Which do you assume would be the faster option?
Thursday pick-up, arriving there around 4:30 maybe, or
Friday pick-up around 2:30?
AND even though I'm fifteen I should be able to pick up my badge without an adult so long as I have a government issue ID? Just making it clear.
In my opinion, Friday would be the faster route. I picked mine up around the same time last year and there was absolutely no lines. I walked right in and got my badge. :3
As an answer to your second question, You are correct. :D
Friday is faster, but if you have some time to spare, and some friends to hang out with in line... Thursday is half the fun ;D
Thanks both of you. o:
Um, I don't know what line you guys saw last year but Friday at 2:30 is pretty much terrible. Kids out of school = line ASPLOSION. I would say Thursday, because A) It's fun to wait in the thursday line B) You're not missing anything
Yeah. My 2 cents.
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
Quote from: wintersweet on May 31, 2011, 11:42:15 PM
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
Quote from: FanFicGuru on June 01, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
It's pretty hard to do when you have groups with integrated early/pre-reg types of memberships.
Quote from: FanFicGuru on June 01, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
Quote from: wintersweet on May 31, 2011, 11:42:15 PM
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
Actually the pre+early pick up was decided upon because groups registrations are mixed with pre and early registration types. It would have been nearly impossible and unfair to separate groups out like that. We could get rid of group registrations!! I kid. ;D
Yes Day Zero has become quite popular. It's tough on the attendees and the staff involved. We're thinking hard about trying to alleviate it.
Quote from: Sen on June 01, 2011, 01:54:31 PM
Quote from: FanFicGuru on June 01, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
Quote from: wintersweet on May 31, 2011, 11:42:15 PM
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
Actually the pre+early pick up was decided upon because groups registrations are mixed with pre and early registration types. It would have been nearly impossible and unfair to separate groups out like that. We could get rid of group registrations!! I kid. ;D
Yes Day Zero has become quite popular. It's tough on the attendees and the staff involved. We're thinking hard about trying to alleviate it.
Just make group reg's Pre registration only. Once pre reg deadline passed any unpaid members are dropped and they have to early reg.
I'm pretty sure that's how it was a few years ago when I did my group reg...
I've heard some people go to Day 0 as early as 7AM...but isn't that a little scary how early it is? Or is the line reealllyy insane?
Unfortunately I have school on that Friday, so I can never get my badge until Saturday morning (no line, btw. none at all).
Hoping that with a new school I'll have that day free...
Quote from: FanFicGuru on June 01, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
Quote from: wintersweet on May 31, 2011, 11:42:15 PM
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
The only reason the lines were a 'nightmare' on Thursday is due to ineffective management of human resources, further complicated by the design of the badges.
Quote from: Himeno on June 01, 2011, 11:57:07 PM
Quote from: FanFicGuru on June 01, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
Quote from: wintersweet on May 31, 2011, 11:42:15 PM
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
The only reason the lines were a 'nightmare' on Thursday is due to ineffective management of human resources, further complicated by the design of the badges.
Would you like to explain your observations?
Quote from: Sen on June 02, 2011, 12:03:53 AM
Quote from: Himeno on June 01, 2011, 11:57:07 PM
Quote from: FanFicGuru on June 01, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
Quote from: wintersweet on May 31, 2011, 11:42:15 PM
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
The only reason the lines were a 'nightmare' on Thursday is due to ineffective management of human resources, further complicated by the design of the badges.
Would you like to explain your observations?
Bait taken. I would also like to hear
Himeno's insight. ;D
Quote from: Himeno on June 01, 2011, 11:57:07 PM
Quote from: FanFicGuru on June 01, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
Quote from: wintersweet on May 31, 2011, 11:42:15 PM
If anyone's looking at this for next year, picking up on Thursday is pretty much a nightmare. There's nothing like starting off the first real day of the convention with sore feet due to standing in line for 2.5 hours! I really regretted that ... Just go early Friday morning. (Though I guess if everyone does that, then it'll be just like Thursday. sigh. I love Fanime, but I do wish some things were done differently.)
There is one reason that the lines have been such a nightmare on Thursdays this year and last: letting Early Reg pick up the same night as pre reg. I'm hoping that Registration might re-consider this policy after having two years of pretty intense Thursday night lines.
The only reason the lines were a 'nightmare' on Thursday is due to ineffective management of human resources, further complicated by the design of the badges.
Please don't say "Remove the names off the badges, and remove badge number because its a waste of time" We had over 6 people working at the computers and a runner at each station to grab your specially made badge for you. We went as fast as possible, but searching through 10k+ badges is going to take a while, even when organized by 50 numbers each. But if you had an early reg, you just head on over towards the badge making table where we had 4 people going through and sticking the names on each badge and putting them in the lanyard for you. If you have any suggestions on how to IMPROVE this, please tell us.
You might have a hard time picking up your badge if you don't have a driver's license, a California ID, or Passport. ( You have to go to DMV for a CA ID. Long lines and you have to pay $.) I had an issue with this. I Pre-registered my kids 14 and 15. I took them to Fanime and lined up with them. My kids had their school IDs with them but the said it was unacceptable because they needed a government ID. I asked them how can a 14 and 15 year old have a license and they shouldn't have to lug their passports around just to go to Fanime. I told the staff that their name in on the receipt, their name and picture is on their school ID and their mother is there to check them in with a proof of payment. What more do they need? Only after I asked for my money back did they release the badges. Needless to say I am at a loss.
Fanime. Review your Badge Pick-up Policy. I dread Fanime 2012 because my kids would want to go. I will happily pay them if they skip it.
Under Age Badge Pick up should be released if the name on the receipt and school ID with name and picture matches.
Emu's comments addressed in this thread: http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,16425.msg424840.html#msg424840
Regarding this situation, I have made extensive posts here:
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,16425.msg423019.html#msg423019
I further elaborate on my position in the following posts:
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,16425.msg423868.html#msg423868
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,16425.msg423912.html#msg423912
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,16425.msg423983.html#msg423983
In summary,
The Good:
1) Pulling Swap Meet vendor badges. Lessened the line and lessened the stress on vendors.
2) Group registration. Also shortened wait times. Non-group leaders didn't have to worry about waiting in line or having their IDs on them to pick up badges. This was the only way I got my boyfriend to even purchase a badge (since he didn't want to wait in line for 3 hours, so I waited for him), so thank you! :)
3) Lines opened on time this year, as opposed to 30 minutes late in 2009. Good job!
My Ideas for improvement:
1) I feel that mailing out badges can generate profit and ease the burden on the staff come Day 0. I understand that badges were mailed out in the past, and as a convention that is for fans, by fans, I feel that it's only fair that staff members elaborate to those providing feedback as to why this is no longer done.
2) Provide incentives for volunteering during Day 0. In the past, Day 0 volunteers got double hours. Allow volunteers to pick up their badges early as a reward for their time. Specifically advertise these perks in the days leading up to the convention (i.e. fanime.com's front page, facebook, twitter). If people know that they can get double volunteer hours and pick up their badges early on Day 0, you will get more than 5 volunteers. How many non-staff volunteers helped during Day 0 pre-reg this year?
More ideas I thought of now:
1) Resource allocation. Knowing that several thousand people showed up to Day 0 this year, we should be aware that more people will likely show up next year. Unfortunately, waiting in line for up to 3 hours is not fun for everyone. Logistics should anticipate this and start recruiting Day 0 helpers as early as possible to ensure every registration booth is staffed (or even over staffed for that matter). Just like in war, you send your resources to locations that need it most. During the hours of 5-830pm on Day 0, pre-reg needs the most help.
2) Dropping early registration Day 0 pick up will help the line congestion. People who intend on going to Fanime for a whole weekend should be responsible enough to plan early and not miss the final deadline to buy a badge. Currently, people who pre-register past certain deadlines have to pay a higher price. We can expand on this by not allowing those who miss the pre-reg deadline to pick up their badge on Thursday night.
With that said, when does Fanime start planning for next year. When can I sign up to help? I have lots of ideas. ;-D
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on June 03, 2011, 02:28:06 PM
With that said, when does Fanime start planning for next year. When can I sign up to help? I have lots of ideas. ;-D
Fanime starts planning as of the end of Fanime! (or probably earlier, haha)
You can e-mail department heads closer to Fanime (or else it might just get overlooked since we have... 12 months until the next Fanime). So I'd say, e-mail around.... Jan-March. :3 But it depends on what department, as well. (:
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on June 03, 2011, 02:28:06 PM
In summary,
The Good:
1) Pulling Swap Meet vendor badges. Lessened the line and lessened the stress on vendors.
Actually it did little to help in comparison because there aren't that many swap meet sellers.
Quote
2) Group registration. Also shortened wait times. Non-group leaders didn't have to worry about waiting in line or having their IDs on them to pick up badges. This was the only way I got my boyfriend to even purchase a badge (since he didn't want to wait in line for 3 hours, so I waited for him), so thank you! :)
Expressing my own opinion: Your boyfriend should be waiting in line with you!
Quote
3) Lines opened on time this year, as opposed to 30 minutes late in 2009. Good job!
Thanks! Reg staff was really ready to go this time.
My Ideas for improvement:
Quote
1) I feel that mailing out badges can generate profit and ease the burden on the staff come Day 0. I understand that badges were mailed out in the past, and as a convention that is for fans, by fans, I feel that it's only fair that staff members elaborate to those providing feedback as to why this is no longer done.
This worked when we had less attendees. Now it is impractical. Plus with technology that people can easily obtain these days it increases the chance of counterfeiting.
Quote
2) Provide incentives for volunteering during Day 0. In the past, Day 0 volunteers got double hours. Allow volunteers to pick up their badges early as a reward for their time. Specifically advertise these perks in the days leading up to the convention (i.e. fanime.com's front page, facebook, twitter). If people know that they can get double volunteer hours and pick up their badges early on Day 0, you will get more than 5 volunteers. How many non-staff volunteers helped during Day 0 pre-reg this year?
As far as I know Day Zero hours are double but I could be wrong.
Quote
More ideas I thought of now:
1) Resource allocation. Knowing that several thousand people showed up to Day 0 this year, we should be aware that more people will likely show up next year. Unfortunately, waiting in line for up to 3 hours is not fun for everyone. Logistics should anticipate this and start recruiting Day 0 helpers as early as possible to ensure every registration booth is staffed (or even over staffed for that matter). Just like in war, you send your resources to locations that need it most. During the hours of 5-830pm on Day 0, pre-reg needs the most help.
Yea I agree it's not a lot of fun for people. It's tough on staff too. Unfortunately we have a lot of staff that are still in school so it's hard for them to get to Con early on Thursday. I know some people have said that there were only 5 booths open to check people in. Each booth should have had 2 stations depending on the number of staff available. That is untrue. I saw at least 8 stations with at least 2 staff working each station. Additionally badges and member information are what we consider sensitive material so we only allow trustworthy staff to have access.
Quote
2) Dropping early registration Day 0 pick up will help the line congestion. People who intend on going to Fanime for a whole weekend should be responsible enough to plan early and not miss the final deadline to buy a badge. Currently, people who pre-register past certain deadlines have to pay a higher price. We can expand on this by not allowing those who miss the pre-reg deadline to pick up their badge on Thursday night.
With that said, when does Fanime start planning for next year. When can I sign up to help? I have lots of ideas. ;-D
Actually you'd be surprised to know that an overwhelming majority of the badges picked up were pre-registration! I was surprised myself. But figuring out a way to effectively reduce the wait time on Day Zero is definitely something we are looking in to.
I'm happy to see that you're interested in staffing.
Chiri is right. Planning for the next Fanime has already started. I anticipate that general staff recruiting will take place in the beginning of fall. You can always e-mail hrATfanimeDOTcom and they can direct you to the department(s) that you are interested in.
Quote from: Sen on June 03, 2011, 05:43:24 PM
Quote
1) I feel that mailing out badges can generate profit and ease the burden on the staff come Day 0. I understand that badges were mailed out in the past, and as a convention that is for fans, by fans, I feel that it's only fair that staff members elaborate to those providing feedback as to why this is no longer done.
This worked when we had less attendees. Now it is impractical. Plus with technology that people can easily obtain these days it increases the chance of counterfeiting.
Thanks for the response! Just one quick observation that you guys might want to keep in mind for next year regarding counterfeit badges(copy pasted from a previous post):
I noticed that this year's at-con registration badges lacked the holographic "original" sticker and shaped hole punch (mine was a flower in 2009) used in previous years. Without the sticker and the shaped holepunch, the at-con badges could have been easily counterfeited if one found matching paper.
If we were to mail out badges, counterfeiting can be prevented by using safeguards like those custom holographic stickers and shaped hole punches. Yes, there is always going to be concern about counterfeiting, but I think the revenue lost from the handful of people who actually attempt to counterfeit a badge/hole punch/custom holographic sticker can be recouped with the amount charged to mail out the badges to the exponentially greater number of non-counterfeiting people who won't bother.
I'll definitely e-mail hr about helping out next year. Can't wait!
Ok... the holographic stickers+hole punches were the worst ideas ever according to previous staff members. The hole punchers would ALWAYS jam, and it is hard to get a clean cut. Also that was when each card was laminated one at a time.
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 07:27:36 PM
Ok... the holographic stickers+hole punches were the worst ideas ever according to previous staff members. The hole punchers would ALWAYS jam, and it is hard to get a clean cut. Also that was when each card was laminated one at a time.
It seems like such a fuss xD individual lamination is a pain compared the (super awesome) individual cards we had this year...
I don't know if it's been considered before, but if each stand were in charge of their own alpha group (A-D, E-H, etc by last name), then the people in charge of filtering through thousands of badges would only have a certain group of cards to look through? It's something we use at school to a fairly high efficiency, I just don't know if it would work out well at Fanime...Just an idea to consider...
Quote from: chifunii on June 03, 2011, 07:49:40 PM
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 07:27:36 PM
Ok... the holographic stickers+hole punches were the worst ideas ever according to previous staff members. The hole punchers would ALWAYS jam, and it is hard to get a clean cut. Also that was when each card was laminated one at a time.
It seems like such a fuss xD individual lamination is a pain compared the (super awesome) individual cards we had this year...
I don't know if it's been considered before, but if each stand were in charge of their own alpha group (A-D, E-H, etc by last name), then the people in charge of filtering through thousands of badges would only have a certain group of cards to look through? It's something we use at school to a fairly high efficiency, I just don't know if it would work out well at Fanime...Just an idea to consider...
The problem I see with that would be too many people waiting for their booth while other booths were virtually empty.
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 07:27:36 PM
Ok... the holographic stickers+hole punches were the worst ideas ever according to previous staff members. The hole punchers would ALWAYS jam, and it is hard to get a clean cut. Also that was when each card was laminated one at a time.
Ah, I wasn't aware that they put holographic stickers on pre-reg badges in the past. I was exclusively referring to the paper ones used for early reg and at-con purchases. The reason I bring this up is because one of the reasons for not mailing out badges was due to fear of counterfeiting. This year's paper badges (not the cards) seemed to be especially prone to counterfeiting due to the lack of counterfeit protections such as the holographic stickers and holepunching. If you got matching paper, you could have made multiple copies of those badges that look like the real thing.
I don't have much of an opinion when it comes to the laminated PRE-REG badges vs cards. I'm guessing the cards were a timesaver for staff. I did like that I had a pocket to put my hotel room key, though. :)
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on June 03, 2011, 08:06:48 PM
Quote from: chifunii on June 03, 2011, 07:49:40 PM
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 07:27:36 PM
Ok... the holographic stickers+hole punches were the worst ideas ever according to previous staff members. The hole punchers would ALWAYS jam, and it is hard to get a clean cut. Also that was when each card was laminated one at a time.
It seems like such a fuss xD individual lamination is a pain compared the (super awesome) individual cards we had this year...
I don't know if it's been considered before, but if each stand were in charge of their own alpha group (A-D, E-H, etc by last name), then the people in charge of filtering through thousands of badges would only have a certain group of cards to look through? It's something we use at school to a fairly high efficiency, I just don't know if it would work out well at Fanime...Just an idea to consider...
The problem I see with that would be too many people waiting for their booth while other booths were virtually empty.
Perhaps it would be by badge number instead of last name. What you could do is divide the number of badges by the number of booths that will be open. That could be a more effective way to go about that idea.
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on June 03, 2011, 09:56:40 PM
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 07:27:36 PM
Ok... the holographic stickers+hole punches were the worst ideas ever according to previous staff members. The hole punchers would ALWAYS jam, and it is hard to get a clean cut. Also that was when each card was laminated one at a time.
Ah, I wasn't aware that they put holographic stickers on pre-reg badges in the past. I was exclusively referring to the paper ones used for early reg and at-con purchases. The reason I bring this up is because one of the reasons for not mailing out badges was due to fear of counterfeiting. This year's paper badges (not the cards) seemed to be especially prone to counterfeiting due to the lack of counterfeit protections such as the holographic stickers and holepunching. If you got matching paper, you could have made multiple copies of those badges that look like the real thing.
I don't have much of an opinion when it comes to the laminated PRE-REG badges vs cards. I'm guessing the cards were a timesaver for staff. I did like that I had a pocket to put my hotel room key, though. :)
Ah, yes the early reg/at-con papers are a bit easy to copy especially if someone had the art. I believe there were plans to let everyone have the plastic cards like pre-reg, but then what would pre-reg get that others wouldn't other than the price? Also the printing machine is apparently huge, and would take a bit longer to actually make.
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on June 03, 2011, 10:00:04 PM
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on June 03, 2011, 08:06:48 PM
Quote from: chifunii on June 03, 2011, 07:49:40 PM
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 07:27:36 PM
Ok... the holographic stickers+hole punches were the worst ideas ever according to previous staff members. The hole punchers would ALWAYS jam, and it is hard to get a clean cut. Also that was when each card was laminated one at a time.
It seems like such a fuss xD individual lamination is a pain compared the (super awesome) individual cards we had this year...
I don't know if it's been considered before, but if each stand were in charge of their own alpha group (A-D, E-H, etc by last name), then the people in charge of filtering through thousands of badges would only have a certain group of cards to look through? It's something we use at school to a fairly high efficiency, I just don't know if it would work out well at Fanime...Just an idea to consider...
The problem I see with that would be too many people waiting for their booth while other booths were virtually empty.
Perhaps it would be by badge number instead of last name. What you could do is divide the number of badges by the number of booths that will be open. That could be a more effective way to go about that idea.
Most people don't know/remember their badge number unless they had the email/paper with them, and the badges are already ordered by badge number on the pickup tables. Also I'm pretty sure that alot of people don't know the difference between early reg and pre-reg and it would suck to stay in the pre-reg line when you're actually an early reg for 2 hours.
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 10:05:46 PM
Most people don't know/remember their badge number unless they had the email/paper with them, and the badges are already ordered by badge number on the pickup tables. Also I'm pretty sure that alot of people don't know the difference between early reg and pre-reg and it would suck to stay in the pre-reg line when you're actually an early reg for 2 hours.
From my understanding, people are supposed to print out the e-mail and bring it with them to pick up their badges anyway. Also, I thought that pre-reg and early reg had to wait in the same line. It should be the person's responsibility to know what line they're in, anyway, or at least ask if they're not sure. Fanime staff can't be responsible for people who can't follow directions when they are explicitly spelled out on signs, websites, and e-mails.
Can't think of any other ideas on how to improve the line situation. I'll continue to back up the ideas I've already posted, and maybe think of new ideas as others post on this forum. Hopefully this situation can be improved next year, especially since we know what to expect on Day 0.
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 10:05:46 PM
Ah, yes the early reg/at-con papers are a bit easy to copy especially if someone had the art. I believe there were plans to let everyone have the plastic cards like pre-reg, but then what would pre-reg get that others wouldn't other than the price? Also the printing machine is apparently huge, and would take a bit longer to actually make.
Plastic cards aren't a bad idea, at least pre-reg would still get the discount and the Thursday pickup (which is a pretty big incentive for me). Maybe using paper with a watermark might help if you guys stick with paper badges, though that can be hard to see through the plastic sleeve. Hmmm... *thinks*
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on June 03, 2011, 10:20:29 PM
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 10:05:46 PM
Ah, yes the early reg/at-con papers are a bit easy to copy especially if someone had the art. I believe there were plans to let everyone have the plastic cards like pre-reg, but then what would pre-reg get that others wouldn't other than the price? Also the printing machine is apparently huge, and would take a bit longer to actually make.
Plastic cards aren't a bad idea, at least pre-reg would still get the discount and the Thursday pickup (which is a pretty big incentive for me). Maybe using paper with a watermark might help if you guys stick with paper badges, though that can be hard to see through the plastic sleeve. Hmmm... *thinks*
Every possible solution leads to new things to be considered. It's probably impossible to come up with a foolproof way, but at least we know efficiency and counterfeiting are key points to address...
/brainhurt from thinking
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on June 03, 2011, 10:20:29 PM
Quote from: pengy on June 03, 2011, 10:05:46 PM
Ah, yes the early reg/at-con papers are a bit easy to copy especially if someone had the art. I believe there were plans to let everyone have the plastic cards like pre-reg, but then what would pre-reg get that others wouldn't other than the price? Also the printing machine is apparently huge, and would take a bit longer to actually make.
Plastic cards aren't a bad idea, at least pre-reg would still get the discount and the Thursday pickup (which is a pretty big incentive for me). Maybe using paper with a watermark might help if you guys stick with paper badges, though that can be hard to see through the plastic sleeve. Hmmm... *thinks*
I've got it!
You know how the new California ID's have the bear dotted out on it? You could implement something like that on the paper badges, then counterfeiting wouldn't be as easy.
Quote from: chifunii on June 03, 2011, 07:49:40 PM
I don't know if it's been considered before, but if each stand were in charge of their own alpha group (A-D, E-H, etc by last name), then the people in charge of filtering through thousands of badges would only have a certain group of cards to look through? It's something we use at school to a fairly high efficiency, I just don't know if it would work out well at Fanime...Just an idea to consider...
I'm not totally familiar with registration anymore, but we used to do things by last name years ago. More recently, I believe registration started storing and picking badges by their numeric ID. That way, you're just looking for a simple set of numbers, instead of all those crazy letters.
Also, there's confusion with names like Tony De Guzman... is that under D or G? And there's always a ton of people under N for Nguyen. Numbers are pretty simple, comparatively.
As for anti-counterfeiting measures, this is a very interesting topic - but of course, don't expect us to talk much about what methods we choose...
Quote from: Tony on June 08, 2011, 08:38:25 AMAs for anti-counterfeiting measures, this is a very interesting topic - but of course, don't expect us to talk much about what methods we choose...
To add to Tony's point, keep in mind that we also have to figure out what is a "good" point for anti-counterfeit badges (cost vs effectiveness). Some folks have suggested that we implement some super high security features, which would end up costing us a lot of money. We've been trying to find a happy medium and not have to go broke or pass that costs onto you, the members.