Messages

[not]

I hope people realize that FanimeCon is a Con staffed by volunteers.  In order for the feedback to be best utilized, a centralized feedback form is best.  Critics are always more vocal and I have to remind my staff that may get discouraged and some downright quit based on the negative feedback in the forums.  It's hard to get staff willing to put in the time, money, and effort just to get picked apart or trolled here.  I can't speak for the con, but I will say, asking people to commit to going to staff meetings and put in the work hours for zero compensation is extremely difficult.  Before you just say "something sucks", give a good explanation of why...and perhaps think about why you aren't staffing...?

As for sponsorships, I hope you think it through...people are less inclined to reduce prices or volunteer if they know there is sponsor money coming in....getting more sponsors, raises the minimum run rate price of things and every year you will have to hustle more and more to get additional sponsors while the corporate sponsors give less and less as their ROI decreases.  Do you really want a highly commercialized event like some of the other Southern California Conventions which charge additional money for special events? 

I'm surprised nobody has made the comment in support of the move of AA to south hall which is that there was more space ...

Yes, we realize that it's volunteers.  That's the first thing most people mention in defense of any negative comments anyone points out here or at con.  Usually in the context of "well X would have worked fine if we had more volunteers" though we do also hear "don't be hard on staff because their all volunteer" and "if you don't like what staff does, why don't you volunteer" and more.  To address the last one I mentioned, quite simply, not everyone wants to volunteer.  I know that I personally do not.  It doesn't appeal to me and I'm an artist, so I wouldn't have the time at con to be of any help.  That doesn't stop me or any other con goer for doing things like give directions or helping out or grabbing Rovers or medics for other attendees we see in need.  And how exactly do you differentiate between 'staff' and normal 'volunteers'?  I can't say that I've ever understood that. 

Also, congoers who do elaborate cosplays and artists alike put in time, money and effort to what they will be bringing to con.  Many of the cosplayers only reward is to be told how amazing they look.  Isn't that similar to what staff would hear (something like, "Hey, great con!") if we didn't have issues that we wanted addressed?  The intangible reward of verbal congratulations?  And many of those who have posted have tried to give you explanations as to why!  I know that I did.  I gave you three pages worth of responses and explanations on the form that we were constantly being directed to.  I posted the link to the form on my facebook, tumblr, and in the AA facebook page because I wasn't sure when staff would have time.  And here's a link someone else had posted to an actual report of the con: http://www.usagichan2.com/Fanime2013/

You don't want sponsors because that will just start Fanime on the path to corp-con?  Fine, then don't do that.  Why not capitalize on your existing partnerships and friendships with the local downtown businesses that benefit from the influx of thousands of people?  I pretty sure none of them want to see Fanime decline, fail, or move.  They would like to see it continue to grow I sure.

Now to get to that last line.  I have seen plenty of people post how they like the location of Artist Alley.  By and large it seems to be non-artists saying that, but there are artists who liked it as well.  For me as an artist the only good thing was more space behind the table.  That's it.  People at my table did experience allergies and health issues that many people have mentioned.  I also felt separated from the rest of the con.  Honestly, it surprised me how much an extra block made a difference.  Normally, I would be able to do other things at con such as dealer's hall, gatherings, gamer's hall, and some other things.  This year I was able to scrape some time to blaze through dealer's hall so that I wouldn't be away too long.  I got to go to one gathering.  I went to the Spectacular and later left for reasons I've stated on the form.  Before it's said "but you could have gone back to con after AA closed!" yes that's true except that after dinner had been achieved I was back in my hotel room working on items for the table.  Once I'd finished that it would be late and I'd be really tired, since I'd been up quite early to put on my costume, eat, and get to the table before the hall opened to the public.  It was much easier to squeeze in some of these other activities when AA was in the main con space.

Finally, traffic was down, no one seemed to know where we were, and there wasn't any water in the hall unless we brought our own until mid-Saturday.  Those were constantly empty.  I am most vehemently against having Artist Alley in South Hall next year.  I have offered my suggestion for this on the form.  I don't want another con where I feel like it was an utter waste of my time, effort and money to make items for my table or to go at all.  Because at the end of this con that is how I felt!  That it had been an utter waste only just saved by seeing some friends I only see at con.  Otherwise, I'm in the red this con both financially and emotionally.  I don't know if it really affects staff when they hear that long time con goers say they won't be coming back.  I'm not quite there yet.  I'm willing to give the con another shot, but if next year can't improve then I can't say I'd return.  And that is not something I'm happy to say, especially as a former local who use to have such pride in the convention!

@ Yuu-pon

All that was stated was that staff could reply to the feedback form if the wanted.  There was no saying they had to respond to it.  The way the whole post sounded to me was that here she just wanted to hear from other con-goers, preferably without the discussion being locked like others.  That she'd give staff feedback in the form they requested and they were free to respond to that if they wished to discuss a point.  The last line of the first post is also the only place that staff is specifically mentioned. 

I too read through all of the threads of feedback.  I didn't find it annoying because some had different opinions or attitudes and suggestions about how to fix what they didn't like.  In some ways I found it cathartic.   And yes, there was a good feedback thread that was closed.  It doesn't help soothe anyone's ruffled feathers and may just cause more.  I've also seen the staff post about why.  But if even half the people who attend fill out the form, is that not the same as reading the (potentially) same complaint ten thousand times?  I assume they are asking for the forms because someone is going to sit down and read through all of them so that staff can make one large post in response to them all (and make sure feedback goes to the right department), which could have also been an option for the multitude of threads with similar complaints. 

I'm glad that you, like many others, had a good time at this convention.  That is great.  The people posting feedback and suggestions, for the most part, wanted to have a similar good con experience and didn't for reasons relating to the convention itself.  Many who have made post genuinely want next year to improve and plan to attend to see if it will, my self included.

@aetherltd

I cannot tell you how much I wanted to go check out Clock Work!  I've been wanting to for two years, but I never have a chance to get over there.  Not to mention that I didn't know where it was both years.  Sometimes working an Artist table makes it hard for me to get away, especially if the thing I want to do is further then the convention center and surrounding hotels.  I loved seeing the few steampunk outfits I did and they were lovely!  Hopefully I'll be able to see it next year especially if there's free tea and cookies involved!

I can't say that I would call anything either of the first two said a threat.  Venting or rant perhaps: yes.  However, many have made similar points in other places on the forums about this and other things.  Sure it may not be the best way to express something, but when one is truly mad it can be hard to make everything politically correct.

Besides, is not one of the points of the forums (and in fact this thread) that we should be able to say what we like or do not like and why and have others respond so that the point can be discussed?

For myself, I did only have fun because I found some friends.  Otherwise, I was tied in the South Hall to my table not making anywhere near the sales of the previous year.  When I was able to get away it usually wasn't for long and I was entirely unable to enjoy many of the parts of con that I have in the past.  The only large event I was able to attend was the Spectacular and for several reasons that I have stated both on the forum and on the feedback form, I was utterly disappointed.  Between that and a few other things I actually left con feeling rather depressed and certainly not for the normal "post-con blues".  This was legitimate sadness for the con not being up to what it had been and hearing so many people whom I respect and admire say they won't come back to Fanime because of it.  I love Fanime.  I was proud of it.  So why should it not be allowed for myself or other to state, rant or put out there what has made us so sad or angry?  Civil discussion can always follow an unhappy beginning!   

If you are talking about the parking garage under the convention center then there is generally always a special event rate going for Fanime from year to year.  In previous years, it was a flat rate of $10.  Now that's great if you've been parked all day because it really is less then it would be normally.  But if one tends to go in and out a lot then this isn't really a good deal, but most people parking there tend to stay as long as possible. And there isn't really anything special you need to do to get that rate to my knowledge.  Just drive in and get the ticket.  The pay machines inside are programmed with the special rate.

My group usually hits Costco for a flat of those mini water bottles.  We usually work an Artist Alley table and those are easier to deal with there. We also get a thing of trail mix from there because its a good balanced snack. 

Otherwise we go to one of the restaurants mentioned above or those in Japan Town.  The other thing we do which I guess is a bit out of the norm is that we bake. We make maple cookies, scones with nuts and chocolate and raisins, and pirozki.  They generally last the whole weekend and mean we have to leave the table less. 

@Alejandro Cuba - Just a quick correction on the second map. The building you have labeled as the Montgomery Theatre is actually the San Jose Civic. This is where the Cosplay Spectacular and MusicFest are held at. The Montgomery Theatre is a much smaller venue sandwiched in between the SJ Civic and The Tech Museum on Market Street.

Ah!  Thank you.  As I'd said, I wasn't certain that I had that venue correctly labeled.  I'll be sure to update the map and the notes.

There's actually already been a fair bit of talk about this over in the Live Events.  What's happening is this year, Artist Alley is going to be in an area called South Hall which was a temporary expansion put up by San Jose some years ago that is yet to be replaced with something more permanent.  It's right behind the convention center proper just across the street from the entrance to the underground parking garage. 



- The blue tent labeled South Hall is where Artist Alley and another as of yet unknown event will be held.

- The Convention Center has doors that exit between the Marriott and the Parking Garage Entrance which should make for a short and easy commute from inside the Convention Center to South Hall.

- Registration is in the Fairmont which is to the right of the upper section of the park.  It can be seen fairly well in the second map provided below.

- The Civic Center is where Masquerade has been for as long as I've been going. It can be seen directly across the street from the courtyard and is behind the Marriott in the map above but is quite clear in the second map below.  The line for events there frequently stretches past The Tech Museum.

- The building labeled as construction was the old library that is being converted to an expansion for the con center.  Depending on the stage, construction may still spill over into the courtyard space.

- The 360 Towers are labeled simply as a land mark, though there was a Subway shop there last I checked.

- The St. Claire hotel is not part of the 360 building.  It is just steps north of the 360 Towers and across from the Marriott.



- The Fairmont is visible in this image above.  It has the main building and a tower next to it which is connected by an upper walkway above a breeze way that runs between the two structures.  In the breeze way are a few pricy eats and a nice little bakery. 

- Johnny Rockets is through the Fairmont breeze way and across the small street.  There are several other inexpensive eateries in that area.

- I have also noted the McD's in this one since it is the other end of the great congoer/cosplayer food migration.

I think that's about everything labeled that might need noting. Feel free to comment if you think I may have left out something or want clarification!

Yay, happy that we have a time and place now! The day works for me and the time's not bad.

(And heyyyyyy, you all should come to Artist Alley and check out my table.  I'll be selling flag pillows again!)

@ Alejandro (too long to quote): was that con ALA? I heard they moved their artist alley from its original location and that the results weren't too great. Or am I confusing this with something else?

It was Yaoi-con and I wanna say it was three years ago.  It was an odd hotel.  Kinda like a pyramid in a pyramid.

I'm from San Jose and I've been to some events in South Hall.  I don't remember it having restrooms inside (though I also can't remember needing to look for them either), but it has been a few years since I've been in there so it could have changed.  I'm pretty sure I remember several people on the Fanime page saying that there were some form of semi-permanent restrooms outside one of the doors.

As for the temp, the balloon is suppose to have AC and I don't remember it ever getting uncomfortably warm even during an event such as the Home and Garden Show, which was the last time I was in there.  I've had it be a bit cool, but admittedly it was at night and the large doors on the large, round end of the hall were open.

Now for an event that has used both, the only one that I have ever been to is the San Jose Auto Show.  I think four or five years ago that event started using South Hall for the classic/interesting cars and the Toyota Off-Road Experience (that may not be the name but close enough, I also gotta just say that the first two years of it were totally awesome beyond belief). The first year had ok traffic but they also did not have very good signage.  And the way they were directing folks to South Hall involved a route I doubt Fanime would use and for a good reason.  So as long as the signage is good then traffic should be pretty good.  And people do go out of the main building of the convention center a lot for the hotels, food, parking and other things so hopefully there shouldn't be too big a difference in traffic since South Hall is closer then most food and some of the hotels. 

I have heard from many sources that Fanime plans to have lots of signs.  If it works right, again, traffic should be pretty close to normal.  It also might change depending on what else is in South Hall.  I will admit I have been at a different convention in a different city with a similar set up where the Artist Alley was separate from most of the rest of the convention (in this case in a wedding tent by the pool of the hotel the con was out beyond where the last con room was), it took about a day (maybe less) for things to pick up, but that was also about when that convention put up little hand written signs and then things were good.  Word of mouth also helped in that case and probably will in this one.  So as someone who has been going to Fanime for nine or ten years I'd say don't skip.  This year is a little wonky because of the construction, but it shouldn't be too far off.

Hope I'm putting this in the right place, since the question is about badge pick up but also ties to artist alley.  I may be wrong on this part but I thought I saw it mentioned about having a separate pick-up line for AA people.  If that's the case, will it affect a group membership at all?  And would that be for Day Zero pick-up?

Not totally sure yet. It will probably be there for day zero, and can pick group reg there, but need to confirm all logistics before we actually announcing the details.

Ok, I'll keep an eye out as we get closer to see if the answer comes up later.

Hope I'm putting this in the right place, since the question is about badge pick up but also ties to artist alley.  I may be wrong on this part but I thought I saw it mentioned about having a separate pick-up line for AA people.  If that's the case, will it affect a group membership at all?  And would that be for Day Zero pick-up?

Alright, I'm going to put this up saying that I have since resolved my confusion and that my initial anger has faded.  While I still find the entire situation quite irritating, I at least have an understanding of why the rule was added and can admit that I overreacted some.  However, I would like to suggest that in the future, when making such rules or policy changes, please at least give us a little blurb about why it is being put in place. Especially when the change effects the artists alley/ artists so drastically.  For example, I didn't know about the union so to me the change seemed entirely unfair.  My confusion was not helped by the wording of the new rule because there was no mention that suitcases would not be include in the "other mechanical equipment" category.  I would seriously recommend making sure this is made know or stated in the rules.  Even a quick few sentences saying, "Here's this new rule, we have had to put it in place. This is why, here are the exceptions (aka suitcases), please try and abide by this new change. Thank you, and sorry for any inconvenience." would have been great and my problem would have been resolved and I would never have started this thread.

Thank you, and I will do my best to adjust how I move my inventory.

Ok, two things.  You said that it's standard for dealer's hall what does that have to do with Artist Alley?  Two what do unions have to do with this at all.  Everything I have can fit in a decent sized car, but that doesn't mean I can carry it all.

Thank you for your thoughts but it has resolved nothing for me.

[3. Artist may only move material to and from the Event which can be hand-carried in a single trip without the use of dollies, hand trucks or other mechanical equipment.]

As a direct quote from the new table agreement: 3. Artist may only move material to and from the Event which can be hand-carried in a single trip without the use of dollies, hand trucks or other mechanical equipment.

What is the reason behind this? Is it that you are trying to discourage any artist who sells more then a few prints or bookmarks?!!  Or just everyone who sells stuff besides prints?  Because that's what it sounds like! I sell a bulky item that is ALWAYS in multiple boxes, which I don't always bring all of to the table even.  But I still need enough that a dolly is required, especially for the box that has my table display!  That is a very heavy box and even if we Artists are allowed to park behind the giant balloon that is South Hall it would still be a real challenge to carry it!  And I don't know about other artists but I always take the dolly back to my room after set up day!

Also, did you think about the fact that some of the reoccurring artists at this con are disabled?  I know one in particular who is a huge seller who is sadly mostly confined to a wheelchair these days and has her boyfriend help her bring in and set up her table items on a dolly!  So by saying that Artists can't use anything except their arms to carry stuff in you are also in serious danger of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act! To use a loose paraphrase: "No public venue shall inhibit the ability of disabled persons to access the venue."  This also means that denying them assistance in this case could be considered a violation of their rights!

If the real reason behind this rule is to reduce clutter behind the tables, increase the space between artists backs.  Even the people with prints usually have a pvc display and boxes with more of their prints under the table or next to them or behind them.  When there's barely a person's width between the backs of the artist tables, of course there will be issues.  My table mate and I could not even push our chairs back properly to stand if the table behind us already had their chairs pushed back some.  If you are hoping to prevent clutter behind the artist tables, tell them they need to take the dollies/suitcases/whatever back to their rooms or cars!

I would very much like for staff to explain why this rule has been put in place.

[80,000 sq. ft.]

It's actually twice the size. Exhibit Hall 1 is where we're usually at, and it's 43,000 sq. ft. The South Hall is that tent like building just past the parking garage and it's 80,000 sq. ft. They've give us in AA not only our own building, but TWICE the foot space.

Here's hoping we just don't loose the foot traffic from being outside the main con floor!

Its bigger, but for planning reasons we will not be using the entire South Hall....but there will be more space:)

Artist Alley is going to be in South Hall?!  Why would you put it out there!  Getting to the South Hall from inside the convention center, especially if you are going straight there from the second floor ballrooms, involves a very steep set of concrete stairs which will not be safe for many of the types of shoes cosplayers wear.  Admittedly that's only an issue if the convention center allows that particular path to be used.  Is this because of the construction?  Is it blocking off part of the existing convention rooms? 

Nice as fountains are for taking pictures and general beauty, there would be the chance that the city wouldn't want to pay for the water if the city budget gets tight.  But if you guys are curious, I believe I remember there being in ground geysers in the little park near Fanime across from the Fairmont.  They aren't always on, but they're pretty cool and you're actually allowed to play in these ones when they're on, which they aren't always.

Anyways, since I was in SJ last weekend I decided to drop by the construction site since I haven't seen the place since last Fanime.  It's really coming along from what I can see! A lot of the building structure and exterior seems to be up, which is good.  I couldn't get a peek at the new lobby sadly, still excited about it though.  Hopefully the construction company puts up more progress pictures soon.  Now if only SJ would start accepting plans for ways to build out that darned balloon!

[Friday? Saturday? or Sunday?]

Hey folks, sorry for not being that active college can be very busy.
Any way I would like to take a vote.
On what day would be the best day to do the gathering?
Friday? Saturday? or Sunday?
Post in the comments to vote!

I think I'd prefer any but Saturday.  Since I plan sincerely to get a table I don't want to wander away from it for an hour or more on one of the busiest days of the con for Artist Alley.  And if it's on Friday I can show off my products!  8D  Lol.  You thinking to have a table at this con Demitria?

Honestly I really didn't have a plan to get a table thinking it was too late, why do you ask?

Mostly just curious, wantin' to see who all I might know in the Alley.  And table reg didn't even go up yet, so there's still a chance at tables. 

[Friday? Saturday? or Sunday?]

Hey folks, sorry for not being that active college can be very busy.
Any way I would like to take a vote.
On what day would be the best day to do the gathering?
Friday? Saturday? or Sunday?
Post in the comments to vote!

I think I'd prefer any but Saturday.  Since I plan sincerely to get a table I don't want to wander away from it for an hour or more on one of the busiest days of the con for Artist Alley.  And if it's on Friday I can show off my products!  8D  Lol.  You thinking to have a table at this con Demitria?

Ok, sadly it looks like my North and I won't be able to afford and make our costumes in time for Fanime.  Maybe next year.