If you Pre-Regged, pray they actually HAVE your badge and/or are willing to do their job. I had paid for a Pre-Reg badge but they said they were having trouble finding mine. They had my name in the system as well. And apparently they didn't really care to look for my laminated badge, so they made me get a normal Early-Reg badge instead, which was NOT what I paid for. I was just so tired and wanted to go home so bad I just put up with it. But yeah...hope that the Reg people are willing to do their job because there's no guarantee. Next year I'll just get Early-Reg, since paying for Pre-Reg didn't do me any good.
Did anyone else have badge pickup issues?
Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 26, 2011, 10:04:57 PMDid anyone else have badge pickup issues?
Yes. They tried to refuse giving me my badge until I made them actually read the note that was under my entry in the database. I have some other issues, but that is more the fault of my boss and not Fanime.
Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 26, 2011, 10:04:57 PM
But yeah...hope that the Reg people are willing to do their job because there's no guarantee.
You should know that we manually print out thousands (yes, thousands) of badges. Thursday is also one of the most busiest days for Fanime Registration- I'm sure if you come back at a later time when there is not a line, pre-reg staff will try and look through the piles of badges to attempt to find yours if you ask nicely enough and explain your situation (though I am not sure of your specific situation and cannot guarantee anything as such).
I hear that Registration closed today at 9:30pm which is an hour and a half over the actual closing time. Keep in mind that we are not required to do this; we could just as well close Registration at 8pm. Thursday is also when we have the least amount of staff working so you can just imagine staff coming in at 4:30pm and staying until 9:30pm with a constant demand of people wanting to pick up their badges. Trust me, it is VERY tiring.
Again, staff are volunteers and try our best. If you want to help out and make Registration happier... Join staff! (:
Quote from: Chiri Kcrinh on May 26, 2011, 11:00:44 PM
Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 26, 2011, 10:04:57 PM
But yeah...hope that the Reg people are willing to do their job because there's no guarantee.
You should know that we manually print out thousands (yes, thousands) of badges. Thursday is also one of the most busiest days for Fanime Registration- I'm sure if you come back at a later time when there is not a line, pre-reg staff will try and look through the piles of badges to attempt to find yours if you ask nicely enough and explain your situation (though I am not sure of your specific situation).
I hear that Registration closed today at 9:30pm which is an hour and a half over the actual closing time. Keep in mind that we are not required to do this; we could just as well close Registration at 8pm. Thursday is also when we have the least amount of staff working so you can just imagine staff coming in at 4:30pm and staying until 9:30pm with a constant demand of people wanting to pick up their badges. Trust me, it is VERY tiring.
I suppose I was just annoyed by the attitude. And I'm not sure if fatigue can be the main reason, because we were fortunate enough to be near the front of the line and got to the Reg desk within a 1/2 hour of them opening @5pm.
The situation was simple. I had my "e-postcard" thing, with being the leader of a group of 3 badges, mine (pre), and two others (early). I also had my ID with me as well. They checked my receipt and checked my ID and found my Reg account in the system. They started to look for my badge, but said "they were having trouble finding it." But after a minute or two of searching, I was told to go over to the Early Reg table and have my badge printed out there. I know this wasn't intentional, but if something like this can happen, I wonder if I would be better off just doing Early Reg next year. Wouldn't having everyone get a printed badge just avoid the confusion?
QuoteAgain, staff are volunteers and try our best. If you want to help out and make Registration happier... Join staff! (:
I'm considering joining staff next year, even if only just part-time. Out of curiosity, does Fanime hire, or offer volunteer security for Guests? I mean...ya can't trust fangirls/boys around some of the more popular guest, can ya?
Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 26, 2011, 11:20:02 PM
I suppose I was just annoyed by the attitude. And I'm not sure if fatigue can be the main reason, because we were fortunate enough to be near the front of the line and got to the Reg desk within a 1/2 hour of them opening @5pm.
The situation was simple. I had my "e-postcard" thing, with being the leader of a group of 3 badges, mine (pre), and two others (early). I also had my ID with me as well. They checked my receipt and checked my ID and found my Reg account in the system. They started to look for my badge, but said "they were having trouble finding it." But after a minute or two of searching, I was told to go over to the Early Reg table and have my badge printed out there. I know this wasn't intentional, but if something like this can happen, I wonder if I would be better off just doing Early Reg next year. Wouldn't having everyone get a printed badge just avoid the confusion?
I'm considering joining staff next year, even if only just part-time. Out of curiosity, does Fanime hire, or offer volunteer security for Guests? I mean...ya can't trust fangirls/boys around some of the more popular guest, can ya?
I'm sure knowing the sheer number of people waiting in line was very daunting and put pressure to move as quickly as possible. It can happen to anyone, especially since the line (I hear) was amazingly long this year. o.o
If you would like to do early-reg, you can... but then you'd miss out on the awesome laminated badge and early bird discount! (: And I know a majority of attendees really do enjoy having a laminated badge. And trust me, it gets really confusing and hectic at the printing part of At-Con. If anything, it is at least, if not more, hectic than At/Pre-Reg stations during Rush. I did it before during the Rush time and seriously, it's super hectic. It's amazing how crazy those staffers work. o.o It's really impressive.
I don't exactly know about security. :x
Well...it's possible even though I paid for pre reg I might have "missed out" on it anyways, lol. My main goal was to explain my situation, and ask if anyone else had issues with Reg, so that certain issues, (if fixable) can be addressed.
Just wanted to say a few things since I actually helped out in Pre-reg pickup today.
Things were definitely a little out of hand today but if a staffer was rude to you, you definitely need to let a Lead or Department head know. We're all volunteers and fans, too, so treating everyone with respect should have been the norm. Thursday is the where we are most understaffed and long lines/pressure builds, but we all need to stay cool, be they staff or fans.
I think I remember your situation (1 pre-reg and 2 early) and trust me when I say that we had about 5 staffers hunting down your badge with no luck. If we gave you the impression that we weren't trying, I apologize for that. The staffer assisting you should have politely explained the situation back to you that we tried, were unable to find it, and would print you a replacement paper badge. Because the special laminate badges are printed in advance, we can only give you a paper badge at the con.
NOTE: A paper badge in place of a pre-reg badge is NOT the same as an Early reg badge. It still carries the full weekend admission and you still are getting the locked in discounted price. An Early Reg badge, officially, carries a higher price than a Pre-reg badge and does not avail you a special laminate badge. If we were unable to locate your laminate badge (among the thousands we had prepared), we are TRULY sorry for it.
Registration hit a few snags and bumps the first hour or so, but after that, we worked really hard to provide everyone with a fast and efficient service in picking up their badge. We were supposed to close at 8pm and officially didn't finish until 9:30-10pm.
The advice was WELL TAKEN! On Saturday, I went down to the Pre-Reg booth and asked about my laminated badge, and they found it almost right away with most of the badges gone. Thanks Fanime!
Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 26, 2011, 11:46:27 PMhad issues with Reg, so that certain issues, (if fixable) can be addressed.
There is one quick simple fix can can solve or improve many of the problems I have observed of the Fanime reg process.
Get rid of named badges.
You need a badge. You don't need a name on that badge.
I have been to conventions across 3 counties on 2 continents. I am high level staff at 2 conventions (eg, department head level) and have assisted in many areas (including reg) at a number of others. The conventions that have had names on their general attendance badges have had far more problems then the conventions that don't have names.
Quote from: Himeno on May 28, 2011, 11:14:00 PM
Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 26, 2011, 11:46:27 PMhad issues with Reg, so that certain issues, (if fixable) can be addressed.
There is one quick simple fix can can solve or improve many of the problems I have observed of the Fanime reg process.
Get rid of named badges.
You need a badge. You don't need a name on that badge.
I have been to conventions across 3 counties on 2 continents. I am high level staff at 2 conventions (eg, department head level) and have assisted in many areas (including reg) at a number of others. The conventions that have had names on their general attendance badges have had far more problems then the conventions that don't have names.
I actually agree with that. Sac Anime does the same thing. They just have the person's name on a list and gives them a badge upon check in. Also it saves a lot of time and money.
You were not eligible for pre-reg if you paid after 11:59pm PST March 31, 2011. Looking at your record, I see one that is Pre-Reg and two that are Early-Reg. I know if you were the pre-reg or the one of the two early-regs.
Quote from: Himeno on May 28, 2011, 11:14:00 PMThere is one quick simple fix can can solve or improve many of the problems I have observed of the Fanime reg process.
Get rid of named badges.
You need a badge. You don't need a name on that badge.
I have been to conventions across 3 counties on 2 continents. I am high level staff at 2 conventions (eg, department head level) and have assisted in many areas (including reg) at a number of others. The conventions that have had names on their general attendance badges have had far more problems then the conventions that don't have names.
Badges *NOT* having the name does more harm than good. When we print the label that gets put on there or print the laminated badges, the name being on there doesn't add any additional time.
Please keep in mind that there may be different laws affecting what can and can't go on a badge, which may cause one convention's viewpoint/operation to differ from another one.
[Edit: My first sentence didn't make sense (SukebeStudios quoted it below :P).]
Quote from: MPLe on May 29, 2011, 05:02:55 PM
You were not eligible for pre-reg if you paid after 11:59pm PST March 31, 2011. Looking at your record, I see one that is Pre-Reg and two that are Early-Reg. I know if you were the pre-reg or the one of the two early-regs.
Quote from: Himeno on May 28, 2011, 11:14:00 PMThere is one quick simple fix can can solve or improve many of the problems I have observed of the Fanime reg process.
Get rid of named badges.
You need a badge. You don't need a name on that badge.
I have been to conventions across 3 counties on 2 continents. I am high level staff at 2 conventions (eg, department head level) and have assisted in many areas (including reg) at a number of others. The conventions that have had names on their general attendance badges have had far more problems then the conventions that don't have names.
Badges having the name and not having the name does more harm than good. When we print the label that gets put on there or print the laminated badges, the name being on there doesn't add any additional time.
Did you mean to say that NOT having names printed on laminated badges does more harm than good? Cause the way it came out made zero sense. The other cons I've been to gives you a standard laminated badge, and a nylon wristband that once clasped, can't be removed, unless you cut it off, and that would be the purchaser's fault, not the convention staff's.
QuotePlease keep in mind that there may be different laws affecting what can and can't go on a badge, which may cause one convention's viewpoint/operation to differ from another one.
With Sac Anime being in the same state as Fanime, I don't know how different the laws would be.
Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 29, 2011, 06:00:54 PM
Quote from: MPLe on May 29, 2011, 05:02:55 PM
You were not eligible for pre-reg if you paid after 11:59pm PST March 31, 2011. Looking at your record, I see one that is Pre-Reg and two that are Early-Reg. I know if you were the pre-reg or the one of the two early-regs.
Quote from: Himeno on May 28, 2011, 11:14:00 PMThere is one quick simple fix can can solve or improve many of the problems I have observed of the Fanime reg process.
Get rid of named badges.
You need a badge. You don't need a name on that badge.
I have been to conventions across 3 counties on 2 continents. I am high level staff at 2 conventions (eg, department head level) and have assisted in many areas (including reg) at a number of others. The conventions that have had names on their general attendance badges have had far more problems then the conventions that don't have names.
Badges having the name and not having the name does more harm than good. When we print the label that gets put on there or print the laminated badges, the name being on there doesn't add any additional time.
Did you mean to say that NOT having names printed on laminated badges does more harm than good? Cause the way it came out made zero sense. The other cons I've been to gives you a standard laminated badge, and a nylon wristband that once clasped, can't be removed, unless you cut it off, and that would be the purchaser's fault, not the convention staff's.
QuotePlease keep in mind that there may be different laws affecting what can and can't go on a badge, which may cause one convention's viewpoint/operation to differ from another one.
With Sac Anime being in the same state as Fanime, I don't know how different the laws would be.
Oops, I did mean "Badges not having the name does more harm than good."
My comment about laws was mainly referring to Himeno's comment about conventions across countries/continents.
such a comment is only there to show that I have a large amount of experience in these matters. It is in no way a statement of "con X does this, so Fanime should too."
QuoteOops, I did mean "Badges not having the name does more harm than good."
How so? I'm fairly sure that any reason you can come up for this can be quickly ripped apart.
If you were supposed to have a pre-reg badge and were given an early reg badge, we have your pre-reg badges. You can come down to Registration to pick it up. We will trade your paper badge for your collectors item pre reg badge.
We are open till NOON, 12PM today, MONDAY.
unfortunately, we have many reasons that we design the badges the way we do. Some that we can share, and some that we cannot. Please understand that we have spent much time in considering and deliberating the design and have come to our current conclusion with sound reason. The badge design will continue to evolve based on our at-con experience and your comments, so please continue to share, but please also bear in mind that there are many things that are unique to this convention that drives our decisions.
i had no issue at all i just showed my ID and they gave me my badge right away.
Quote from: Himeno on May 29, 2011, 10:29:36 PMQuoteOops, I did mean "Badges not having the name does more harm than good."
How so? I'm fairly sure that any reason you can come up for this can be quickly ripped apart.
I'm rather curious about this as well. Can anyone elaborate about what kind of harm could be done if they were unnamed as opposed to named? What are the reasons that can be shared? Why can't some reasons be shared? Is there a secret contract about how badges must be?
Quote from: OGIGA on November 11, 2011, 04:50:55 PM
Quote from: Himeno on May 29, 2011, 10:29:36 PMQuoteOops, I did mean "Badges not having the name does more harm than good."
How so? I'm fairly sure that any reason you can come up for this can be quickly ripped apart.
I'm rather curious about this as well. Can anyone elaborate about what kind of harm could be done if they were unnamed as opposed to named? What are the reasons that can be shared? Why can't some reasons be shared? Is there a secret contract about how badges must be?
...I'm gonna assume that it's so people can't pass the one badge around? And if you lose your badge it can be returned to you? And for quick identification of someone if they're causing a problem?
Quote from: Jeimizu on November 12, 2011, 11:23:23 AM
Quote from: OGIGA on November 11, 2011, 04:50:55 PM
Quote from: Himeno on May 29, 2011, 10:29:36 PMQuoteOops, I did mean "Badges not having the name does more harm than good."
How so? I'm fairly sure that any reason you can come up for this can be quickly ripped apart.
I'm rather curious about this as well. Can anyone elaborate about what kind of harm could be done if they were unnamed as opposed to named? What are the reasons that can be shared? Why can't some reasons be shared? Is there a secret contract about how badges must be?
...I'm gonna assume that it's so people can't pass the one badge around? And if you lose your badge it can be returned to you? And for quick identification of someone if they're causing a problem?
As well as the above, I think of information that differentiates official badges from badges that have been copied/altered/faked. There may be other reasons too, I'm sure.
I'm pretty indifferent to whether the name is on the badge or not...well, I would -prefer- that if we have names, that the name on my ID -not- be as prominent as it is on my badge. I would prefer that the 'big name" be the name that is usually listed as the "fan name", while the personal name is the smaller name, if it shows at all.
I also prefer badges with names as opposed to badges without names and a wristband. Wristbands are uncomfortable, unsightly in photos, and cannot be worn with certain costumes. (Especially considering that I wouldn't physically be able to wear a wristband under some cosplays [with tight gloves] or over the costume without having it remove it in order to get the costume off [armor (http://i55.tinypic.com/2u44i7r.jpg) or skintight glove sleeve things with large wires coming out of the knuckles at attaching at the wrist (http://i52.tinypic.com/2m4ox3m.jpg)] like with my two upcoming cosplays...)
I'd rather have a badge with a name on it that I can simply attach to my bag so it doesn't get in the way of my costumes. Plus, if I ever need to identify someone, I might be able to get their name off of their badge instead of just relying on a physical description, which is a plus. I do like the idea of the fan name being listed slightly larger and first, but still keeping the real name there. If my badge shows in photos, I'd rather have my screen name shown than my real name, but the real name should still be there.
Quote from: Dany on November 12, 2011, 01:33:17 PM
Quote from: Jeimizu on November 12, 2011, 11:23:23 AM
Quote from: OGIGA on November 11, 2011, 04:50:55 PM
Quote from: Himeno on May 29, 2011, 10:29:36 PMQuoteOops, I did mean "Badges not having the name does more harm than good."
How so? I'm fairly sure that any reason you can come up for this can be quickly ripped apart.
I'm rather curious about this as well. Can anyone elaborate about what kind of harm could be done if they were unnamed as opposed to named? What are the reasons that can be shared? Why can't some reasons be shared? Is there a secret contract about how badges must be?
...I'm gonna assume that it's so people can't pass the one badge around? And if you lose your badge it can be returned to you? And for quick identification of someone if they're causing a problem?
As well as the above, I think of information that differentiates official badges from badges that have been copied/altered/faked. There may be other reasons too, I'm sure.
I'm pretty indifferent to whether the name is on the badge or not...well, I would -prefer- that if we have names, that the name on my ID -not- be as prominent as it is on my badge. I would prefer that the 'big name" be the name that is usually listed as the "fan name", while the personal name is the smaller name, if it shows at all.
People pass badges around, named or unnamed, and I know this as an absolute fact. The regular (non-pre-reg) badges can be easily copied/faked at Kinkos (or wherever), unless you guys add an expensive-to-duplicate feature to it. Because of this, it's no good for using to identify people. And if the badge is authentic, you still can't tell if the badge-carrier is the badge-owner without another for of identification.
I will say that it's good for people who lose badges, because I know Fanime tries to find the badge's owner. That being said, it means less revenue, and possible reduction in whiny kids who can't/won't pay for replacing a lost badge.
The biggest "harm" about having people's real names on badges is that most medium- and high-profile cosplayers
DO NOT WANT THEIR REAL IDENTITY REVEALED. As a result, they don't ever have their badge showing (or don't pay for one at all). This group is a minority, but is the highlight of Fanime (IMO).
There are all these hypotheses about why Fanime badges have real names, but can someone (maybe staff person) state the real reason? Or at least say why this is a secret? Or state that there really isn't a reason and real names on badges aren't an absolute must?
Quote from: Nina Star 9 on November 12, 2011, 10:10:32 PM
I also prefer badges with names as opposed to badges without names and a wristband. Wristbands are uncomfortable, unsightly in photos, and cannot be worn with certain costumes.
I agree. And for this reason, I don't pay SacAnime to screw up my cosplay(s).
Quote from: OGIGA on November 14, 2011, 10:54:44 AM
The biggest "harm" about having people's real names on badges is that most medium- and high-profile cosplayers DO NOT WANT THEIR REAL IDENTITY REVEALED. As a result, they don't ever have their badge showing (or don't pay for one at all). This group is a minority, but is the highlight of Fanime (IMO).
I don't know if it's as much a minority as it may seem to prefer that your "fan name" is on your badge over your legal name. I know plenty of people who feel uncomfortable with having any name other than a fan name showing on their badge, but they begrudgingly accept it because currently, That Is What It Is. Many of those are not even cosplayers. They see it as simply a personal security thing; if they wanted their legal names out there for all to see with only a glance, they'd just wear their driver's license/ID/passport on their neck and be done with it.
In fact, Fanime is, to my knowledge, the only fan convention I've been to that has legal names so prominent on their badges. And when I figured it out, I started putting a modified version of my legal name on the registration. It's close enough to where I can show my ID and prove that yes, I am me, I am not trying to dodge anything and yes that's my badge, but not so close that people can do a Google search and stalk me by merely glancing at my tummy.
(Paranoid? Yes, but I have darn good, personal reasons why I go this route.)
Quote from: Dany on November 14, 2011, 02:49:26 PM
In fact, Fanime is, to my knowledge, the only fan convention I've been to that has legal names so prominent on their badges. And when I figured it out, I started putting a modified version of my legal name on the registration. It's close enough to where I can show my ID and prove that yes, I am me, I am not trying to dodge anything and yes that's my badge, but not so close that people can do a Google search and stalk me by merely glancing at my tummy.
(Paranoid? Yes, but I have darn good, personal reasons why I go this route.)
The irony, of course, being that fan names are even easier to trace to an individual.
Quote from: renalcul on November 15, 2011, 04:22:06 AM
Quote from: Dany on November 14, 2011, 02:49:26 PM
In fact, Fanime is, to my knowledge, the only fan convention I've been to that has legal names so prominent on their badges. And when I figured it out, I started putting a modified version of my legal name on the registration. It's close enough to where I can show my ID and prove that yes, I am me, I am not trying to dodge anything and yes that's my badge, but not so close that people can do a Google search and stalk me by merely glancing at my tummy.
(Paranoid? Yes, but I have darn good, personal reasons why I go this route.)
The irony, of course, being that fan names are even easier to trace to an individual.
Depends on what you are tracing and what you attach to your "fan name" that comes up in a Google search. But point of the matter is that at least with an online persona name you can point them in the direction you want them to see, rather than what you don't. Plus, online handles, especially if they are more obscure, don't come up in one of those pesky "pay to see someone's personal info" websites.
I'd rather someone see my fan name, since then they can find things like my cosplay.com account, where I post cosplay pics anyway. It's more anonymous than using a real name for all that, since they only see an online persona.
I keep my badge on my bag, though, so it's much harder to catch a glimpse of my name, and it doesn't show in pics. I think that the fan name should be the larger and easier to see name, though.
I don't buy a badge for every con I go to, but I buy a badge for Fanime every year because it is worth it to support this con and to get into the areas and events that require a badge. I won't name the con(s) I go to without a badge, though. ;)
If someone doesn't want their real name to show, could they put masking tape or something over the real name portion of the badge, or would it get them in trouble? I'm not planning on doing this, but I'm curious if it were possible for people who didn't want their name to show.
Quote from: OGIGA on November 14, 2011, 10:54:44 AM
The biggest "harm" about having people's real names on badges is that most medium- and high-profile cosplayers DO NOT WANT THEIR REAL IDENTITY REVEALED. As a result, they don't ever have their badge showing (or don't pay for one at all). This group is a minority, but is the highlight of Fanime (IMO).
Really? I thought they didn't have their badge showing because it screws up their cosplay...
If you don't want your badge showing, put it in your pocket.
Pull it out when you go through a door.
And then put it back in your pocket.
Quote from: Arkham on November 22, 2011, 03:44:52 PM
Quote from: OGIGA on November 14, 2011, 10:54:44 AM
The biggest "harm" about having people's real names on badges is that most medium- and high-profile cosplayers DO NOT WANT THEIR REAL IDENTITY REVEALED. As a result, they don't ever have their badge showing (or don't pay for one at all). This group is a minority, but is the highlight of Fanime (IMO).
Really? I thought they didn't have their badge showing because it screws up their cosplay...
A bit of column A, a bit of column B. Personally, it's both -- I don't like showing my badge in cosplay photos because it looks out of place, but I also don't like the idea that someone can use it to find me IRL. But I tend to carry mine looped into my bag, and I've never gotten a problem from Fanime about that.
I don't like the names being as big and obvious as they are, though I can see the argument for it as well -- and I just don't walk around with mine showing.
Quote from: OGIGA on November 14, 2011, 10:54:44 AM
The biggest "harm" about having people's real names on badges is that most medium- and high-profile cosplayers DO NOT WANT THEIR REAL IDENTITY REVEALED. As a result, they don't ever have their badge showing (or don't pay for one at all). This group is a minority, but is the highlight of Fanime (IMO).
There are all these hypotheses about why Fanime badges have real names, but can someone (maybe staff person) state the real reason? Or at least say why this is a secret? Or state that there really isn't a reason and real names on badges aren't an absolute must?
A thousand times, THIS. >.< I have to exist in the professional world, one where my job could be in real jeopardy if by place of work decided that I was engaged in anything "untoward" and unfortunately, some people have a rather skewed vision of the fan world. I almost didn't come last year because Fanime
refused to honor my request that they not print my real name in huge-ass letters across the front of my badge, and I refuse to walk past a line of crazy religious protesters with my real name practically plastered to my forehead. After many weeks of truly upsetting email conversations, they finally agreed to only print my first initial along with my last name, which I only agreed to because it made my badge exactly the same as my sister's... and given that we're twins, I found that funny. And if I have to fight as hard this year for even that much consideration, then I'll have to make the difficult choice never to go to Fanime again.
I don't like the wrist bands, either... I loathe them utterly. But I'd take them over my legal name being on display for everyone. I do absolutely nothing in the fan-world under my real name, it would be useless for identifying me in any way other than in a way that could hurt me.
We are considering a design that will have the Fan Name equally or more predominantly displayed than the registered name of the member. But please note, that for many reasons, your badge will have your member name on it.
Here are some of those reasons: ease of identifying and returning lost badges to the members, minimal access for most of the staff to the member database to protect your personal information, ensuring that the badge we issue to you is correct when you register your membership....there are a number more that I will not go into.... basically there are lots of reasons why. I list these not to offer you a chance to individually address these issues (as there are a few more), but to help you understand why we are likely always going to have your registered name on the badge.
There has also been talk of placing masking tape on your badge. We have a saying among the staff and I think its time for us to share it with the members: "If you don't own it, don't tape it." The badges are FanimeCon property till we decide it isn't (the end of con) and so no taping. Note that if you do have any part of the badge obscured you will not be permitted to enter any convention programming and it may also be grounds for the forfeiture of your membership and confiscation of your badge.
Sorry guys, that's just the way it is....*ewu sadface panda*
Quote from: ewu on December 19, 2011, 03:40:54 AM
We are considering a design that will have the Fan Name equally or more predominantly displayed than the registered name of the member. But please note, that for many reasons, your badge will have your member name on it.
I would GLADLY accept this, especially putting the fan name predominant, for two reasons.
- Security, sort of. I don't need to be completely hidden, especially from con staff (otherwise I'd just get off the internets already), but I do operate on discretion. Having the "real name" smaller just makes it harder for just any nitwit to find out who you are.
- The convention IDs people by their "real" names, but fans tend to know each other by their social handles. It's hard to realize you're talking to "Buffy123" who you've conversed with on this forum (or many others) but are only meeting in person the first time, when all you are easily able to see without squinting is "Susan Smith". A fan-name predominant badge makes this easier.
This is a very common practice at many fan events too, so it's not like we're breaking any important traditions by making the change :)
Quote from: Dany on December 19, 2011, 09:45:35 AM- The convention IDs people by their "real" names, but fans tend to know each other by their social handles. It's hard to realize you're talking to "Buffy123" who you've conversed with on this forum (or many others) but are only meeting in person the first time, when all you are easily able to see without squinting is "Susan Smith". A fan-name predominant badge makes this easier.
Just do what I did when I didn't know who ewu was. I just went around to every single member and went "ARE YOU EWU?!" Eventually, I found him. XD
Quote from: MPLe on December 21, 2011, 11:27:17 PM
Quote from: Dany on December 19, 2011, 09:45:35 AM- The convention IDs people by their "real" names, but fans tend to know each other by their social handles. It's hard to realize you're talking to "Buffy123" who you've conversed with on this forum (or many others) but are only meeting in person the first time, when all you are easily able to see without squinting is "Susan Smith". A fan-name predominant badge makes this easier.
Just do what I did when I didn't know who ewu was. I just went around to every single member and went "ARE YOU EWU?!" Eventually, I found him. XD
I would probably do that if I were less socially uneasy in person XD! I am more than fine if people come to me, but I get all weird about approaching people in person, even if I've talked to them online.
<---Awkward cosnerd is awkward! XD
Quote from: MPLe on December 21, 2011, 11:27:17 PM
Just do what I did when I didn't know who ewu was. I just went around to every single member and went "ARE YOU EWU?!" Eventually, I found him. XD
funny, I thought I was the one going all over con asking for miltykiss......everyone started trying to kiss me....until I met the real miltykiss:(
Quote from: ewu on December 19, 2011, 03:40:54 AM
There has also been talk of placing masking tape on your badge. We have a saying among the staff and I think its time for us to share it with the members: "If you don't own it, don't tape it." The badges are FanimeCon property till we decide it isn't (the end of con) and so no taping. Note that if you do have any part of the badge obscured you will not be permitted to enter any convention programming and it may also be grounds for the forfeiture of your membership and confiscation of your badge.
Sorry guys, that's just the way it is....*ewu sadface panda*
So the official stance of Fanime is that it doesn't care about the safety of their fan's identities, then? -.- That means that I am officially giving up on this con. The least you could do is put people's real names on the BACK of the badge, like Yaoi-con does. But since you've just said that anyone who tries to protect themselves will be feeding you money to be discriminated against, I'll just keep my money and go to another con instead. It sucks that N. California has so few choices, but I can go to three Sac-Anime's for the price of one Fanime, so I guess it's not much of a loss.
Quote from: nurikowindchaser on December 23, 2011, 08:53:07 PMSo the official stance of Fanime is that it doesn't care about the safety of their fan's identities, then? -.- That means that I am officially giving up on this con. The least you could do is put people's real names on the BACK of the badge, like Yaoi-con does. But since you've just said that anyone who tries to protect themselves will be feeding you money to be discriminated against, I'll just keep my money and go to another con instead. It sucks that N. California has so few choices, but I can go to three Sac-Anime's for the price of one Fanime, so I guess it's not much of a loss.
FanimeCon's stance is and never will be that we "[don't] care about the safety of our members".
We have heard the comments about removing the legal name completely, but there are several logistical and technical issues preventing this. As Eric said above, we are looking into new designs and ways to possibly lower the font size of the legal name, but as of right now, we have to keep the legal name on there.
there are always 2 sides to the story...
I mean..I've talked to countless parents who feel a little bit safer knowing that real names are identified so that a member can clearly identify a "bad person"...
Quote from: eHash on December 24, 2011, 07:36:33 PM
For the dances, it is important that we see real names easily when checking badges to get in. Every year there are countless people that try and use other people's badges for entry. As the head of the dance it is my responsibility to try and make the dance the safest place it can be with the limited resources I have been given. Real names on badges is one of these.
You can't possibly be serious. I can understand if a (obvious) guy uses a badge with a (obvious) girl's name on it. This method is worth nothing if a guy uses another guy's badge (and vice-versa) and if the name on the badge is an uncommon/non-English name, like Jong-Il Kim.
But seriously, are you guys trying to treat badges like legal identifications documents or something? I'm still trying to figure out what "there are a number more [reasons] that I will not go into" means; are we supposed to join staff and figure out who to question in order to find out?
removed.
Quote from: OGIGA on December 24, 2011, 09:34:35 PMYou can't possibly be serious. I can understand if a (obvious) guy uses a badge with a (obvious) girl's name on it. This method is worth nothing if a guy uses another guy's badge (and vice-versa) and if the name on the badge is an uncommon/non-English name, like Jong-Il Kim.
But seriously, are you guys trying to treat badges like legal identifications documents or something? I'm still trying to figure out what "there are a number more [reasons] that I will not go into" means; are we supposed to join staff and figure out who to question in order to find out?
Having only a nickname appear would mean that we'd have no way to determine if a member is using their own badge. For times when we need to do ID checks, this would require that someone (Person 1) relays the Badge ID to someone connected to our database (Person 2) -- all of this would also increase the delays on letting members into those events.
We aren't using the badges as a legal identifier, but it helps when we need to quickly identify if someone is using their badge or possibly someone else's.
I think what it comes down to is that we can't please everyone. Not having the legal name on the badge would cause tons of issues on the end of FanimeCon's staffers. It also makes me sad to think that some of our members will go as far as saying that we don't care about the safety of our members (I've had this conversation as far back as my first year as a Registration Manager).
Is lowering the font size of the legal name not good enough for a compromise? There's only so much we can do, but we're open to listening to ideas.
Quote from: MPLe on December 25, 2011, 01:17:29 AM
Is lowering the font size of the legal name not good enough for a compromise? There's only so much we can do, but we're open to listening to ideas.
This is fine, as it's a fairly common fan convention standard to put the legal name smaller if it is going to show at all. In fact, my badge for last year (the yellow paper one) was perfect, just do a switcheroo on the names.
But if you're feeling adventurous, as someone else suggested, having it on the backside of the badge is not a bad idea either. I can see where it could be a logistical issue for that, but if you're looking for other ideas that still keep identification in play, that's something else to play with.
Quote from: Dany on December 25, 2011, 06:37:06 PM
Quote from: MPLe on December 25, 2011, 01:17:29 AM
Is lowering the font size of the legal name not good enough for a compromise? There's only so much we can do, but we're open to listening to ideas.
This is fine, as it's a fairly common fan convention standard to put the legal name smaller if it is going to show at all. In fact, my badge for last year (the yellow paper one) was perfect, just do a switcheroo on the names.
But if you're feeling adventurous, as someone else suggested, having it on the backside of the badge is not a bad idea either. I can see where it could be a logistical issue for that, but if you're looking for other ideas that still keep identification in play, that's something else to play with.
Lowered font size is probably what we'll go with (as of right now).
We have text on the back of the badge that would need to be moved around if we were putting legal names on the back. It doesn't mean that this is out the realm of possibility, but would mean that we'd have to revisit printing and whatnot.
Quote from: Dany on December 25, 2011, 06:37:06 PM
Quote from: MPLe on December 25, 2011, 01:17:29 AM
Is lowering the font size of the legal name not good enough for a compromise? There's only so much we can do, but we're open to listening to ideas.
This is fine, as it's a fairly common fan convention standard to put the legal name smaller if it is going to show at all. In fact, my badge for last year (the yellow paper one) was perfect, just do a switcheroo on the names.
But if you're feeling adventurous, as someone else suggested, having it on the backside of the badge is not a bad idea either. I can see where it could be a logistical issue for that, but if you're looking for other ideas that still keep identification in play, that's something else to play with.
Yes, lowering the font size is a compromise... but only if it's made small enough so that random passers by couldn't see it. Making it an inch high instead of an inch and a half isn't going to do any good at all. Putting it in 10 or 12 pt font in a corner or something would be just fine... easy enough to read if someone needs to check an ID, but not readable when standing at conversation-distance.
I'm sorry if I got upset, but I've been fighting this for the last couple of years, since I started going to Fanime... and it has always surprised me that more people aren't as upset about this as I am. Being told that I have to sacrifice my right to privacy just because of "security and safety reactions for staff" (quoted from an email I received last year) and to keep kids from sharing badges doesn't sit right with me. That being said, I don't object to Fanime staff being able to read my name if they need to... I just don't want every Tom, Dick, and Harry who happens to be wandering around the convention center to be able to see it. Small font is fine, putting the names on the back is better. You're happy because you can keep kids from sharing badges, I and everyone like me are happy because we don't have to walk around in fear that someone unsavory might take it into their heads to make victims of us. It's a win-win situation and all you'd have to do is redesign the the back of the badges a tiny bit. -.-
I actually really hope that something like this is done, I'd hate to miss out on the new Steampunk sub-con.
Quote from: nurikowindchaser on December 27, 2011, 07:46:11 PM
Yes, lowering the font size is a compromise... but only if it's made small enough so that random passers by couldn't see it. Making it an inch high instead of an inch and a half isn't going to do any good at all. Putting it in 10 or 12 pt font in a corner or something would be just fine... easy enough to read if someone needs to check an ID, but not readable when standing at conversation-distance.
I'm sorry if I got upset, but I've been fighting this for the last couple of years, since I started going to Fanime... and it has always surprised me that more people aren't as upset about this as I am. Being told that I have to sacrifice my right to privacy just because of "security and safety reactions for staff" (quoted from an email I received last year) and to keep kids from sharing badges doesn't sit right with me. That being said, I don't object to Fanime staff being able to read my name if they need to... I just don't want every Tom, Dick, and Harry who happens to be wandering around the convention center to be able to see it. Small font is fine, putting the names on the back is better. You're happy because you can keep kids from sharing badges, I and everyone like me are happy because we don't have to walk around in fear that someone unsavory might take it into their heads to make victims of us. It's a win-win situation and all you'd have to do is redesign the the back of the badges a tiny bit. -.-
I actually really hope that something like this is done, I'd hate to miss out on the new Steampunk sub-con.
Okay, I'm sorry if saying this causes a backlash, but after reading multiple posts about the presence of our real names on the badges, I can't help but find myself baffled. What exactly are you (or anyone else who thinks having a visible real name is evil), afraid of? The astronomically low chance that someone at the con might see your name and try to steal your personal information? That you'll be photographed, it will be uploaded online without your permission, and the picture will actually be clear enough that someone can see your real name and prey on you? Yes, there will always be unscrupulous people in the world, but I really doubt you'll find anyone at Fanime who wants to screw you over. Have you ever heard of this happening to anyone you know? Otherwise, these fears simply sound paranoid.
Call me too trusting if you want, but I've been going to Fanime for years (as have my friends), and none of us have ever had any issues with people trying to get good looks at our badges for that information. If anything, just about everyone (save the staff and people you're meeting for the first time at the con) hardly pays attention to anyone else's badge. You're almost making it sound like badge-creeping is a pastime at Fanime, which simply is not true.
Besides, I can see good reasons why the badges do have our real names. Take picking up badges that were bought during pre/early registration. How can you properly identify someone as "hotpotato123"? You have to take their word for it. You can't use any concrete form of identification to verify someone's ID like you can with a driver's license or passport. The staff could end up in a situation where people can't get their memberships because others gave them a false fan name that happened to be registered, and then people who did pay are complaining that their memberships are lost because of this.
Another point pertains to lost and found. Say someone loses their badge and needs to recover it. Again, how can the staff be sure they are giving the badge to the right person? Using member names just presents too many security/organization/theft issues to warrant giving a few people peace of mind so they can have a metaphorical mask on at the con.
Finally, there's the issue of if someone misbehaves badly enough that it warrants taking their membership away, perhaps for multiple years. You can't properly enforce this with using false names as the perpetrator could easily come up with a new fan name, buy a badge with it, and go through picking it up with no one being the wiser. With legal names, though, Fanime could tell quite easily that the person in question was not allowed and deny them the badge, keeping the rest of their behaved attendees safe.
And no, I'm not staff. I'm simply a regular attendee. It just seems extremely odd to me that people are complaining about this small detail when far as I can tell, none of you have had any issues with it before. And before anyone jumps me on my seemingly contradictory statements of people taking a badge vs stealing your name, let me ask you this: what are the chances anyone could steal much of anything from you just going off your name (which likely isn't even full on the membership)? Now what are the chances someone might try to get something for nothing and grab a membership for the weekend using a fan name they pulled out of thin air?
once again i am inclined to respond against cautioning from others..
Name on the back of badges? Do you realize this will more than double the cost of the badge, not just the 2 sided printing, but also the time and cost of flipping each one over to print it in the plastic badge printer?
Also, as someone who wears a badge on a lanyard everyday for my day job I can tell you more often than not, that badge is going to flip to the wrong side anyways.
Just to be fair to both sides of this equation without taking into consideration logistics since I don't know the printing methods used for Fanime badges; I can understand why people do not want their legal names displayed on a badge because the risk of having someone unscrupulous research into your name and etc is quite unnerving. It is also extremely simple to find out stuff on the internet nowadays with just a name, and with the fan name you can narrow it down to a pretty accurate result of finding the right person. And my primary concern would be if someone from the protesters took efforts to write down as many names as possible and upload it as a list. Cause such things have been done in the past although I do not believe that it has occurred at Fanime ever.
On the other side I have also been in attendance at Fanime for several years now and I have never had a problem. In the past I have just looped the lanyard around my belt and tucked it into my pocket when I did not need it. I have never been stopped for doing this and have never had a problem with anyone. It's nice and secure and I can control to a fair extent what degree it is seen by people.
I agree with making the font size smaller around 10pt or 12pt as previously mentioned because at that point you can really only read it if you are holding it in your hand. It seems like a fairly excellent compromise as far as I can see with absolutely no additional cost to printing badges.
As a forewarning: I'm keeping this topic open (I generally hate locking threads unless they *have* to be locked), but please keep the discussion rational and do not flame or flamebait.
nurikowindchaser: We have your feedback (along with others that share your viewpoint).
Gigantor / SpiritOfKairi: All I can say is that there are different views to this topic.
I have said numerous times that we are looking into this, but keep in mind that there is only so much we can do. As much as I want to please everyone, there are numerous things where we will fail to do so.
Quote from: MPLe on December 28, 2011, 02:56:15 AM
As a forewarning: I'm keeping this topic open (I generally hate locking threads unless they *have* to be locked), but please keep the discussion rational and do not flame or flamebait.
nurikowindchaser: We have your feedback (along with others that share your viewpoint).
Gigantor / SpiritOfKairi: All I can say is that there are different views to this topic.
I have said numerous times that we are looking into this, but keep in mind that there is only so much we can do. As much as I want to please everyone, there are numerous things where we will fail to do so.
Well thank you very much for listening to all the different views and I understand some compromises can be made and some can't; but thank you for listening to the issues and making what concessions you are able to while still running a quality convention. :)
This seems to be mostly resolved, but I thought I'd chime in, as I've recently had an experience that is germane to this issue about what harm could come from someone knowing your real name.
A couple of weeks ago, my man was bored and so googled his own name. On the first page of results was one of those people-finder sites. This one listed his name, his birthplace, his address, his email address, his various IM names and his phone number, along with the names of his parents, sibling and even my name (despite the fact that we are not legally linked in any way). These sites crawl through the many public archives available, so he has no control whatsoever over what info they display. All of this information is available to anyone. For free. And all you need to know is his real name. He was so freaked out by this, we changed our phone numbers and would probably have moved, except that we just bought this house and moving is not an easy prospect anymore.
Now, it's definitely true that most of the people at Fanime don't care about any of this and aren't paying the slightest bit of attention to anyone's badges. However, it's possible that there may be someone of less-than-honorable intent amongst the other hundreds of people. Badges are not required to enter the building or hang out in the halls, so you can't be certain that everyone is actually a paid attendee. And while the chances are low that someone would be harvesting names, it's not impossible.
I'm definitely on the side of "it's better to be safe than sorry". If real names must be on the badges, making them much smaller does minimize the risk. I'd personally feel more comfortable with them placed on the back. Yaoi-con puts stickers with the attendee's real name on the back of the badge, so they don't have to print them two-sided.