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Messages - luluko

#1
I've been trying to decide my AM Friday costume... so I think this is a sign that I should bring Giffany. :3
#2
I hope to attend as Bittersweet Lulu! Just depends on when the gathering is :)
#3
I plan to be there as BB Riven, and my friend will be Dryad Soraka!
#4
After I went through the frustrations of trying to register for the masquerade, I eventually decided not to enter, and I am sad to hear that this turned out to be a very good decision on my part.

I can't say anything for the during-con experience, but I was very shocked by how unprofessionally things were handled this year. I'm confused as to why last year's registration system wasn't implemented once again (all we were told was that staff "wasn't able to get it up and running in time" - doesn't exactly clear things up) but even more baffling is why registration and all the information that goes with it was handled via e-mail. it takes five minutes to set up a form on Google. too busy to do that? take your laptop to the bathroom and do it while you're doing your business in there. such a simple thing that would have made proceedings so much smoother, yet it wasn't done. also, waiting three weeks to hear back from masquerade staff after sending in our entrance e-mails? unnecessary.

I heard several rumors that several veteran staff members left after 2012, including the masquerade director, and while I never saw these confirmed by Fanime staff themselves it is fairly obvious that the rumors were true. Fanime needs to get someone who can run a proper masquerade. I don't see why this would be a problem in a state that is famous for being home to many accomplished cosplayers and several internationally-known conventions. hire someone from out of state if you have to. the masquerade is too important to not have it run successfully.

also, I know this was a part of the rules last year (not sure about years previous) but I also find it confusing/frustrating that entrants aren't grouped by skill level. that is a part of the rules written by the International Costumers' Guild (which can be viewed here http://www.costume.org/documents/fairness.html) and I've never seen those divisions not included in a masquerade... it really helps to level the playing field and encourages first-time entrants to participate in what is usually a wonderful and valuable experience.
#5
I would like to preface my post by saying that I have been on convention staff before and I can sympathize with the staff and volunteers at Fanime. while the cons I've worked for do not even come close to Fanime in size and attendee numbers, I understand better than most the kinds of stresses they go through before, during, and (especially in this case) after the con, and as such I tend to be more forgiving of staff shortcomings.

fortunately I did not have to wait very long for my badge, as I was picking up a panelist badge, but I had my share of frustrations getting there.

I had confirmed with programming staff beforehand that there was indeed a special line for panelists, AA, and those with special needs. as instructed, I picked up my discount slip at the panelists' lounge. before I left I asked the programming staff if they knew where the special line was - all they could tell me was that it was at the Fairmont with the rest of registration. I found it strange that they wouldn't know where I could pick up my panelist badge now that I had the piece of paper that allowed me to do so, but I figured that responsibility belonged more to the registration staff, so I let it go.

however, once I reached the Fairmont, every staff member I asked gave me a blank look when I asked about the special registration line. they proceeded to hand me off from staff member to staff member. (at one point I was told to look for "a tall girl wearing a headset" in the lobby of the Fairmont... you want me to chase down a staff member who is probably very busy and running around? I don't think so.) generally the staff members were very nice and did their best to be helpful, but it would have been so much easier for everyone involved if they had just... simply told everyone that there was a special registration line. judging by the comments in this post, it sounds like many of those with special needs were also not aware that they had a line they could go through - my heart goes out to them. Fanime should be ashamed that these attendees were not informed of this.

back on point, once I found someone who actually knew there was supposed to be a special registration line, I was told to come back at 7 pm when registration opened. it was precisely 6:51 at the time... everyone else got to line up early, why couldn't special registration do so as well? to add to the confusion, the special registration was not labeled at all. that would have gone a very long way to clear things up for both attendees and staff. once the special registration line was finally formed the wait was an hour and a half. compared to everyone else, we got very lucky...

I would also like to add that staff did a very poor job of communicating that badge pick up was also available at the DoubleTree. several times while I was waiting for a shuttle on Friday, a rover would come around and let those standing in line know that they could pick up their badges at the DoubleTree. I wish I could have photographed the looks of surprise and utter frustration from those who had already braved the registration line and those who were about to. the rovers then asked us as attendees to spread the word to other attendees... shouldn't staff have done that well in advance? it takes all of five minutes to make posts on the webiste, forum, and social media websites. why this fact wasn't well-advertised (especially after the fiasco that was last year's registration line) completely baffles me.

so, to make my criticism constructive, here are the suggestions I have:
- offer badge pick up for panelists at the panelist's lounge. we already have to go there to pick up discount slips - why not already have the badges printed and ready for panelists?
- obviously mailing badges has its pros and cons, but Fanime is clearly too short-staffed to not consider this as an option. any fears of attendees counterfeiting badges are basically moot, considering how many people already don't buy badges, will not buy badges in the future, or will simply not attend at all in the future because of this year's catastrophe. plus, almost everyone I knew at this con simply borrowed someone else's badge to get into the events they wanted to go to - it's not exactly counterfeiting, but that kind of dishonesty is already alive and well at this convention. I think any con would rather lose a bit of revenue to counterfeiting than to lose attendees in massive numbers.
- whoever is in charge of registration should attend AX this year. or any of the other cons mentioned in this thread that have more attendees and shorter wait times. I waited 45 minutes in line to pick up my badge at AX last year. somehow I waited twice as long in a shorter line at Fanime this year. clearly, there is room for improvement. ask other conventions how they configure registration and take notes.
- surely there is a better system for picking up badges than having staff shouting out names? not only did it make it very loud and confusing at badge pick-up, but I can only imagine how sore their throats must have been by the time they packed up for the night. and that's just on day zero! why not try this instead - after the attendee has checked in and had their badge printed up, they go to the pick-up station, show their ID, and receive their badge. no shouting necessary.

it truly breaks my heart to see how many people are saying they won't attend Fanime anymore simply because of registration. it was my favorite con when I attended last year and I had an amazing experience this year as well. I don't want to see this convention hurt by something that should be second nature by now. I have high hopes that things will improve next year.
#6
Registration / Re: Question about badge pickup?
May 17, 2013, 01:08:19 PM
Quote from: ewu on May 17, 2013, 01:02:55 PM
Quote from: luluko on May 17, 2013, 12:48:13 PM
this is particularly wonderful news for those of us getting panelist badges. we can only start picking up our discount badges at 6:30 on Thursday, so lining up early for us is a moot point... if we can even pick up our badges on Thursday, I don't even know.

Hi, you should email panels. There should be a special procedure and time you can register.

yup, I had already done that and I just got a response. ^^
#7
Registration / Re: Question about badge pickup?
May 17, 2013, 12:48:13 PM
this is particularly wonderful news for those of us getting panelist badges. we can only start picking up our discount badges at 6:30 on Thursday, so lining up early for us is a moot point... if we can even pick up our badges on Thursday, I don't even know.

I stand corrected ^^;
#8
Roommates Wanted

I have space for two three two people in my room at the DoubleTree on Thursday night only. if you weren't able to get a room for day 0 and want to get there early, now's your chance! please e-mail me if you're interested - lulukocosplay [at] live [dot] com


full!
#9
Roommates Wanted
+ Introduction: My name is Luluko and I am a cosplayer from Arizona! I don't like giving out my personal profile so here's my fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/lulukocosplay
+ Hotel Information: I have a room at the DoubleTree from Thursday to Monday.
+ Costs: if I can get one more person for the room it will be $67 per person. I prefer to collect payments via PayPal a couple of weeks in advance, but I am flexible on this.
+ Requirements: no real preferences on age/gender, but preferably female, ages 17-25. there is no smoking, drinking, or bringing strangers into the room. you are to respect the property of others (especially important as we will have a few cosplayers in the room, including myself) and not be disruptive when others are sleeping.
+ Contact: please e-mail me at lulukocosplay [at] live [dot] com if you are interested!
+ Miscellaneous: I am looking for one, MAYBE two people. Preferably only one since I am opening this up to complete strangers.


roommate get!
#10
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 24, 2013, 08:08:35 PM
Quote from: 01 on April 24, 2013, 07:56:22 PM
Quote from: luluko on April 24, 2013, 07:50:46 PM
and I got a response back saying that I just have to e-mail in my skit information? seems unorganized...

they have a lot of stuff on their hands right now. ^^"
I sent basic information (check stage zero email format), using that email them. but remove some parts of it( like the time request part or the part thta get's posted online). After I did this I got an email saying "thank you for the information, see you at con" or something like that.

I completely understand that they have a lot to contend with - I have worked for conventions before and I very well understand the stresses that come with such a thankless job. I have been very patient and understanding thus far.

But considering how organized it has been even just last year, the way things are being handled this year is incredibly frustrating. The fact that we don't have so much as a simple Google Docs form with which to enter basic information and request judging times is extremely unnerving. (I understand being busy, but surely taking the time to have one form for containing everyone's information would make things much easier on the masquerade staff?)

I hesitate to use the word "unacceptable" as has been used in this forum before, but it's certainly not what has come to be expected of Fanime. All I can hope is that everyone's at-con masquerade experience goes much smoother.
#11
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 24, 2013, 07:50:46 PM
and I got a response back saying that I just have to e-mail in my skit information? seems unorganized...
#12
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 24, 2013, 07:37:01 PM
Quote from: pantsu on April 24, 2013, 05:54:01 PM
Quote from: luluko on April 24, 2013, 05:35:09 PM
I got a response saying that there is a form to fill out on the website, but I don't see any such thing. We'll see if I get a link to it.

The only form on the website is the judging form where you fill out your name, character info, etc.

Does not bode well for scheduling judging.  Argh.

that's what I received in response. still no place to list skit/walk-on information and all the other details...
#13
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 24, 2013, 05:35:09 PM
I got a response saying that there is a form to fill out on the website, but I don't see any such thing. We'll see if I get a link to it.
#14
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 24, 2013, 11:04:27 AM
I e-mailed back asking for information on craftsmanship judging, hopefully that elicits a quick response.
#15
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 23, 2013, 11:18:53 PM
Glad to say I got one too.
#16
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 22, 2013, 05:38:11 PM
^ this. very eloquently put.
#17
Definitely gonna try and make at least one of these, hopefully all three! Looking forward to it!
#18
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 11, 2013, 11:00:06 AM
Quote from: MPLe on April 10, 2013, 09:07:21 PM
Just a small update that our Cosplay group is aware of this thread. They are dealing with some other high level priority things and will get to this post as soon as they can.

thank you for the update.
#19
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 09, 2013, 06:55:55 PM
starting to think it might have been worth the wait to get the system from last year up and running, since we seem to be waiting anyway...
I'm trying to be patient but I am starting to get nervous like everyone else.
#20
Big Event Showcase / Re: Cosplay Spectacular 2013
April 01, 2013, 04:32:33 PM
looks like I snagged my spot, hopefully no one misses out because of that typo.

out of curiosity, will there be a profile system like there was last year where we can view our applications and make edits?