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Has it always been that way though? I don't remember 'choosing a con' being there until this year o_0

Yes it has been that way all three years.  In the previous two years if you followed the link from the FanimeCon site it defaulted for FanimeCon so maybe that is why you did not see it. 

[Edit by MPLe: I am confirming that this is who he says he is. I won't be able to get to responses until tomorrow evening.]

Hi I am the current Chair of Clockwork Alchemy.

MPLe has helped to clear many of misconceptions and rumors regarding FanimeCon and Clockwork Alchemy.  I will attempt to do the same for the question asked directly about Clockwork Alchemy. 

I really am curious about how Clockwork receives their money to operate then? If they're not taking money from FanimeCon registration, how can they afford to run their convention? Even with table fee's accounted for, it still seems a bit unnerving.

Our small budget is not coming from your registration for FanimeCon.  The bay area has a relatively large Steampunk community and it is from that community that we staff our convention and get the vast majority of the fans that register specifically for Clockwork Alchemy.   Clockwork Alchemy gets its funds from these registrations, from table fees as you mentioned, and even from our own pockets as we endeavor to put on the best event we can.  Relative to FanimeCon we have a much smaller attendance and as such we also have a much much smaller budget. 

FanimeCon has given us infrastructure to use but it was existing things like space on a server, access to a registration system and yes advice when we ask.  Something we are infinitely grateful for.  It was our responsibility to staff it and use these resources.  In return we are happy that we can offer, for those who want it, an opportunity to come and enjoy the events at Clockwork Alchemy. 

I hope that we add something for FanimeCon attendees as having the opportunity to share what we love has been an amazing experience.  I spent 10 years on FanimeCon staff before Clockwork Alchemy and was happy to introduced the Steampunk community to FanimeCon several years ago when I learned that Steampunk was the theme. Something we did then without using any of FanimeCons budget as well, even with the live performance.  ;)

I hope that I have helped clear up any misconceptions.