I hear it's quite something. Wouldn't you agree?
And how much does stuff cost there? The Laughing Man is on a set budget!
Last I recall there was a bunch of dispute about how 'authentic' it was. But really, I don't think authenticity is such an issue...it was a fun, innovative idea, and I hope it does return. ^^ ;
Perhaps since it was such a success, they will be able to tweak it and manage it better. And perhaps expand its space, too~? That might've been a reason for the insane lines...
The authenticity is part of the appeal of a maid cafe in my opinion.
At a real maid cafe, the waitresses would entertain you by talking to you, getting to know you, and being quite cozy with you. That didn't happen at this year's Maid Cafe, all they really did was just serve you overpriced food. >shrugs< I think it was successful though, but the appeal of a maid cafe is the interaction between your hostess and you.
Define overpriced? Like the soda machines charged $4.00 now that's overpriced? Is the Maid Cafe like that like a cup of tea cost an Arm and a Leg?
If I may answer that question, though I may not do it justice:
The food was priced the way the convention center wanted it to be priced. As for authenticity... true, Maids (and sometimes, butlers) at Maid Cafes are there to be very friendly with you during your stay; however, such a level of... err, "coziness" is difficult to explain to the legal people here in the States. Thus, it was run as more of a "restaurant with costumes and photos". Needless to say it went rather well.
I imagine some changes will be made at this year's Maid Cafe. Look forward to it, I know I am. (I might or might not assist this time, but I will most definitely be there!)
Okay then, I'll just set some of my funding for that day.
Quote from: zoupzuop2 on December 12, 2007, 03:13:47 PM
If I may answer that question, though I may not do it justice:
The food was priced the way the convention center wanted it to be priced. As for authenticity... true, Maids (and sometimes, butlers) at Maid Cafes are there to be very friendly with you during your stay; however, such a level of... err, "coziness" is difficult to explain to the legal people here in the States. Thus, it was run as more of a "restaurant with costumes and photos". Needless to say it went rather well.
I imagine some changes will be made at this year's Maid Cafe. Look forward to it, I know I am. (I might or might not assist this time, but I will most definitely be there!)
zoup pretty much said it right there.
I'm sure there will be some minor/major tweaks to how it will run for next year, so we'll have to wait and see(i might also be helping out with this, but time constraints/other pending events might prevent this)
Quotehowever, such a level of... err, "coziness" is difficult to explain
Can you try to explain for an idiot's sake? xD ; I mean, if you go to any good restaurant, and if you're social with the servers, they usually stop to hang out and chat with you (though not on the level of a maid cafe, I'm sure).
Just wondering. >.< I know nothing of maid cafes. Do they literally just hang around? Talk? Snuggle? O_o ;
*confused*
Seeing that I was the main focus of that discussion I'll answer it.
Maid cafes and the such vary greatly in how they operate and their main theme etc. Some cater towards a certain genre(olden style maids) or new-age maids, for mecha-otaku, compared to general standards. They have themes and all kinds of other things according to which one you go to, and in which area.
The main point is that... they are maids. Not just in costume, but in action. They are there, unbiased, willing to serve and care for their masters. To make them feel comfortable, at home, and know that their maid is doing what they can to make their masters feel comfortable and loved. In terms of limits, not all of them have the maids touching the customers, but just a lot of non-judgmental interaction. Playing a game with them, electronic, board, paper, verbal, or otherwise. Or maybe just conversationing about what happened to them, asking them about work, or school and trying to make them feel better. If they say their job sucks, the maid can just motivate and encourage them. Talk about whatever "unaccepted horrible hobby/fetish/gross habit" the patron wants without judging or anything like that.
The way it worked at Fanime were that 2 maids did more than just serve food and act like they were hot because they were in maid outfits(won't bother saying who those two maids were). For the most part, everyone I know that went to the maid cafe, whose opinion actually has a little bit of merit, said the same thing about that to me.
The prices weren't that expensive, seeing that everything in the convention center is about that price.
Basically, last time, I threw out a bunch of things about what they stated was their plans were wrong, and what they could/should do. Then they said "We can't because of regulations from the convention center". Then I said "well give me a list of these regulations, and I'll tell you hat you kind do to get around them, and the things that wouldn't be restricted". They told me they can't do things because of regulations and didn't send me anything. So they kept talking, and I kept talking about how they're doing it wrong, and things that are vital. They bitched at me, I shot back.
The end result was what I said it would be. People will go, not knowing what to expect, get something that has nothing to do with a Maid Cafe, and be satisfied anyways because of ignorance. The ones that do know anything will be extremely disappointed.
The "butler cafes" were just as bad at every other con that had them. What it comes down to, people don't care about the content or the quality, as the name is associated with something Japanese, and that's good enough to make them super happy.
The maid cafe was a huge success, but probably only because it was its debut year and people were curious. As an attraction, all it really is was a cafe with prepackaged food served by girls in matching maid uniforms, rather than an authentic maid cafe.
An authentic maid cafe was nearly impossible, though-- A lot of what maids would've done in an authentic maid cafe would either invade personal space (By American standards) or violate strict health laws. (Mixing coffee for the customer at his/her table violated a health law.) If neither of those were a problem, a lot of the ideas what we COULD'VE done were also rejected, because they were considered awkward by an American audience, such as greeting the customer with "Welcome home, Master", or referring to the customer as "master" at all.
But the staff tried their best. There were just way too many limits. The main thing basically was you were being served food and drinks by a maid, and asked about every 10 minutes to see how you were doing, just like in a regular cafe. If you wanted, you could take a photo in the photo corner in the cafe. Though, as a maid, I was at least able to sit down and have conversations with the people who came by themselves... and make paper stars for them. 0_-v
Screw personal space, if girls in maid outfits came near me, I'd be beside myself! Why do we Americans have to be so picky! Thank Ishbala that I'm over 1/4th British. They can call me Master/Overlord/Grand Puba (sp?) Or All around Great Guy! LET LOOSE LADIES! The Laughing Man will open up with arms so wide! Oh and we can chat as well!
Ah, I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. : )
I understand your disappointment, then, but at the same time I see how all those little technicalities could amount into one grand mess. In terms of 'success,' if it attracts customers, then it is strategical to have the cafe, yes?
In terms of keeping with an authentic maid cafe, though, perhaps it would be best not to have it since it seems it would just be impossible to recreate it in its pure form. Or maybe the cafe could just be that; a cafe with people dressed as maids, since maids are commonplace in anime anyway, right? (Probably being totally naive in saying that, since I'm not well versed in anime). If people see it simply as a cafe with girls / boys in cosplay rather than expecting an authentic cafe, there will be no dispute?
As long as the customers are happy... >.> ;;; ?
Totally stumbling around in the dark. But I agree. I'd love a maid girl to snuggle. xD;
'Kay I'm done being an idiot now. .__.
Quote from: KamijoIsLove on December 13, 2007, 01:45:12 AM
Ah, I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. : )
I understand your disappointment, then, but at the same time I see how all those little technicalities could amount into one grand mess. In terms of 'success,' if it attracts customers, then it is strategical to have the cafe, yes?
In terms of keeping with an authentic maid cafe, though, perhaps it would be best not to have it since it seems it would just be impossible to recreate it in its pure form. Or maybe the cafe could just be that; a cafe with people dressed as maids, since maids are commonplace in anime anyway, right? (Probably being totally naive in saying that, since I'm not well versed in anime). If people see it simply as a cafe with girls / boys in cosplay rather than expecting an authentic cafe, there will be no dispute?
As long as the customers are happy... >.> ;;; ?
Totally stumbling around in the dark. But I agree. I'd love a maid girl to snuggle. xD;
'Kay I'm done being an idiot now. .__.
That's one of my issues though. The entire concept was brought up because "Maid Cafes" have been a popular subject overall. They've been appearing in different cartoons, have been focal points of different shows(Maid in Akihabara, Akihabara@deep, Densha Otoko and the such). So the only reason it's appearing at conventions is for those said reasons. "It's big in Japan right now, we should do it to!" But then what happens is nothing close to what it's supposed to be. Then ignorant people go to the conventions and go "WOW MAID CAFE!" and think that's what it's supposed to be like, and enjoying it regardless because "It's Japanese! These are popular in Japan! I LIKE JAPANESE STUFFS!"
Why have a "maid cafe" instead of just a cosplay cafe then? It'd be 50x easier and accomplish the exact same thing realistically right? Most of the people though, won't care to go to a cosplay cafe, there's cosplayers everywhere, what's special about it? It doesn't have the appeal of "ZOMG THESE ARE POPULAR IN JAPAN!" So basically, it's popular, because it's banking off the ignorance of the patrons. Basically you're taking money from people that are stupid and don't know any better by shoveling them a super inferior product, and giving off the illusion that it's authentic Japanese thing.
"Come to our super awesome Maid Cafe!"(which has been all the buzz lately in comics/cartoons/dramas and in them that's where all the cool otaku go, despite ours being nothing like it outside of the name of being a maid cafe where you will get seated and pay convention center prices for food and our waitresses do nothing special outside of what they're wearing sometimes acting rather irritating and rarely do anything maid like but you don't know any better so you will give us your money anyways).
Frankly, I think it's bad of fanime to do that, when it's supposed to be a con of fans for fans. Banking on the ignorance of its con-goers is not something that I think should be done.
I just thought the cramp space of the cafe caused a huge line that took about an hour to get through. Anyhow, I thought it went well, and hope new and improved ideas will come for 08!
I was a maid last year/this year, whatever year you want to call it. Yep, the space was tiny and the skirts too poofy and they kept hitting stuff. Anyway, we were stuck with a tiny place because it was a first year thing and noone knew how it would turn out, so they stuck us in a tiny courner and watched how things went.
As prices for the food. They were reasonable enough...my cafeteria food costs more then that and you get less of it.
I wasn't there the whole day, so I don't know how other maids acted or responded or did. So, i can't say if the actions were authentic or not. But due to the "no touchy rule" maids couldn't be "cozy", if you know what I mean, wioth people. there were a lot of underage people who were maids and there are laws against older people and underage people.
I think that each year that Fanime does the Cafe it will keep getting better and better. I think we did quite well for the first year, got lots of input and are working on it.
I think, don't quote me on it, we might be getting a bigger place this year.
QuoteI wasn't there the whole day, so I don't know how other maids acted or responded or did. So, i can't say if the actions were authentic or not. But due to the "no touchy rule" maids couldn't be "cozy", if you know what I mean, wioth people. there were a lot of underage people who were maids and there are laws against older people and underage people.
You don't have to touch someone to achieve this. All it takes is a soft voice, a compliment, some word choice, and carrying yourself with a certain calm demeanor. That' something none of the maids did at all.
I was wondering why they didn't use the Snack bar area in the dealer's room to do the Maid Cafe. Not only it would get a lot of people in the dealers room but it would give more room/space to have it. I am gonna take a wild guess that the union people prevented that from happening? lame if that is true :(
Ah, well, if it was a first time thing, it's still in experimental stage, hai? Improvements will come as they should. ^^
I shall look forward to this event, then. The training to be an authentic maid sounds like an extensive project, though, so I doubt it should have been expected of the staff last year, unless they trained rigorously for the position.
Will it be expanded, then, since it was quite crowded last year?
*steps on Soap box... Ahem*
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, views, and 2 cents...
Being part of the project myself, I admit that improvements/conscructive critics are sometimes necessary to make this "authentic" experience... but of course we also have some social and logistic boundaries....
Unlike our 'cool' japanese counterparts, our staff is purely voluntary most of whom never been to a maid cafe or had any extensive training and thus we can't give what some everyone what they want as an "enlightening" experience.
Yes, we had a small cramped space, because it was out first try. We were assuming small turn out, (considering we wanted to keep things small and experiemental) and that was the best space we could manage at the time.
Yes, we had limitions with food service because of public/legal and union policies...
You try messing with Lawyers and Punal Codes....
Yes, are maid are encouraged to interact with our patrons but we did not force them to interact/contact/flirt/embrace was their choice. You really want to force a girl to call someone "master"? thats a whole other debate I'd rather not get into now...
Yes, I understand the "fanboy stereotypical maid" in question is subsurvent to the letter, but we really dont want these 'actions' to be misinterpreted.
Yes, Overall we have fun... 'successful' is a realtive term, we did it; we didnt have any major disasters, and for the most part patrons and staff had a good time.
However - Lots of Negative/Slanted press was also present. Some comments were borderline comparing us to an "escort" services which is definately NOT the image Fanime nor our staff wanted to present... but nontheless it happened.
Believe it or not as with MANY of the events with Fanime there will always be LEGAL issues with a project/fan service like this.
You think Fanime happens overnight? I Beg to differ.
Please be reasonable/respectible with your comments...
We're not that were trying to "mislead" our dedicated Fanime-goers with a 'Lame interpretation' or a 'Maid Cafe'... We know that the fans deserve better than that... but also remember the whole 'For Fans by fans' also potentially means an ameteurish result from time to time... so please bear with us.
Yes, just like anything new, we're a fluid and adaptable concept/event.
We honestly can't please everyone, and if you don't like it, please take your negative vibes somewhere else please.
I respect and deeply appreciate everyone's effort to helping this project last year so anyone still interested, we will be recruiting for Fanime 2008 sooner or later.
We will be getting a larger area with Extended hours. Among taking as many new 'improvements' for next year.
If you wish to discuss this further please free to do so...
Just again please keep this in mind this is UNOFFICIAL not to be confused with what actually can/will happen next year.
Play nice. Thats a good rule of thumb.
Thanks.
*step off soap box*
The maid cafe was alright from what I saw but it could use some improvements x: like all begining projects criticism is important as much as a compliment.
A tether pole thing (like the ones they have for lines at the movies) would be nice to regulate the line so it wouldnt be so confusing
>: the security was kind of mean to our group because some friends and I decided to get a reservation (hell no I was not going to wait in the line) but as soon as we walked up the security guy was like GET BACK IN LINE WAIT YOUR TURN kind of thing, we had to explain ourselfs that we wanted to make a reservation =\
I hope the outfits get a makeover, they didnt look as what the designs made them to be.
Hopefully this year I get to work in the cafe :3 I had to back out last time because of financial restraints.
Being cozy with a customer shouldnt be all that bad, it doesnt need to involve touch like pyron said
^^ ah... this'll be amusing.
Quote from: Jerry on December 14, 2007, 05:43:29 PM
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, views, and 2 cents...
I wasn't, I got banned for it.
Being part of the project myself, I admit that improvements/conscructive critics are sometimes necessary to make this "authentic" experience... but of course we also have some social and logistic boundaries....
I was criticized and banned because I said there are things that were being done wrong, called out Chun getting wrongfully kicked off the team, and he was the only one in the group that knew a thing about the subject.
Unlike our 'cool' japanese counterparts, our staff is purely voluntary most of whom never been to a maid cafe or had any extensive training and thus we can't give what some everyone what they want as an "enlightening" experience.
Yes, are maid are encouraged to interact with our patrons but we did not force them to interact/contact/flirt/embrace was their choice. You really want to force a girl to call someone "master"? thats a whole other debate I'd rather not get into now...
I linked these together. First, the one person that said he'd help with training and helping the maids understand what they should try to be doing, was kicked off the team because he tried to help and was considered "harassing and bothering people" for asking things like "when are you going to do this? When are you going to send me the plans that you said you'd send to me 2 months ago?" As for the second part...
Then why are they volunteering? You don't apply to do a job that you don't want to do. You don't volunteer to pick up trash on the highway, if you aren't willing to pick up trash. You shouldn't be forcing the volunteers to do something they volunteered to do.
Yes, we had a small cramped space, because it was out first try. We were assuming small turn out, (considering we wanted to keep things small and experiemental) and that was the best space we could manage at the time.
Oh, but it was predicted otherwise. Any logical reasoning would have told you what would have happened. Sure, it was experimental, and what not, but that wasn't the reason it was given that spot... but that's an afair that I shouldn't get into.
Yes, we had limitions with food service because of public/legal and union policies...
You try messing with Lawyers and Punal Codes....
Sure. I asked for the regulations and stuff, and I have lawyer friends, in addition to what I've researched myself. It wouldn't have been too hard for me to get a base list of what could and couldn't be done and what could be used as loopholes etc.
Yes, I understand the "fanboy stereotypical maid" in question is subsurvent to the letter, but we really dont want these 'actions' to be misinterpreted.
And you'd be wrong about being subsurvent to the letter. There is an air that a maid has to carry and there are many different "types" that could be done and still carry this air. Misinterpereted? A maid is not much different than a waitress. It's not often you hear about waitresses being misinterpereted by serving their patrons and being nice. Also, again, the whole point was to be a "authentic maid cafe". What could be misinterperetted? No one in their right mind would walk into something being publicized as a "maid cafe" and get get mad because a maid is acting like a maid. Or am I completely missing something here.
However - Lots of Negative/Slanted press was also present. Some comments were borderline comparing us to an "escort" services which is definately NOT the image Fanime nor our staff wanted to present... but nontheless it happened.
Regardless of what you did there would be negative comments, and those negative comments would have happened no matter what because some people are just stupid and looking for something to whine about, even if it's baseless. The comparison of being an escort service doesn't even make sense at all, so why care? If it was something that was realistic in a complaint then you might care.
Believe it or not as with MANY of the events with Fanime there will always be LEGAL issues with a project/fan service like this.
Yes there will, what're you getting at?
You think Fanime happens overnight? I Beg to differ.
This went on for about 6 months. It was going on longer before I entered the scene, and I heard much about it from many different parts. I heard from staff, I heard from volunteers, and I heard from people that got kicked out, as well as what I saw with my own eyes. What changed between the time I joined and the con itself? I offered to help and was told that if I wanted, they would send me a list of limitations, as well as what they planned on teaching the maids. I was never given anything, and yelled at, and banned.
We're not that were trying to "mislead" our dedicated Fanime-goers with a 'Lame interpretation' or a 'Maid Cafe'... We know that the fans deserve better than that... but also remember the whole 'For Fans by fans' also potentially means an ameteurish result from time to time... so please bear with us.
And I offered to help you guys out by pointing out what you could do, and what you could change. What was required, and all these different things you should think about. None of them were considered, and I was banned, because I questioned, the great lord and lady of the Maid Cafe.
We honestly can't please everyone, and if you don't like it, please take your negative vibes somewhere else please.
Oh this one makes me laugh... really. Basically you're saying, you can't please everyone, so anyone that says anything negative shouldn't, because anything negative shouldn't be heard... right? You don't get it, it's these comments that tell you how you can improve and what you're doing wrong. You're going about this wrong, and should listen to the people that know better.
I respect and deeply appreciate everyone's effort to helping this project last year so anyone still interested, we will be recruiting for Fanime 2008 sooner or later.
We will be getting a larger area with Extended hours. Among taking as many new 'improvements' for next year.
If you wish to discuss this further please free to do so...
Just again please keep this in mind this is UNOFFICIAL not to be confused with what actually can/will happen next year.
Play nice. Thats a good rule of thumb.
Thanks.
*step off soap box*
The biggest problem you have, is that everyone that ran it, hadn't a clue as to what SHOULD be done and what SHOULDN'T be done. The girls were basically told generic advice that had no actual content in it. It was obvious that the girls were running around and just acting on their own not really knowing a thing. You could tell who had basic knowledge and tried to incoorporate what they did know, and who didn't. And instead of sucking it in, and accepting this, you acted stubborn and kicked members out of the team, tried to get people banned from forums, and a number of other things.
It was simple, if you didn't agree with what I said, fine, you don't need to, it's your project, but getting upset and kicking people up, banning people, just showed your own superiority complex... and your own insecurities about the subject.
Frankly, I know more about this subject than probably anyone on the Fanime staff. I know plenty of friends and people that know way more than me(to whom I consulted and listened to, as well, they changed some of the presumptions I had that were wrong). I changed a lot of Jun's presumptions way back then, and that's how we started talking, because instead of bitching at me for telling her she was wrong, she learned from what I said about the subject, since she knew that I was more knowledgable abot the subject.
Oh and Jerry, some advice when you're running the Maid Cafe. When someone comes up and is looking around, and you talk to them. "Do you need something" isn't a good word choice. Neither is "Well you see that line, they're all ahead of you so get to the back of that line if you want to get in" when they ask if they can get a table.
Though when you said that, it did make me laugh quite a bit, as you were supposedly "hosting a maid cafe".
So me tired of people bullshitingly talking bad about a project that worked.
Lets start with the name:
"MAID" Cafe. The place is a Cafe environment, and there are maids working at it. Yes there is something called maid cafe in Japan, and yes the idea was originally started from their roots but if you actually went to the meetings you would have learned that the group changed from that. The basis of my understanding of the project is my first thought. Maids working at a cafe environment.
Second off, if you have such strong views on the project, and you say your views are right. Well why don't get off your lazy ass and work at it. Hell even start your own if you want. In all truth I don't really care.
Thirdly I didn't take the time to read your whole bullshit respond to Jerry. I started reading it and stopped after you made a statement that was so ridiculously stupid that I didn't bother reading the rest of your crap. People picking up trash in the highway are not volunteers. They are doing that because they committed a crime and now must pay the time. Volunteers that picking up trash go to beaches, parks, and nature areas.
Thank you very much and you all have a nice a day.
Quote from: DemonLordZabuza on December 14, 2007, 09:09:34 PM
So me tired of people bullshitingly talking bad about a project that worked.
Lets start with the name:
"MAID" Cafe. The place is a Cafe environment, and there are maids working at it. Yes there is something called maid cafe in Japan, and yes the idea was originally started from their roots but if you actually went to the meetings you would have learned that the group changed from that. The basis of my understanding of the project is my first thought. Maids working at a cafe environment.
Second off, if you have such strong views on the project, and you say your views are right. Well why don't get off your lazy ass and work at it. Hell even start your own if you want. In all truth I don't really care.
Thirdly I didn't take the time to read your whole bullshit respond to Jerry. I started reading it and stopped after you made a statement that was so ridiculously stupid that I didn't bother reading the rest of your crap. People picking up trash in the highway are not volunteers. They are doing that because they committed a crime and now must pay the time. Volunteers that picking up trash go to beaches, parks, and nature areas.
Thank you very much and you all have a nice a day.
A project working that banked off the ignorance of people isn't something to be proud of when talking about a con "by fans, for fans".
As for your second point. I OFFERED to help. I told them I'd write up a bunch of things that should be focal points, and gave them to Chun. HE GOT KICKED OFF THE TEAM, because he was pushing things to happen.
Your third point is hillarious. Besides my statement being true(you ever see those clean highway project sponsored by so and so business here. Volunteers are often timed the ones that do the cleaning, and the sponsorship pays for the supplies, lunches etc for that. The Key Club at my high school, as well as many others took part in that), it doesn't change the point. So basically you're stating you stopped reading because a point that you thought was false, despite it having absolutely nothing to do with the subject at hand.
So... should... I... some how... care? You basically are saying "Hey the title gave what it said it would, and it's not our fault people might expect more seeing that the theme and idea is based on something else. We said 'maid cafe' and that's what they were given. If they too bad for anyone that thought they were getting something close to authentic."
And then...
"LOL you are stupid and nothing you say matters because you think volunteers clean up highways, even though the point was to explain that volunteers are volunteering to do a job and they shouldn't volunteer unless they want to do the job... but that doesn't matter... BECAUSE YOU THINK VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP HIGHWAYS!"
So, does that about cover it?
I have no witty reply.
Hence I will post random megatokyo.
YaY for crazy fanboys who know more more than I do :D
http://www.megatokyo.com/index.php?strip_id=1042
fixed, i posted the wrong comic originally. and its nice because it has maids.
I think.
I suggest you remove the direct link. I'm fairly certain Piro doesn't appreciate you hard linking his comic and taking his bandwidth(rather I am certain). And I suggest you do so now, seeing that a lot of Megatokyo staff goes to Fanime and wouldn't appreciate this.
Oh, and I find it humerous how I, along with a few other people constantly discuss how Piro doesn't know crap about Japan and often times misinterperates a lot of things about it. That comic for example. The fact that he's ordering a "Coke" is wrong, seeing that no one in Japan would call it "Coke". "Cola" or if they wanted to be specific "Coca-Cola".
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 14, 2007, 10:36:06 PM
I suggest you remove the direct link. I'm fairly certain Piro doesn't appreciate you hard linking his comic and taking his bandwidth(rather I am certain). And I suggest you do so now, seeing that a lot of Megatokyo staff goes to Fanime and wouldn't appreciate this.
Fixed. you actually asked me nicely. See thats all you have to do if you attended the meetings. You said it yourself that Jun sees and even agrees with some of your points, and we still have a ways to go. If you want to be more involved, the please do so during the meetings in person. Whenever that is. ::)
I just dislike that we're all on different pages and everything ends up being choas. but then again thats life. so most of us will just deal and take it in stride.
Well at least that how it works with me.
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 14, 2007, 10:36:06 PM
Oh, and I find it humerous how I, along with a few other people constantly discuss how Piro doesn't know crap about Japan and often times misinterperates a lot of things about it. That comic for example. The fact that he's ordering a "Coke" is wrong, seeing that no one in Japan would call it "Coke". "Cola" or if they wanted to be specific "Coca-Cola".
So wait, they do serve Coke in Japan?
Must be nice to have it served by Maids in a Cafe.
I wonder if they also give special haircuts at discounted prices.
That or order a Rent-a-zilla. Maid acessories possibly available.
Some small parts not and batteries not included.
Gotta have that nice refreshing beverage when fighting zombies. :)
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 14, 2007, 10:17:53 PM
A project working that banked off the ignorance of people isn't something to be proud of when talking about a con "by fans, for fans".
As for your second point. I OFFERED to help. I told them I'd write up a bunch of things that should be focal points, and gave them to Chun. HE GOT KICKED OFF THE TEAM, because he was pushing things to happen.
Your third point is hillarious. Besides my statement being true(you ever see those clean highway project sponsored by so and so business here. Volunteers are often timed the ones that do the cleaning, and the sponsorship pays for the supplies, lunches etc for that. The Key Club at my high school, as well as many others took part in that), it doesn't change the point. So basically you're stating you stopped reading because a point that you thought was false, despite it having absolutely nothing to do with the subject at hand.
So... should... I... some how... care? You basically are saying "Hey the title gave what it said it would, and it's not our fault people might expect more seeing that the theme and idea is based on something else. We said 'maid cafe' and that's what they were given. If they too bad for anyone that thought they were getting something close to authentic."
And then...
"LOL you are stupid and nothing you say matters because you think volunteers clean up highways, even though the point was to explain that volunteers are volunteering to do a job and they shouldn't volunteer unless they want to do the job... but that doesn't matter... BECAUSE YOU THINK VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP HIGHWAYS!"
So, does that about cover it?
You see the project wasn't there to feed of people's ignorance. That is like saying I will go tot Jack-in-the-box, expecting to get a Jack-in-a-box. The only jack you will get is one of them little head and they come in a bag. Is just a name, deal with it. Second, when I meant help out with the project it was for you to get out of your little world and go to the meetings. I am positive that if you are as resourceful as you say you are, you can easily find out where the meeting is at. Then maybe some of your thoughts might get put through in the project. You keep talking about Chun being kicked out, I went to the first meeting. His thoughts for the project and that of the people who were put in charge of it were very different. Then he spent the rest of the meeting looking at something up in a laptop ignoring the meeting. Now I don't know about him getting kicked out or not, but in projects if you don't work because your views are being believed to be unreasonable at the time being and with the group...well I don't see why not you should take them out. Why give credit where credit is not deserve? Yes the thought was brought into by people outside of who are taking in charge, but the job to get it done...well those original people did not want to take the time or effort. So again if you think it should be change to what you think is "authentic" maid cafe, go to a meeting and talk.
Well I am not part in this project. I just have friends in it, and new ideas are alway welcome. I say quit your belly acking. If you want things to change go to the meetings. Is that simple trust me. Well I'm done here :P
Quote from: DemonLordZabuza on December 14, 2007, 11:22:41 PM
You see the project wasn't there to feed of people's ignorance. That is like saying I will go tot Jack-in-the-box, expecting to get a Jack-in-a-box. The only jack you will get is one of them little head and they come in a bag. Is just a name, deal with it. Second, when I meant help out with the project it was for you to get out of your little world and go to the meetings. I am positive that if you are as resourceful as you say you are, you can easily find out where the meeting is at. Then maybe some of your thoughts might get put through in the project. You keep talking about Chun being kicked out, I went to the first meeting. His thoughts for the project and that of the people who were put in charge of it were very different. Then he spent the rest of the meeting looking at something up in a laptop ignoring the meeting. Now I don't know about him getting kicked out or not, but in projects if you don't work because your views are being believed to be unreasonable at the time being and with the group...well I don't see why not you should take them out. Why give credit where credit is not deserve? Yes the thought was brought into by people outside of who are taking in charge, but the job to get it done...well those original people did not want to take the time or effort. So again if you think it should be change to what you think is "authentic" maid cafe, go to a meeting and talk.
Well I am not part in this project. I just have friends in it, and new ideas are alway welcome. I say quit your belly acking. If you want things to change go to the meetings. Is that simple trust me. Well I'm done here :P
It's not "just a name" because it was a themed restaurant that was based on Japanese maid cafes, and that's how it was presented and advertised.
You realize that I lived in Southern California right? Yes, I could have flown up to norcal to attend the meetings, then flow back, but unfortunately I don't have the money to be wasting away like that, when I shouldn't have had to attend meetings to present ideas. I presented ideas here, and I was banned.
You obviously show that the subject doesn't matter, views don't matter, and your friends are in it, therefore you will defend them despite the facts of the subject. You showed that with your last post.
As for Chun getting kicked out... that's the thing, he was the only person that had a clue about what a Maid Cafe is... there goal. When the only person that knows anything about the subject ideas differ than the people running it, know nothing... and that person gets kicked out... something is wrong. Credit where due? He was knowledgable about the subject... he was telling them how things *should be*. The people running it, weren't taking the responsibility of running it, and he was asking about that, pushing for work to be done, and for things to be put out so things COULD be discussed and ideas could circulate... he got kicked out for that.
So if the boss isn't doing their job, and someone whose trying to make the project work, they are in the wrong?
Defending your friends is fine, but ignoring what happened to defend your friends isn't smart to do. They didn't do a good job running it, they abused power, and they refused to listen to anyone that didn't fully agree with them and questioned anything.
We had plenty of time during the maid cafe meetings to go over basic maid gestures and etiquette, but went into basic waitressing instead. Again, I'm well aware of the limits we had to face that'd limit us from using them, but don't imply that we didn't have the opportunity to inform those who were part of the project.
Yes, we had a cramped space, and it's good that people are bringing this up, so people working on the cafe acknowledges it as a problem. They'll just have to understand it was difficult for the first year.
QuoteYes, are maid are encouraged to interact with our patrons but we did not force them to interact/contact/flirt/embrace was their choice. You really want to force a girl to call someone "master"? thats a whole other debate I'd rather not get into now...
Yes, I understand the "fanboy stereotypical maid" in question is subsurvent to the letter, but we really dont want these 'actions' to be misinterpreted.
Excuse me? If you're advertising it as a "maid cafe", this is what maid cafes essentially do. Don't speak as if the suggestion was to force volunteers into doing provocative behavior. These girls aren't sluts. MAIDS aren't sluts.
QuoteWe're not that were trying to "mislead" our dedicated Fanime-goers with a 'Lame interpretation' or a 'Maid Cafe'... We know that the fans deserve better than that... but also remember the whole 'For Fans by fans' also potentially means an ameteurish result from time to time... so please bear with us.
Yes, just like anything new, we're a fluid and adaptable concept/event.
We know Fanime doesn't want to mislead anyone, but it's false advertising. I was excited to be a maid in the maid cafe, and as fun as it was... the fun wasn't from the project itself. All we were doing was wear costumes, serve tables, be rushed around the clock, and take pictures. I didn't get to be a maid, though... I was a waitress in a maid costume. (Which, if I don't think of it as a real maid cafe, it was good enough for me to do as an activity.)
Quote from: PyronFrankly, I know more about this subject than probably anyone on the Fanime staff. I know plenty of friends and people that know way more than me(to whom I consulted and listened to, as well, they changed some of the presumptions I had that were wrong). I changed a lot of Jun's presumptions way back then, and that's how we started talking, because instead of bitching at me for telling her she was wrong, she learned from what I said about the subject, since she knew that I was more knowledgable abot the subject.
PSSSHH. I wasn't wrong about anything. You knew only slightly more than I had. Stop being a jerk to me. I hate you. No sex.
Quote from: DemonLordZabuza on December 14, 2007, 09:09:34 PM
So me tired of people bullshitingly talking bad about a project that worked.
Lets start with the name:
"MAID" Cafe. The place is a Cafe environment, and there are maids working at it. Yes there is something called maid cafe in Japan, and yes the idea was originally started from their roots but if you actually went to the meetings you would have learned that the group changed from that. The basis of my understanding of the project is my first thought. Maids working at a cafe environment.
Second off, if you have such strong views on the project, and you say your views are right. Well why don't get off your lazy ass and work at it. Hell even start your own if you want. In all truth I don't really care.
Thirdly I didn't take the time to read your whole bullshit respond to Jerry. I started reading it and stopped after you made a statement that was so ridiculously stupid that I didn't bother reading the rest of your crap. People picking up trash in the highway are not volunteers. They are doing that because they committed a crime and now must pay the time. Volunteers that picking up trash go to beaches, parks, and nature areas.
Thank you very much and you all have a nice a day.
You know, this'll sound like an insult... but the truth with you is somehow naturally/coincidentally insulting. You have issues, namely, anger issues. And because of your anger issues, it hinders your mental ability to think rationally or have the will to make the effort to understand things. Thirdly, you also seem to lack the intellect to contribute to anything useful... other than to flame comments that disagree with your groin or don't give you a lollipop to suck on.
But yeah, have a dandy day. ^_-b
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 14, 2007, 10:36:06 PM
Oh, and I find it humerous how I, along with a few other people constantly discuss how Piro doesn't know crap about Japan and often times misinterperates a lot of things about it. That comic for example. The fact that he's ordering a "Coke" is wrong, seeing that no one in Japan would call it "Coke". "Cola" or if they wanted to be specific "Coca-Cola".
... In God's f**k, please don't start on that again.
Quote from: DemonLordZabuza on December 14, 2007, 11:22:41 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 14, 2007, 10:17:53 PM
A project working that banked off the ignorance of people isn't something to be proud of when talking about a con "by fans, for fans".
As for your second point. I OFFERED to help. I told them I'd write up a bunch of things that should be focal points, and gave them to Chun. HE GOT KICKED OFF THE TEAM, because he was pushing things to happen.
Your third point is hillarious. Besides my statement being true(you ever see those clean highway project sponsored by so and so business here. Volunteers are often timed the ones that do the cleaning, and the sponsorship pays for the supplies, lunches etc for that. The Key Club at my high school, as well as many others took part in that), it doesn't change the point. So basically you're stating you stopped reading because a point that you thought was false, despite it having absolutely nothing to do with the subject at hand.
So... should... I... some how... care? You basically are saying "Hey the title gave what it said it would, and it's not our fault people might expect more seeing that the theme and idea is based on something else. We said 'maid cafe' and that's what they were given. If they too bad for anyone that thought they were getting something close to authentic."
And then...
"LOL you are stupid and nothing you say matters because you think volunteers clean up highways, even though the point was to explain that volunteers are volunteering to do a job and they shouldn't volunteer unless they want to do the job... but that doesn't matter... BECAUSE YOU THINK VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP HIGHWAYS!"
So, does that about cover it?
You see the project wasn't there to feed of people's ignorance. That is like saying I will go tot Jack-in-the-box, expecting to get a Jack-in-a-box. The only jack you will get is one of them little head and they come in a bag. Is just a name, deal with it. Second, when I meant help out with the project it was for you to get out of your little world and go to the meetings. I am positive that if you are as resourceful as you say you are, you can easily find out where the meeting is at. Then maybe some of your thoughts might get put through in the project. You keep talking about Chun being kicked out, I went to the first meeting. His thoughts for the project and that of the people who were put in charge of it were very different. Then he spent the rest of the meeting looking at something up in a laptop ignoring the meeting. Now I don't know about him getting kicked out or not, but in projects if you don't work because your views are being believed to be unreasonable at the time being and with the group...well I don't see why not you should take them out. Why give credit where credit is not deserve? Yes the thought was brought into by people outside of who are taking in charge, but the job to get it done...well those original people did not want to take the time or effort. So again if you think it should be change to what you think is "authentic" maid cafe, go to a meeting and talk.
Well I am not part in this project. I just have friends in it, and new ideas are alway welcome. I say quit your belly acking. If you want things to change go to the meetings. Is that simple trust me. Well I'm done here :P
Not only was your reference was illogical, it barely applies to anything other than... utter stupidity. Is that how you normally think? A reference to how things were was pretty much like advertising authentic mexican food, when I'm serving a sandwich with beef, beans, and cheese. Chun may not had appeared to have contributed much to the project, but he was pretty much the ONLY ONE with the authority that had ANY knowledge of how a maid cafe would run. As for it being just a name, it isn't that simple. It's false advertising. From what I, and the people of this project had experienced from our debut year, an authentic maid cafe was
I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E to have in FanimeCon. Though, a
cosplay cafe would work a lot better. Not only that, but it'd be more flexible and easier on the workers maintain, and easier for the fans to accept.
So instead of whining about "belly aching", stop spouting jargon that is not only just stupid... but a waste of time.
Bleh... double post.
I wasn't actually really able to visit the maid cafe. My friends were supposed to be in it to, and they even bought their maid outfits. However, they changed their minds in the end. ::)
Quote from: fanime_lo-ve on December 20, 2007, 12:34:38 PM
I wasn't actually really able to visit the maid cafe. My friends were supposed to be in it to, and they even bought their maid outfits. However, they changed their minds in the end. ::)
Ouch, that sux..those costumes weren't exactly cheap!!!
As far as I am concerned, the maid cafe went well for it's first year.
How about we all stop arguing over ""false advertisement" and "ignorance" and pull our brains together and come up with things that actually CAN be improved. Like...getting a bigger space.
If we get enough ideas and show them to the higher ups perhaps SOME of them will be used. Since this is the second year I am assuming there will be more improvements. So, instead of arguing with eachother over the name of the cafe, and such lets get ideas down.
My idea/opinion:
I think that the "maid training" needs to be better and less waitress like. Sure we should know how to carry a trey w/out spilling it all over everyone, but they should cover some other things. For example: I noticed that most of us had no clue as to what exactly we were supposed to do. I was lost half the time too.
When I got there, there was upposed to be a chart with maids names and table numbers on them. And we were supposed to take care of the people at those tables. That's what I was expecting when I got there. That way we could spend much more time with each cutumer rather then runing around asking each person that walks in if they want anything.
Those of you who were complaining about maids not spending enough of time w/ custumers, that little schedule can make it possible for the maid to spend more time w/ them.
Sadly, I have no clue what happened to the schedule, I got there and was like "deer caught in the headlights" expression. I think that's why a lot of the maids just kinda stood by the entrance.
Ooo...even better idea!!!!!! What if we split the maids up on the shifts. Have half give them food and small talk, while the other half takes pictures and have assigned tables so they can spend more time with the custumers? (but now when I think about it...that wouldn't work that well...I think.)
So now list your ideas, no more arguing please, it gets us nowhere.
well...here's my two cents on the whole deal. whether it has any worth is up to you.
from what i've read, the whole argument is about whether or not the concept of the Maid Cafe has been faithfully portrayed at the con. some people say that it worked for what was intended. others disagree.
here's my stance: if a majority of the consumers can't tell the difference, don't bother making changes. sure, there'll be a population who'll disagree with the treatment of the good/service, but you can't risk losing a majority of your market just to please a select few.
this kinda leans on what Pyron said about ignorance and the whole "It's Japanese. I want it. Don't care what it is, how it's done, etc." deal. i can agree that it was most of the people's state of mind when they went to it, much to the dismay of those who actually knew what a maid cafe was and was expecting a somewhat-like, if not similar experience. apparently, the former outnumbered the latter.
with that in mind, i reiterate: if most people can't tell the difference, is the integrity of the good/service really an important matter?
i don't believe so.
using the whole "cola" thing as an anaolgy, if i went to a restaurant and asked for "coke", and they said they only had pepsi, i assuume most people wouldn't give two rats' asses, with the exception of people who REALLY care about the differences in the products.
Quote from: Emerge on December 20, 2007, 09:37:41 PM
this kinda leans on what Pyron said about ignorance and the whole "It's Japanese. I want it. Don't care what it is, how it's done, etc." deal. i can agree that it was most of the people's state of mind when they went to it, much to the dismay of those who actually knew what a maid cafe was and was expecting a somewhat-like, if not similar experience. apparently, the former outnumbered the latter.
with that in mind, i reiterate: if most people can't tell the difference, is the integrity of the good/service really an important matter?
i don't believe so.
using the whole "cola" thing as an anaolgy, if i went to a restaurant and asked for "coke", and they said they only had pepsi, i assuume most people wouldn't give two rats' asses, with the exception of people who REALLY care about the differences in the products.
Mind of the businessman "IF they're stupid enough to like our crap, who gives a shit, because they're giving us money!"
I'm glad you think Fanime should be like that too. I think it shouldn't. I think it should try to be for the fans, about the fans, and striving to be the best it can for the fans. Not a "well they didn't notice us give them a pile of shit, so let's not change it".
The Cola analogy doesn't even apply. You want a more correct analogy?
Someone states, " can I have a coke please?" And the waitress brings them a pepsi without telling them they don't have any. Would most people be able to tell the difference? Probably not, only a few would... but does that make it right for the restaurant to do it? Playing on the ignorance of others, is NOT A GOOD THING.
Let's take it another way. You ever order a drink at a bar? If you ask for say, "a shot of vodka" they will give you a shot of the lowest quality crap vodka they can. Most people don't know this unless they frequent bars. However if you order a shot of say Grey Goose, or Belvedere, you will get a shot of that... for the exact same price. Knowing that, most people get annoyed that they're getting jipped just because they didn't specify a Vodka(but in this case, it's the customers fault, not the fault of the Bar).
Now with the Maid Cafe... it's like ordering a good drink, and them using bad quality, but you not knowing the difference really, because you know about ordering, but you don't know about the taste.
AngelKawaii: When the people that ran it, and the general concensus is that they made a lot of mistakes, mistakes that I brought up in the past and told them would be important... then you might get somewhere. People aren't willing to admit that they made a mistake, and should have listened to people that knew what they were taling about. I offered to help, and told them I would need infos so I can know what can be done.
A list of "random possibilities" that I could write on this subject could be pages and pages long, but how many of them would be doable... I would rather have a list to compare, so I won't waste my time listing 10 pages worth of stuff that can't be done.
Alright so...............................
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 20, 2007, 09:21:38 PM
Ouch, that sux..those costumes weren't exactly cheap!!!
As far as I am concerned, the maid cafe went well for it's first year.
How about we all stop arguing over ""false advertisement" and "ignorance" and pull our brains together and come up with things that actually CAN be improved. Like...getting a bigger space.
If we get enough ideas and show them to the higher ups perhaps SOME of them will be used. Since this is the second year I am assuming there will be more improvements. So, instead of arguing with eachother over the name of the cafe, and such lets get ideas down.
My idea/opinion:
I think that the "maid training" needs to be better and less waitress like. Sure we should know how to carry a trey w/out spilling it all over everyone, but they should cover some other things. For example: I noticed that most of us had no clue as to what exactly we were supposed to do. I was lost half the time too.
When I got there, there was upposed to be a chart with maids names and table numbers on them. And we were supposed to take care of the people at those tables. That's what I was expecting when I got there. That way we could spend much more time with each cutumer rather then runing around asking each person that walks in if they want anything.
Those of you who were complaining about maids not spending enough of time w/ custumers, that little schedule can make it possible for the maid to spend more time w/ them.
Sadly, I have no clue what happened to the schedule, I got there and was like "deer caught in the headlights" expression. I think that's why a lot of the maids just kinda stood by the entrance.
Ooo...even better idea!!!!!! What if we split the maids up on the shifts. Have half give them food and small talk, while the other half takes pictures and have assigned tables so they can spend more time with the custumers? (but now when I think about it...that wouldn't work that well...I think.)
I don't know about the rest of you but I kinda like AngelKawaii's idea. I hope the maid cafe will be at the Fanime next year. w00t!
I think I already mentioned that the area of where Maid Cafe is going to be at least twice as big....
Technically that doesnt saying anything else at the momment, but brainstorming is always a good start. However...
Depending on who or which maids would be interested in coming back next year, there's still lots of improvements and reality checks that need to be done.
Where as I do find some of Mickey's points valid, again I dont pretend that they fall on deaf ears with some, but I just support my friends and fellow staff members by trying to help out.
If you really want to change things, I suggest speaking face to face with the Live Programing Head and Maid Cafe Dept Head.
Just because its typed here in the forums doesnt means anything will change. Anything here on this forums doesnt have any executive authority as far as i could tell.
then again i could be wrong, Most the time I'm just throwing out internet fluff, mostly because I like to rant about nothing in particular. :D
Quote from: Jerry on December 20, 2007, 10:30:41 PM
If you really want to change things, I suggest speaking face to face with the Live Programing Head and Maid Cafe Dept Head.
Who do you think told me to post on this forum and throw out stuff last year. Yes sir, Jason Ebner.
Who was Maid Cafe Dept Head last year? Sydney.
What happened when I listened to Ebner, and told Sydney what she was doing wrong, and how she could improve, things she needs to focus on... in these forums?
SHE TRIED TO GET ME BANNED.
She even argued with me when I told her that her sig banner was wrong, and she was misusing Japanese to write "fanimaid cafe" in Japanese.
Last I remember Jerry, you supported her and all that happened concerning that as well.
Hmm..
is that why everyone keeps telling me about this " Blame Ebner " T-shirt floating around ?
Ha, I think I actually get it now. I had no clue.
As for support, that's right I did support my friends and Staff and trying to help out a cause I admit I know nothing about.
But I'm sorry you weren't voted Head of the Dept.
If you want to start your own better version of a cafe, then by all means I would salute you good sir for giving the fans what they deserve.
Until then, I applaud you for trying to make the world a better place. :)
Time for me to take out my recycling. Thats my part in trying to stay Green.
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 20, 2007, 10:00:26 PM
Mind of the businessman "IF they're stupid enough to like our crap, who gives a shit, because they're giving us money!"
actually, i was thinking more along the lines of, "If I leave content either way, I think it's worth it especially if there is no remorse."
i'm sure you may have heard otherwise, Pyron, but i've seen much more positive feedback than i've seen negative.
if people are happy in the end, isn't that what matters?
and as far as you being "glad" that i believe that Fanime should take more of a commercial route, you may be half-right. after all, if the con didn't have the scratch, for all we know it'd take place in some guy's garage.
at the risk of sounding like a capitalist pig-dog, money, and obtaining it, is what's running Fanime. however, we obviously do not see the same matter in the same light.
i see it as "i'm happy with what i got" as opposed to you seeing it as "i'm happy because i don't know it's shit", as you put it.
Part of my earlier post.
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on December 14, 2007, 11:36:58 PM
As for it being just a name, it isn't that simple. It's false advertising. From what I, and the people of this project had experienced from our debut year, an authentic maid cafe was I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E to have in FanimeCon. Though, a cosplay cafe would work a lot better. Not only that, but it'd be more flexible and easier on the workers maintain, and easier for the fans to accept.
I don't know. It being okay that it went well, solely for the fact that most attendees were too ignorant to tell the difference, seems pretty stupid to me. Fanime is an official organization, and if they're incapable of properly managing an event,
advertised as an authentic maid cafe, they shouldn't have it. What's wrong with... just a cosplay cafe? It's somewhat of a compromise, and doesn't have as many expectations. They can still all be maids if they wanted to, because a maid's role in the maid cafe is more than just wearing a costume and serving people food like waitresses... but those things are impossible for Fanime to be able to do, or people are unwilling to work with it.
Most of the actual opinions I've gotten when asked was that as a whole, the maid cafe was mediocre... for what it was, with reasons why. Any positive comment was pretty much "Oh, it was nice." as a natural, obligated response without much thought put into it. In all truth, the cafe was poorly ran (Not that there was much that could be done about that. I admit things looked pretty tough.) Its success is pretty much made up of the curious, the ignorant, and those who don't really care... with that percentage of people who were disappointed.
Changes that could be made, if it remains a maid cafe is... training the maids to at least properly represent what the maids are supposed to do, to the simplest denomination, and doing the very basic of what makes up a maid cafe. It still isn't much, but it's more in comparison to just waitressing. If this much somehow isn't done, it just isn't a maid cafe, and the discussion on what it is goes back to square one.
From the beginning, I knew a full-blown authentic maid cafe was impossible. I thought, "well... it's a maid cafe, an American anime convention. Sure, it doesn't need to be perfect!" But not even the basic could be done. It was pretty disappointing...
Just a few notes-
- Let's not rehash last year's drama. Now that the event happened, there's a whole new set of problems - including overcoming last year's momentum in making changes for the better.
- Maid Cafe is now under the Extravaganzas division, not LP. Sydney is still running it. Incidentally, I'm Extravaganza's div 2nd. And believe it or not, I'm paying attention to this thread like a motherfucker.
To get the conversation started about what's going on for next year: we're moving it to a much bigger spot on the opposite side of the convention center. It's planned to be where the Internet Cafe was last year, on the second floor directly above Starbucks - about twice the size, much less claustrophobic, and with better line control.
We're going to look into disposable oshibori.
What else?
Quote from: Tony on December 21, 2007, 09:05:40 AM
To get the conversation started about what's going on for next year: we're moving it to a much bigger spot on the opposite side of the convention center. It's planned to be where the Internet Cafe was last year, on the second floor directly above Starbucks - about twice the size, much less claustrophobic, and with better line control.
We're going to look into disposable oshibori.
What else?
Whats Oshibori? ... Google/Wiki's it.
Oh cool.
We may have to use those for the Hentai rooms too.
Safety On-Sites (The group formerly known as Rovers) are going to be involved as well. Now that there's bigger area, line control won't be much of a fuss.
And Hey, it would be cool to work with you Tony. :)
I'd like to know as much input you would like to add to the "extravaganza!"
sounds like good times all around.
To the guy that keeps saying he knows a lot about the maid cafes: you quoted my last post and I was too lazy to quote it back.
Anyway, since you know so much about the cafe, how about you type out some things that should be done while in the cafe or just about a maid cafe in general. Then people can go through the list, I will for sure, and see what can be done for next year and what will have to be done the year after that. Then we can contact the people in charge suggest and see what will be used.
Plain and simple......I want butlers this year :P That would be really nice, you know, me being single and all. :P :-*
Butlers werent really a big thing last year.
for the most part they semi turned into bus boys and semi were a male presense supposedly if any patrons made our maids feel uncomfy.
We were hashing out a random thought for a Yaoi/Yuri related theme night, but some of the guys didnt want to dress up as maids (at least sober) ...
I think Yaoi Con did something with male service staff, but I didnt know much about that version of that type of cafe either.
Quote from: DemonLordZabuza on December 14, 2007, 11:22:41 PM
You keep talking about Chun being kicked out, I went to the first meeting. His thoughts for the project and that of the people who were put in charge of it were very different. Then he spent the rest of the meeting looking at something up in a laptop ignoring the meeting. Now I don't know about him getting kicked out or not, but in projects if you don't work because your views are being believed to be unreasonable at the time being and with the group...well I don't see why not you should take them out. Why give credit where credit is not deserve? Yes the thought was brought into by people outside of who are taking in charge, but the job to get it done...well those original people did not want to take the time or effort. So again if you think it should be change to what you think is "authentic" maid cafe, go to a meeting and talk.
I don't think we went to the same meeting.
I've been keeping quiet up till this thread came swimming up again, and I don't want to get too deep into it (Save you the ranting, give you fact), so I'll state exactly what happened, raw. I advocated Sydney as head of the department at the time when we were at the preliminary discussion statistics. Lisu had head of designs,
Sydney took up the logistics because we ALL AGREED ON THE PRELIMINARY STAFF. We had a good plan, and I was given Sydney's number later on the line to continually check on updates and give direct info because I went to an authentic one.
So what happens after a fairly productive meeting after
I prepared all the basic reference material and discussed reasonable culture agreements (This is the "rest of the meeting looking at something up in a laptop ignoring the meeting" bit in DLZ's post. Core of the project structure was based EXACTLY on what I had that day. Did you conveniently forget my "Venn Diagrams", basic maid outfit design, discussion in space allocation for the future site, "Nice Cookies" plans for basic snacks (No Chips Ahoy!), and face value appearances, too DLZ? Spiritsnare made the minutes.)
The "against productivity" remark is the whiplash of what I did when I formally called Sydney about what was going to happen. The time I called I get a basic plan that did
none of the cultural instigations I implied, but instead something akin to a Denny's with funny costumes was drawn up; because that's, and I quote over the cell phone that day in my dorm room in UC Davis over my cell phone, "what a maid cafe is, based on our prospects". Wouldn't give me 10 minutes when I could clearly hear a dog barking in the background.
Did I mention I called because I heard NONE of the advertising, ordering of supplies and outfits were prepared by notifications from both the Design Team AND the Advertising Team? Also the project went dead fish for a few months after the first meeting (Which was in October), and I was excluded "fired" sometime in April because it had to be "Business-like"? (By the way, I wasn't hired, I VOLUNTEERED. This isn't a formal workplace, so it shouldn't have happened as it did.)
This "against flow" interjection with its logical fallacy was me trying to push over the revised ideas that I came up with to meet cultural minimums but at the same time do what Japan did. In other words, unlike the false perception that I supposedly was angered by the fact the cafe wasn't authentically Japanese (I know limits), I was more displeased with the fact that I had come up with these "Met Halfway" plans and yet no one wanted to listen. Sydney simply ejected me because I had ideas that conflicted with her own. And those ideas, in itself, were nothing like the original cafe project altogether; that's the most frustrating part. Those that have no familiarity with something like a maid cafe have no place in teaching what is "correctly done" and "against workflow".
Tony, as you are the secondary on this year's project I'd like to provide you with exactly what went wrong last year as a best wish.
Essentially, it was a giant mess and here's why:
Inactivity/No Contact Control Whatsoever in the time the materials were supposed to be done. When multiple departments of a project ask me rather than Sydney on what to do and what the status of the project should be when I'm at UC Davis, something's not happening, and that's bound to kill the end product, thus the last minute printing ad issues and the costume cost fiasco. Since Sydney's still head of the project I think the methodology will more than likely stick to the failed attempt of last year, so I implore you to actually work hard on the "cultural halfway". I never got the chance because the "head" denied me even a minute of her time because of her own confidence.
The General Public is not stupid; OR Beware the Otaku Grapevine Even if the project finishes in the end and looks decent, there are bound to be people that know exactly what the culture is before the convention. Don't go into the project thinking most people don't have the slightest; go into the project assuming people know what the nuances are. Don't trojan horse it and mask something in the everyday (Basic Denny's) in an attempt to recreate the experience.
If you want, I can provide you the ideas and reference material if you PM me. On second thought, given the amount of credit the rest of the staff recieved compared to Sydney and Ted, I retract this statement. I've contacted 7 different parties of people that went to fanime and asked their earnest opinion on this year's experience; UC Davis Fanime goers, UC Berkeley Fanime Goers, Casual SJSU communities, SFSU community, Golfland Arcades, and other such sources. They were all displeased; they expected more but got so much less.
Time over Money: The Base Structure of the Fanimaid Cafe now is Flawed The cafe this year held a typical business structure of profit to catering and staff with a small time flow, thus resulting in a plethora of customers but not enough interaction. This is only solved by two things; extended hours and appointment making. The only way any sort of cafe experience can be implemented (Minimally) with person to person interaction is to appoint 10-15 minute personalized time slots at the least. People pay for the experience, not for the food. If an appointment structure is not possible, 10-15 minutes still need be there. If one or both of these conditions are not met, expect a rehash of disorganizational failure.
Train Only those by those who know how to Train When I talked about training in the first meeting I was
not referring to holding cups, busing tables, and how to take out/serve food (This was Sydney's thought as to what I meant by training). If anything, the basic mannerisms are the most important. A Maid must try her best to express interest in whatever inane thing the customer begins talking about (This is sometimes self-explanatory because it becomes fun). The maid keeps her composure, and smiles. Smiling, proper "courtesy" for their masters-- not to be confused with giving up rights or degrading behavior-- is the most important thing. The farewell, and then the customer leaves satisfied. I suggest either someone like PyronIkari to explain the nuances,
but if it's reasonable I wouldn't mind helping on a set date (Training day was NOT PLANNED this year, resulting in more than half the staff clueless at their posts). Again, it's something as basic as "how to say hello and warm up a customer", "what to reply in light of difficult situation", and composure.
The cafe lacked preparation, attentiveness, correct priorities, and most of all, a model head figure. I sincerely hope you can direct it in a more positive direction,
with or without my help.
~Chun
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 23, 2007, 09:32:05 PM
To the guy that keeps saying he knows a lot about the maid cafes: you quoted my last post and I was too lazy to quote it back.
Anyway, since you know so much about the cafe, how about you type out some things that should be done while in the cafe or just about a maid cafe in general. Then people can go through the list, I will for sure, and see what can be done for next year and what will have to be done the year after that. Then we can contact the people in charge suggest and see what will be used.
And if you read my thread, I said I would not be wasting some odd 3 hours of my time writing a 10 page list and explaination on what I think should be done when I know 99% of it will be skipped or not taken into consideration due to the fact of union rules and regulations of the convention center.
I'm willing to help, if people show they won't screw me over the same way Chun was screwed over, and actually given acknowledgment that they actually want my help. When people are actually willing to ACTUALLY TALK TO ME, concerning it, instead of giving me this snooty "well fine, do a bunch of free work for us and send it to us, so we can look at it and not care who wrote it, probably take credit for it, and not give a damn afterwards" like you so fairly put it... Then I'd be willing to. I'm not going to help a bunch of people that look down upon me, because I pointed out how they messed up, and stated how they could improve(and was then ignored, and insulted).
Chun put it pretty well about what happened, why things went wrong... and frankly, I think you guys are making a huge mistake letting Sydney run it again, seeing that most of the problems can be rooted back to her. Not my decision, and I'm sure most of the staff heads don't give a damn about the project as a whole, so they won't be doing crap about it. She takes more pride in running it... than the project being for the fans. But that's just my observations.
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 24, 2007, 01:57:09 PM
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 23, 2007, 09:32:05 PM
To the guy that keeps saying he knows a lot about the maid cafes: you quoted my last post and I was too lazy to quote it back.
Anyway, since you know so much about the cafe, how about you type out some things that should be done while in the cafe or just about a maid cafe in general. Then people can go through the list, I will for sure, and see what can be done for next year and what will have to be done the year after that. Then we can contact the people in charge suggest and see what will be used.
And if you read my thread, I said I would not be wasting some odd 3 hours of my time writing a 10 page list and explaination on what I think should be done when I know 99% of it will be skipped or not taken into consideration due to the fact of union rules and regulations of the convention center.
I'm willing to help, if people show they won't screw me over the same way Chun was screwed over, and actually given acknowledgment that they actually want my help. When people are actually willing to ACTUALLY TALK TO ME, concerning it, instead of giving me this snooty "well fine, do a bunch of free work for us and send it to us, so we can look at it and not care who wrote it, probably take credit for it, and not give a damn afterwards" like you so fairly put it... Then I'd be willing to. I'm not going to help a bunch of people that look down upon me, because I pointed out how they messed up, and stated how they could improve(and was then ignored, and insulted).
Chun put it pretty well about what happened, why things went wrong... and frankly, I think you guys are making a huge mistake letting Sydney run it again, seeing that most of the problems can be rooted back to her. Not my decision, and I'm sure most of the staff heads don't give a damn about the project as a whole, so they won't be doing crap about it. She takes more pride in running it... than the project being for the fans. But that's just my observations.
if you are not going to "waist your time" to post tips on this thread or let people know here what is supposed to be done then stop posting here, because everytime you write some comment that has no valuable information in it you waist your time.
you keep complaining that noone knows how to do anything, well mister if you know EVERYTHING why not let the rest of us here know it too?
Instead of starting arguments that half the people don't even read, post useful information. Here's a tip: if you get enough of people to care about this project and enough of people to want to make the right changes this whole thing will improve. So, stop arguing, give usuful information.
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 24, 2007, 09:48:09 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 24, 2007, 01:57:09 PM
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 23, 2007, 09:32:05 PM
To the guy that keeps saying he knows a lot about the maid cafes: you quoted my last post and I was too lazy to quote it back.
Anyway, since you know so much about the cafe, how about you type out some things that should be done while in the cafe or just about a maid cafe in general. Then people can go through the list, I will for sure, and see what can be done for next year and what will have to be done the year after that. Then we can contact the people in charge suggest and see what will be used.
And if you read my thread, I said I would not be wasting some odd 3 hours of my time writing a 10 page list and explaination on what I think should be done when I know 99% of it will be skipped or not taken into consideration due to the fact of union rules and regulations of the convention center.
I'm willing to help, if people show they won't screw me over the same way Chun was screwed over, and actually given acknowledgment that they actually want my help. When people are actually willing to ACTUALLY TALK TO ME, concerning it, instead of giving me this snooty "well fine, do a bunch of free work for us and send it to us, so we can look at it and not care who wrote it, probably take credit for it, and not give a damn afterwards" like you so fairly put it... Then I'd be willing to. I'm not going to help a bunch of people that look down upon me, because I pointed out how they messed up, and stated how they could improve(and was then ignored, and insulted).
Chun put it pretty well about what happened, why things went wrong... and frankly, I think you guys are making a huge mistake letting Sydney run it again, seeing that most of the problems can be rooted back to her. Not my decision, and I'm sure most of the staff heads don't give a damn about the project as a whole, so they won't be doing crap about it. She takes more pride in running it... than the project being for the fans. But that's just my observations.
if you are not going to "waist your time" to post tips on this thread or let people know here what is supposed to be done then stop posting here, because everytime you write some comment that has no valuable information in it you waist your time.
you keep complaining that noone knows how to do anything, well mister if you know EVERYTHING why not let the rest of us here know it too?
Instead of starting arguments that half the people don't even read, post useful information. Here's a tip: if you get enough of people to care about this project and enough of people to want to make the right changes this whole thing will improve. So, stop arguing, give usuful information.
That's just silly. Pyron, Chun, AND me have given decent information on how things should be done, how to compromise with it, and even on occasion wrote up posts, e-mails, and/or notes to the maid cafe staff and yet... none of it was considered. Anything we've talked about in said notes were pretty much disregarded, and I'd say... it was quite a waste of time.
All of the information was generally similar, but presented in different ways. Chun did a good amount of work to have things meet half-way between authenticity and what the con would allow-- he wasn't blunt, he wasn't "complaining", either... but his work was ignored too. So far, it seems no matter what is said or done, no one is actually willing to improve.
Quote from: Chun on December 24, 2007, 12:09:11 AM
Inactivity/No Contact Control Whatsoever in the time the materials were supposed to be done.
When multiple departments of a project ask me rather than Sydney on what to do and what the status of the project should be when I'm at UC Davis, something's not happening, and that's bound to kill the end product, thus the last minute printing ad issues and the costume cost fiasco. Since Sydney's still head of the project I think the methodology will more than likely stick to the failed attempt of last year, so I implore you to actually work hard on the "cultural halfway". I never got the chance because the "head" denied me even a minute of her time because of her own confidence.
I just want to second this as a problem area. Along with this, there were lots of miscommunication.
I was part of the adv/design groups and I didn't get any material until a couple weeks before fanime.
I didn't really mind getting things late but I suppose I minded the delays.
Apparently, there was quite a bit of miscommunication and my designs were never used.
While we're on the topic of fanimaid cafe, is there meetings going on for this coming year? I already had someone ask me about them.
Additionally, I would like to help out with the designs again. Either this year or coming years. Though I think it might be better to work with a key person in charge (who can give the go ahead) rather than to go through a grapevine... >.>;
Though in defense of the maids, we did hold proper conversations.
If you can't post here, please pm me with any information concerning volunteering for maid and design areas.
However, I have no intention on any sort of debate. So please don't bother me with that.
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 24, 2007, 09:48:09 PM
if you are not going to "waist your time" to post tips on this thread or let people know here what is supposed to be done then stop posting here, because everytime you write some comment that has no valuable information in it you waist your time.
you keep complaining that noone knows how to do anything, well mister if you know EVERYTHING why not let the rest of us here know it too?
Instead of starting arguments that half the people don't even read, post useful information. Here's a tip: if you get enough of people to care about this project and enough of people to want to make the right changes this whole thing will improve. So, stop arguing, give usuful information.
And this post proves my point exactly. This is the exact mentallity I was talking about.
I posted A LOT of useful information in the past. I wasn't super specific and didn't go into too much detail but I posted lots of ideas, things to put into consideration, and things that should be avoided. What the focal points should be, and what the main purpose of Maid Cafes and how they work. How much of it was considered? NONE... absolutely none of it was brought up according to people I know that were in the project etc. etc. etc.
And instead of even acknowledging or admitting that "hey, maybe we should listen, or admit that we didn't listen before", you bitch at me for "not doing things". These posts have a lot of useful information... it's a lesson in humility. It's making certain people own up to their mistakes, and showing that they should listen to others when others try to help them with a subject that the prior doesn't know much about, and the latter knows quite a bit about.
PS: I'm sorta even lying, seeing that in this thread alone I point out quite a lot of things that were done wrong and offer advice as to how to fix it. So I *AM* wasting my time seeing that you didn't even bother to try and read or listen to a thing I said.
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 25, 2007, 03:48:44 PM
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 24, 2007, 09:48:09 PM
if you are not going to "waist your time" to post tips on this thread or let people know here what is supposed to be done then stop posting here, because everytime you write some comment that has no valuable information in it you waist your time.
you keep complaining that noone knows how to do anything, well mister if you know EVERYTHING why not let the rest of us here know it too?
Instead of starting arguments that half the people don't even read, post useful information. Here's a tip: if you get enough of people to care about this project and enough of people to want to make the right changes this whole thing will improve. So, stop arguing, give usuful information.
And this post proves my point exactly. This is the exact mentallity I was talking about.
I posted A LOT of useful information in the past. I wasn't super specific and didn't go into too much detail but I posted lots of ideas, things to put into consideration, and things that should be avoided. What the focal points should be, and what the main purpose of Maid Cafes and how they work. How much of it was considered? NONE... absolutely none of it was brought up according to people I know that were in the project etc. etc. etc.
And instead of even acknowledging or admitting that "hey, maybe we should listen, or admit that we didn't listen before", you bitch at me for "not doing things". These posts have a lot of useful information... it's a lesson in humility. It's making certain people own up to their mistakes, and showing that they should listen to others when others try to help them with a subject that the prior doesn't know much about, and the latter knows quite a bit about.
PS: I'm sorta even lying, seeing that in this thread alone I point out quite a lot of things that were done wrong and offer advice as to how to fix it. So I *AM* wasting my time seeing that you didn't even bother to try and read or listen to a thing I said.
I have not seen any of those posts that had information in them from previous times or from now. So far all your posts are about bitching back at people and saying that the "cafe" title should be changed. That's not much to go on. Got anything else?
Besides, I know for a fact that there are things that maids can do, mannerisms and such, that do not need to go through the head. Why not post those? That stuff can be passed on to other maids.
to ishi: miscommunication should be underlined,higlighted and in italics. xD jk, but seriously noone really knew hat was going on. I e-mailed Sydney a bunch of ties asking about the cafe. I dunno when and where the meetings will be, she said she'll send an e-mail to people who want to be maids later...this was about a month ago...Might as well ask her during the next meeting.
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 25, 2007, 04:18:55 PMI have not seen any of those posts that had information in them from previous times or from now. So far all your posts are about bitching back at people and saying that the "cafe" title should be changed. That's not much to go on. Got anything else?
Besides, I know for a fact that there are things that maids can do, mannerisms and such, that do not need to go through the head. Why not post those? That stuff can be passed on to other maids.
to ishi: miscommunication should be underlined,higlighted and in italics. xD jk, but seriously noone really knew hat was going on. I e-mailed Sydney a bunch of ties asking about the cafe. I dunno when and where the meetings will be, she said she'll send an e-mail to people who want to be maids later...this was about a month ago...Might as well ask her during the next meeting.
Then you're failing at reading my posts. I posted a lot about different mannerisms, mentioned the different "types" of maids and roles, the main basis etc. etc. etc.
In the past I went on about what the focal points should be, and they were ignored.
Now you're saying, that *I* didn't do these things? Frankly, the way I look at it, even if I did throw out all these ideas right now, it wouldn't matter, because staff will just ignore it like they did last time. Staff needs to get off their ass and organize this better, learn to communicate, and Sydney needs to stop thinking she's so great and listen to people that know better.
It doesn't matter how many ideas you get, or how great they are, if they aren't implimented, and staff doesn't work to make things happen. You need to change how management works, and the workers need to be willing to accept their roles and not go out of them which comes from management.
Until that happens, then my "ideas" will be ignored just like last time.
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 25, 2007, 05:44:58 PM
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 25, 2007, 04:18:55 PMI have not seen any of those posts that had information in them from previous times or from now. So far all your posts are about bitching back at people and saying that the "cafe" title should be changed. That's not much to go on. Got anything else?
Besides, I know for a fact that there are things that maids can do, mannerisms and such, that do not need to go through the head. Why not post those? That stuff can be passed on to other maids.
to ishi: miscommunication should be underlined,higlighted and in italics. xD jk, but seriously noone really knew hat was going on. I e-mailed Sydney a bunch of ties asking about the cafe. I dunno when and where the meetings will be, she said she'll send an e-mail to people who want to be maids later...this was about a month ago...Might as well ask her during the next meeting.
Then you're failing at reading my posts. I posted a lot about different mannerisms, mentioned the different "types" of maids and roles, the main basis etc. etc. etc.
In the past I went on about what the focal points should be, and they were ignored.
Now you're saying, that *I* didn't do these things? Frankly, the way I look at it, even if I did throw out all these ideas right now, it wouldn't matter, because staff will just ignore it like they did last time. Staff needs to get off their ass and organize this better, learn to communicate, and Sydney needs to stop thinking she's so great and listen to people that know better.
It doesn't matter how many ideas you get, or how great they are, if they aren't implimented, and staff doesn't work to make things happen. You need to change how management works, and the workers need to be willing to accept their roles and not go out of them which comes from management.
Until that happens, then my "ideas" will be ignored just like last time.
I read your posts in this thread and all I am getting is arguments and nothing else. So far the ideas are schedule and arguments about the cafe's name.
Since this subject seems important to you, since you do post a lot and respond alot. Why not puch to get thigns notice, go to different heads, spread word around, and eventually they will have to do something and use some of the ideas because so many people agree with them. So what if you get kicked off, that just means you gotta try harder.
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 26, 2007, 05:51:44 PM
Why not puch to get thigns notice, go to different heads, spread word around, and eventually they will have to do something and use some of the ideas because so many people agree with them. So what if you get kicked off, that just means you gotta try harder.
Great idea. That's exactly what we did last year, and what I posted above. I humbly advise you to stop with the incessant circular logic.
~Chun
... am I posting in invisible colors? As I said, as interesting as it has been, let's not rehash last year. ;D
Chun, the description of the work you did last year sounds really interesting. If you still have the particulars laying around, I'd be curious to see it. (I'm not saying that I'll using them, or presuming that you want to help. Just curious.)
Quote from: Tony on December 26, 2007, 07:19:58 PM
... am I posting in invisible colors? As I said, as interesting as it has been, let's not rehash last year. ;D
Chun, the description of the work you did last year sounds really interesting. If you still have the particulars laying around, I'd be curious to see it. (I'm not saying that I'll using them, or presuming that you want to help. Just curious.)
Most of the ideas I had are outright deleted or just non-existent in folders because many people from the previous team was as displeased as I was (To the point we had many discussions about the flaws in the work, and will not be associated with 2008's attempt), but decided for the sake of the convention to finish the project anyway since it had started.
To be honest, all of my ideas and work are in memory (Not a computer, my skull). However, given the fact the same head of department is running it, I would rather not disclose that information (Because I am convinced it will follow the same "prospects" from before).
I've left you a good amount of information from the post I made above Tony. Good luck with this year's attempt; you'll need it.
"preparation, attentiveness, correct priorities, and most of all, a model head figure"
~Chun
There's a lot going on here, but there was one specific thing I wanted to throw in, for what it's worth. I was a maid in the cafe, and I know there were a lot of problems, what with it being the first year and various clashes and all. I admit I went into the actual cafe work not really knowing what to expect; I had a basic idea of how maids in authentic maid cafes act, but I wasn't sure how much of that was supposed to be reflected in our activities as waitstaff in our particular cafe. One of the biggest troubles for me was that many of the customers that came into the cafe didn't know what to expect either--while I wanted to get more into the maid cafe role and hang out and chat with the customers (and was able to do this a few times) and really interact with them, many people that came into the cafe in groups of two or more spent the entire time talking amongst themselves and acted confused and offput when I did more than take their order or ask if they needed anything else, as if I were pestering them. I'm admittedly not the most socially ept person out there, but it was a lot easier to strike up proper conversation/interaction with individuals who came in on their own, rather than those who were already in their own little bubble. Not to say that this has anything to do with changes that should be made to the cafe in the future, but I just wanted to comment on that from the perspective of a server. Most people who came to eat just seemed happier left to their own devices, and what's one supposed to do when the ostensible purpose of an establishment and the desires of the patrons are at odds?
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 26, 2007, 05:51:44 PM
I read your posts in this thread and all I am getting is arguments and nothing else. So far the ideas are schedule and arguments about the cafe's name.
Since this subject seems important to you, since you do post a lot and respond alot. Why not puch to get thigns notice, go to different heads, spread word around, and eventually they will have to do something and use some of the ideas because so many people agree with them. So what if you get kicked off, that just means you gotta try harder.
Then you apparently didn't read my entire first post in this thread, nor any of the time I respond to someone asking about something directly. Nor were you around for the first run of threads.
Sucrose: The issue here is that, they come in not what to expect, so you shouldn't change what your job is, because they don't know. If they don't feel comfortable with a "maid cafe" they won't go to a maid cafe. The idea of a maid cafe isn't supposed to cater to everyone and it won't. It's like expecting to make a fetish... a fetish for everyone. The Maid Cafe has its purpose, and a lot of people will be turned off by the idea, that's no reason to short others from the experience though.
A description of the cafe in the flier, etc. should be presented, so people SHOULD have a general idea of what they're getting into, trying it out or otherwise.
It was a first year thing... so mistakes are excusable, yes that is true. But most of the feedback seems to be, that these mistakes aren't being looked at, acknowledged, or changed.
I was stating that, there are a lot of mistakes that were made, and you need to recognize them. The general feel in reply I'm getting is "What can we do to make the cafe better... without admitting we messed up, or did anything wrong in the past, and fixing those problems first, before trying to tack on new stuff."
If the cafe wants to get better, it should first fix the major problems it already has before trying to think up new things to make it better. Once there is a strong grasp on the basic, then try to expand.
Do they have to be girls? what if there are female customers and want a butler?
We should have half of it cosplay, people cosplay as characters that have Masters example: Imagine at a table at the cafe and all of a sudden Alucard comes over to you and says "What will you order my Master?"
Quote from: JohnnyAR on December 26, 2007, 09:52:11 PM
Do they have to be girls? what if there are female customers and want a butler?
We should have half of it cosplay, people cosplay as characters that have Masters example: Imagine at a table at the cafe and all of a sudden Alucard comes over to you and says "What will you order my Master?"
I think they were playing with the idea to have alternate themes future years.
But they're probably going to continue with maid cafe for now.
(I personally think a Dante cafe with men in Dante outfits serving pizza and strawberry sundaes would be hot but lets keep that separate from the maid cafe.)
I don't think its a good idea to mix themes. Maybe eventually a separate cafe going on at the same time as the maid cafe but not together.
I agree with Sucrose. Its hard to try to force conversations with people who just want to be left alone. It just doesn't work when they put up the "who the f' are you, go away" wall.
Maybe they can come up with away to tell what people want for example: have a card on the tables that have choices like 1. I would like conversation 2. I want to be called master 3. Im fine the way I am thank you and customers circle what they want. And when the maids cometo serve they know what they and provide for them
Chun, Jun-Watarase, & Pyron,
Thanks for your input. As the Division Head of Extravaganzas for this year's Fanime, I'm still picking up feedback on all my departments, including Maid Cafe. I've been reading and following a bit of the discussion going on on this thread and it's been a bit educational. Tony, Sydney, and I will definitely talk about some of the opportunities to improve this year's event. I know that there was a lot of miscommunication that occurred last year and I am trying to prevent that from happening this year.
I can understand if you do not want to reiterate a lot of points brought up on this particular thread but please feel free to contact me at
[email protected] for any thoughts or concerns.
I don't want you to think that Tony and I aren't listening to what's being said on the boards and/or ignoring the problems.
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 26, 2007, 09:34:22 PM
Quote from: AngelKawaii on December 26, 2007, 05:51:44 PM
I read your posts in this thread and all I am getting is arguments and nothing else. So far the ideas are schedule and arguments about the cafe's name.
Since this subject seems important to you, since you do post a lot and respond alot. Why not puch to get thigns notice, go to different heads, spread word around, and eventually they will have to do something and use some of the ideas because so many people agree with them. So what if you get kicked off, that just means you gotta try harder.
Then you apparently didn't read my entire first post in this thread, nor any of the time I respond to someone asking about something directly. Nor were you around for the first run of threads.
I have read. The arguments are then only thing that catch people's attention.
Quote from: PyronIkari on December 26, 2007, 09:34:22 PM
A description of the cafe in the flier, etc. should be presented, so people SHOULD have a general idea of what they're getting into, trying it out or otherwise.
That totally reminded me of something. Whatever happened to the fliers? I know someone came up with them and printed them I think, but were they ever passed around?
That's an idea in itself. Make the fliers and pass them around the convention center. OOO!!! even better. Assign a maid or two from each shift to walk around the convention center dressed up in the maid outfits and pass out fliers for 15 minutes or so, then switch with another maid. That way word will spread, and those who have no clue what the cafe is will get an idea from the flier, which hopefully will have something on it that's not too terribly long that will describe what the cafe is.
To Sucrose: I know the feeling. I felt like people felt embarrased or shy or something when I tried to have a conversation with them.
I loved the Maid Cafe' last year it was a wonderful idea that encouraged many of my previously friends (who didn't go last year) to come back this time. I'm really looking foward to it again this year though I'd like to see a lot more japanese type desserts. It's nice to have the french flair but it's also very simple to make things like rainbow parfaits and I would really really like more tea options...
I didn't know if suggestions were meant to go here but at least I would like the event to return. ^-^
I didn't even know about the Maid Cafe thing. XD I might go see what it's like.
I went to the maid cafe last year, and it wasn't a pleasing experience for me.
Basically I got to order from a vendor of the convention, and have a maid handled that food and placed it on the table for me to eat. The end.
No maids chatted with us. I think I had more fun shouting at the group of Spartans walking by.
If I wanted that, I would have just stood in line for the vendor and bought it myself instead of standing in line for a maid cafe.
I think this was mentioned, but we say overpriced as in the cost of the food inside the convention, since it was food from the convention's vendor, being sold is more expensive than the food outside of the convention. I don't understand the whole official and unofficial part of the Maid Cafe, but if Fanime was sponsoring the event, they could have at least put some money into the food to make them cheaper, but then to the con it would probably be lost of money and no actual recuperation would occur (breaking even).
Dont mean to be rude, just wanted to let the staff know my opinion, and maybe use it to improve next year
Quote from: L2D on January 10, 2008, 12:14:01 AM
... if Fanime was sponsoring the event, they could have at least put some money into the food to make them cheaper...
Actually, we are putting money into it. Lots, in fact.
Because we have to pay the vendor just
to show up. So that
they can make money.
Similary, the sushi stand that sells out every year? We had to fight for years to bring them in, so that
they could make money.
The alternative would be to cater an official maid cafe event, in which case it would open for two hours and cost $30 for a salad ;D
Quote from: Tony on January 10, 2008, 10:38:13 AM
Quote from: L2D on January 10, 2008, 12:14:01 AM
... if Fanime was sponsoring the event, they could have at least put some money into the food to make them cheaper...
Actually, we are putting money into it. Lots, in fact.
Because we have to pay the vendor just to show up. So that they can make money.
Similary, the sushi stand that sells out every year? We had to fight for years to bring them in, so that they could make money.
The alternative would be to cater an official maid cafe event, in which case it would open for two hours and cost $30 for a salad ;D
That seems broken. Pay vendors to show up so that they can sell us food that cost more than food across the street, because its inside the convention center, while the con (fanime) are unable to do things due to restrictions, space limitations, and even city codes and all profits and revenue goes to the vendor or the convention rather than going to the con for future planning? Its a lose lose situation in my opinion. [or is this paying for licensing for them to be inside the con?]
Not sure the exact terms and agreements, but couldn't a vendor just rent several spaces in the dealer's hall and turn that into a maid cafe since as long as they have a business license and have up to date with all codes they should be able to sell food in the dealers hall (again, not sure what Fanime's terms and condictions are when it comes to the dealer's hall and artist alley).
Quote from: L2D on January 10, 2008, 12:21:35 PM
[or is this paying for licensing for them to be inside the con?]
Not that I'm aware of... it's basically a "so they can be bothered" fee. Since it's something we're requesting, and not something they're doing on their own, it costs money. Another way to look at it is this: they already have food stalls in the dealer's room, so it's a bother for them to set up shop somewhere else, staff it, stock it, etc...
QuoteNot sure the exact terms and agreements, but couldn't a vendor just rent several spaces in the dealer's hall and turn that into a maid cafe since as long as they have a business license and have up to date with all codes they should be able to sell food in the dealers hall (again, not sure what Fanime's terms and condictions are when it comes to the dealer's hall and artist alley).
Nope... :-\ Only the contracted vendor may sell food & drink on the premises. We had to be strict with
kids giving out baked goods...
Wrote a long post, decided against it, sending an E-mail.
But just to address some things.
QuoteMaybe they can come up with away to tell what people want for example: have a card on the tables that have choices like 1. I would like conversation 2. I want to be called master 3. Im fine the way I am thank you and customers circle what they want. And when the maids cometo serve they know what they and provide for them
If a maid needs a patron to hand her a card to tell her how to act towards him, then that maid isn't doing a good job at serving.
Quote
I have read. The arguments are then only thing that catch people's attention.
My arguements are about issues concerning the maid cafe, how it was being run, and what was being done correctly/incorrectly. It's not my fault people are only responding to "the arguements" and not the issue of the arguements.
QuoteThat's an idea in itself. Make the fliers and pass them around the convention center. OOO!!! even better. Assign a maid or two from each shift to walk around the convention center dressed up in the maid outfits and pass out fliers for 15 minutes or so, then switch with another maid. That way word will spread, and those who have no clue what the cafe is will get an idea from the flier, which hopefully will have something on it that's not too terribly long that will describe what the cafe is.
Man hours/time. From what I saw and noticed, there weren't enough maids to even serve enought people/the level they should be if there were enough maids to send one to advertise.
Quote
To Sucrose: I know the feeling. I felt like people felt embarrased or shy or something when I tried to have a conversation with them.
Excuse the bluntness... you're not qualified to be a maid then. This is the goal and purpose of the maid cafe... the sole point of why they exist. Comfort. If they're feeling out of place or intimidated, then you're doing something wrong. I'm writing a huge thing to Julia about this, so we'll see what happens.
hmm well i you guys are going to do the event again you can have me participate. I'd love to play a maid and interact with customers (my current job is already like that)
It was the irst year or the event so it's going to improve I think it was great how it was and I'd love to help out and get involved i you do it again
Quote from: edendreams on January 14, 2008, 07:07:54 PM
hmm well i you guys are going to do the event again you can have me participate. I'd love to play a maid and interact with customers (my current job is already like that)
It was the irst year or the event so it's going to improve I think it was great how it was and I'd love to help out and get involved i you do it again
once we figure out a few more things with general things... we'll eventually have meetings.
we'll figure out how to gather a roster or a point of contact.
Thanks for your support! :)
Quote from: PyronIkari on January 11, 2008, 03:49:55 PM
Quote
I have read. The arguments are then only thing that catch people's attention.
My arguements are about issues concerning the maid cafe, how it was being run, and what was being done correctly/incorrectly. It's not my fault people are only responding to "the arguements" and not the issue of the arguements.
QuoteThat's an idea in itself. Make the fliers and pass them around the convention center. OOO!!! even better. Assign a maid or two from each shift to walk around the convention center dressed up in the maid outfits and pass out fliers for 15 minutes or so, then switch with another maid. That way word will spread, and those who have no clue what the cafe is will get an idea from the flier, which hopefully will have something on it that's not too terribly long that will describe what the cafe is.
Man hours/time. From what I saw and noticed, there weren't enough maids to even serve enought people/the level they should be if there were enough maids to send one to advertise.
Quote
To Sucrose: I know the feeling. I felt like people felt embarrased or shy or something when I tried to have a conversation with them.
Excuse the bluntness... you're not qualified to be a maid then. This is the goal and purpose of the maid cafe... the sole point of why they exist. Comfort. If they're feeling out of place or intimidated, then you're doing something wrong. I'm writing a huge thing to Julia about this, so we'll see what happens.
Excuse me for being blunt, but it sorta is your fault that they reply to the "arguments" only because you fire right back.
It was only an idea..and I think we had lots of maids, but not all of them were present at the same time, that goes to bad scheduling, not the maid's faults.
Do not tell people who is qualified to be a maid or not. Comfort is what we aim for, but there are people out there in the real world that do take a while to warm up to someone, some don't like people being there all the time either. I deal with that on a daily basis.
Anyway, is Julia the head-head person now, or is Sydney or are they both?(I'm getting mixed messages here.)
Quote from: AngelKawaii on January 15, 2008, 06:05:56 PM
Excuse me for being blunt, but it sorta is your fault that they reply to the "arguments" only because you fire right back.
Le sigh. Why do I bother trying? I reply back, but unlike the others I reply back with more reasoning and basis as too what I'm saying. I say "This doesn't work because of x and y it would never work due to x and this is how x works" and you guys reply back with "NO YOU!" I go "-_- Look, you are ignoring this because of this" "NO YOU!" It's not my fault you people refuse to focus on stuff.
QuoteIt was only an idea..and I think we had lots of maids, but not all of them were present at the same time, that goes to bad scheduling, not the maid's faults.
Yes, and idea... and it was an idea that wouldn't work at the current state due to reasons I've stated. So unless the core problem is fixed first, this idea can't even be implimented.
QuoteDo not tell people who is qualified to be a maid or not. Comfort is what we aim for, but there are people out there in the real world that do take a while to warm up to someone, some don't like people being there all the time either. I deal with that on a daily basis.
Anyway, is Julia the head-head person now, or is Sydney or are they both?(I'm getting mixed messages here.)
So I shouldn't point out things because it hurts your feelings? Sorry, but have you ever applied for a job and got turned down, or not called back? Ever get your idea shot down? Get used to it, because it happens a lot, no matter who you are. You deal with it on a daily basis? Then show it and adapt, and reflect and what not. You don't force a conversation with someone.
Le sigh again. -_-
I should just stick with e-mailing Julia since this is rather hopeless trying to get people that don't want to listen to listen.
I really hope that the maid cafe does better for this year
@angelkawaii: Pryon does have a point about the whole unable to be a maid because of shyness. People have to overcome that when working with public, if you are shy then why are you working at a place with lots of people? People I met that were genereally shy (and i was shy too) had to get over that because really, shyness isnt gonna get you much anywhere in life or a maid cafe. He has a point maid cafes are why they exist is to speak and chat with a customer. You just have to practice not being shy talk infront of a mirror, try to speak with a small group, do breathing exercises WHATEVER you have to prep so you arent shy. its all about confidence to break the shy bubble. x:
Quote from: Kazuko on January 15, 2008, 06:53:24 PM
I really hope that the maid cafe does better for this year
@angelkawaii: Pryon does have a point about the whole unable to be a maid because of shyness. People have to overcome that when working with public, if you are shy then why are you working at a place with lots of people? People I met that were genereally shy (and i was shy too) had to get over that because really, shyness isnt gonna get you much anywhere in life or a maid cafe. He has a point maid cafes are why they exist is to speak and chat with a customer. You just have to practice not being shy talk infront of a mirror, try to speak with a small group, do breathing exercises WHATEVER you have to prep so you arent shy. its all about confidence to break the shy bubble. x:
I had trouble understanding what you just typed, but I hope you're not suggesting the maids to be more assertive and force themselves into talking with the customers.
What I think is, if you're interacting with a customer and somehow felt that you were making them feel awkward and uncomfortable, you're doing something wrong. If people had a better understanding of what a maid cafe is, then they should be able to expect that the maids will interact with them in some way. They should be able to enter a MAID CAFE and acknowledge the fact that they will be in the presence of MAIDS serving them-- not waitresses... maids. If you approach a customer, you should blend in with the maid cafe atmosphere and interact them while promoting a comforting space for them, which is what a maid does. Don't make it seem like you're being assertive and forcing them to talk to you, rather, make it seem like you want to make their experience pleasant while having them in your company. The cards... is also a poor idea. It makes the interaction impersonal, and using it only means that the maids lack the ability to approach customers well on their own.
As a maid working in the project, you should be able to approach customers. It's okay if you feel a bit shy, but nonetheless, you should still be able to do this. If you feel TOO shy, and are unable to do this, then you aren't qualified to play the role as a maid and will only end up making the customer uncomfortable as well. This isn't a personal statement, rather, general advice.
I thought I'd mention: Shyness in your professional role, you need to deal with it and be able to approach the customer. Shyness in your costume role, you can perform as an in-character maid and implement shyness as a trait of your character. But keep in mind that they're completely separate things.
As for taking advice, I wasn't rude in my tone while typing this, so I wonder how many people will listen. But even if I was rude, someone willing to take advice should be able to read the advice for what it is, rather than interpreting it as jargon that isn't worth listening to, simply because it was typed in a tone that they don't agree with.
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on January 15, 2008, 07:32:09 PM
I had trouble understanding what you just typed, but I hope you're not suggesting the maids to be more assertive and force themselves into talking with the customers.
What I think is, if you're interacting with a customer and somehow felt that you were making them feel awkward and uncomfortable, you're doing something wrong. If people had a better understanding of what a maid cafe is, then they should be able to expect that the maids will interact with them in some way. They should be able to enter a MAID CAFE and acknowledge the fact that they will be in the presence of MAIDS serving them-- not waitresses... maids. If you approach a customer, you should blend in with the maid cafe atmosphere and interact them while promoting a comforting space for them, which is what a maid does. Don't make it seem like you're being assertive and forcing them to talk to you, rather, make it seem like you want to make their experience pleasant while having them in your company. The cards... is also a poor idea. It makes the interaction impersonal, and using it only means that the maids lack the ability to approach customers well on their own.
As a maid working in the project, you should be able to approach customers. It's okay if you feel a bit shy, but nonetheless, you should still be able to do this. If you feel TOO shy, and are unable to do this, then you aren't qualified to play the role as a maid and will only end up making the customer uncomfortable as well. This isn't a personal statement, rather, general advice.
I thought I'd mention: Shyness in your professional role, you need to deal with it and be able to approach the customer. Shyness in your costume role, you can perform as an in-character maid and implement shyness as a trait of your character. But keep in mind that they're completely separate things.
As for taking advice, I wasn't rude in my tone while typing this, so I wonder how many people will listen. But even if I was rude, someone willing to take advice should be able to read the advice for what it is, rather than interpreting it as jargon that isn't worth listening to, simply because it was typed in a tone that they don't agree with.
I agree with you. I did not go to the maid cafe last year, because the lines were just too long. This year I plan on participating as a maid, and I'm sure I could avoid the bubbles of shyness. I think what Kazuko was saying was that some of the maids were getting over their shyness and trying to break away from being shy by/while with the Maid Cafe.
It's funny how interested I am in this despite being such a tomboy XD
The Maid Cafe sounds like a lot of fun, although I'm a bit surprised at how heated the discussion got in this thread.
I wasn't at Fanime last year, so I had no idea how it went, and to be honest, I know very little about Maid Cafes to begin with. ^^;;;; Still... a few ideas?
Since the space is supposed to be in a bigger room this year, that probably means more maids/volunteers would be needed. Also, a big issue about the maids last year seemed to be their lack of "intimacy" with the customers. It's been reiterated several times about how they're "maids" and not "waitresses," so for those who are familiar with maids/Maid cafes, I guess it's pretty understandable that a certain level of "cozyness" would be expected. But of course, that doesn't have to include touching and stuff, if either side is uncomfortable with that.
I dunno if anyone brought this up (I kinda skimmed the thread...lolsorry =_=; )but maybe the Maid cafe could be divided up into several "sectors," each with a designated Maid(s). That way, you don't have an understaffed group trying to cater to that many people at the same time. It'd ensure a certain level of more personal attention to those who expect it, and might be a bit more organized and easier to handle. If people want to switch maids, there could either be a rotation of maids (I.E- Maid 1 starts at sector 2, moves on to serve sector 3. Maid 2 who was at sector 4 could switch into sector 2, etc.). In addition, maybe there could be different Maid "types" serving the different sectors, so if a customer wanted a certain type of maid, they'd just have to sign up for a table in a particular sector.
Or assign a specific Maid to a specific table. The problem with this, though, would be that we'd probably need tons of volunteers... D: Fanime's a pretty decent con, though, so I'm sure there would be plenty of people willing to volunteer.
Out of curiosity, about how many tables were there last year? And how many maids?
I'm browsing through some Japanese Maid Cafe sites right now and they all seem like pretty small, cozy facilities. One site I saw had a roster of about 15 maids... Seems like a pretty decent number. Of course, if there are going to be more tables/space, there's gonna be a greater need for more maids... Huu~
Anyway, I hope to see a new and improved Maid Cafe at Fanime this year. Good luck to the staff working on it!
Quote from: ph1shf00d on January 16, 2008, 11:12:48 AM
It's funny how interested I am in this despite being such a tomboy XD
The Maid Cafe sounds like a lot of fun, although I'm a bit surprised at how heated the discussion got in this thread.
I wasn't at Fanime last year, so I had no idea how it went, and to be honest, I know very little about Maid Cafes to begin with. ^^;;;; Still... a few ideas?
Typically, maids are to be calm, collected, polite, and sweet to their patrons by helping them relax in the maid cafe and having them in their company. They typically greet customers with a bow and say, "Welcome home, Master.", but since it's slightly controversial, at Fanimaid Cafe, it's a simple, "Welcome". They're like companions for them while they eat, do work, play games on their laptop, etc etc. You serve them food and interact with them, but the amount of interaction is based off the person and his/her responses. Make yourself loveable. Customers should be able to like your company and be able to talk to you from time to time... you should go back to check your table, see how your customer is doing. Never leave the tables without saying a word, and without bowing. Since maid cafes were initially maid for an anime-fan crowd, they can talk about similar interests, ask for opinions on cosplay or merchendise, or have the maid cheer (Not loud and energetic cheering, but personal, quiet, "You can do it!" and "Do your best!" them on while playing a game, and even congratulating them. Now-a-days, even normal people visit maid cafes, and then... you could just have a nice and normal conversation, asking simple things like, "How was your day?". Interaction.
That's the short gist of it.
QuoteSince the space is supposed to be in a bigger room this year, that probably means more maids/volunteers would be needed. Also, a big issue about the maids last year seemed to be their lack of "intimacy" with the customers. It's been reiterated several times about how they're "maids" and not "waitresses," so for those who are familiar with maids/Maid cafes, I guess it's pretty understandable that a certain level of "cozyness" would be expected. But of course, that doesn't have to include touching and stuff, if either side is uncomfortable with that.
No touching is included, as that'd violate, not only the customer's personal space, but it'd be beyond the maids' actual jurisdiction.
QuoteI dunno if anyone brought this up (I kinda skimmed the thread...lolsorry =_=; )but maybe the Maid cafe could be divided up into several "sectors," each with a designated Maid(s). That way, you don't have an understaffed group trying to cater to that many people at the same time. It'd ensure a certain level of more personal attention to those who expect it, and might be a bit more organized and easier to handle [...] In addition, maybe there could be different Maid "types" serving the different sectors, so if a customer wanted a certain type of maid, they'd just have to sign up for a table in a particular sector.
Or assign a specific Maid to a specific table. The problem with this, though, would be that we'd probably need tons of volunteers... D:
That's pretty much what we had to do, and is one of the only ways of organizing it.
QuoteOut of curiosity, about how many tables were there last year? And how many maids?
If I recall correctly, there were about 6 small tables seating 2 or 3 people, and 4 big ones that seat about a dozen. But it's just an estimate, and not an official statement. There were about 6 to 10 different maids working each shift.
QuoteI'm browsing through some Japanese Maid Cafe sites right now and they all seem like pretty small, cozy facilities. One site I saw had a roster of about 15 maids... Seems like a pretty decent number. Of course, if there are going to be more tables/space, there's gonna be a greater need for more maids... Huu~
Imitating an authentic maid cafe would be beyond what the maid cafe is actually allowed to do. The facilities would be more like the maid cafes you see at school festivals, as it's impossible to decorate the space they have without being able to put anything on the walls, painting, and etc.
QuoteAnyway, I hope to see a new and improved Maid Cafe at Fanime this year. Good luck to the staff working on it!
There's still hope for that. I think.
The maid cafe was definitely.. Interesting.. Two maids came by our table (Apparently, one got bored of us.) and she had a one minute small talk session with us. We ate some food (Cake and a sandwich.. Some soda.) and got our picture taken.
Totally worth waiting in line and spending so much money.
Damn regulations +_+..
God I hope some like a soda doesn't cost $4.00
Quote from: PyronIkari on January 15, 2008, 06:52:55 PM
Le sigh. Why do I bother trying? I reply back, but unlike the others I reply back with more reasoning and basis as too what I'm saying. I say "This doesn't work because of x and y it would never work due to x and this is how x works" and you guys reply back with "NO YOU!" I go "-_- Look, you are ignoring this because of this" "NO YOU!" It's not my fault you people refuse to focus on stuff.
I should just stick with e-mailing Julia since this is rather hopeless trying to get people that don't want to listen to listen.
...I feel a little odd jumping in on this, but I think people would be more willing to listen if you stopped attacking them so harshly. One of the reasons people are getting so defensive and circular is because you're taking a very harsh stance against them. Debate them on it, that's fine, but (and I know I'm going to be attacked for this) get a grip. This is a discussion about a maid cafe that will be run for a weekend at a convention. Yes, people are putting lots of work into it, yes, people are looking forward to it, yes, we'd all like to see it run well and succeed, but remember. This is all volunteer work. Not paid professionals; there simply isn't enough time to get everyone trained as well as I think you'd like them to be, and this is just the second year. There's a lot to work out, and a lot of people are very excited by the concept. Relax a little; from what I've heard, the maid cafe was a success, even with all of its shortcomings. I feel that the customers are probably willing to accept the fact that it's not going to be perfect, or even like a real maid cafe, as it's being run "by fans, for fans", and while that doesn't mean we should be lax about training or trying to make it the best we can, it does mean that it doesn't have to be point-perfect. There's room for learning and error.
Also, on the note of the cue cards. Personally, I don't think it's a very good idea; it clutters the table, takes away from the cafe feel, and is quite honestly a little odd, but your reply wasn't very helpful. You basically said that a maid should be able to read a person's mind as to how they want to be treated. Yes, someone who goes to a maid cafe probably doesn't want to be left all by their lonesome and just be served (if they did, they'd just go to a regular cafe for cheaper), but the girl can't know just from looking at her customer whether they want to be called master, or just want conversation, or what they want. The girls aren't psychic, and you can't expect them to be. Perceptive, yes. You may be able to pick up on small clues, but let's face it; the guys who would want to be called "master" by a maid would probably hide that fact in normal society, and wouldn't exactly shout it to the world.
Getting your point to people is a lot easier when you aren't insulting them or their intelligence. Some of the people who were arguing against you were making valid points (granted, not with solid proof, but not the 'NO YOU" you accused them of)
Personally, I'd like to volunteer for the Maid Cafe. I wanted to do it last year, but I had a lot on my plate Fanime weekend. (and when I say a lot, I mean having to leave San Jose to drive up to Oakland or SF and back every day during random points. however, none of that this year \o/) I like waitressing, and think it would be a fun way to volunteer at Fanime while getting to wear a cute costume, and would be willing to go through some training before the con to prepare for the event, as well as willing to do my best during the event to make sure that I don't screw up in some way and that the people I interact with are happy. However, if it's going to be run with such high expectations of mere volunteers who are themselves just con goers out for a good time, I see this as being a lot less fun and a lot more grudging work for everyone involved.
never mind, one of my questions has answer O_o...
but still curious about it!
knowing price range (i assume 5 dollars to enter and foodwise is over 6 bucks O_O!..(guesses for new changes here >_<!)
i liked the cafe. to my standards it was just a little overpriced, but not really. they could have used a bigger area for the cafe but oh well. the only thing that really frusterated me was the resevation arrangment. on the 07 site it said you could either make a reservation in advanced online BEFORE the con or wait in the line. me and my friends (6 of us) put down our names on the list and we had to wait for about an hour and a half in a line of other guest. an hour before we got our table, these other people we knew put their name down for a resevation for 3 people. when we got to the front and were just about to be seated, the other 3 came back but with 12 more people and they seated them EXACTLY before us! so they put alot of the table together for them and our group was seperated in half. I wanted to punch those other people.
Quote from: NSC on February 21, 2008, 02:49:07 AM
i liked the cafe. to my standards it was just a little overpriced, but not really. they could have used a bigger area for the cafe but oh well. the only thing that really frusterated me was the resevation arrangment. on the 07 site it said you could either make a reservation in advanced online BEFORE the con or wait in the line. me and my friends (6 of us) put down our names on the list and we had to wait for about an hour and a half in a line of other guest. an hour before we got our table, these other people we knew put their name down for a resevation for 3 people. when we got to the front and were just about to be seated, the other 3 came back but with 12 more people and they seated them EXACTLY before us! so they put alot of the table together for them and our group was seperated in half. I wanted to punch those other people.
You got to freakin' kidding me!!! I hate waiting!
Quote from: Mister_E on February 21, 2008, 11:12:47 AM
Quote from: NSC on February 21, 2008, 02:49:07 AM
i liked the cafe. to my standards it was just a little overpriced, but not really. they could have used a bigger area for the cafe but oh well. the only thing that really frusterated me was the resevation arrangment. on the 07 site it said you could either make a reservation in advanced online BEFORE the con or wait in the line. me and my friends (6 of us) put down our names on the list and we had to wait for about an hour and a half in a line of other guest. an hour before we got our table, these other people we knew put their name down for a resevation for 3 people. when we got to the front and were just about to be seated, the other 3 came back but with 12 more people and they seated them EXACTLY before us! so they put alot of the table together for them and our group was seperated in half. I wanted to punch those other people.
You got to freakin' kidding me!!! I hate waiting!
i kid you not and it angered me so much. they shouldn't have let those other people in if they made reservations for 3 PEOPLE! there were 15 of them! and they should have waited in line like everybody else!
Quote from: NSC on February 21, 2008, 01:15:52 PM
Quote from: Mister_E on February 21, 2008, 11:12:47 AM
Quote from: NSC on February 21, 2008, 02:49:07 AM
i liked the cafe. to my standards it was just a little overpriced, but not really. they could have used a bigger area for the cafe but oh well. the only thing that really frusterated me was the resevation arrangment. on the 07 site it said you could either make a reservation in advanced online BEFORE the con or wait in the line. me and my friends (6 of us) put down our names on the list and we had to wait for about an hour and a half in a line of other guest. an hour before we got our table, these other people we knew put their name down for a resevation for 3 people. when we got to the front and were just about to be seated, the other 3 came back but with 12 more people and they seated them EXACTLY before us! so they put alot of the table together for them and our group was seperated in half. I wanted to punch those other people.
You got to freakin' kidding me!!! I hate waiting!
i kid you not and it angered me so much. they shouldn't have let those other people in if they made reservations for 3 PEOPLE! there were 15 of them! and they should have waited in line like everybody else!
Dammit and it might be even bigger this year, the line that is since more people might try it out, oh well I'll either try my luck or skip the whole thing.
I found this place for rent, It looks perfect for a maid cafe, I'll try to post a picture of it.
Quote from: JohnnyAR on February 22, 2008, 07:28:09 AM
I found this place for rent, It looks perfect for a maid cafe, I'll try to post a picture of it.
ummm The maid cafe for fanime con is just for the Con event only so it stays inside the con
Quote from: NSC on February 21, 2008, 02:49:07 AM
i liked the cafe. to my standards it was just a little overpriced, but not really. they could have used a bigger area for the cafe but oh well. the only thing that really frusterated me was the resevation arrangment. on the 07 site it said you could either make a reservation in advanced online BEFORE the con or wait in the line. me and my friends (6 of us) put down our names on the list and we had to wait for about an hour and a half in a line of other guest. an hour before we got our table, these other people we knew put their name down for a resevation for 3 people. when we got to the front and were just about to be seated, the other 3 came back but with 12 more people and they seated them EXACTLY before us! so they put alot of the table together for them and our group was seperated in half. I wanted to punch those other people.
yeah there should be some sort of reservation system.
Quote from: Kazuko on February 22, 2008, 07:55:45 PM
Quote from: JohnnyAR on February 22, 2008, 07:28:09 AM
I found this place for rent, It looks perfect for a maid cafe, I'll try to post a picture of it.
ummm The maid cafe for fanime con is just for the Con event only so it stays inside the con
Opps! I posted in the wrong thread, I got confused with another maid cafe thread.
actually there was a "rough" reservation system last year. it was so underground that by the time i found out (and I worked there) the reservations were already filled.
with our new larger space we'll hoepfully have enough room to accomodate you guys and we'll do our best to keep wait times down.
again thanks to everyone for both ur feedback and comments about our 'little' project.
Huz zah! :D
U know I since the space sound much bigger I am interested in checking it out. Looking forward to it Mai-chan and Jerry.
Quote from: kuroi on February 18, 2008, 11:30:27 PM
Also, on the note of the cue cards. Personally, I don't think it's a very good idea; it clutters the table, takes away from the cafe feel, and is quite honestly a little odd, but your reply wasn't very helpful. You basically said that a maid should be able to read a person's mind as to how they want to be treated. Yes, someone who goes to a maid cafe probably doesn't want to be left all by their lonesome and just be served (if they did, they'd just go to a regular cafe for cheaper), but the girl can't know just from looking at her customer whether they want to be called master, or just want conversation, or what they want. The girls aren't psychic, and you can't expect them to be. Perceptive, yes. You may be able to pick up on small clues, but let's face it; the guys who would want to be called "master" by a maid would probably hide that fact in normal society, and wouldn't exactly shout it to the world.
Here's the main thing though. Why are you going to a maid cafe if you don't want to be treated like that? People are too busy focusing on "what if random person X doesn't like this" so that they're de-tracting from what a maid cafe is. You don't go to a strip bar and expect girls not to flirt with you(because they're trying to get tips). You definitely shouldn't get angry if it happens, becuase that's what they do. If you don't like it, you shouldn't be there in the first place.
There's a bar called "Dick's" in Vegas. I love this place. Everyone there acts like total assholes to each other. You sit down the bartender screams at you "What the hell do you want?" You order your drink he slams it on the table, spilling some of it and screams the price at you. Everyone acts like... you know... a dick.
You don't walk into this place and get mad that a server isn't pleasently smiling and nice to you. A server won't change how he's acting because 1 customer doesn't like that they're rude there, when that's their thing. The same is said about maid cafes. If you don't want a waitress acting like a maid... DON'T GO TO A MAID CAFE.
Getting your point to people is a lot easier when you aren't insulting them or their intelligence. Some of the people who were arguing against you were making valid points (granted, not with solid proof, but not the 'NO YOU" you accused them of)
QuotePersonally, I'd like to volunteer for the Maid Cafe. I wanted to do it last year, but I had a lot on my plate Fanime weekend. (and when I say a lot, I mean having to leave San Jose to drive up to Oakland or SF and back every day during random points. however, none of that this year \o/) I like waitressing, and think it would be a fun way to volunteer at Fanime while getting to wear a cute costume, and would be willing to go through some training before the con to prepare for the event, as well as willing to do my best during the event to make sure that I don't screw up in some way and that the people I interact with are happy. However, if it's going to be run with such high expectations of mere volunteers who are themselves just con goers out for a good time, I see this as being a lot less fun and a lot more grudging work for everyone involved.
But this is being realistic. Volunteer work is hard and takes quite a bit of commitment. Sure it'll be fun, but it doesn't change that there's a lot of hardwork in what you do. If people don't want to dedicate the time and try to actually learn, then it's probably best that they don't. But if they do want to do it and have the mentallity to learn and what not, then they can have a great time.
I hate to sound skeptical, and this doesn't really affect me per say, but Fanime really is approaching fast, and what are any new maids going to do about uniforms? If we wait much longer, will there be enough time for any new maids to order their uniforms and make sure they fit correctly (as we had some issues with that last year)?
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 06:34:50 PM
I hate to sound skeptical, and this doesn't really affect me per say, but Fanime really is approaching fast, and what are any new maids going to do about uniforms? If we wait much longer, will there be enough time for any new maids to order their uniforms and make sure they fit correctly (as we had some issues with that last year)?
So nothing's changed.
Quote from: PyronIkari on March 07, 2008, 07:28:46 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 06:34:50 PM
I hate to sound skeptical, and this doesn't really affect me per say, but Fanime really is approaching fast, and what are any new maids going to do about uniforms? If we wait much longer, will there be enough time for any new maids to order their uniforms and make sure they fit correctly (as we had some issues with that last year)?
So nothing's changed.
The commentary isn't really necessary.
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 09:44:09 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on March 07, 2008, 07:28:46 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 06:34:50 PM
I hate to sound skeptical, and this doesn't really affect me per say, but Fanime really is approaching fast, and what are any new maids going to do about uniforms? If we wait much longer, will there be enough time for any new maids to order their uniforms and make sure they fit correctly (as we had some issues with that last year)?
So nothing's changed.
The commentary isn't really necessary.
It is something to worry about though, if you think about it. Fanime's only a couple of months away, and there haven't been any announcements, meetings, or visible improvements in general outside of the activity concerning Extravaganza. Last year, the volunteers already were poorly kept up with what was going on, and now there's even less activity in terms on information.
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 07, 2008, 10:04:37 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 09:44:09 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on March 07, 2008, 07:28:46 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 06:34:50 PM
I hate to sound skeptical, and this doesn't really affect me per say, but Fanime really is approaching fast, and what are any new maids going to do about uniforms? If we wait much longer, will there be enough time for any new maids to order their uniforms and make sure they fit correctly (as we had some issues with that last year)?
So nothing's changed.
The commentary isn't really necessary.
It is something to worry about though, if you think about it. Fanime's only a couple of months away, and there haven't been any announcements, meetings, or visible improvements in general outside of the activity concerning Extravaganza. Last year, the volunteers already were poorly kept up with what was going on, and now there's even less activity in terms on information.
Precisely my worry and reason for my comment. And while, yes, this that and the other thing may be going on "behind the scenes," it would be nice to be kept up to date or even directly aware that things are even happening. As a confirmed maid next year, I have yet to receive anything, and if not for the fact I ran into Sydney in a book store in SC a few weeks ago, I wouldn't even be certain it were still happening at all.
But Mikey's comment really didn't add anything other than add to the already well-know fact he's discontent with the way things are handled.
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 10:09:21 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 07, 2008, 10:04:37 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 09:44:09 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on March 07, 2008, 07:28:46 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 06:34:50 PM
I hate to sound skeptical, and this doesn't really affect me per say, but Fanime really is approaching fast, and what are any new maids going to do about uniforms? If we wait much longer, will there be enough time for any new maids to order their uniforms and make sure they fit correctly (as we had some issues with that last year)?
So nothing's changed.
The commentary isn't really necessary.
It is something to worry about though, if you think about it. Fanime's only a couple of months away, and there haven't been any announcements, meetings, or visible improvements in general outside of the activity concerning Extravaganza. Last year, the volunteers already were poorly kept up with what was going on, and now there's even less activity in terms on information.
Precisely my worry and reason for my comment. And while, yes, this that and the other thing may be going on "behind the scenes," it would be nice to be kept up to date or even directly aware that things are even happening. As a confirmed maid next year, I have yet to receive anything, and if not for the fact I ran into Sydney in a book store in SC a few weeks ago, I wouldn't even be certain it were still happening at all.
But Mikey's comment really didn't add anything other than add to the already well-know fact he's discontent with the way things are handled.
Not to actually defend him on this point, but from what it looks like, I don't think anyone considering participating should be content with how things are handled right now. Though, I'm pretty sure that it's still happening-- there's just a null on any updates or information and people are sort of left in the dark. It was a bit of a problem last year, so you figure there'd be some improvement this time.
But there are more staff members in charge of the event now, it seems. I'm sure there are other people other than Sydney to contact, like Julia or Tony.
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 07, 2008, 10:14:39 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 10:09:21 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 07, 2008, 10:04:37 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 09:44:09 PM
Quote from: PyronIkari on March 07, 2008, 07:28:46 PM
Quote from: Fructose on March 07, 2008, 06:34:50 PM
I hate to sound skeptical, and this doesn't really affect me per say, but Fanime really is approaching fast, and what are any new maids going to do about uniforms? If we wait much longer, will there be enough time for any new maids to order their uniforms and make sure they fit correctly (as we had some issues with that last year)?
So nothing's changed.
The commentary isn't really necessary.
It is something to worry about though, if you think about it. Fanime's only a couple of months away, and there haven't been any announcements, meetings, or visible improvements in general outside of the activity concerning Extravaganza. Last year, the volunteers already were poorly kept up with what was going on, and now there's even less activity in terms on information.
Precisely my worry and reason for my comment. And while, yes, this that and the other thing may be going on "behind the scenes," it would be nice to be kept up to date or even directly aware that things are even happening. As a confirmed maid next year, I have yet to receive anything, and if not for the fact I ran into Sydney in a book store in SC a few weeks ago, I wouldn't even be certain it were still happening at all.
But Mikey's comment really didn't add anything other than add to the already well-know fact he's discontent with the way things are handled.
Not to actually defend him on this point, but from what it looks like, I don't think anyone considering participating should be content with how things are handled right now. Though, I'm pretty sure that it's still happening-- there's just a null on any updates or information and people are sort of left in the dark. It was a bit of a problem last year, so you figure there'd be some improvement this time.
But there are more staff members in charge of the event now, it seems. I'm sure there are other people other than Sydney to contact, like Julia or Tony.
I'm not saying it's an invalid point by any means, it's just rather old hat from him by this point.
I at least have the leeway of already being prepared and familiar with how things will happen, I just worry for those who would possibly want to participate and may be unable to. The fact that there are others in charge now really only makes the silence all the more dismaying, as that means that there are more people who could be informing the (involved) masses who just aren't, for whatever reason.
I do admit on feeling in the dark as well...
if i could only just get to a meeting instead of being stuck with circus folk all the time...
Ill have to find out and see what info i could dig up.
As much as I would like to announce certain things, I am still working with key people on getting the details set before declaring it out to the world.
Yes, Maid Cafe will still happen in a bigger location and with longer hours. We are still working out the details for the menu. As for the volunteers for the maids and their outfits, we are working on that still, so all those interested will hear about it shortly.
Just because there hasn't been any official word does not mean that we're not working hard on on various functions.
If there are any concerns or questions that aren't answered by any of my department heads, feel free to email me at
[email protected].
http://www.limebarbmaidcafe.com/index.html ??
Limebarb = <3
Maybe? I dunno how their pricing works, and I figure it's too close to the con to arrange them coming, but it could be an idea for the future... ^^;
i would like to volunteer at the maid cafe~ ^o^
so are the costumes provided? and do volunteers have to attend training?
Limebarb takes months in advance to do orders, and if you're asking for like 6... it'd take her like a year to get it to you.
If the con wants, they could always just ask someone in Japan to buy uniforms at Tokyu Hands, and have them shit that. Costumes are only like... 60-70$ and they're pretty well made, shipping would according to how many bought. They'd have to do it soon though, just in case customs decides to be a douche about the package and takes a month to get it through.
Oh, I wasn't talking about ordering costumes from them. It seems they actually have their own traveling maid cafe...that's what I was thinking. =3
I ordered some clothing from Japan recently, with the super fast EMS thing and it only took a week. >_>
You know, the con is nearly 2 months away. There haven't been meetings, volunteer sign-ups, and time seems pretty tight for ordering uniforms. While I won't doubt that hard work is being done, the lack of announcements is unnerving.
Right, well, both Julia and I prefer to let the department do its announcements/PR themselves, otherwise we'd be telling you all about the things going on behind the scenes... but for the sake of the people reading the forums, I'll clue everyone in as much as I can.
Unfortunately we had to clear up contractual issues before maid cafe could even get a real start, and that only just got cleared up. These are basic issues like the size and duration of service, and have been under negotiation for... nearly 6 months now. (It's useless trying to plan when you don't know how long or how big the event is run, since an event like this doesn't scale up or down easily.)
Obviously, we expected it to take much less time, and we planned as such - but with the successive delays, it began to have a "boy who cried wolf" effect that made us skeptical about planning until things were finalized. Now that things are solid, there's been a lot of activity. The biggest issue left is probably the training - which isn't unimportant, but is relatively straightforward.
On top of that, Maid Cafe enjoys a delicate PR situation on the forums, so we're extremely conservative about what we say. :P
I hope that helps.
Thanks for letting us know.
But time is running quite short. Last year, we had been told to order uniforms online, and they were supposedly custom made to our measurements, and some of which needed time to gather money to pay for them. Not only that, but it was hoped that the maids could undergo some training this year. It's a bit questionable whether or not enough people could volunteer, order uniforms, and train within that span of time.
Ohh.. we have to buy our own costumes? :[
T__T; Oh well then..
Quote from: xiaomei on March 25, 2008, 09:38:14 PM
Ohh.. we have to buy our own costumes? :[
T__T; Oh well then..
That's what we had to do last year, but that
was the first year. It might be different?
Quote from: Tony on March 25, 2008, 04:49:22 PM
I hope that helps.
You've done more than anything in terms of last minute - last year.
Though, if there aren't any meetings/training/actions within the next two months, I call Deja Vu.
QuoteThe biggest issue left is probably the training - which isn't unimportant, but is relatively straightforward.
Do your research! No research = otaku-grapevine = red sales.
~Chun
Training is very important, I think pyron is probally going to stress it or has in some posts ago but the maids are to interact with customers, being a maid cafe there are activities, small talk and whatever they do at a maid cafe, so that the customer comes back and even brings friends. How they present themselfs and what not is also important especially since there might be some shy girls who are volunteering to do this. (to be honest if you are very shy you are going to have to put that aside since you will be dealing with alot of customers. ESPECIALLY interaction such as conversations, ect... but if you cant you probally shouldnt be a maid. Im not being mean just honest)
=( I kinda had high hopes for this year to be an improvment but with the delays and the con comming arround so soon there should have been signups, orders for uniforms and training about months ago. Im really hoping that the uniforms are an improvment than last years since they were a bit...well the images i saw were faar from the actual uniform. Especially the price since I had to drop out of the maid cafe last year because it was like what $150 for the type of uniform I wanted to get.
I don't know if Pyron had brought it up with Julia yet, but I recall him mentioning it earlier in the thread that uniforms could've been ordered from Tokyu Hands for roughly 60-70 USD. They're not custom fit, but they're sold like normal clothing in sizes like XS, S, M, L, XL but in Asian proportions. I'll ask him to check with anyone to see if they have general measurements of bust, waist, hips, etc later on.
My biggest issue with the uniforms last year wasn't so much the quality (eg, the cloth and lace was stiff-- a notorious trait of ordering ebay-commissions from seamstresses in China.) but their appearance. They looked more like EGL costumes than actual maid uniforms, and were excessive in detail. Pyron gave me a photo earlier of some of the maid uniforms in display at the front of the store. More detailed ones aren't shown, but are also more expensive.
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2F231771317_f2fcc0f98e.jpg&hash=89e45e8fb1b087dcb3e9902800d854b4fdf93b67)
Time is really short... and while Pyron probably thinks I'm just being too optimistic, I was hoping that now more people are apparently working on organizing the cafe, there'd be some noticeable improvements. The costumes do require money, and unless someone will actually turn in the budget for them and have Fanime fund it for the volunteers, people also need time to come up with the money.
Someone had mentioned to me that meetings will happen soon, once they're organized, but... I really wonder who'd go to them if no actual volunteer list had been made yet. Things were pretty rushed last year, but they weren't nearly as disappointing.
http://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/
Is that the Tokyu Hands website? Or is there an English one?
How would people order costumes..? I can only read a little Japanese x.x;
Quote from: xiaomei on March 26, 2008, 11:58:52 AM
http://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/
Is that the Tokyu Hands website? Or is there an English one?
How would people order costumes..? I can only read a little Japanese x.x;
There's only the Japanese website that I know of, as they don't have any franchises anywhere else but Japan and Taiwan, but no Chinese site. I'd assume volunteers would list their size and give them to someone to order. Sounds fairly simple to me.
I remember last year I suggested cosmates since they do sell maid uniforms
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/index/cp-43_222.html
the prices are decent well not including shipping and handling fees.
Tokyu Hands has cute maid costumes from the picture
Huh..
Wouldn't it be better if everyone's costume matched? x.x;
Quote from: xiaomei on March 26, 2008, 02:06:07 PM
Huh..
Wouldn't it be better if everyone's costume matched? x.x;
... I don't read where anyone implied that the uniforms weren't going to match.
Last year, there were about 3 different designs to choose from, but due to the small amount of people working as maids per shift, it almost seemed as if all the uniforms were different. This year, it'd be nice if it were possible to have similar maid uniforms for each maid, and maybe differing in small details to suit said maid's personality, or the personality she's portraying.
Ohh, I see ><
Sorry @@;
Well I hope the costumes will be cheaper..
From the picture someone posted I like the one on the far right. Anyway, the way things are going now I have no idea how the uniforms are going to be handled. I have a feeling that the people who did it last year are probably going to have to wear last years uniforms and new people will have to get new ones. I think the only one from last year that looked more or less maidish was the one w/ the short sleeves. Although,they were all really cute, but I had the one with the long sleeves and that was a pain,a cute pain? Anyway, since there is no volunteer list and I dunno how many people from last year are doing this year,the uniforms will be a problem. I kow it takes time to make them,and takes money to get them. (rhymes?) Who knows,maybe they'll actually pay for us this year.
Pyron: Have you suggested that Tokyo store to Julie,whoever is in charge, 'cuz those ones are sooo much cheaper then last years, and look so much better?
So the training thing, I have a feeling that it's going to go like last years, but I hope it won't be. If anyone has tips on what we should and should not do would be great if we could compile them.Then, run them by the heads and at least pass a paper form to people.
-prays the costumes are supplied- >.<;
I think meeting to training would be really hard, especially for people that live really far away. So the paper idea seems good to me. ^o^
well last year everyone had to pay for their own costume, I doubt this year will be any different unless there is a BIG figure in the budget for outfits to be provided for free.
The paper idea would probally work but depending on an actual rehersal it should be meetings so that everyone gets together and everyone learns what they might be doing wrong
The issue with Tokyu Hands... is that it's like a Wal-mart... only a super Wal-mart where you can get literally anything you need but not in bulk.
They don't ship, and there's no real online stores. You can order stuff, but you pick it up at the store. You would have to get someone in Japan to buy everyone's and they would ship all of them to the US. So, the problem here is that, people would have to know their sizes via JP sizes, and would have to have a 3rd party purchase and send it to them. Now I'm not saying I know people that are willing to do it, but my friends from Japan were the one that suggested it to me. They said they would do it *FOR ME* and not so much for the con or anyone else. So if this idea is supported by the con, I'm not promising I can have it done.
Tokyu Hands sells all kinds of stuff, and they have lots of different stores, so it would take a while for someone to get pictures of designs, etc if they're going to let people pick which one they want. If not it would be, one person buying one type for everyone to make things easier.
Once more, it was an idea, and frankly, time is running short for the idea. I don't think it will happen mostly because the con would be working with a 3rd party individual to purchase everyones' costumes and it would be someone they don't know through me. Unless they have a friend in Japan that's willing to do it, don't get your hopes up.
Prices on those vary quite a bit, but yen wise, they're like 5000-7000yen according to which one, but due to the price of the dollar sucking, it's more expensive now than it would have been a few months ago.
Looks like some meeting times & places have opened up, so we should have some info out soon - either to the volunteer list (which does exist) or the forums/website as well.
Pyron's suggestion of Tokyu Hands is really good, and maybe we can coordinate something, but to end the speculation...
Unfortunately, like last year, FanimeCon won't be purchasing outfits for the maids.
There's a bunch of reasons why - and if you're really curious, PM me and I'll give you the boring explanation - but it's simply not in the budget for this year.
Quote from: Tony on March 27, 2008, 08:42:49 AM
Looks like some meeting times & places have opened up, so we should have some info out soon - either to the volunteer list (which does exist) or the forums/website as well.
Pyron's suggestion of Tokyu Hands is really good, and maybe we can coordinate something, but to end the speculation...
Unfortunately, like last year, FanimeCon won't be purchasing outfits for the maids.
There's a bunch of reasons why - and if you're really curious, PM me and I'll give you the boring explanation - but it's simply not in the budget for this year.
Aw, that sucks.
Well, Pyron just had said that time might be too short to actually order from Tokyu Hands and the inconvenience that Fanime might not be comfortable with them being shipped by a third party. Kazuko's suggestion of Cosmates seems okay, but I'm not familiar with their quality, and anyone else I've known has ordered from there has bought clothing made by other brands that they just carry. They SEEM relatively cheap, but I don't know if their quality mirrors their price. I went through a couple of maid outfits, and found a few that might work. (The ones that aren't excessively detailed, too expensive, or fetish clothing.)
Basic maid uniform: http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7131.html
Slightly more detailed variation: http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7197.html
Other more detailed designs:
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/pid-7196.html
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7191.html
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_223/pid-7059.html
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/pid-7309.html
Different color/designs:
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/pid-7318.html
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7071.html
Those are all really pretty, but kind of expensive. >.<
Here's a 33 dollar one, and it looks alright to me. :3
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_223/pid-7315.html
*edit*
Here's a 38 dollar one that looks nice too: http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7278.html
^o^
Quote from: xiaomei on March 27, 2008, 11:16:57 AM
Those are all really pretty, but kind of expensive. >.<
Here's a 33 dollar one, and it looks alright to me. :3
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_223/pid-7315.html
I'm fairly sure that one isn't going to be comfortable, after looking at it. It looks thin and the lace is probably low-quality. $33 isn't just cheap-- like like buying a imitations of expensive food at a 99c store. Have you ordered cosplay commissions before, though? $33 is a bit suspicious. You wouldn't even be able to get a low-quality Halloween costume of a detailed-maid uniform for that little.
In America, a fair price for custom-made clothing like a maid uniform would be roughly $3-400. Since a lot of cosplayers that don't sew seem to be on budgets the majority of the time, they get commissions by local/Chinese seamstresses that charge half the price... and with the prices they give, they pretty much only make enough to break even or make little profit. The only reason Cosmates is this cheap
I HOPE is because they have these costumes pre-made and in bulk.
edit:...While suggestions are good, I just posted why a suspiciously cheap costume wouldn't be a good idea.
If $33 wasn't so great, why would it be much different $5 more? Augh. Anyways, the list I had already posted is very cheap in comparison to the options given last year. I'll you an idea of what average is. They ordered custom commissions, the cheapest being $90, and the other two were roughly $150.
Those are normal prices for a budget seamstress. A standard uniform would cost double that price.
Anyways, I found one of my friends that had ordered uniforms from here before, and the one he got is an okay quality. (Mikey's worn it before. :V) http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7192.html
@__@; You have a point there
Well I could probably get the first one you posted (http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7131.html)
I'll prolly just have to sell a lot of stuff, but I think it's worth it since I can keep wearing it ^o^
If it's over $100, I don't think I can though.. Too young to get a job. x.x;
Quote from: xiaomei on March 27, 2008, 12:44:07 PM
@__@; You have a point there
Well I could probably get the first one you posted (http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_224/pid-7131.html)
I'll prolly just have to sell a lot of stuff, but I think it's worth it since I can keep wearing it ^o^
If it's over $100, I don't think I can though.. Too young to get a job. x.x;
These are just suggestions. I'm not part of the staff organizing the maid cafe, so ultimately, they're the one who has to make the decision on what to do in terms of the uniforms. :V
Wow, thanks for checking things out!
I see they have men's sizes... nice...
As a quick aside, Ted came up to me and commissioned a logo from me, and it more or less retains the same appearance.
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parallel-parallel.net%2Fmaidcafe%2Ffanicafe08_logo_web.png&hash=e9dc76d686a2197784b0a02314133d92b69845cc)
Fancy
well I have had a friend order a Lolita outfit through cosmates, the material is really nice but the outfit was a lolita maid outfit
this one here: http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/product_info/cp-43_222_223/pid-7211.html it was very adorible, the fabric was pretty good, sleeves were detachable which came in handy if the weather got warmer but the only problem was that the straps were kinda loose on her but fixable with a saftey pin. and they shipped fast I dont know if they sell in bulk but you can email the company and ask them
Most of the items at cosmates have a already set size but it costs more if you need a larger size, or what not.
The really cheap outfits at cosmates are a bit low quality from what i read reviews on.
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
Quote from: Spiritsnare on March 27, 2008, 02:11:06 PM
As a quick aside, Ted came up to me and commissioned a logo from me, and it more or less retains the same appearance.
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parallel-parallel.net%2Fmaidcafe%2Ffanicafe08_logo_web.png&hash=e9dc76d686a2197784b0a02314133d92b69845cc)
That looks good ~ ^o^
I was wondering why they had men's sizes.. I thought it was because some people needed bigger sizes? -tries not to think about it-
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
So what time does thing open? I have to work it into my plan of action at the con.
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
Yeah I am scarred for the rest of my life D:
that bow does not go well with is outfit D:<
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 08:46:31 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
Yeah I am scarred for the rest of my life D:
that bow does not go well with is outfit D:<
Hmm, I thought you would say something about the bag?
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 08:46:31 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
Yeah I am scarred for the rest of my life D:
that bow does not go well with is outfit D:<
Hey. F*ck you. I made that bow for him. =|
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 09:51:57 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 08:46:31 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
Yeah I am scarred for the rest of my life D:
that bow does not go well with is outfit D:<
Hey. F*ck you. I made that bow for him. =|
And it's indeed a nice bow.
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 09:51:57 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 08:46:31 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
Yeah I am scarred for the rest of my life D:
that bow does not go well with is outfit D:<
Hey. F*ck you. I made that bow for him. =|
Note that she said "doesn't go well with the outfit", not "sucks".
Hmm. A little face makeup, hair extensions... would fix the problem right up.
And, hey, it'd add that "trap" appeal, no? Just kidding... PLEASE don't kill me!!!!
Just a reminder, that any information posted in here that is not from me, Sydney, any other Maid Cafe staff, or our superiors, should not be taken as official information. An email has gone out containing information, and I am available to answer questions you may have.
*BARF* WTF is going on??
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WTF!?!?!? MAN!?!?!?!?
THAT'S SOMETHING FOR ME TO REMEMBER!!!!
to get back on to topic.
So remember to Contact the Fanime Maid team : for any questions!
Thanks for being interested!
http://www.fanime.com/events/maid-cafe
Maid Cafe e-mail :
[email protected]Sorry for the misinfortmation.
Actually, please use the
[email protected] email instead of the individual ones.
This ensures that your request will go to both the Head and her second. If there are any questions that they cannot answer, you are more than welcome to email me or my second in command at
[email protected].
Regarding the meeting today:
*I already see great improvements coming up, and I'm glad to hear them. While my job description, alas, doesn't change much, it'll be nice to see that both the scope and quality of how the maid cafe will run have both improved in leaps and bounds.
*Perhaps we should take a page or two from THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSSqJZmn3AE) video and have sort of hourly "shows" of sorts to keep things interesting? That is, if we have the resources for it, and feel up to it.
*Also, if that's the case, could THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjaJubPIHeI) Parapara routine be considered: "Maid Attack" by Franz Tornado & The Akibahara Maids? Fun and appropriate (mostly). :3
*To clear any rumors now, I. WILL. NOT. BE. A MAID. I will be a butler. I know this will disappoint countless hordes of you COUGHJunCOUGH, but I'm afraid it's just not meant to be.~
So what Menu are we looking at?
Just Tea and Cake?
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on March 27, 2008, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: Kazuko on March 27, 2008, 02:49:44 PM
Jun you just gave me nightmares for a week about pryon in a maids dress
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi232.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee298%2Fshoegazer_tokyo%2Fmikeymeido.jpg&hash=f05fcdef47faf510ef11b2e0a8aa3c822dbd7b5b)
Lulz, he was a obese faggot, then.
... well, he's still a fag, but at least not an obese one. :L
wait, thats Pryon! 0.o
The meeting went relatively well this week! For those who have attended today and read this thread, it's advisory to come to the follow up meetings to review and have someone work with you one-on-one with the specifics, e.g. language training, bowing, and overall appearance. Some of the people I worked with today during training had trouble projecting, and pronouncing the phrases, but please remember that this is a very important part of being both a maid and a waitress in general. You need to be able to have your patron understand what you are saying. Remember to study, but do not rush yourself, otherwise, you will develop bad habits and get too nervous! But everything worked very hard and did a good job. Just please, remember to practice! Review the hand-outs I gave you. Here are the notes on the handout for you to refer to if you don't have the hand-out with you.
Master (for male patrons): 「ご主人様」 "Goshujinsama" goh-shoo-jeen-sah-mah
Miss (for female patrons): 「お嬢様」 "Ojousama" oh-joh-sah-mah (The "joh" is elongated.)
Welcome home, Master/Miss: 「お帰りなさい」 "Okaerinasai" oh-kah-eh-lee-na-sai (Remember that 'ka' is before 'e', slow down and break down syllables to practice"
Have a nice day: 「行ってらっしゃいませ」 "Itterasshaimase" ee-tte-ra-sshai-mah-seh (Remember the notes I have said for double letters like "tte")
Practice from the examples I've given you today and do your best. Remember to slow down and break things down into syllables before saying it naturally.
If you have lost it COMPLETELY, or have any trouble with studying, please e-mail me at
[email protected] and I'll send you a .doc copy of it to you as soon as possible. If you can, it'd be best if you're able to go to the next meetings for review. Thanks everyone.
QuoteRegarding the meeting today:
*I already see great improvements coming up, and I'm glad to hear them. While my job description, alas, doesn't change much, it'll be nice to see that both the scope and quality of how the maid cafe will run have both improved in leaps and bounds.
I agree, the meeting went pretty well today. Too bad you weren't able to stay through the maid training. You'll need the info. =P
Quote*Perhaps we should take a page or two from THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSSqJZmn3AE) video and have sort of hourly "shows" of sorts to keep things interesting? That is, if we have the resources for it, and feel up to it.
*Also, if that's the case, could THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjaJubPIHeI) Parapara routine be considered: "Maid Attack" by Franz Tornado & The Akibahara Maids? Fun and appropriate (mostly). :3
Actually, we had considered a routine for the maids to do, but we didn't have enough time for preperation, nor do we have the space for it in the cafe this year. Maybe next year, if we begin training earlier, we could try and manage some sort of performance.
Quote*To clear any rumors now, I. WILL. NOT. BE. A MAID. I will be a butler. I know this will disappoint countless hordes of you COUGHJunCOUGH, but I'm afraid it's just not meant to be.~
Ohohohoho, oh yes you will~
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 20, 2008, 09:17:46 PM
Quote*To clear any rumors now, I. WILL. NOT. BE. A MAID. I will be a butler. I know this will disappoint countless hordes of you COUGHJunCOUGH, but I'm afraid it's just not meant to be.~
Ohohohoho, oh yes you will~
No worries zoupzoup~ we'll definately be happy to have you dress up as a maid this year.
if I can do it. so con you! :D - wootz for male "bishie" maids.
Quote from: Jerry on April 21, 2008, 03:12:01 PM
Quote from: Jun-Watarase on April 20, 2008, 09:17:46 PM
Quote*To clear any rumors now, I. WILL. NOT. BE. A MAID. I will be a butler. I know this will disappoint countless hordes of you COUGHJunCOUGH, but I'm afraid it's just not meant to be.~
Ohohohoho, oh yes you will~
No worries zoupzoup~ we'll definately be happy to have you dress up as a maid this year.
if I can do it. so con you! :D - wootz for male "bishie" maids.
Um, to address some points: No, Why God Why, and, no. I signed on as a butler, I'mma stay that way. A class-A Trap I am not. There are simply not enough drugs AND money in the world to make me change my mind. And furtherm--
Wait. You were a maid, Jerry? 0_.
I am horrified by some of the things in this thread... I think I will have nightmares.
Quote from: Steve.Young on April 21, 2008, 03:42:44 PM
I am horrified by some of the things in this thread... I think I will have nightmares.
IT'S A TRAP
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fanime.miao.us%2Fimages%2Fhayate%2F38_39%2F39_02.jpg&hash=c8ce4260aa856b665d5c11bdf43931c36393b84f)