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Messages - Kuudere

#21
General Convention Discussion / Re: 2017 Theme
June 06, 2016, 02:03:46 PM
Quote from: GreatLeader on June 06, 2016, 01:24:46 PM
Hey guys, is there a place on these forums to request concert guests?

I just made a request thread. Feel free to post your requests in it!
#22
This thread is for MusicFest guest requests! For general guest requests, please use this thread in order for those requests to reach the correct department.


Remember: the sooner you request, the better chance you have of staff being able to fulfill that request! These acquisitions can take months of planning/talking, so request early! All requests placed here are monitored by official staff, so no other steps (aside from posting here) are necessary to make sure your suggestion is heard.


For 2017, I'd like to see (copied and pasted from my 2016 request):

  • The Pillows (forever first on my list). They perform the whole soundtrack for FLCL and are just a great group all around.
  • ClariS. Featured in Madoka Magica, Nisekoi, OreImo, Nise/Tsukimonogatari.
  • Tommy Heavenly6. Featured in Soul Eater, Paradise Kiss, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Gintama, Bakuman, and Pokemon.
  • Crystal Kay. Featured in Nodame Cantablie, Fullmetal Alchemist, and several J-dramas.
  • Kalafina. Featured in Madoka Magica, Black Butler, and Fate/Zero.
  • Etsuko Yakushimaru. Featured in Arakawa Under the Bridge, Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko, Space Dandy, Mawaru Penguindrum, Natsu no Arashi, Tatami Galaxy.
  • Kana Nishino. Featured in Soul Eater, Naruto.
  • Maaya Sakamoto. Featured in too many anime to name, but probably mostly famous for Wolf's Rain's Gravity.
  • OreSkaBand. Featured in Bleach and Naruto.
  • Supercell. Featured in the Monogatari series, Guilty Crown, Black Rock Shooter, Naruto, Magi.
#23
Quote from: andyjay729 on June 01, 2016, 06:48:27 PM
Is there someone you have to send a letter to to make your guest request "official"? I was talking with a guy named Milton Le who said he would pass my request to the suggestion team.

Milton's a good guy to talk to. He's part of the communications department. Honestly, the guest relations staff check threads like these every year for suggestions, so you just have to post here to make it "official." The earlier you request, the better chance they have time to entertain that request. Most people wait until a month before the con starts, and by then, it's much much too late.

To summarize, you're in the right place at the right time. If you really want to know the exact people who are in charge of guest relations, that's Jinni for general guests, and Valerie for music fest guests. These people might change to someone else for 2017, however.
#24
Hotel and Facilities / Review Your Hotel 2016!
June 01, 2016, 05:10:02 PM
I like to read about others' experiences for their hotel stays and I think it benefits others who want to compare and contrast for next year, so let's hear those reviews!

I stayed at the Marriott Thursday-Monday. Normally, I have mostly positive things to say about my stay here (been staying here for probably 9-10 years straight now), but this year was definitely not its best. I'm thinking that their staff was very limited due to monitoring the entry points into the convention, and those of us that stayed at the Marriott ended up with lackluster service as a result.

Pros:

  • Hotel parties were shut down! I know this is a "party con" to many, but this was such a relief.
  • Hotel staff was responsive to issues we brought to their attention. (We called in to report that there was a lady bathing and washing her clothes in the hotel jacuzzi and they sent out security fast to take care of it). Though I think they should have also drained the water because the woman was full-on washing her hair with shampoo in there.
  • I think mini-fridges were standard this year?
  • They actually accommodated our two-rooms-next-to-each-other request! We tried this for years and never were successful until this year.
  • Checking out was a breeze as long as you did it before noon.
  • Elevator lines were non-existent for some reason. I never waited more than 5 minutes for an elevator, which has never happened before.
  • Staff set up a booth to hold luggage on Monday for those who were checking out but needed storage. It was really easy to find and use compared to previous years.
  • Lots of stuff had been remodeled to look more sleek.
  • Better lighting in the bathroom! There's a vanity light going all the way around the mirrors now.
  • Easy access to Netflix and Hulu from the televisions made finding something to watch while getting ready very easy.

Cons:

  • We had almost NO hot water the entire stay. I had maybe 10 minutes total of hot showering in that 5 day span of time. The rest were lukewarm or freezing cold. We called to get it repaired and they claimed it was fixed, but it wasn't. This occurred in both of our rooms and I wonder if it happened elsewhere in the hotel.
  • This "go green" effort to cut down on room service is nice in theory, but it just made our rooms and the halls look like a disaster. People were leaving trash outside their door to get it picked up, staff allowed trays of food to be left in the halls for days...it was just really not pleasant to look at. I don't mind using the same towel more than once, but trash needs to definitely be picked up.
  • Not enough staff around in general. Everyone seemed to be helping out with badge checking
  • Using the hotel for badge pickup made it kind of a hassle to enter the convention with all the lines blocking the way.
  • The hotel doors kept rejecting our keycards several times.
  • The decor looked ridiculous. What's with the weird metal men climbing ropes on the side of the walls?
#25
Shout-out to web staff for getting a new banner on the site so quickly. I remember the years where it'd be a couple months before the convention started and we'd still have no website set up. I'm glad you guys are keeping the layout from previous years and just switching graphics around so there's no need to wait forever. Great theme choice, too!

Also, good job to Guest Relations for getting a guest set up for next year already.

These things are really changing that "last-minute" feeling that Fanime has projected in the past.
#26
Registration / Re: Reg Line
June 01, 2016, 03:28:27 PM
I would be surprised if we hear about what prompted the switch. I'm sure it's going to stay internal information, probably for the sake of professionalism.

I was there early Thursday, and it was pretty apparent that they did not plan for an extended line. They had some zig-zagged caution tape that only extended around the corner from the main registration room, and that was completely empty around noon when I went. I think that was their "worst case" anticipated line, because there was no tape on the carpet or any of that in the beginning. I was part of the early "test group" that went before registration officially opened (unknowingly dodged a huuuge bullet there, since I waited only 30 minutes max), and everything was very smooth for that test group as far as I could tell. Then the floodgates opened at 3 PM and they never seemed to recover.

I feel for the registration staff. I doubt they had anything to do with whatever caused the lines. I'm betting that the last-minute switch to Experient caused many more hiccups in the system than expected.
#27
Quote from: MPLe on June 01, 2016, 11:25:10 AM
Speaking on official capacity as a FanimeCon Director.

* We DO NOT share any identifiable information with third party companies. This information is also very limited to internal staff (and only on a need-to-know basis).
* What we do share is a very general demographic (gender, age groups primarily).

Hey! Good to see you addressing this, as I think it's important as well.

I also mentioned last year how lax the security was for our registration accounts online (the fact that you only need a zip code and email address, both very simple pieces of info to obtain, and you can gain access to more detailed information through it). I could effortlessly log into any one of my friends' accounts and review/alter their information without their consent if I wanted. I requested that maybe CMR (or whoever will be in charge of registration) consider using a user-generated password to protect this information, but that concern wasn't addressed for this year and it continued to be open for anyone to access. I'm hoping again that next year passwords are considered for online registration accounts.
#28
General Convention Discussion / Re: 2017 Theme
June 01, 2016, 07:36:16 AM
I wasn't at the closing ceremonies, but I heard Magic School from somewhere.
#29
Hotel and Facilities / Re: hotel confirmation
May 19, 2016, 03:43:12 PM
You're fine - I think everyone received this email. Not sure if it was intentionally sent or not, but I do know that they're in the process of moving information over to the hotels (which will be finished on the 20th).

If you're still concerned, try calling the hotel tomorrow. They should have record of the reservation by then.
#30
Hotel and Facilities / Re: Hotels....
May 17, 2016, 01:19:12 PM
That's a pretty darn big oversight on their part, especially for it to happen at least twice that we know of. I guess the message that we should take from this is to check the hotel reservation website frequently for opened rooms.

Regardless, glad you got your room, Mango Bunny!
#31
Hotel and Facilities / Re: Hotels....
May 17, 2016, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: InsaneDavid on May 17, 2016, 12:54:28 PM
Has anyone attempted to call said hotels since this has started happening?

I don't believe hotels will have any information just yet, since the reservation info hasn't been transferred over yet. I spoke with CMR today for a different reason, and he told me the "first part" of the information will be going to the hotels tomorrow and Thursday. On the website, it says everything will be transferred over by the 20th.

Best bet is to call CMR and ask what's going on...
#32
Hotel and Facilities / Re: Hotels....
May 17, 2016, 12:36:06 PM
Wow. I just saw it too. Kameifan5x is not making it up.

I wonder why they're doing that? Not good.
#33
I've been to a few autograph sessions, so I think I can help a little.

1. How early do people usually start (or are allowed to start) lining up for the autograph sessions?
I've never been at the front of the line, but I know that depending on the popularity of the guest, arriving an hour before start time may put you toward the end of the line. I'm guessing that the early-arrivers might be there up to two hours early. I'm sure someone has a better answer for this than I do, though.

2. Is there a limit to how many people can attend each autograph session?
Yep! I've never been turned away because I show up early, but I've been at the end of the line and seen staff tell lots of people they were out of luck and wouldn't be able to join for that session. Fanime staff have been pretty good at knowing when to cut off the line so that people aren't waiting around only to be turned away in my experience. Also some guests are looser with the timing and will stay later if their schedule permits, and some truly have to be out of the room and somewhere else right when the session ends. Better to just assume that they'll only stay for their allotted time, though.

3. Is it considered taboo to ask voice actors to sign a Death Note?
I can't imagine that it'd be an issue since it's directly related to his role (and I'm sure he won't think you're trying to kill him). The only thing that might be bad is if it's not official merchandise, which can in some cases be viewed as tacky.
#34
Quote from: Nina Star 9 on May 05, 2016, 06:41:37 PM
- I'll reserve judgment fully until after the con, but I like the prospect of the new badge check/anti ghosting/safety initiative. I think it'll be good for this con.

I forgot about that part! I'm really looking forward to seeing the impact that this will have. If it cuts down on drunks, randos, and creepers, I'll be very happy.  Even if it just helps with the overcrowding, that's going to be great. So thank you to whoever in staff decided to implement that new policy.
#35
Since we're getting pretty close to the convention, I thought it'd be a good idea to express gratitude about the things we liked concerning staff and the convention as a whole. They don't get to hear these comments enough, and I think it'll be a nice boost to encourage them through the stressful last few weeks. Remember that these people are volunteering their time outside of regular life commitments to help put this event together. So if there's anything a particular staffer or department is doing that you like, let them know about it here!

This thread is for positive comments only! There are plenty of other threads to give constructive criticism, so if you want to do that or just complain, utilize those places, please. Backhanded compliments are discouraged, too. If you disagree with something someone said, take it to PM.



I'll start us off with a few of my own observations:


  • Eric (ewu on the forums) is a beast as always in both helping run the convention and basically dedicating all the rest of his time to managing these forums. I know his position probably makes it so he can't be as vocal on here as in the past, but it's obvious he's incredibly dedicated.
  • I like the way Tye (Imperial on the forums) is managing the Cosplay Gatherings. This is his first year heading that department and he's really doing a good job covering all bases and keeping people updated. The form was a great way to go in the organization of information, I think.
  • Guest relations has gotten some pretty great people this year. It's nice to see all the excited comments from attendees on the announcements.
  • MusicFest got a group that looks like a lot of fun to watch. I also liked the way that they choose to announce their guest by making a game out of it.
  • The staggered hotel registration kept the servers up for nearly the whole time, which is a great improvement from before. I am excited to see what the system is like when all the small things are fixed.
  • I'm glad that staff communicated the registration pick-up location change. Hopefully that old space can be used for something else since it was so big. Badge-pickup is so fast now that it makes sense to move it somewhere else.
  • I appreciate Fanime working to negotiate more hotels at reduced prices.
  • I liked that the website was up and running much earlier this year. And I love the artwork by Stephanie Kao (hoping once again that I get Candy on my badge this year).
#36
Quote from: MyAlterEg0 on May 02, 2016, 04:49:06 PM
The businesses in downtown san jose would love nothing more than for Fanime to leave.  The spending power of fanime's demographic is limited and equal to 1/10 of a corporate trade show that is 10x smaller.  With that being said, the people that make out are the unions, union workers, and city workers that get paid 1.5x for overtime, and up to 3x for holiday double overtime.  The local businesses lose a lot of money to theft, loitering, low gross purchases, and the fact that parking is scarce and higher paying customers are scared away.  The restaraunts in the marriot, hilton, and fairmont gross as little as 1/20th the normal amount for a holiday weekend (let alone a 3 day weekend + the loss of customers on Friday).

I'm not saying you're wrong here, but if we are truly a hinderance on downtown San Jose, they have a weird way of showing their annoyance. San Jose declared May 23rd "Fanime Day," in part due to the amount of revenue that the event brings to the city (estimated at 10.5 million). The article linked specifically states that this money is generated from various sources, which is not just being pocketed by union workers.

To add to that, most of my experiences with the local businesses have been very welcoming. The immediate staff are, of course, working hard due to the influx of customers...but there are plenty of businesses that create special signs to welcome Fanime attendee business. Some offer a discount if you show your badge to encourage us to do business with them. I mean, why put in that effort if we're such a burden? Why not just close for the holiday or reduce the hours? Local businesses instead extend their hours because they know that there's money to be made. Regular, non-union people are being paid to work those extra hours.

I don't want to argue since it seems like you do have some knowledge in this area (and economics are not my strong suit), but I'd like to better understand why downtown San Jose is making such an effort to gain our business and thank us for our positive impact on their economy if they "would love nothing more than for Fanime to leave." Are they just making the most of a crappy situation?
#37
Hotel and Facilities / Re: Hotels....
April 30, 2016, 09:55:40 PM
Quote from: Mango Bunny on April 30, 2016, 08:36:46 PM
Thanks, I was actually wondering how the wait list works (automatic/algorithm vs. Manually) and it does make sense that it would be manual.

I assume it's probably a mixture of manual and automation... When I called to ask questions regarding where my place was on the waitlist, the woman on the other end of the line assured me that she does not have access to that information, so there's likely some automation in there. She was able to pull up my waitlist request and alter it herself, though.

I haven't seen anyone talk about their waitlist request being granted on Friday (the last cancellation date), so it seems like CMR were probably focusing on the cancellations. Usually people are excited they got the room they wanted and you see a ton of people talking about it (especially on more casual places like the FB fanpage). It's all anecdotal evidence, but some hope is better than none. Good luck and keep us updated!
#38
Hotel and Facilities / Re: Hotels....
April 30, 2016, 07:28:41 AM
Quote from: jm1991 on April 27, 2016, 12:03:39 AM
Quick question and advise needed. So i been going to fanime for a couple of years now and i usually just shared the room with my bf for the weekend. Due to unfortunate events im left with a room at the Residence Inn Airport from friday-monday. The room is a 1bedroon king suite 450sqf + Pullout sofa, mini kitchen. Its a brand new property with large clean rooms and hot breakfast every morning and the light rail stop less than a block off which will drop you off at the convention center. I have never shared a room with anyone so im not quite sure as to how much a spot would go for and looking for suggestions.. im willing to give up the bedroom (private)(would that be 1 spot or 2 if shared?) and the couch and im willing to sleep on the floor. Also how does one take care of the transactions? or if someone bails out? Any tips and suggestions will be appreciated either as a reply to this or on a PM :)

I'd recommend posting in the roommates thread with some contact info so they can get ahold of you if they're interested. Also, post on the unofficial Fanime group on Facebook. While it's a beautiful room, it probably won't be super high on the desired hotels list because it's not as close as many others. Advertise with information on how to get to the convention from it (I'm not sure if the shuttle goes to this one) and you might get some bites. How you split the cost of the room is up to you - you can make it fair and split it evenly among everyone, or you can have them pay more for taking the bed, or you can cut them a deal and take on more of the cost yourself. If you can justify it ("I'm charging 60% the cost of the room because I will be giving you the bed"), it's fine to ask for more. The bedroom would count as two spots in my opinion. This room is large, so you could probably fit up to 5-6 people (but be aware of your hotel room's occupancy policy - it might only be for 4 people). Though I've never looked for roommates online myself, I'm pretty sure everyone either pays through paypal or cash in person. If you want to cut down on flakers, ask for a percentage of the money to hold as a deposit 2 weeks ahead of the convention. You're more likely to get more serious responses when they know that they have to pay up ahead of the convention. If you want to be very thorough, set up all the deadlines of when you need the money from them, give them an itemized breakdown of the cost so they understand you're not trying to rip them off, and have them agree to all of that before accepting them as a roommate.

These are the things I'd do if it were me in this situation.
#39
Hotel and Facilities / Re: Hotels....
April 30, 2016, 07:08:36 AM
Quote from: Mango Bunny on April 29, 2016, 12:48:03 PM
This is honestly really upsetting. Today is the drop cut off.

It's not happening.

I know I'm just being a spoiled brat, but I'm really upset about this!

I think you're fine in being upset. I would be, too. I wouldn't give up hope entirely, though. I know people canceled their room right at the deadline, which means that CMR was probably processing all those cancel requests on Friday. I'd expect next week (starting Monday) that they'd be working to get those newly-opened rooms out to those on the waitlist. I'm hoping that that's the case for you. I hate to see Fanime veterans in situations like this.

Is your waitlist request for multiple nearby hotels rather than just the connected ones? I think that would help your chances, but if you don't have them already added, I'd call them to make sure that adding new hotels would not push you to the bottom of the list.
#40
Quote from: Kuudere on April 25, 2016, 03:48:37 PM
Marketing and social media should be stepping their game up, in my opinion.

I think I should annotate this with an example of where this is happening, and that's with MusicFest. Their twitter was hyping up the guest announcement days before it took place (I believe that's Acid_Android's doing? She's someone who's been very receptive to feedback). That's the kind of break-of-silence that would be nice to see elsewhere if actual information is impossible to share. You can still show people that work is being done without getting specific in the details.

If I didn't attend Fanime each year since 2004, I might forget it takes place at all with how quiet it is on places meant for communication, like social media.