend to notice the bad-days more when it's a convention staff member. I apologize to those of you who had a negative experience because of gruffness on the part of a Rover. We hope to improve even more in 2011.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Sen on June 03, 2010, 03:53:41 PM
Quote from: Inai on June 02, 2010, 02:52:50 PM
Artist Alley:
A separate section on the forum would be nice. It would make searching for answers that were previously asked much easier. When my friend and I were trying to find answers to our questions, a lot of the time the links were dead. Also the forum where AA info was under, it took a lot of time to wade through all the threads in order to find any information. In addition it would be nice to have registration go up earlier than it did this year. I'm local, but my friend who is the artist is from out of state. It was like a waiting game for her to see when registration would go up, and the price of plane tickets were steadily rising. I think this was previously mentioned, but maps of where artists are located would be great too. Other than that my friend and I had a great time, and we enjoyed how AA was held during the convention.  :)

We completely revamped the Artist Alley registration this year and brought it online which is why it was so delayed. But now that we know how to work it out better, we can hopefully get things done sooner. I'm glad you enjoyed AA though. I think we actually expanded it two times until we had the final layout!!
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jirekianu on June 03, 2010, 06:49:14 PM
Cons[/u]

Gaming Hall

Layout: A lot of wasted space from the lackluster computer gaming section. When I mentioned this to several con staff and asked why there was so little they responded it was supposed to be a fan participation thing.  Yet I saw -no- advertisements or emphasis on that before the con or even until I asked the staff present about it.

Arcade Choices: Some of the arcade machines this year were just bad choices.  Terminator salvation was barely played at all.  Silent scope went untouched.  The rhythm games were welcome as always, but there were too few of them.  Two DDR machines is always a good idea.  However only one machine of Technika kept me and others from playing due to a minimum 20-30 minute wait time at all hours of the day. Two machines or three would've been a vast improvement if it was possible.  Not to mention one more para para machine would've been good to see. I don't play it, but there was almost always a group interested in it.  The biggest problems however were the stacker machines and the barber cut games. I understand they are games of skill.  However, I watched several people play the barber cut/string cutting prize game and get a perfect grip on the string with the razor.  Yet it barely frayed the string.  I was actually standing close enough to see it grip far back on the blade so the entire blade would pull/slice and it barely did anything.  In addition, the stacker machines were blatantly altered from last year.  Last year the stacker machines weren't easy, but it was still possible to win if you were determined enough.  Twice out of the twenty or so times I played I, and several witnesses, saw the final major prize square light up when I hit the button and then jump back to the previous space, which nets me no prize.  I normally wouldn't have a problem with this, even if they shrunk the amount of time you have to correctly react to the timing.  Make the light movement reflect that, rather than jumping back and make it seem like a scam.

$3.50-$4 water: Fortunately, those I came to the con with thought ahead and brought a flat of water so we were never without during the convention, but compared to previous years the water available was dismal by comparison.  The only real water available from the con itself were either sporadic fountains, or the overpriced bottles from the machines/booths.  In previous years there were water dispensers around the con along with small paper/plastic cups, and while I did notice how there were some people leaving a mess here or there it was far outweighed by con goers having easy access to water.  It was missed this year by quite a few.

No signs: I understand the problem that has occurred over previous years with signs soliciting things like free hugs and what not and the drama when someone holding one of those signs gets more attention than they bargained for, or from the wrong type of person.  Those signs being disallowed I completely understand.  However, all signs of any kind? That seems a bit much to be honest.  It even needlessly hit several of the con's cosplayers who would've had signs for their characters but couldn't or had to jump through hoops to be able to have it.  

Pros

FLOW: I never was a strong fan of the band, but I did enjoy their music.  The free concert and the amazing performance however has sold me on any future chance of them attending Fanime.  Please bring them back, they were awesome and put on a great show.

Rovers: I heard very little negative things this year in regards to the Rovers.  Any complaints I heard were from people just chafing against authority at all or commonly refusing to think about it from the con's perspective.  Not the case entirely with everyone, but that's the general sense from any complaints I overheard or came up in discussion.  Overall the Rovers this year were friendly, efficient, and kept things from getting out of hand.

Protester Deflection: The protesters this year not only received less attention, but there were fewer of them compared to last year.  It seems a rather well placed moving van kept the more hypocritical attention obsessed of them from sticking around.  To any and all who either turned the other cheek or otherwise didn't contribute to the anger they represent? Thank you.

Hentai Room: As always this is just perverse but hilarious fun.  Heckling in the hentai room is always a grand time had by most who go, and this year was no different. The only request I could possibly make is have a hentai music video night designated in the schedule.  Sunday night we sat through about an hour of HMV's and they were pretty funny and/or well done.

Overall Verdict= Despite a few shortcomings that a perfectionist like myself didn't just overlook the con was a great success this year. I really look forward to see what the tally was compared to last year, because it was definitely more than 15-18k people.  The press of bodies on Saturday proved that. Thank you to all the staff and I hope things only get better next year, whatever that theme that may be.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 03, 2010, 07:50:59 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 03, 2010, 06:49:14 PM
$3.50-$4 water: Fortunately, those I came to the con with thought ahead and brought a flat of water so we were never without during the convention, but compared to previous years the water available was dismal by comparison.  The only real water available from the con itself were either sporadic fountains, or the overpriced bottles from the machines/booths.  In previous years there were water dispensers around the con along with small paper/plastic cups, and while I did notice how there were some people leaving a mess here or there it was far outweighed by con goers having easy access to water.  It was missed this year by quite a few.

Just as a heads up, there is a Rite Aid within somewhat reasonable walking distance that was having a sale of 24 packs of water.

QuoteProtester Deflection: The protesters this year not only received less attention, but there were fewer of them compared to last year.  It seems a rather well placed moving van kept the more hypocritical attention obsessed of them from sticking around.  To any and all who either turned the other cheek or otherwise didn't contribute to the anger they represent? Thank you.

This was mostly due to people just not messing with them. I actually had a conversation with a few of the protesters last year and most of them felt that they weren't really 'protesting', just expressing their religious opinions (which, honestly, they have the right to do). That is to say, it was a protest because people were treating it like a protest. The ones I talked to did admit that their approach seemed rather confrontational. I noticed a few cosplayers chit-chatting with that one guy with the megaphone on Monday.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jirekianu on June 03, 2010, 09:19:33 PM
Quote from: Jelly Soup on June 03, 2010, 07:50:59 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 03, 2010, 06:49:14 PM
$3.50-$4 water: Fortunately, those I came to the con with thought ahead and brought a flat of water so we were never without during the convention, but compared to previous years the water available was dismal by comparison.  The only real water available from the con itself were either sporadic fountains, or the overpriced bottles from the machines/booths.  In previous years there were water dispensers around the con along with small paper/plastic cups, and while I did notice how there were some people leaving a mess here or there it was far outweighed by con goers having easy access to water.  It was missed this year by quite a few.

Just as a heads up, there is a Rite Aid within somewhat reasonable walking distance that was having a sale of 24 packs of water.

I understand that there are places nearby to pick up flats of water.  My complaint/con point was that there was very little complimentary water available at the convention center itself, unlike in previous years where water dispensers and cups were available.  Some people did make a mess once or twice with the cups, but over all those years the water was appreciated.  Especially since people didn't want to pay the three to four dollars for a bottle of water.

Quote
QuoteProtester Deflection: The protesters this year not only received less attention, but there were fewer of them compared to last year.  It seems a rather well placed moving van kept the more hypocritical attention obsessed of them from sticking around.  To any and all who either turned the other cheek or otherwise didn't contribute to the anger they represent? Thank you.

This was mostly due to people just not messing with them. I actually had a conversation with a few of the protesters last year and most of them felt that they weren't really 'protesting', just expressing their religious opinions (which, honestly, they have the right to do). That is to say, it was a protest because people were treating it like a protest. The ones I talked to did admit that their approach seemed rather confrontational. I noticed a few cosplayers chit-chatting with that one guy with the megaphone on Monday.

Well the whole point is they were being very confrontational.  It was less a sharing of an opinion and more of a condemnation of what we enjoy.  Hence why I say protest rather than demonstration. They have every right to lawfully demonstrate/protest, but it doesn't change the fact that it's irritating. I didn't take any strong offense, it just annoyed me. As for this year the guy on the last day preaching through the megaphone was actually pretty calm through it.  He wasn't screaming and shouting with hatred or vitriol which was alright.  From what I saw this year as a whole the demonstration/protest was more relaxed.  The protest from last year was angry as hell (no pun intended.)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: BenihimeSama on June 04, 2010, 12:54:24 AM
I agree with anyone who thinks we should bring back an Asian drama room. We could do a Asian Drama/Movie room to make space efficient. I recently got into Asian dramas and it was rather disappointing that there was no Asian Dramas section..
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AR-99 on June 04, 2010, 08:20:58 AM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 03, 2010, 09:19:33 PM
I understand that there are places nearby to pick up flats of water.  My complaint/con point was that there was very little complimentary water available at the convention center itself, unlike in previous years where water dispensers and cups were available.  Some people did make a mess once or twice with the cups, but over all those years the water was appreciated.  Especially since people didn't want to pay the three to four dollars for a bottle of water.
Technically not in the convention center, but accessible, there were water dispensers on the Hilton side where the autograph signings were. Not the same as in the convention center itself, of course. Not sure about the Marriott side, was only there once.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: otakuya on June 04, 2010, 09:45:15 AM
Especially on hot and humid days, the complimentary water would be a hit, but it would be kinda messy due to demand. There's always the Market Safeway (drinks there are about $1 or less, depending on the drink)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jirekianu on June 04, 2010, 10:14:23 AM
The water complaint over all wasn't that big for me.  It was mostly just something I made a mental note about.  The game room issues I think are the bigger problem.  I remember a friend brought in his own ps3 and his own soul caliber and controllers to use on one of the TV's because the game wasn't provided.  Also, there were a few complaints from my friend and overheard from others about how the game library was only cobbled together and was never finished.  Though I don't know how true that is about sunday, since I heard that on saturday night.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Somebody on June 04, 2010, 10:19:25 AM
Big Events/Concerts/Program Guides: Curiosity here, was it mentioned in the program guide that cameras were not allowed into the FLOW and LMC concerts? I looked through it this morning and didn't see anything, but I could have easily missed it, but if it wasn't there I think it should be as far as concerts in the future go. Found someone on youtube that sadly recorded a small clip of it while I was looking for Fanime slideshows and she claims she wasn't told at all that cameras weren't allowed into FLOW. Hoping to figure this out!  :-[
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: xxxplizit (pogi1kenobi) on June 04, 2010, 12:20:21 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 04, 2010, 10:14:23 AM
The water complaint over all wasn't that big for me.  It was mostly just something I made a mental note about.  The game room issues I think are the bigger problem.  I remember a friend brought in his own ps3 and his own soul caliber and controllers to use on one of the TV's because the game wasn't provided.  Also, there were a few complaints from my friend and overheard from others about how the game library was only cobbled together and was never finished.  Though I don't know how true that is about sunday, since I heard that on saturday night.

Who said we didn't have Soul Calibur IV?
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 04, 2010, 12:26:54 PM
Quote from: xxxplizit (pogi1kenobi) on June 04, 2010, 12:20:21 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 04, 2010, 10:14:23 AM
The water complaint over all wasn't that big for me.  It was mostly just something I made a mental note about.  The game room issues I think are the bigger problem.  I remember a friend brought in his own ps3 and his own soul caliber and controllers to use on one of the TV's because the game wasn't provided.  Also, there were a few complaints from my friend and overheard from others about how the game library was only cobbled together and was never finished.  Though I don't know how true that is about sunday, since I heard that on saturday night.

Who said we didn't have Soul Calibur IV?

I would assume that if someone had to go grab a PS3 for the express purpose of playing SC4, a lot of someones said you didn't have it.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: xxxplizit (pogi1kenobi) on June 04, 2010, 12:58:21 PM
Quote from: Jelly Soup on June 04, 2010, 12:26:54 PM
Quote from: xxxplizit (pogi1kenobi) on June 04, 2010, 12:20:21 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 04, 2010, 10:14:23 AM
The water complaint over all wasn't that big for me.  It was mostly just something I made a mental note about.  The game room issues I think are the bigger problem.  I remember a friend brought in his own ps3 and his own soul caliber and controllers to use on one of the TV's because the game wasn't provided.  Also, there were a few complaints from my friend and overheard from others about how the game library was only cobbled together and was never finished.  Though I don't know how true that is about sunday, since I heard that on saturday night.

Who said we didn't have Soul Calibur IV?

I would assume that if someone had to go grab a PS3 for the express purpose of playing SC4, a lot of someones said you didn't have it.

Hmmmm, I'll have to check on this information and figure out which staff member said we didn't have it.
Title: Ideas and Suggestions for Fanime 2011
Post by: mdarkpoet on June 04, 2010, 01:28:47 PM
Wondering if anyone else has any ideas or suggestions based off this year's con to improve next year's con
Title: Re: Ideas and Suggestions for Fanime 2011
Post by: chifunii on June 04, 2010, 01:36:41 PM
I'd love to see straight-up no-nonsense information about events/things happening. Probably having them up online earlier too.

MusicFest had some wishywashy rules that were not set in stone (aka on paper or online offcially), like the no photos, LM.C only signing official goods...etc.

And also for the weapons peace bonding policy...that went up really last minute dontcha think? I know the con doesn't really come together until crunch time, but havig rules and regulation stated earlier would cause less havoc at-con. :)
Title: Re: Ideas and Suggestions for Fanime 2011
Post by: PyronIkari on June 04, 2010, 05:03:49 PM
Quote from: chifunii on June 04, 2010, 01:36:41 PM
I'd love to see straight-up no-nonsense information about events/things happening. Probably having them up online earlier too.

MusicFest had some wishywashy rules that were not set in stone (aka on paper or online offcially), like the no photos, LM.C only signing official goods...etc.

And also for the weapons peace bonding policy...that went up really last minute dontcha think? I know the con doesn't really come together until crunch time, but havig rules and regulation stated earlier would cause less havoc at-con. :)

Although staff would like to do things like this, you have to understand it's difficult when guest don't tell staff things *they* want. The LM.C official goods thing for example, you can't blame that for not being in the rules or told to everyone ahead of time, if staff wasn't even told about it ahead of time.

It's hard to understand, but a lot of things, staff totally agrees with you guys with. They'd like to do a lot of things that are asked, but it's just not possible if they themselves aren't told about it, or they aren't given confirmation. Things change a lot, and there's not much staff can do about it, try to understand that.
Title: Re: Ideas and Suggestions for Fanime 2011
Post by: chifunii on June 04, 2010, 05:19:46 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on June 04, 2010, 05:03:49 PM

Although staff would like to do things like this, you have to understand it's difficult when guest don't tell staff things *they* want. The LM.C official goods thing for example, you can't blame that for not being in the rules or told to everyone ahead of time, if staff wasn't even told about it ahead of time.

It's hard to understand, but a lot of things, staff totally agrees with you guys with. They'd like to do a lot of things that are asked, but it's just not possible if they themselves aren't told about it, or they aren't given confirmation. Things change a lot, and there's not much staff can do about it, try to understand that.

Mm, I see what you mean. But if possible, have info where people can see as soon as possible (like when the band management finally makes their decision). Like for the LM.C official goods, I saw it in one little forum post probably on Thursday night before the con. I was a lucky one to have found the info, since many people didn't know until they were atthe front of the line trying to get something signed...

I know what you mean when the higher ups take their time with decisions when everyone else is under a severe time crunch. Perhaps I'd edit my suggestion to have edits posted not SOONER, but have them put in a standardized place (like the Guests page) or have it over Twitter as a reminder...?
Title: Re: Ideas and Suggestions for Fanime 2011
Post by: AR-99 on June 04, 2010, 05:48:06 PM
PyronIkari, do you know if things like the no photography policy during concerts for x band or only official goods will be signed stipulation are mentioned as part of an agreement that the bands sign with FanimeCon?  I'm assuming that all GOHs sign contracts, or are the arrangements not as formal?

Autograph signings
In addition to putting up the schedule in the Hilton, also put up signing restrictions, especially if they are strict like with LM.C's in that the GOH will sign official goods only.  Also if the rovers could let people in line know about things like this.  They did make announcements with things like # of items, no flash, no posing with the guests, etc. when applicable.  Otherwise if it wasn't said, it went or was asssumed.

MusicFest
If possible post the policies as soon as they become known on the main section of the website and update the MusicFest section to let people know about this too.  Also if the rovers could communicate the no photography policy as people come into line, as there usually was someone monitoring where the end of the line was, and to advise either stashing cameras in cars or rooms or have them out of sight to avoid getting booted after waiting for hours, which I heard happened.  If announcements are made at MusicFest about signings, mention that they will only sign official goods too so you let the people who are most likely to show up know or to remind them.



Title: Re: Ideas and Suggestions for Fanime 2011
Post by: PyronIkari on June 04, 2010, 06:27:20 PM
Quote from: Shear_Trigger on June 04, 2010, 05:48:06 PM
PyronIkari, do you know if things like the no photography policy during concerts for x band or only official goods will be signed stipulation are mentioned as part of an agreement that the bands sign with FanimeCon?  I'm assuming that all GOHs sign contracts, or are the arrangements not as formal?

Autograph signings
In addition to putting up the schedule in the Hilton, also put up signing restrictions, especially if they are strict like with LM.C's in that the GOH will sign official goods only.  Also if the rovers could let people in line know about things like this.  They did make announcements with things like # of items, no flash, no posing with the guests, etc. when applicable.  Otherwise if it wasn't said, it went or was asssumed.

MusicFest
If possible post the policies as soon as they become known on the main section of the website and update the MusicFest section to let people know about this too.  Also if the rovers could communicate the no photography policy as people come into line, as there usually was someone monitoring where the end of the line was, and to advise either stashing cameras in cars or rooms or have them out of sight to avoid getting booted after waiting for hours, which I heard happened.  If announcements are made at MusicFest about signings, mention that they will only sign official goods too so you let the people who are most likely to show up know or to remind them.

I can't talk about contracts, but I'll level with you. Contracts are contracts, but when a guest makes a request, you pretty much comply with it, or they say "K' we're not going to do anything else". Also some guests are fickle(or rather their management is) to work with. Some will allow photos sometimes, but not other times. Some will allow things, but sometimes they won't. Trust me when I say, staff does try to get this information out to you as soon as they possibly can.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jirekianu on June 05, 2010, 04:22:57 AM
I remember the conversation basically outlining the fact that no televisions in the game room on Friday day and night or Saturday day had soul caliber on them supposedly.  I can't say this for certain since there were obviously gaps of time where I was not present while other friends were there quite a bit more than myself.  Apparently, they requested from several of the video game staff/volunteers if they could play soul caliber and they were told it wasn't available.  Hence why my friend brought in his own console and game and set it up on one of the few available televisions. 

I always try to leave room for doubt, but from the other problems I saw with the console gaming that I've mentioned it's feasible.

Oh, and I just remembered something.  While the swap meet squares were well taped off I noticed there was no walkway available between rows so you had to walk the entire breadth of the room in order to get to one of the ends to walk around to another row or further into the gaming hall.  Most people were either stepping over some of the more sparsely populated swap meet squares or walking through empty ones.

For those wondering, yes I will nitpick everything that comes to mind as being somewhat significant.  I mention it because the traffic issue resulted in the clearly placed borders being violated for the sake of understandable desire for convenience.  I didn't see any example of it in person but I can easily see how the whole stepping through semi-occupied squares bit would cause some of said swap meet square occupants to be upset at potential damage or hopefully unlikely theft.
Title: Re: Ideas and Suggestions for Fanime 2011
Post by: ZaichikArky on June 06, 2010, 01:17:20 PM
Quote from: mdarkpoet on June 04, 2010, 01:28:47 PM
Wondering if anyone else has any ideas or suggestions based off this year's con to improve next year's con

From what I've read:

1. Bring back the J drama room(well actually maybe just I want this >_>;)
2. Better games selections (all types).
3. More polite rovers.
4. Better music selection
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: deonchan on June 08, 2010, 06:47:38 AM
Quote from: ZaichikArky on June 06, 2010, 01:17:20 PM
Quote from: mdarkpoet on June 04, 2010, 01:28:47 PM
Wondering if anyone else has any ideas or suggestions based off this year's con to improve next year's con

From what I've read:


3. More polite rovers.

do you have any specific examples?
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 08, 2010, 08:46:30 AM
Quote from: deonchan on June 08, 2010, 06:47:38 AM
Quote from: ZaichikArky on June 06, 2010, 01:17:20 PM
Quote from: mdarkpoet on June 04, 2010, 01:28:47 PM
Wondering if anyone else has any ideas or suggestions based off this year's con to improve next year's con

From what I've read:


3. More polite rovers.

do you have any specific examples?

Well, he said 'from what I've read', so I'd assume the specific examples would be right here in the topic.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: ewu on June 08, 2010, 09:24:34 AM
Quote from: Jelly Soup on June 08, 2010, 08:46:30 AM
Well, he said 'from what I've read', so I'd assume the specific examples would be right here in the topic.

I am currently organizing this thread and preparing it for FC staff to review. No need to summarize the thread:)

but there is a NEED for individualized feedback separated by department and staying-on-topic-ness...
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jerry on June 08, 2010, 12:16:53 PM
Quote from: Jelly Soup on June 08, 2010, 08:46:30 AM
Quote from: deonchan on June 08, 2010, 06:47:38 AM
Quote from: ZaichikArky on June 06, 2010, 01:17:20 PM
Quote from: mdarkpoet on June 04, 2010, 01:28:47 PM
Wondering if anyone else has any ideas or suggestions based off this year's con to improve next year's con

From what I've read:


3. More polite rovers.

do you have any specific examples?

Well, he said 'from what I've read', so I'd assume the specific examples would be right here in the topic.

Technically from what i read-

Incident#1 during Fanime Dance - Con goer was mistakenly accused of being under influences [though substance abuse] was an issue during some of the evenings.

Incident#2 or 3 - Dealers/Artist/ Gaming Room - incident where con goers were supposedly treated like "first timers" and/or given rude behavior.

Again recommendation to those who have feel that they have been mistreated by Rovers - Please e-mail us at RoversATfanimeDOTcom

otherwise the majority of the comments were neutral~positive.

All things considered with Rovers being very outnumbers almost 150+ to 1 Rover. I'd like to think we did fairly decently.

My only negative comment was from a teenage girl who got upset with me because I asked her [very politely while i was in my Russell costume] to take off a hat that said:  SUCK A F*CK - because we dont allow profanity at Fanime.

She probably hates me, but I did it because this is a Family convention.

Keep in mind we technically have NEW rovers every year, and despite our strenuous attempts at keeping them all fair minded and level headed - there will be some that may come off as rude or impolite. Heck, it could have been me. But I highly doubt it  :D
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: NerdyBirdAsh on June 08, 2010, 04:51:59 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 03, 2010, 06:49:14 PM
 The biggest problems however were the stacker machines and the barber cut games. I understand they are games of skill.  However, I watched several people play the barber cut/string cutting prize game and get a perfect grip on the string with the razor.  Yet it barely frayed the string.  I was actually standing close enough to see it grip far back on the blade so the entire blade would pull/slice and it barely did anything.  In addition, the stacker machines were blatantly altered from last year.  Last year the stacker machines weren't easy, but it was still possible to win if you were determined enough.  Twice out of the twenty or so times I played I, and several witnesses, saw the final major prize square light up when I hit the button and then jump back to the previous space, which nets me no prize.  I normally wouldn't have a problem with this, even if they shrunk the amount of time you have to correctly react to the timing.  Make the light movement reflect that, rather than jumping back and make it seem like a scam.

I saw no difference in the Stackers game from this year and last -- and I've won prizes off them both this year and last.
It's always done that jumping thing, it's what makes the game so hard. You have to be absolutely precise in hitting the button. Otherwise we'd have a lot more prizes gone.
Personally, I don't just rely on the squares themselves. I use a lot of listening to the beats to determine when I want to hit.


But I totally agree with there needing to be more rhythm games. DDR, PaRaPaRa, Pop n music, Technika, etc. There should have been more than 1 for those last 3 since they're so popular. Also, though I didn't personally experience it (Because I never got the chance to play it!!!) I was told by a friend the pop n music's yellow and green buttons didn't work correctly. A second machine would have given an alternative to play on at the very least.


I thought Rovers were much better this year than last - last year they all looked so serious and I was honestly afraid to approach them, but this year I noticed most of them were all smiles and though I had no issue to take up this year, I felt like I would be able to talk to them should need be.

Also, I thought the reminders to shower worked better this year than years past - I didn't really have to battle con funk this year whereas last year I had almost been tempted to carry fabreeze around to protect my lungs.

All in all, a most excellent con.
Thanks for making my 7th year super memorable guys. <3
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Admiral Donuts on June 09, 2010, 02:40:06 PM
Rovers: Personally, I'd rather the rovers be effectual than considerate. I've seen a lot of complaints about rude staff members, but I don't think people realize how frustrating it can be working an event like FanimeCon. I have respect for anyone who's willing to give up precious con time to be staff. If you can be authoritative without being rude, great, but if people are listening to you, don't be afraid to raise your voice a little, and give specific instructions. Incidents that come to mind:

Final Fantasy Cosplay Gathering: Photographers were being told to move back, so they did. But they didn't move back far enough, so they were told again. And again. And again. Someone should have just said where they wanted people to move back to from the beginning.

H-night lines: Signs/better direction was needed. Having people wrap around the walls was fine, but it got confusing where the end of the line was and what line was in, I was hearing that there were H lines and Yaoi lines... a few signs with arrows would have really helped.

Swap meet registration: Hopefully feedback already happened at the staff level and I'm just reinforcing it. I know there was a HUGE improvement in handling between the first and second night, so next year, do what was done the second night... with two minor adjustments, if you want people to know their number for when they show up, please post it on the website, and tape the signs showing where you want people to go on the pillars, don't just lay them on the floor where they're easy to miss.

One-way doors: Not a bad idea, they really help with traffic flow. Just put the "entrance only" signs on the INSIDE of the doors where people trying to leave can see them. Props to the staffer who was simultaneously trying to keep the swap meet registration in order while telling dozens of people they can't exit there- including people who had already exited. She was stretched pretty thin.

Swap meet suggestion - Free Stuff Area: We had a lot of stuff we were just giving away once it became clear it wasn't selling, and other people were doing the same. Maybe use one of the unused spaces as a dropping point for stuff nobody wants? It could even stay there for the rest of the con for people who don't get a chance to visit the swap meet.

Walkway lane: Great idea, too bad people blatantly ignored it and stood, sat, and posed for pictures in it or walked the wrong way. Have more of them in the high traffic areas.

Registration: I've read that having your badge number printed out ahead of time is  huge time saver, so why not alter the registration process to favor those people who did just that? Devote a couple of the registration people to deal exclusively with people who brought their print out. I'm envisioning the main line-up working the same, except it splits in two when you get into the main registration room, with print-out people forming one line and non-print out people going to another. In theory, the print-off line will move faster, (which will lead to print-out people registering before non-print-out people ahead of them in line) giving people who took the time to print out their badge number a visible benefit, and encouraging everyone to do the same and making it easier on staff. Everybody wins.

In conclusion, I live 3500 miles away from San Jose (Hawaii, Alaska, and parts of Russia and Greenland are closer) and I thought going to the  con was worth it. Rovers & staff did a great job overall, and I think you should all be proud of yourselves. It wasn't a bad job of people controlling things. If you want to see a bad job of people controlling things go watch Gimmie Shelter.

Edited 'cause it was all bold and added the bit about the walkway

Edit 2: added the registration bit
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 09, 2010, 04:06:01 PM
Quote from: Jeimizu on June 09, 2010, 02:40:06 PM
Rovers: Personally, I'd rather the rovers be effectual than considerate. I've seen a lot of complaints about rude staff members, but I don't think people realize how frustrating it can be working an event like FanimeCon. I have respect for anyone who's willing to give up precious con time to be staff. If you can be authoritative without being rude, great, but if people are listening to you, don't be afraid to raise your voice a little, and give specific instructions.

That's all well and good (and I agree with you), Fanime has a history of rovers/staff that were outright powertripping and that causes more problems than it solved. I've seen people directly defying overly rude staff just to example how little power they actually have in the grand scheme of things (with respect to staff, this is a direct quote from various individuals over the years, not a challenge on my part).

This year, the rovers were stern yet polite, which made them more effective than I'd ever seen them before (I noticed that the one person I was complaining about last year was keeping her mouth shut this year).
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: M on June 09, 2010, 10:51:12 PM
Quote from: Jelly Soup on June 09, 2010, 04:06:01 PMThat's all well and good (and I agree with you), Fanime has a history of rovers/staff that were outright powertripping and that causes more problems than it solved. I've seen people directly defying overly rude staff just to example how little power they actually have in the grand scheme of things (with respect to staff, this is a direct quote from various individuals over the years, not a challenge on my part).

This year, the rovers were stern yet polite, which made them more effective than I'd ever seen them before (I noticed that the one person I was complaining about last year was keeping her mouth shut this year).
While I can't specifically comment on how departments/divisions train our staff, we actually do have a huge emphasis on customer service (being nice, being helpful, etc. etc.). With that said, if you ever do see a bad staffer, please get their badge number and/or name and department and report them to Con-Ops. Note that I said "badge number" as I'm sure someone will read this and try to take a staffer's badge. :|

I do have to say that after being a FanimeCon staffer for 10+ years (2011 happens to be my 11th year ^_^), I can definitely say with 100% certainly that whenever the staff find out that one of us is "on a power trip" it is taken care of. Would prefer not to put the spotlight on individuals, but we do have staff that never come back for this reason. :)
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: the otaku god on June 11, 2010, 05:31:55 PM
please keep the feedback coming everyone. it really helps us out for next year. even the the little things cause what might be little or not a biggie could mean something to someone else.
Title: Thursday pickup feedback
Post by: endymon on June 13, 2010, 06:44:19 PM
Would it be possible to get more staff to process the badges. That line was atrocious. There have to be more computer systems than that since the other side of the ground floor registration area was used during the rest of the con, just not for Thursday pickup.

If its a volunteering issue, I'm sure you could get A LOT of bored people in the line to volunteer their time. It would be a heck of a lot more interesting to be doing some sorta data processing (or account lookup, or whatever) than sitting bored in a line moving at a snails pace.

As I'm not sure what type of organizational tricks or filing systems are already in place, I won't try to make more specific suggestions.

Though, it has been suggested to offer a "fast pass" option for additional fee.
Title: Re: Thursday pickup feedback
Post by: ewu on June 13, 2010, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: endymon on June 13, 2010, 06:44:19 PM
Would it be possible to get more staff to process the badges.

Thanks for the suggestions. Reg is constantly looking for ways to cut down lines. However, the two and half hour wait times are reminiscent of the times that we had in the year prior to 2008 and so are not too unusual.

We did allow early registrations to register too this year and we may consider not repeating that next year to spread out the pickup over more days.

But you are correct and that it is in part a staffing issue. We need more staff on Thursday, however these can not be just any volunteers. The people that work the con are separated by two categories: staff and volunteers. In addition to other requirements, staff must work the entirety of 24 hours over the con, which volunteers are not required to. We prefer that those that have access to personal information be staffers and not volunteers.

There are many considerations and I ask that you e-mail registrationATfanimeDOTcom with your suggestions.
Title: Re: Thursday pickup feedback
Post by: Mango Bunny on June 14, 2010, 11:20:30 PM
Quote from: ewu on June 13, 2010, 10:18:07 PM
We did allow early registrations to register too this year and we may consider not repeating that next year to spread out the pickup over more days.

I know that personally I liked letting Early Reg pick up on Thursday. My friend and I would have had to wait twice.... once for everyone else Thursday and then Friday for him. I know that it's just a personal reason, but I'm sure many other people appreciated  it too.

Mod edit: added quote to facilitate merge into main feedback thread.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Somebody on June 15, 2010, 09:19:36 AM
Not sure what department but lanyards is my focus.

Although I don't know if this is of any help or cam be continued in the future, I really liked the difference in color and text between the attendee and staff badges. I found it useful to locate staff members at a glance when their badges had twisted around the wrong way. Although this wasn't always the case, it helped when I was looking for staff members I didn't know or just for finding assistance in a jiffy. 
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: kohana ichibana on June 15, 2010, 04:16:16 PM
Registration: I was at early reg and at first it was nice and cool because I was in the back of the line that was outside but the moment we got inside it was really hot. Once I got into the massive zig zag line it got hotter and I felt too close to people. It was hot, smelly and sweaty. A woman next to me in line even collapsed because of the heat. We got a rover to get her out of the line but when it gets that hot something must be done. Air conditioning or even just spacing out the line more.

Artist Alley: I was in artist alley this year and 80% of the time there was absolutly no one in the back row. There were some really amazing artists in the back with me but hardly any people. I wish there was some way to get people to just walk through there. I don't really know what can be done about that but there has to be something. I think table assigning should be sooner. Lots of artists were waiting for replies and personally I think it would be nice if there was a specific area on the forum for it. I always have to scavange to look for where artist alley is posted up. Also it would be nice to know who is coming to artist alley and put a link to their DA or something fun like that. Anime on Display does that and they may not have many artists but they are really well organized. (I found out on the last day that an artist I follow on DA was sitting right behind me.)

Rovers: You guys did a great job. The lines were under control this year compared to last and it seemed like everything was a little bit more organized.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: FemmeFatale on June 15, 2010, 08:17:18 PM
It may or may not be too late to know the specific policies to include them in the guide, but this type of thing is very generally true for most convention concerts I've attended. For An Cafe 2 years ago, anyone with a camera wasn't allowed into the auditorium. I've been to some where you had to check your cameras at the door.

I'm pretty sure they were clear about the camera/photo policy for the concert while I was in the line and before the concert started. I can't vouch for whether that was clear to anyone else though. What annoyed me was that the photo policy was hardly enforced despite the threats that people would be kicked out if caught taking pictures or video.

I normally wouldn't care, except that people who were taking photos were crowding where I was standing because my seat was near the aisle in the front and we were literally right next to a rover who didn't do anything.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jirekianu on June 16, 2010, 04:43:46 AM
Quote from: ash_chan on June 08, 2010, 04:51:59 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 03, 2010, 06:49:14 PM
 The biggest problems however were the stacker machines and the barber cut games. I understand they are games of skill.  However, I watched several people play the barber cut/string cutting prize game and get a perfect grip on the string with the razor.  Yet it barely frayed the string.  I was actually standing close enough to see it grip far back on the blade so the entire blade would pull/slice and it barely did anything.  In addition, the stacker machines were blatantly altered from last year.  Last year the stacker machines weren't easy, but it was still possible to win if you were determined enough.  Twice out of the twenty or so times I played I, and several witnesses, saw the final major prize square light up when I hit the button and then jump back to the previous space, which nets me no prize.  I normally wouldn't have a problem with this, even if they shrunk the amount of time you have to correctly react to the timing.  Make the light movement reflect that, rather than jumping back and make it seem like a scam.

I saw no difference in the Stackers game from this year and last -- and I've won prizes off them both this year and last.
It's always done that jumping thing, it's what makes the game so hard. You have to be absolutely precise in hitting the button. Otherwise we'd have a lot more prizes gone.
Personally, I don't just rely on the squares themselves. I use a lot of listening to the beats to determine when I want to hit.


But I totally agree with there needing to be more rhythm games. DDR, PaRaPaRa, Pop n music, Technika, etc. There should have been more than 1 for those last 3 since they're so popular. Also, though I didn't personally experience it (Because I never got the chance to play it!!!) I was told by a friend the pop n music's yellow and green buttons didn't work correctly. A second machine would have given an alternative to play on at the very least.


I thought Rovers were much better this year than last - last year they all looked so serious and I was honestly afraid to approach them, but this year I noticed most of them were all smiles and though I had no issue to take up this year, I felt like I would be able to talk to them should need be.

Also, I thought the reminders to shower worked better this year than years past - I didn't really have to battle con funk this year whereas last year I had almost been tempted to carry fabreeze around to protect my lungs.

All in all, a most excellent con.
Thanks for making my 7th year super memorable guys. <3


I'm not saying it's impossible to win.  It just seems like the stacker machines had the window of time to correctly press the button for the last row reduced. 

Prize turn-over for the machines this year I did notice was much lower than last year.  I'm not saying you didn't win or anything, just that it seems it was much more difficult this year. 

Also, I never noticed the light jumping back on the stacker machines last year.  Even when several friends and I took turns trying the machine out and over 2/3rds of the time we were getting to the last row for the major prize win.  Some were really close, but we never witnessed the correct square light up, go dim, and then the previous one light up.  All in all just a criticism that if you're going to have timing that fidgety (even if I'm wrong about it being more difficult) then the light's movement should reflect that.  In order to avoid claims of a scam even if there isn't one.

I also mentioned the barber cut machine because on day one it was full of prizes.  Then most of them were gone and all that was left were two ipad proxy boxes with redeemable vouchers in them.  Then for the entirety of the rest of the con neither one of those ipad boxes seemed to be won.  Despite several close calls, or outright should-have-won attempts.  It definitely looks sketchy when the machine was full day one, and then the rest of con it only has two prizes in it that no one seems to be able to win despite frequent playing.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: NerdyBirdAsh on June 16, 2010, 03:11:33 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 16, 2010, 04:43:46 AM


I'm not saying it's impossible to win.  It just seems like the stacker machines had the window of time to correctly press the button for the last row reduced. 

Prize turn-over for the machines this year I did notice was much lower than last year.  I'm not saying you didn't win or anything, just that it seems it was much more difficult this year. 

Also, I never noticed the light jumping back on the stacker machines last year.  Even when several friends and I took turns trying the machine out and over 2/3rds of the time we were getting to the last row for the major prize win.  Some were really close, but we never witnessed the correct square light up, go dim, and then the previous one light up.  All in all just a criticism that if you're going to have timing that fidgety (even if I'm wrong about it being more difficult) then the light's movement should reflect that.  In order to avoid claims of a scam even if there isn't one.

Maybe it's just because I play that game so often. I always head straight for the stackers game at any arcade, so maybe I'm just used to the fidgety movements and flip flopping of the light boxes, it really does give you moments of "WTF, I HAD THAT."

Maybe I don't call it out as a scam because, in a way, it is. It's not just skill that gets you to win, you have to have a bit of luck, really. I don't go in planning to win because in all honesty, the chances aren't that great. It's like a rigged carnival game -- we know it's rigged, but we play it anyway.

Quote

I also mentioned the barber cut machine because on day one it was full of prizes.  Then most of them were gone and all that was left were two ipad proxy boxes with redeemable vouchers in them.  Then for the entirety of the rest of the con neither one of those ipad boxes seemed to be won.  Despite several close calls, or outright should-have-won attempts.  It definitely looks sketchy when the machine was full day one, and then the rest of con it only has two prizes in it that no one seems to be able to win despite frequent playing.

I don't know about the cutting one myself...I felt I had more control and precision over the blocks than the razor, and since it was listed on the machine that cutting it once might not be enough, I didn't feel $2/round was worth it when I knew I didn't really have a chance of winning.  xD;

I saw one guy win it, but I spent the bulk of my time as gyarados and only played arcade at night, usually...
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: PyronIkari on June 16, 2010, 07:31:57 PM
Quote from: ash_chan on June 16, 2010, 03:11:33 PM
Quote from: Jirekianu on June 16, 2010, 04:43:46 AM


I'm not saying it's impossible to win.  It just seems like the stacker machines had the window of time to correctly press the button for the last row reduced. 

Prize turn-over for the machines this year I did notice was much lower than last year.  I'm not saying you didn't win or anything, just that it seems it was much more difficult this year. 

Also, I never noticed the light jumping back on the stacker machines last year.  Even when several friends and I took turns trying the machine out and over 2/3rds of the time we were getting to the last row for the major prize win.  Some were really close, but we never witnessed the correct square light up, go dim, and then the previous one light up.  All in all just a criticism that if you're going to have timing that fidgety (even if I'm wrong about it being more difficult) then the light's movement should reflect that.  In order to avoid claims of a scam even if there isn't one.

Maybe it's just because I play that game so often. I always head straight for the stackers game at any arcade, so maybe I'm just used to the fidgety movements and flip flopping of the light boxes, it really does give you moments of "WTF, I HAD THAT."

Maybe I don't call it out as a scam because, in a way, it is. It's not just skill that gets you to win, you have to have a bit of luck, really. I don't go in planning to win because in all honesty, the chances aren't that great. It's like a rigged carnival game -- we know it's rigged, but we play it anyway.

Quote

I also mentioned the barber cut machine because on day one it was full of prizes.  Then most of them were gone and all that was left were two ipad proxy boxes with redeemable vouchers in them.  Then for the entirety of the rest of the con neither one of those ipad boxes seemed to be won.  Despite several close calls, or outright should-have-won attempts.  It definitely looks sketchy when the machine was full day one, and then the rest of con it only has two prizes in it that no one seems to be able to win despite frequent playing.

I don't know about the cutting one myself...I felt I had more control and precision over the blocks than the razor, and since it was listed on the machine that cutting it once might not be enough, I didn't feel $2/round was worth it when I knew I didn't really have a chance of winning.  xD;

I saw one guy win it, but I spent the bulk of my time as gyarados and only played arcade at night, usually...

It is rigged. I actually know how the programming for the game works, so let me explain it. How the game works is that there's a "randomized" timer within the game system about how strict the button press timing must be for it to be considered a win. For the most part, this only effects the last 3 boxes as it's so minimal in the rest that it's negligible.

So the last three have a timing differentiator and it's random per game how strict it is. In one game the leway may be .1 second, while in another game the leway may only be .02seconds. So if you're unlucky it will literally be near impossible to win, where as in another game it is actually easy to win. Again it's "random" and there's no way to predict when the game will be easier to win. Also to add, each of the last three levels are independently randomized. So sometimes the 3rd to last one is harder than usual, but the last one one is easy. Sometimes the 3rd and 2nd to last are extremely easy, and the last one is near impossible.

If it wasn't like this, someone skilled could win repeatedly over and over again because of muscle memory and timing.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Jelly Soup on June 17, 2010, 12:34:30 PM
Just happened to think of this. This is less of a complaint and more of a suggestion.

The weapon shows in the dojo panels. A large chunk of time at the start of each panel was devoted to filling out liability wavers. As a way of getting the action quicker, so to speak, maybe the wavers could be put online or provided in the goody bags so people can fill them out ahead of time and streamline the process.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: kaizoku on June 18, 2010, 05:15:27 AM
I attended Fanime 07, and the gaming room sucked. I went this year, and the gaming room still sucked. Please have more gaming related things in this "game" room as I'm sure I'm not the only one who wasn't impressed. Instead of just getting arcade cabinets, why not create a gaming stage where tournaments can be held for people to gather around and watch.

I know stage zero had the SSF4 charity this year, so why can't there be a stage like that in the gaming room to fill up some space?

Worthwhile prizes for tournaments? Charge tournament entry fees.

Bring some gaming companies like Namco or EA.

I don't want only an arcade, if I did I would just drive 3 minutes to Milpitas Golfland. I don't have to pay $55 bucks to get in either.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: PyronIkari on June 18, 2010, 12:27:56 PM
Quote from: kaizoku on June 18, 2010, 05:15:27 AM
I attended Fanime 07, and the gaming room sucked. I went this year, and the gaming room still sucked. Please have more gaming related things in this "game" room as I'm sure I'm not the only one who wasn't impressed. Instead of just getting arcade cabinets, why not create a gaming stage where tournaments can be held for people to gather around and watch.

I know stage zero had the SSF4 charity this year, so why can't there be a stage like that in the gaming room to fill up some space?

Worthwhile prizes for tournaments? Charge tournament entry fees.

Bring some gaming companies like Namco or EA.

I don't want only an arcade, if I did I would just drive 3 minutes to Milpitas Golfland. I don't have to pay $55 bucks to get in either.

They can't charge tourney fees, as that defeats the purpose of a lot of things, and takes away from the fact that, everything is supposed to be free with attendance.

Game companies are present at Fanime, but it's a matter of them wanting to sponsor stuff, Aksys wants to do things, so they do.

I've never really understood the appeal of why so many people hang out in the game room to be 100% honest. It's something to do, and fun but you're at a convention. Why bother going to the cons tournament if that's your major focus. NorCal Regionals was at the same time as Fanime this year, you coulda went there if what you were looking for was a big game tournament. Granted, I'm glad you came to fanime instead, but really, if that's your main interest, you're in the wrong place. Fanime's game room and tournaments are supposed to be more fun than about major tournaments.

A stage is a major logistics disaster waiting to happen. Having a big stage like that costs thousands, having big events takes lots of time, man power, and money... for something where only about 5% are major players. If it was a pay tournament, the entrees would be cut down to about like... 10, as most players are there to have fun, not compete.

Mod edit: compiled up to here
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AR-99 on June 18, 2010, 02:09:19 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on June 18, 2010, 12:27:56 PM
I've never really understood the appeal of why so many people hang out in the game room to be 100% honest. It's something to do, and fun but you're at a convention. Why bother going to the cons tournament if that's your major focus.
Everyone is free to do what they want, but I wholeheartedly agree with this. To each their own I, but I had more than enough to do walking around, hitting up GOH signings (and waiting in line for same), and taking photos of cosplayers. However, the fact that there were so many people in the gaming hall (walked through it just to see what was up, then left) shows that there is a large demand for this sort of thing, and with the 24 hour programming, it is something to do late at night/early in the morning, although I'd take sleep over this.

So no comments on the gaming hall from me.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: the otaku god on June 18, 2010, 05:31:42 PM
kaizoku wrote
-I attended Fanime 07, and the gaming room sucked. I went this year, and the gaming room still sucked. Please have more gaming related things in this "game" room as I'm sure I'm not the only one who wasn't impressed. Instead of just getting arcade cabinets, why not create a gaming stage where tournaments can be held for people to gather around and watch.-

i like this idea and have always felt we should go in this direction. i'll talk with the people in charge of this and see what we can do. mind you if you get more poeple to join you on this it helps the cause.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Dagger-6 on June 18, 2010, 08:52:40 PM
Not sure which department is in charge of this, but...

While I am typically very big on freedom of speech, since we're a private even and we already regulate profanity on shirts in the name of good taste, I think we should consider banning Nazi symbols.  I realize what qualifies as "offensive" can be hard to pin down and there are plenty of arguments that a Soviet hammer/sickle or Imperial Japanese symbol are just as offensive to some.  However, the Nazi swatstika/eagle represents a very specifically anti-semitic message that I feel is arguably distinct from a national symbol and more in line with say, a KKK outfit.  I could go into more detailed discussion on the rationale if need be, but I'll keep it simple for now.

If people feel they need to express their desire to wear Nazi regalia, they can do so on public property, next to the religious speakers.

Just something to came to mind when my friend's initial reaction on his first visit to Fanime was "What's with all the Nazis?"
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: PyronIkari on June 18, 2010, 09:08:13 PM
Quote from: trooper715 on June 18, 2010, 08:52:40 PM
Not sure which department is in charge of this, but...

While I am typically very big on freedom of speech, since we're a private even and we already regulate profanity on shirts in the name of good taste, I think we should consider banning Nazi symbols.  I realize what qualifies as "offensive" can be hard to pin down and there are plenty of arguments that a Soviet hammer/sickle or Imperial Japanese symbol are just as offensive to some.  However, the Nazi swatstika/eagle represents a very specifically anti-semitic message that I feel is arguably distinct from a national symbol and more in line with say, a KKK outfit.  I could go into more detailed discussion on the rationale if need be, but I'll keep it simple for now.

If people feel they need to express their desire to wear Nazi regalia, they can do so on public property, next to the religious speakers.

Just something to came to mind when my friend's initial reaction on his first visit to Fanime was "What's with all the Nazis?"
Ah... this topic caused quite a stir on the cosplay.com forums, and I will tell you in advance, you're stepping on some very thin ice with this topic. While censoring curse words and the such... censoring the swastika can be considered discrimination(yes I realize the irony) and it can become a legal issue if presented incorrectly.

First I want to state, this is *MY* opinion and not the opinion of staff. I want this in no way affiliated with staff, or in any way reflected by staff itself.

Although many people find the swastika offensive, the symbol itself is not offensive. The connotations within the symbol are self created, as the symbol originates far before nazis did. Although they changed the meaning and negative/offensive connotations were created through their actions, the symbol itself is not offensive, but personal opinions can find the symbol offensive.

Banning the swastika, is very much like banning... crucifixes, the Star of David, or numerous other "religious symbols". The JP Flag is EXTREMELY offensive to many Mainland Chinese. The Communist Viet Nam flag is extremely offensive to old southern Viet Namese(A man was actually beat to death in socal for wearing a shirt with the flag on it). While on the flipside the objects are a symbol of pride to many.

Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Dagger-6 on June 19, 2010, 01:28:56 AM
In the interest of keeping this thread from getting too off topic, since this is a question the would warrant a longer, more in-depth discussion, I've created a thread in the "serious business" forum section for those interested in discussing it.

http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,14643.0.html
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: ewu on June 19, 2010, 03:20:06 AM
Likewise, in the interest of keeping feedback coming. Please only post comments and feedback. Do not reply to the feedback, EVEN if you are staff unless you are in the SPECIFIC department and feel that there is no other option BUT to reply.

I like all caps....
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: AmazingKenchan on June 19, 2010, 05:47:17 PM
Quote from: kaizoku on June 18, 2010, 05:15:27 AMgaming stage
1) If yer the same kaizoku I know, you shoulda gotten a hold of me ):
2) We tossed around with the idea of some kind of main screen after con, if anything like that is at all possible, you'll see it next year.  I know myself and the arcade wouldn't mind something like that, just no idea the logistics of setting it up yet.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: GokuMew2 on July 05, 2010, 02:57:52 AM
Quote from: Mantaray3000 on May 31, 2010, 04:04:51 PM
Guests: Need a little more guests especially seiyuus. This is only a small complaint because I've mentioned this before how I understand that Fanime is not like Anime Expo where they are funded by the State and not every seiyuu is worth bringing overseas. However I just find it a little frustrating how many people (including myself) are constantly requesting certain seiyuus and american voice actors only to come up short :-\. Its like no one from staff is listening or taking it seriously. Then again I could be wrong.

As a huge seiyuu fan and someone whose job is to help bring Japanese guests over to FanimeCon, you can bet that we try. However, it's not as easy as it may seem since FanimeCon is during a period when seiyuu are very busy with spring shows, etc. But rest assured that we do listen to your requests and try however we can!
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: mDuo13 on July 07, 2010, 11:19:03 AM
Gosh, I'm a bit late in posting this, aren't I? Well, by and large, I thought Fanime 2010 was one of the smoothest-run cons I've ever been to. In fact, having just been to Anime Expo 2010 this past weekend, I can say that Fanime was more organized by leaps and bounds. I guess this is part of why Fanime keeps getting bigger at such a shocking pace!

Pros:
- Guest selection. FLOW's concert was great, Momoi Halko's return was a lot of fun, Yamaga-san managed to remain fascinating yet again... I mean, there's still room for inviting more guests I'd really love to see, but it was still a great start.
- The handling of the protestors (with that convenient moving fan) was a stroke of genius. Excellent non-confrontational creative problem solving by the staff.
- The gaming room was once again one of Fanime's top attractions. Having everything combined, easily accessible with so much space is immeasurably better than most cons where various types of gaming are divided into different areas.
- The much-welcomed return of the pocket guide! Super convenient! I hear the mobile site was also really convenient, although I didn't personally check it out.
- Use of Twitter. This year,we had more and relevant updates without going overboard, which was great.
- Rovers were great this year: on target where they were needed, well-informed, not excessively officious, very practical... a smooth run machine (unlike AX!)
- Translators at most of the panels were fairly competent and well-informed. Definitely felt like a bit of an improvement over previous years.
- Lending boardgames were available from the very start and at all hours; the selection could've done well to include more Eurogames, but it was solid as-is and I appreciated the availability.
- Day 0. With so much activity going on, it feels more and more like a legitimate day of the con every year.
- Passerby lanes at Stage Zero. This made it a lot less of a fire hazard and a hassle to get past when big events were happening.
- Viewing rooms. There was a nice variety of things on display (fansubs, official releases, classics, new things) and they largely seemed to start on time. Though admittedly I didn't watch a whole lot of things.
- Swap meet. There were, as always, a couple people with delusional prices ($40 for .hack//INFECTION? I saw it at GameStop for $12!) but in general, I found more things I wanted to get, at bargain prices, at the swap meet than in the dealer's room.

Suggestions/Annoyances:
- I agree with Dracil's suggestion of shifting the pocket guide so that facing pages show the same time block rather than having to flip back and forth constantly.
- My biggest complaint was with the one way entrance/exits for the game room. It makes sense to set up a single path for traffic during peak hours (i.e. while swap meet is mobbing the room) but some of the volunteers were making tired-looking old ladies walk all the way around at midnight while nobody was coming or going. Can't we have the entrances be two-way during off hours?
- The Momoi Quest event was fun, but I think it could've been organized in a way that was more exciting. In general, I think that it lost some hype by breaking her performance up into many smaller concerts with no single, long concluding live. It felt like each time right as people were really getting into the spirit, she was done with that particular session. Also, having the lives at timeslots that weren't announced ahead of time made it difficult to plan around schedule conflicts.
- It was a bit of a shame that we couldn't get DJ Max Technika online, and Pop'n Music was a disappointingly outdated version. The lines at the arcade were fairly long for most of the con -- even in the middle of the night or very early morning, Technika had like a 5-person line.
- The dealer's room was a bit lackluster. I liked having the mydjsobad booth, and there were a few other places with OK selection, but the merchandise at most booths felt far too familiar and there wasn't particularly much I was interested in buying.

Other Observations (Not positive or negative):
- I notice that the Artists' Alley is having a bit of a height escalation lately. Nearly everyone has their little frames showcasing their art vertically, which I guess makes a lot of sense since that way people can see what you have to offer from farther away.
- In terms of Cosplay events, the downturn in FMA costumes was a little surprising since Brotherhood is currently running, while the total explosion of Pokemon costumes was impressive. In general, though, it seemed like this year had a bit more variety than previous ones.
- Attendance was visibly up, especially on Friday! Usually, Friday morning feels relatively empty (since presumably people are largely still at work or school) but this year's Fanime was packed throughout the day.

Overall I want to commend Tony and the rest of the Fanime staff for running one of the cleanest cons to date. My complaints are minimal, but I offer them because Fanime over the past few years has shown a most impressive quality: the ability to learn from mistakes and fix them, while keeping and bringing back the things that go right. Thank you all!
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: cutiebunny on July 12, 2010, 05:00:40 PM
(looks at post above) I guess I'm in the same boat.

Kudos to all the work at Fanime this year.  Having also attended AX this year, I was extremely displeased with my experience.  The lines at AX were horrible and poorly run.  I was almost trampled upon due to AX's 15 minute rule.

Anyways, I really enjoyed the artists this past year.  Please, bring some more Japanese artists back for 2011. 


Also, if possible, could you please contract with MangaGamer to come to Fanime in 2011?  They brought over 8 fantastic artists to AX this year and you could commission them to draw you one of their characters on a shikishi board.  I was really impressed with the level of artwork of these artists, and would love to see either these 8 or another group of artists at Fanime 2011.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: boots01 on July 24, 2010, 04:44:12 AM
Quote from: melonpan on June 01, 2010, 06:36:20 PM
Yamaga Party: Please introduce the guests of honor attending the party along with Yamaga at the beginning of the party.  Mori & Ishiwatari were just hanging out with the staffs.  They also looked bored.  When the churros were gone, so was Mori.  

The two people that won the Yamaga Party tickets at this year's slient auction were VERY VERY disappointed.  Also, if there is a no paper, pen, bags and backpack policy, put a notice along with the slient auction so people know what to expect.  

Last year's Yamaga party was fantastic which was the reason that they bid on the tickets at this year's slient auction.  Last year's Yamaga party didn't have the no paper, pen, bags and backpack policy.  GOH and party attendees were interacting with each other by asking for autographs which starts conversation about their work in the industry.

If party attendees can not bring pen and paper, give a sharpie to each guest.  The guests can sign each attendees's Yamaga party invitation which will provide interaction between GOH and party attendees.  GOH will not be bored.

Charity auction:  Don't conflict live charity auction schedule with any major events such as the Yamaga party.

I'd like to give a little insight into some of the decisions facing the Yamaga Party this year.  First off, to the complaint that no pens/paper/bags/backpacks allow me to explain the reasons behind this.  In 2009, Yamaga-san noted that everyone was asking for autographs and sketches from the guests which was not what he wanted.  His vision was to have a reception type event where the attendees could mingle with the Guests of Honor in an informal setting.  He specifically requested the ban on writing implements and the like.  Since he is the host, and we are trying to organize the party to meet his desires, we were obligated to accede to his request.  As to the backpack/bag ban, that was mostly for logistical reasons as we had no place to store them in the room.  In addition, people could bring writing implements and paper in them so there was that concern as well.  

When it comes to scheduling, because Fanime is very large convention (something like 19,000 this past year?), we sometimes have to cross-program events.  In an effort to not cross-program the party with the Black & White Ball (which several of the guests wished to attend as did yours-truly), we pushed the party to an earlier time slot.  This had the unanticipated effect of crossing over with the auction which was hosted by Ric Meyers and Reuben Langdon.  The two of them made very quick work of the auction (bringing in nearly $3000 for charity if I recall correctly) and then proceeded over to join the party which was already in progress.

The suggestion of the sharpie to each guest is not a bad one and we can run the idea by Yamaga-san for next year.  Also, introducing the other guests is certainly a good idea.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: ewu on July 25, 2010, 01:21:07 AM
Eugene:
Quote from: ewu on June 19, 2010, 03:20:06 AM
Likewise, in the interest of keeping feedback coming. Please only post comments and feedback. Do not reply to the feedback, EVEN if you are staff unless you are in the SPECIFIC department and feel that there is no other option BUT to reply.

I like all caps....
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: BSaphire on September 02, 2010, 07:43:24 AM
Quote from: Jeimizu on June 09, 2010, 02:40:06 PM
Rovers: Personally, I'd rather the rovers be effectual than considerate. I've seen a lot of complaints about rude staff members, but I don't think people realize how frustrating it can be working an event like FanimeCon. I have respect for anyone who's willing to give up precious con time to be staff. If you can be authoritative without being rude, great, but if people are listening to you, don't be afraid to raise your voice a little, and give specific instructions. Incidents that come to mind:

Final Fantasy Cosplay Gathering: Photographers were being told to move back, so they did. But they didn't move back far enough, so they were told again. And again. And again. Someone should have just said where they wanted people to move back to from the beginning.
I agree that the large amount of photographers present at the FF All gathering was an issue, I can honestly say that I asked them several times to move back and part of what happened was that the mass of photographers would creep forward as more and more photographers showed up and they were each trying to get in position for a group shot. There were also a lot of high powered cameras & or those with great lenses which makes it harder for those who don't have the equipment to get the group shot. There were at least 75 cosplayers in that gathering and there must have been that many photographers there too once the gathering was set up.

The photographer positioning problem is something that is being worked on so that it is better next year. Thank you for posting this.
Title: Re: FanimeCon 2010 Feedback Thread
Post by: Memo on March 20, 2011, 11:20:46 PM
EXIT/ENTER Door- This is the biggest most memorable thing I can remember during fanime.  Sad, I know.  But when your tired, limping, the 'exit' is all the way on the other side of the room and the volunteer/staff won't let you through to get out the entrance, its  something that will stick in your mind.  I understand if its for safety purposes or security purposes but there was  no one at the door coming through and I'd be happy to flash my I.D if It were a problem.   *sigh.   That is all.