Cons about Kumoricon 2013 (and suggestions for next year)

[RoriLei]

Even though there was a lot of good about con this year, there was also a lot that was not so great (I hope I wasn't the only one who thought this). Some disappointments, some mishaps, cancellations and misunderstandings. I'd like to know what didn't go so well this year, and what you think would make it better for next year.

A note: Let's make constructive criticism. Please

Here's my list:
1. Not being allowed into the Kumoricon Ball due to open-toed shoes. I read on the website that sandals, flip-flops, and sneakers were allowed if they were part of your cosplay, but I was kicked out of the line for wearing sandals (which was part of my character). I would like for the rules to be clear so that I know whether I should go to the ball instead of wasting half an hour in line.

2. A lot of the staff did not seem to know what was going on the first day, as far as will-call and pre-registration. I almost had to wait in that huge line even though I was pre-reg. I think that the staff should have more trainings in order to be fully prepared.

3. Many of the panels were not very interactive, which was disappointing. I would've liked to get up and say what I think everyone should be watching or what I know about baking. I think that should be something that panelists keep in mind for next year, because interactive panels (like anime court) are far more entertaining than a more lecture style of panel.

4. There was no fanboy/fangirl support group Come back next year!

[TheWillRogers]

Only thing i have to say is that it felt like the majority of the panels are shoe-horned into sunday, this has happened last year too, but to a lesser extent. Almost everyone i knew there only had 2 things on their monday schedule. Spreading out some of the major events would be awesome, then again if spread too thin it seems things can get a bit boring, hopefully since the con starts officially on friday next year, this will mean a lot more content and panels, and allow for them to be spread out a touch.

[VampireFangs103]

Overall I thought this con was a great one! One of my absolute favorites, honestly. There were only a couple little things that I noticed.


1) Lack of communication. I was in line for a particular panel that was a very popular one. This being the case, we had a very long line, and there was a lot of chaos it seemed like. We had one staff member telling us to loop the line around, so we had a kind of zig-zag shape instead of one long line. However, at the same time there was another staff member yelling at us, telling us that that wasn't the line for the panel, but the one next to us was. Just a lack of communication, although I will admit that it did seem to improve over time.

2) I feel like the rule about lining up no more than 30 minutes before a panel or event wasn't enforced very well. I realize many of the panels I attended were popular ones and main events (such as Todd Haberkorn panels and ceremonies, etc), but I would leave my hotel room maybe five minutes before we were supposed to start lining up, and by the time I arrived at wherever the event was scheduled, often two minutes before line up time if that, there was already a line so long that I doubted I would get in.


Can't think of anything else at the moment, other than little things like not being able to go to the ball because I wasn't able to get a ticket. I'm hoping that since next year will be 4 days, maybe there will be 2 balls?

[GregAtlas]

There were some major things that disturbed me at con this year. I still enjoyed myself for the most part since I met a few new friends that I hope will be life long friends, but some of these things were a huge outrage.

First of all, on day 3 when I went back to my car, I had found that someone was doing donuts in the dirt lot. Not only did they come within a couple feet of hitting my car, but they scratched/chipped my paint and chipped my windshield. They had flung so much dirt up in the air that it even covered the back hatch of my car and filled the vents with dirt so if I ever need to turn my fan on it keeps spitting out dust and chunks of dirt. I know one could make the argument that the dirt lot wasn't meant for parking in anyway, but this is flat out vandalism, which didn't only happen to my vehicle since there were at least 4 other vehicles still parked there besides my own. The police will be notified and if the lot gets blocked off or a sign posted because of it that will suck, but I now have to pay for repairs and the law should be informed as to what happened.

Second, there was a female and a male staffer that approached a group of my friends and I while talking to the sword guy that, while I am grateful they were coming to inform us of some people maliciously throwing water at con-goers and running off. This is considered assault. When the sword guy asked if there were any right to defend yourself laws, the female replied that you only have the right to defend yourself in your own home. THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE AND AN OUTRAGE THAT A STAFFER THAT DOESN'T KNOW THE LAW IS GIVING LEGAL ADVISE.

Luckily the other cons that stick out in my mind right now are minor ones. The third is that the league of legends tournament needed many more computers and much more space. My understanding is that this will most likely be fixed next year, so yay. I am happy that there was such a turnout for the tournament but unfortunately that also meant the bracket takes forever to go through with only one match at a time and over 110 players signed up not including substitutions.

Fourth is that there was only one slightly anime dating game. This is one of the main events I love coming to the convnetion for. On their Facebook it was indicated that they may be kind of getting tired of doing the dating game so I understand only doing one this year, but it was still a disappointment.

Fifth: I didn't find as many of the panels that interesting this year, which ended up being a good thing for me since I ended up trying to go to so many photoshoots, do some gaming, and hang out with friends just to try something new. I love going to panels, though.

[TheWillRogers]

There were some major things that disturbed me at con this year. I still enjoyed myself for the most part since I met a few new friends that I hope will be life long friends, but some of these things were a huge outrage.

First of all, on day 3 when I went back to my car, I had found that someone was doing donuts in the dirt lot. Not only did they come within a couple feet of hitting my car, but they scratched/chipped my paint and chipped my windshield. They had flung so much dirt up in the air that it even covered the back hatch of my car and filled the vents with dirt so if I ever need to turn my fan on it keeps spitting out dust and chunks of dirt. I know one could make the argument that the dirt lot wasn't meant for parking in anyway, but this is flat out vandalism, which didn't only happen to my vehicle since there were at least 4 other vehicles still parked there besides my own. The police will be notified and if the lot gets blocked off or a sign posted because of it that will suck, but I now have to pay for repairs and the law should be informed as to what happened.


Day 3 had a lot of people in the area do to the memorial day celebrations, that's when all the jocks and pricks come to the parks to harass people. that sucks that someone was vandalizing your vehical, you should have called the police at that exact moment.

Second, there was a female and a male staffer that approached a group of my friends and I while talking to the sword guy that, while I am grateful they were coming to inform us of some people maliciously throwing water at con-goers and running off. This is considered assault. When the sword guy asked if there were any right to defend yourself laws, the female replied that you only have the right to defend yourself in your own home. THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE AND AN OUTRAGE THAT A STAFFER THAT DOESN'T KNOW THE LAW IS GIVING LEGAL ADVISE.


The people throwing water at congoers were these two little boys(7 and i grabbed one by the hand right after i saw him do it and told him to knock it off, he swore at me and his mother got upset, whatever, i was in an iron man costume. As to being outraged that a staffer gave legal advice... that's not legal advice, that's one person telling another not to retaliate against a child. The way you defend yourself from a water bottle is to pull up a plastic shield,


Fifth: I didn't find as many of the panels that interesting this year, which ended up being a good thing for me since I ended up trying to go to so many photoshoots, do some gaming, and hang out with friends just to try something new. I love going to panels, though.

super duper agree.

[ichigo_m.]

I felt that the dealers hall was really lacking this year. Especially in the figure department. I thought a lot of the boths had the same things.
Maybe it could be moved to one of the rooms upstairs or somewhere in the hilton that has more space, is easier to get to and could hold more booths.


Also the glomp circle this year seemed more out of control than normal, or maybe it's just that I can't stand the glomp circle. while my friend and I were walking to the Hilton someone decided to yell "glomp princess celestia and princess cadence" and the whole lot of them started running at us in our FRAGILE costumes and would have broken our costumes if I hadn't put my hand out and yelled no repeatedly. It'd be nice if a staffer could stand out there and make sure they don't do anything dumb or potentially dangerous to those around them.


Other than that it was a wonderful convention! (:

[reppy]

I always have a blast at the convention. I don't spend as much time as a lot of people with the events and panels and stuff, so maybe I miss a lot of the annoyances that other people experience.

But I did have a suggestion or maybe a question.

I have noticed a lot of the panels are fan driven. Which is totally awesome. I love and appreciate everyone that spends their time, effort, and even money into putting on a panel for the rest of us.

Which brings me te... I've noticed sometimes that the panels can be a little disjointed. Particularly when you start to involve technology. Staring at someone's desktop while they search around for a file that they misplaced can kill the momentum of a great panel!

Has anyone with panel experience ever considered putting together a list of DOs and DON'Ts for hosting a panel? Sort of like helpful guidelines on how to handle different types of media, how to present your topic, segueing between topics, etc. Maybe even some videos of panels that are considered well thought out and constructed.

I think it would improve the experience for everyone involved.

Anyway, that's just my two nickels. Thanks again to everyone that helps put together an awesome con!

[PaladinCecil79]

Here are a few things I wanted to bring up:

First, I had an issue with a vendor in the dealer room. On Saturday, I purchased three t-shirts, which totaled $66. I've been attending anime conventions for ten years and for a long time, have been very careful about remembering to put what I buy in my carrying bag afterwards, but this was the first time that I had forgotten to do it. After the purchase, I was given some change that I had put in my wallet and right when I had done it, I believed that I had already put the shirts in the bag. Afterwards, I went back to my room to take a picture of them when I realized that they weren't in there and the dealer room had already closed.
So I went back the next morning and explained the situation. At first, the guy I talked to (who I think was the head vendor) asked another employee from that booth if I had made purchases there the day before and he said I had. But despite that, he told me that I couldn't have the t-shirts or my money back, claiming that once you make a purchase, what you do is your responsibility. I do agree that when you buy something, you need to be responsible and I can understand any vendor not wanting to have anything stolen. But because what I did is easy to do and that the employee he talked to said that I had purchased them, he should've just believed both me and other other vendor. I don't know what kind of rules and restrictions there are for vendors or how much independence they have (I do remember a staffer say that a lot of things that happen in the room are the merchants decisions), but I feel like this is something that no customer should have to experience. If it'll help, the booth this happened at was near the registration desks and on the same side.

Second, I had some trouble with a panelist on Monday. It was at the Shakespeare's Voice panel that morning. When I went in, I sat down and was listening in on the discussion. Things were going okay for a while, but later on, something just came into my mind that I started laughing over. I wasn't in any trying to cause a distraction, I had just had a thought that cracked me up. I hadn't been laughing for very long when the panelist told me to stop the said that I should leave the room if I'm not going to pay any attention to the panel.
I really thought she was being insensitive because although I wasn't laughing extremely loud, if you have a voice that carries like mine, sometimes you sound louder than you intend to be without noticing.
And I can understand that panelists want people who are in the room to be there for the panel, but whenever someone shows up, you can't just assume they aren't there for it if you don't know and telling them they must leave if they aren't is just rude and disrespectful. All she had to do was politely ask me to stop laughing, explaining that it was a distraction and that would've been enough. I'm not a troublemaker in any way and I never do anything that's intended to make things difficult for other people.
I did bring this incident up to the con staff and I think the girl who ran the panel did an overall great job, but if she's going to continue doing this kind of work, this is something she has to learn that that is something you can't do, unless the person is acting that way continually.

[VampireFangs103]

I always have a blast at the convention. I don't spend as much time as a lot of people with the events and panels and stuff, so maybe I miss a lot of the annoyances that other people experience.

But I did have a suggestion or maybe a question.

I have noticed a lot of the panels are fan driven. Which is totally awesome. I love and appreciate everyone that spends their time, effort, and even money into putting on a panel for the rest of us.

Which brings me te... I've noticed sometimes that the panels can be a little disjointed. Particularly when you start to involve technology. Staring at someone's desktop while they search around for a file that they misplaced can kill the momentum of a great panel!

Has anyone with panel experience ever considered putting together a list of DOs and DON'Ts for hosting a panel? Sort of like helpful guidelines on how to handle different types of media, how to present your topic, segueing between topics, etc. Maybe even some videos of panels that are considered well thought out and constructed.

I think it would improve the experience for everyone involved.

Anyway, that's just my two nickels. Thanks again to everyone that helps put together an awesome con!

Reppy, I was actually thinking about this just today! I've had some fun ideas for panels in the past, but I've never hosted a panel myself. I was almost wondering if it might be interest/a good idea to offer a panel on how to do a good panel. Would that be silly?


I've noticed a few people have stated that they didn't find many panels they were interested in going to this year. Perhaps a panel on ideas and suggestions on how to run a good panel might encourage more people to submit their ideas for panels in the future?

[reppy]

Reppy, I was actually thinking about this just today! I've had some fun ideas for panels in the past, but I've never hosted a panel myself. I was almost wondering if it might be interest/a good idea to offer a panel on how to do a good panel. Would that be silly?


I've noticed a few people have stated that they didn't find many panels they were interested in going to this year. Perhaps a panel on ideas and suggestions on how to run a good panel might encourage more people to submit their ideas for panels in the future?

I think it's a great idea! I'm positive there are loads of people that could make fun panels but they're intimidated by the entire process.

[acton]

I would love a how to host panel especially I had problem and struggled with the dead air pause and timing .  Even with my problem I got good reviews.

[VampireFangs103]

I think it's a great idea! I'm positive there are loads of people that could make fun panels but they're intimidated by the entire process.

[/size]I would love a how to host panel especially I had problem and struggled with the dead air pause and timing .  Even with my problem I got good reviews. [size=78%]

Yeah! I've personally thought of a few fun ideas for panels, but honestly wouldn't even know where to start. I don't know the entire process, or how to set up and work with equipment (or even if I'd be the one doing any of that!) I also think a panel like this wouldn't only teach people how to run a good panel, but also give them somewhere to discuss possible ideas for panels and maybe work together during following years.

Of course, a panel like that would have to be done by people who have done panels before and are confident in doing so, with lots of advice and suggestions to give ^^; People who know the process well (obviously not like myself XD)

[GregAtlas]

There were some major things that disturbed me at con this year. I still enjoyed myself for the most part since I met a few new friends that I hope will be life long friends, but some of these things were a huge outrage.

First of all, on day 3 when I went back to my car, I had found that someone was doing donuts in the dirt lot. Not only did they come within a couple feet of hitting my car, but they scratched/chipped my paint and chipped my windshield. They had flung so much dirt up in the air that it even covered the back hatch of my car and filled the vents with dirt so if I ever need to turn my fan on it keeps spitting out dust and chunks of dirt. I know one could make the argument that the dirt lot wasn't meant for parking in anyway, but this is flat out vandalism, which didn't only happen to my vehicle since there were at least 4 other vehicles still parked there besides my own. The police will be notified and if the lot gets blocked off or a sign posted because of it that will suck, but I now have to pay for repairs and the law should be informed as to what happened.


Day 3 had a lot of people in the area do to the memorial day celebrations, that's when all the jocks and pricks come to the parks to harass people. that sucks that someone was vandalizing your vehical, you should have called the police at that exact moment.

Second, there was a female and a male staffer that approached a group of my friends and I while talking to the sword guy that, while I am grateful they were coming to inform us of some people maliciously throwing water at con-goers and running off. This is considered assault. When the sword guy asked if there were any right to defend yourself laws, the female replied that you only have the right to defend yourself in your own home. THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE AND AN OUTRAGE THAT A STAFFER THAT DOESN'T KNOW THE LAW IS GIVING LEGAL ADVISE.


The people throwing water at congoers were these two little boys(7 and i grabbed one by the hand right after i saw him do it and told him to knock it off, he swore at me and his mother got upset, whatever, i was in an iron man costume. As to being outraged that a staffer gave legal advice... that's not legal advice, that's one person telling another not to retaliate against a child. The way you defend yourself from a water bottle is to pull up a plastic shield,


Fifth: I didn't find as many of the panels that interesting this year, which ended up being a good thing for me since I ended up trying to go to so many photoshoots, do some gaming, and hang out with friends just to try something new. I love going to panels, though.

super duper agree.

I don't care who it was whether it was a con-goer or one of these jocks. I did try to call the police, but 911 is only for emergencies and the non-emergency number was closed because it was so late. I also had my friend notify the hotel despite it not being part of their jurisdiction.

The staffer described them as a group of teens doing it maliciously. That doesn't mean stand there and take it and like it. When someone says "Legally you can only defend yourself in your own home in the state of Washington" (which is a complete lie), yes, it is legal advise and I think it's funny that you say not to retaliate against a child when that's exactly what you did, though it was a very appropriate retaliation.

[fairly_foxy]

So, I actually had issues in the dealers hall too. The guy sold me a mystery bag told me everything in it was anime and it wasn't. There was a Raiders T-shirt of all things. Like seriously? Sakura-con would NEVER let that stuff happen to a con-goer.

The second thing I had issues with was with the Yaoi panel saying it was "the lighter side of yaoi" and then it turned out to be non-consensual stuff... which wasn't light at all. Next year though they promise to warn for non-con.

I felt there was so much good stuff on Sunday, some good stuff Saturday, and nearly NOTHING on Monday.

I really loved Jason Thompson though... all his panels were wonderful. As well as the woman who did the Making Manga panel. Though she had technical issues and it took a while to get it started.

I loved that there was water everywhere around con.

[reppy]

Yeah! I've personally thought of a few fun ideas for panels, but honestly wouldn't even know where to start. I don't know the entire process, or how to set up and work with equipment (or even if I'd be the one doing any of that!) I also think a panel like this wouldn't only teach people how to run a good panel, but also give them somewhere to discuss possible ideas for panels and maybe work together during following years.

Of course, a panel like that would have to be done by people who have done panels before and are confident in doing so, with lots of advice and suggestions to give ^^; People who know the process well (obviously not like myself XD)

Fake it till you make it! 

[DSaturn]

For the bigger events, my group didn't really have any trouble with the 30min line rule because even those times when people didn't listen, they simply conga-ed the line to the back of everyone who did follow the rules, BUT we did have a major issue with the line for Cosplay Contest.

Staff at the info booth inside were telling people who asked that the line outside that had formed 10min early to the 30min rule was the line to the Contest and (at least the way it was worded) that it was being allowed. When it finally hit the 30min mark to seating, my group got in line and staff decided to come out then and try to shoo the line away, saying that we couldn't line up until 30min before the event and that seating didn't count. We were halfway through the short line there and after about 10 people in front of us, staff didn't shoo the people at the front away, but kept sending the people in the back away and there was just a ton of confusion with going back and forth with whether or not seating counted for the 30min.

This wouldn't have been so bad, because confusion happens even among staff, but some of the staff (I have a specific person in mind) were extremely rude about it, wouldn't listen to the questions about seating counting, and was overheard telling someone "I get to yell at people, YAY!" A member of my group felt like this person was serious when they said that, while I took it as sarcasm, but either way it's not something any of us wanted to hear of a staff member who then proceeded to yell at people without listening/answering questions.

Speaking of the Cosplay Contest, OMG, no offensive to any of the people who did these skits, but it was so bad that everyone except one person from my group left before they were over, and we noticed a ton of other people leaving too. I heard that the last three were the best, but with what I saw before I left, that means very little. I don't like leaving early, and can almost sit through anything, but it just got extremely boring and annoying. I was getting a headache, miserable, and falling asleep. I know there is issue with finding enough people who want to do skits to fill enough time to make it worth it, but there really should be some sort of standards set for the skits.

[FilkAeris]

About the Kumori Ball footwear issue - I'm not one of the coordinators, but I was a host and I happened to be in the Programming room while a discussion of that rule was going on. If I'm getting any of this wrong, somebody more in the know about things, please correct me!

As far as I can tell, the problem was a miscommunication between the people in charge of the panel, and the staff making the rules signs. The panelists are experienced ballroom dancers, and they know the hazards involved in partnered dancing.

You might not think it, since ballroom dancing looks so light and floaty; but actually, a severely overcrowded ballroom with lots of people dancing close together (partnered or otherwise) is a very easy place to get seriously injured if your toes aren't protected. And the KumoriBall, thanks to its popularity, gets extremely crowded. If you dance barefoot or in open-toed shoes, one wrong step from your partner or the person next to you can slam their shoe down on your exposed feet and cause injuries up to and including broken toes. So it's really important to choose footwear that can absorb the shock if your foot gets stepped on.

Unfortunately, there seems to have been a miscommunication about this problem. Staff members with less dancing experience understandably thought that it was just a fashion issue, so the rules sign was printed to say there were exceptions to the shoe rule in the case of certain cosplays.

Of course, since the actual panelists didn't want anyone's Kumoricon memories to include smashed toenails or broken bones, they explained the problem up in Programming as soon as they heard what was going on, and the people at the ballroom door were told to enforce the safety rule. Everybody involved seemed genuinely sorry about the mixed information that attendees were getting. It truly is a matter of safety, though - nobody was trying to be super fussy about what kind of shoes you like, they just didn't want people to get hurt.

A good general rule of thumb for future attendees and door staff (again, people who know more than me, please correct me if I'm wrong) seems to be: Worry about the dress code from the ankles up, but wear something safe from the ankles down. In a pinch, it's better to combine a gorgeous ballgown and sturdy tennis shoes than find yourself limping home. 

[Washougal_Otaku]

3. Many of the panels were not very interactive, which was disappointing. I would've liked to get up and say what I think everyone should be watching or what I know about baking. I think that should be something that panelists keep in mind for next year, because interactive panels (like anime court) are far more entertaining than a more lecture style of panel.

Not trying to discredit what you're saying, but all three of the panels that I helped run were interactive by design.  I do know that some need to work on that, but not all of them have that problem.

Fifth: I didn't find as many of the panels that interesting this year, which ended up being a good thing for me since I ended up trying to go to so many photoshoots, do some gaming, and hang out with friends just to try something new. I love going to panels, though.

This goes to TheWillRogers, too.  If you didn't find interest in the panels, you can sign up for some this upcoming year.  With an extra day coming, we will have more panels, and therefore more variety, if people make submissions.

I hadn't been laughing for very long when the panelist told me to stop the said that I should leave the room if I'm not going to pay any attention to the panel.

That sounds ridiculous.  It's not like you were heckling the panel, or anything.  It sounds like someone needs to pull their stick out before they rupture something.

So, I actually had issues in the dealers hall too. The guy sold me a mystery bag told me everything in it was anime and it wasn't. There was a Raiders T-shirt of all things. Like seriously? Sakura-con would NEVER let that stuff happen to a con-goer. The second thing I had issues with was with the Yaoi panel saying it was "the lighter side of yaoi" and then it turned out to be non-consensual stuff... which wasn't light at all. Next year though they promise to warn for non-con.

As for the first thing, I would have thrown it in his face and demanded to know how that vile piece of crap is considered anime.  Then I would have gone to Relations; hopefully they would have made sure that the booth wouldn't make a return to Kumoricon (I know that'd be the case if I were head of that department).


As for the second, I'd report that to the Programming department.  Unless my understanding of YAOI is weaker than I thought, non-consensual=rape.  That type of thing shouldn't be shown in a panel, whether it's rated "Mature" or not.

Speaking of the Cosplay Contest, OMG, no offensive to any of the people who did these skits, but it was so bad that everyone except one person from my group left before they were over, and we noticed a ton of other people leaving too. I heard that the last three were the best, but with what I saw before I left, that means very little. I don't like leaving early, and can almost sit through anything, but it just got extremely boring and annoying. I was getting a headache, miserable, and falling asleep. I know there is issue with finding enough people who want to do skits to fill enough time to make it worth it, but there really should be some sort of standards set for the skits.

Speaking as someone who used to do skits, there are usually duds.  Part of this is because they were thrown together last minute.  Another is that some are new to the stage and are trying it out, the acting, the writing, etc.  I personally think that another piece is that some skits focus on a series that many might not be familiar with.  Thanks to this concept, I usually favor those that are done in a way that assume nobody knows the series but are still funny.  I didn't watch it at all this year on account of my job and panels, but I wouldn't be surprised if these were the primary parts of the problem.


Finally, regarding the idea of a "How To Panel" panel, though this is a good idea, it should be done by those that have had lots of experience and can share their successes and failures.  I could contribute to this, if someone wants me to join them.

[superjaz]

So, I actually had issues in the dealers hall too. The guy sold me a mystery bag told me everything in it was anime and it wasn't. There was a Raiders T-shirt of all things. Like seriously? Sakura-con would NEVER let that stuff happen to a con-goer.

the really sad thing about this nothings changed, gross like it could have been prevented., exact thing happened to my brother last year, was probably the same vendor, and I posted about it last year, guy lied to our face about the contents, were not anime related.  In my opinion if the merch isn't stuff they would sell at their table space it shouldn't be in a grab bag.  Last year I even emailed  the company was askedto elaborate what happened, then never heard back. 
and after that how can you trust a grab bag from any vendor?
also was it just me or were vendors names tags not as easy to see this year? Might have been just me
Staff in lobby who prevented over stuffing the Hilton elevators = awesome, attendees I saw were dining a great job not stuffing elevators, avg following the rules
But then on 3rd floor when I was in a filled elevator the doors open we inside were "sorry its filled no one is getting off" but then a group of 5 staff shove their way in, dating "oh its okay we are getting of on the next floor"
They are staff, and should know better and every staff should lead by example
Cuz sadly after that to those 8 people who were in the elevator, after waiting for their turn patiently?
it may not seem like much, but that group of staff made kumoricon staff (who are mostly hard working sleep deprived and helpful) into a joke
what's the elevator limit?
Its 8 people, unless your staff

[BlackjackGabbiani]

Accessibility at this location has always been a major problem, especially at the Red Lion. If we really have as much pull at these hotels as I've been told, we seriously need to lean on them to install automatic doors. There's no excuse for a door to be marked handicap accessible and yet have to be yanked open and a walker or wheelchair wedged into the doorway in the limited time before the door closes. I don't think that's even legal to mark a door as such if it isn't automatic. It's certainly unethical either way.
On that note, in the Hilton, while I was given an elevator pass due to my walker, an almost completely blind pal of mine, guide dog and everything, was denied entrance to the ADA elevator despite having the designated sticker. While this was apparently the action of one security person and was cleared up after she spoke with Ops, once is still too much.
 
And as regarding the open-toed shoes issue, I don't think anybody opposes the rule itself. I think the vast majority of people understand the rationale for it. It's the lack of previous notice about it as well as the wishy-washy language. People were being told to go to Fred Meyer to get shoes--no one is going to leave the hotel and drive around to buy new shoes when they packed shoes they were told in advance would be acceptable! Especially people who come from some distance and don't know the area. Being told one thing, then another, and then to go buy shoes as if such a thing is no big deal (a lot of people don't bring a lot of money to the con, you know) is unacceptable. To say nothing of the guy in monk's robes who was told that his outfit wasn't formal enough. I mean, admittedly I thought he was a highlander from the plaid, but even that would be formal enough for a ball.
 
And a complete lack of a video game vendor was nothing short of shocking. Dedicated DVD sales were also in high demand with nothing to fill it. I know a few vendors had a couple of DVDs but nothing was devoted to them.

[veraca]

I found the vendor's kind of lackluster this year. They were selling a lot of the same thing, one of my friends said she found no DVDs for sale (which I always see as a hard thing to sell at cons anyway), but even the figures and shadow boxes I felt there was a limited selection. There was a lot of Madoka and Fate/Stay Night.

They also needed more AC vents and stuff, especially going toward the middle of the aisles and aiming back toward the Artist's Alley. The farthest back end of the Alley was the hottest and muggiest, and while it wasn't unbearable for 10-15 minutes, the people in the booth's didn't enjoy it.

I enjoy the tech people at the Cosplay Contest, but they should schedule time ahead of the Contest to make sure the cues and the boards are working. That way the audience isn't waiting a large amount of time before the show actually starts.

[PaperRoxas]

Being one of the artists that was located in the very back of artist alley, it was absolutely horrible. I was told that they were going to be moving fans and AC units around, which NEVER happened. We should not have to bring our own fans. One of the people at my booth got sick from the heat, and couldn't be at the table the full 8 hours. This NEEDS to get fixed, it's pretty much a health issue that a business could get sued for, since we're forced to run these tables, and we get no refund.

[LtCommanderRichie]

If you go to a panel that's mostly a lecture with the occasional bit of topical audience/presenter banter about the subject at hand, one of the rudest things you can do is interrupt the panelist while they're starting a new slide and/or introducing a new concept/part of the panel and say "No, you're wrong. That's wrong." and then continue to just say "No, you're wrong." when the panelist asks why you think that. It wastes everyone's time.


If you think the panelist is incorrect on a point or pronouncing something incorrectly or something, by all means bring it up. But don't word it like that, it's really goddamn rude.


Seriously. I had a dude in one of my panels just shout out "No, that's wrong." while I was presenting and when I said "Are you sure? When I watched it I heard _____, and the subtitles said _____" and he just continued to say that I was wrong until I just ignored him and moved on. Honestly, I should have just told him where the door was in case he had forgotten :\


Also, mental illness is not a joke. It's not cute or funny to make fun of someone by saying "Oh, you're so OCD" and unfunny 'jokes' like that definitely should not be presented as awards by con staff.

[superjaz]

Being one of the artists that was located in the very back of artist alley, it was absolutely horrible. I was told that they were going to be moving fans and AC units around, which NEVER happened. We should not have to bring our own fans. One of the people at my booth got sick from the heat, and couldn't be at the table the full 8 hours. This NEEDS to get fixed, it's pretty much a health issue that a business could get sued for, since we're forced to run these tables, and we get no refund.

https://www.kumoricon.org/forums/index.php?topic=18195.0
here is the link to the "official" artist alley rant n rave, they have made it pretty clear by locking the 2 other threads about AA (one about people who did or did not get in, which was weird as it wasn't a rant n rave thread and one opinions thread) that they want all the AA rants n raves in this thread so they can "moderate and keep things under control versus an actual staff-initiated and controlled thread"
But yeah I def agree and sympathize with you as the area AA was in felt like an after thought.  I was talking to a vendor who was near one of the big fans and asked him how it was and he wasn't comfy, but making sales so didn't really care too much.  This was a healthy male adult.
I hate to think people with health issue felt like, at least for most of the con I never had trouble finding water, except one epic fail time.

Only time I had trouble was when seating for cosplay I had a seat but after line I really had to pee and drink water, lady at door told me no leaving until everyone was seated but its amazing how "I am pregnant and I have to pee" will change things 
After leaving bathroom I went to a water station empty...another empty, the jug station looked like it might have a little but no cups, another station empty, I started checking panel rooms but was told by staff no water in them and pointed to a empty water station which I replied was empty, they said to order water, but I wasn't staff (but have been before so easy mistake) and they went to order water. 

The ultimate fail was I made it back to cosplay (still seating) and inside I saw a pile of clean cups !  I could take it to that jug I saw with a tiny bit of water and fill it!  Made my way back out (not easy with seating I apoligize for any inconvience but I was manically in need of water at this point) and the FREAKING JUG WAS GONE when finally had clean cups...
I was so defeated that I didn't think about the water fountains until I sat down, then I sent my husband with the cups to the fountain and once seating had finished my brother went to get bottled drinks at that stand outside of main events tho the line was big.

I didn't hear about the stickers for ADA until right cosplay contest, it would have been nice to know as I was also told that pregnancy counted as ADA, tho I didn't have a problem asked and getting special help after explaining about my situation, but it would have expediated the process and saved time, tho I prob wouldn't have used it much as I was okay most of the time, but one in dealers hall my feet seemed to suddenly swell and the elevator out was a left saver.

[Woodrat]

 Overall I had a positive experience, but there were a few things that got me.
--
- The Artist Alley and Vendors being in the parking garage meant that they did have more room, which was great, considering last year and how cramped and crowded both were over in the Red Lion. It did run into the issue that I think was brought up last year, in which that it did get hot and muggy despite the air conditioning and was very dimly lit, especially in the artist alley. This was particularly noticeable in the Artist Alley part, where there seemed to be only two or so AC units spread about its entire section and maybe one fan? Up until about halfway through the vendors section it seemed to stay cool, but it was noticeable that the Artist Alley part was much hotter and muggier. Major kudos to those artists that stuck through that.
 
- The placement of the Artist Alley right behind the Vendors also seemed to be, oddly choiced. As noted by someone above, one had to go through the Vendors section in order to get to Artist Alley. The map for the Hilton Parking Garage shows the Vendors area to be comprised of the western part of the garage while the Artists were to be on the eastern. This seems like it would’ve been more ideal (and would more evenly divide the AC) rather than having the artists tucked or rather, shoved into the back.
 

I found the vendor's kind of lackluster this year. They were selling a lot of the same thing, one of my friends said she found no DVDs for sale (which I always see as a hard thing to sell at cons anyway), but even the figures and shadow boxes I felt there was a limited selection. There was a lot of Madoka and Fate/Stay Night.

I had a couple friends which mentioned the same thing. It seemed like selection on all accounts for both vendors and artists were down. Last year, my wallet kept trying to jump out of my pocket in order to buy things, this year not so much. What was the total number of vendors and artists compared to last year? It just seemed like there was not that much variety at all.
 

So, I actually had issues in the dealers hall too. The guy sold me a mystery bag told me everything in it was anime and it wasn't. There was a Raiders T-shirt of all things.

I’m pretty sure you were not the only person that had that issue, as a friend of one of my friends had the exact same issue with the exact same bloody t-shirt, a mystery bag with a Raiders T-shirt that they didn’t want. Recalling the thread from last year, I’m pretty sure a similar thing happened with mystery bags with non anime things being shoved in those bags and posed as an anime mystery bag. Really this reflects poorly on the con as a whole and ought to be dealt by the staff in some way.
 
--
-This was my first year attempting to volunteer, and to be perfectly honest I’m extremely hesitant to do it again as I found the experience horrible despite sticking with it for a few hours. It might have been a fluke and perhaps I had volunteered at the wrong time. At the volunteer desk they noted they did not need any further volunteers at the parking garage so they told me to head upstairs to operations for assignment. Went to operations, where they decided to put me in the parking garage to help with the lines. Head back down into the parking garage, where the people there did not know what to do with me and suggested that I go back up to operations.
 
 In regards to the staff I think that overall they did an outstanding job and I wish to thank them for their dedication in making this convention possible. I do think that there was an issue in communications between different staff though. Throughout my entire experience volunteering I found myself being bounced around by staff that did not know what to do with me and repeatedly told to either go to operations by yojimbos and other staff or as I was told by operations to attempt to assist or give breaks to yojimbos (who when I could find some that were not already on a break of some sort, would then tell me they were okay and to go back to operations for further placement). Really felt like I was stuck in some odd frustrating loop.
 
--
- Panels, the variety of panels on Saturday seemed to be lackluster; especially considering many of the panels I was interested in going to seemed to be crammed onto Sunday. Monday only had a single panel I was interested in. There was also some, technical issues with a few of the panels I went to, one panel that I went to the person hosting it was running about five minutes late, only to find that the room that the panel was supposed to be hosted in was locked, which caused more delays while everyone waited several minutes for the room to be unlocked. A different panel that was running later in the evening did not have the microphone that the host had requested for until about a quarter to halfway through the panel. There was also a couple panels that I recalled from last year would be super popular, and yet they were crammed into rooms that seemed smaller than the ones they were provided with last year, so I doubted I’d be able to get in and did not even bother trying.
 
--
- Gaming in the Red Lion. I think someone else noted it. But with that many computers and other electronic devices in one enclosed room, it got hot. Especially in the back corner with the computers up against the wall, that had to be several degrees hotter than the rest of the room.

[BlackjackGabbiani]

Oh yeah, and the artist who thought it would be funny to sell sparkly "misandry" pins, trying to justify it by saying "misandry doesn't exist". While it isn't as big as misogyny, it's very real and causes real problems and to make a joke out of it is disgusting. I don't need that kind of ignorance in an anime con.

[JaegerDarkness]

Also, mental illness is not a joke. It's not cute or funny to make fun of someone by saying "Oh, you're so OCD" and unfunny 'jokes' like that definitely should not be presented as awards by con staff.

I wanted to go up to that con staff person and give them a piece of my mind, because I found the "jokes" to be tasteless and unfunny. However, I didn't do it for several reasons (the Durarara Photo Shoot and not wanting to be ejected from the convention, were the main reasons I kept my mouth shut.).

[Animeman73]

Overall, this was a wonderful con.

However I found that the number of interesting panels was a tad bit...lacking this year. Since it's going to be a four day convention next year may i recommend more panel variety for next year?

[BlackjackGabbiani]

Also, mental illness is not a joke. It's not cute or funny to make fun of someone by saying "Oh, you're so OCD" and unfunny 'jokes' like that definitely should not be presented as awards by con staff.

I wanted to go up to that con staff person and give them a piece of my mind, because I found the "jokes" to be tasteless and unfunny. However, I didn't do it for several reasons (the Durarara Photo Shoot and not wanting to be ejected from the convention, were the main reasons I kept my mouth shut.).

I don't see how that would get you ejected from the con. Like...I can't think of any reason that telling them that something is offensive could possibly get you kicked out.

[JaegerDarkness]

Also, mental illness is not a joke. It's not cute or funny to make fun of someone by saying "Oh, you're so OCD" and unfunny 'jokes' like that definitely should not be presented as awards by con staff.

I wanted to go up to that con staff person and give them a piece of my mind, because I found the "jokes" to be tasteless and unfunny. However, I didn't do it for several reasons (the Durarara Photo Shoot and not wanting to be ejected from the convention, were the main reasons I kept my mouth shut.).

I don't see how that would get you ejected from the con. Like...I can't think of any reason that telling them that something is offensive could possibly get you kicked out.

I can think of some reasons;
1. Disrupting the awards portion of the cosplay contest. (I thought about doing that.)
2. Cussing like a sailor.
3. Carrying on, so the Yojimbo had to get involved.
4. Getting physical with the Yojimbo.

Luckily, for me and everyone else, at the cosplay contest, I didn't lose my marbles.

[BlackjackGabbiani]

You could still do it afterwards. Obviously circumstance matters; you don't want to storm the stage, but approaching them in private is still doable.

[veraca]

Upon looking at the map, I'd like to point out that perhaps the Registration in the garage was too big. Another note, is a lot of people seemed to fall in the last named category of R-Z and, at least on Day 0, there was only one person handling this line while the other person would run to grab the badge. The line either needs to be divided in half, or more people. Apparently, those in the line including the letter A had like 3 or 4 people working it on Day 0.

Also, the locations of the AA and the DH didn't seem accurate to the map, since the AA was shoved into the farthest back area. The location of Whose Line and Slightly Anime Dating Games seemed pretty small, so I didn't even bother to attend. Why were these not put into Discovery A/B or Heritage E or F?

I also didn't know where the Viewing Rooms until I stumbled down the hall to them. They could use a larger sign, but the rooms seemed fine in terms of size.

[Washougal_Otaku]

If you go to a panel that's mostly a lecture with the occasional bit of topical audience/presenter banter about the subject at hand, one of the rudest things you can do is interrupt the panelist while they're starting a new slide and/or introducing a new concept/part of the panel and say "No, you're wrong. That's wrong." and then continue to just say "No, you're wrong." when the panelist asks why you think that. It wastes everyone's time.


If you think the panelist is incorrect on a point or pronouncing something incorrectly or something, by all means bring it up. But don't word it like that, it's really goddamn rude.

I hate having this happen, whether it's because someone wants to correct me (which does happen at times) or if they want to contribute to my jokes during my stand-up routine.  We have a time for the audience to speak; people need to use those times to speak, and the rest to listen and laugh, or whatever is applicable to the other panels.

Oh yeah, and the artist who thought it would be funny to sell sparkly "misandry" pins, trying to justify it by saying "misandry doesn't exist". While it isn't as big as misogyny, it's very real and causes real problems and to make a joke out of it is disgusting. I don't need that kind of ignorance in an anime con.

Again...

I wanted to go up to that con staff person and give them a piece of my mind, because I found the "jokes" to be tasteless and unfunny. However, I didn't do it for several reasons (the Durarara Photo Shoot and not wanting to be ejected from the convention, were the main reasons I kept my mouth shut.).

Depending on how they're done, OCD jokes can be funny.  However, the majority of them are rather tasteless and ill-placed.  I've had co-workers tell me that I was OCD because I insisted that various items be placed in their proper location so that others could find them easier.  With some of them, yes, it was kind of a joke, but some of them were taking offense to my pursuit to getting things done right and safely.

[hexdef6]

A good general rule of thumb for future attendees and door staff (again, people who know more than me, please correct me if I'm wrong) seems to be: Worry about the dress code from the ankles up, but wear something safe from the ankles down. In a pinch, it's better to combine a gorgeous ballgown and sturdy tennis shoes than find yourself limping home. 

but they werent even letting tennis shoes in.  but were letting any style of boot including steel toe work boots.

Fifth: I didn't find as many of the panels that interesting this year, which ended up being a good thing for me since I ended up trying to go to so many photoshoots, do some gaming, and hang out with friends just to try something new. I love going to panels, though.

yeah i noticed the panels are getting kind of stagnant, but you also have to remember how many years recently have we had a new con chair each year.

Can't think of anything else at the moment, other than little things like not being able to go to the ball because I wasn't able to get a ticket. I'm hoping that since next year will be 4 days, maybe there will be 2 balls?

my problem is they havent used the whole ballroom since the first one and they are using the rest of the ballroom for panels. second the way it was set up  originally was from 10 - 12:30 which means that the chibis had to leave and adults had the last 30 minutes

Only thing i have to say is that it felt like the majority of the panels are shoe-horned into sunday, this has happened last year too, but to a lesser extent. Almost everyone i knew there only had 2 things on their monday schedule. Spreading out some of the major events would be awesome, then again if spread too thin it seems things can get a bit boring, hopefully since the con starts officially on friday next year, this will mean a lot more content and panels, and allow for them to be spread out a touch.

also the stagnation of the whole thing we are also getting to big for our two hotels and honestly if we could actually rent out the park for the whole weekend and keep the drunk bikers out i would be more happy. but if the growth keeps up the last time i asked a higher up staff member (few years back) we need appx. 10k people to rent out the convention center to make it financially feasible so if we keep up the growth and expand i dont see why we wont be there in two years.

Here's my list:
1. Not being allowed into the Kumoricon Ball due to open-toed shoes. I read on the website that sandals, flip-flops, and sneakers were allowed if they were part of your cosplay, but I was kicked out of the line for wearing sandals (which was part of my character). I would like for the rules to be clear so that I know whether I should go to the ball instead of wasting half an hour in line

2. A lot of the staff did not seem to know what was going on the first day, as far as will-call and pre-registration. I almost had to wait in that huge line even though I was pre-reg. I think that the staff should have more trainings in order to be fully prepared.
4. There was no fanboy/fangirl support group Come back next year!

1. exactly i wouldnt have minded IF they were clear or if they made changes to the rules more than a half hour - hour before the event (so if need be i could go out and buy a pair of tennis shoes)but they werent letting those in either but were letting in steel toe work boots 
2.exactly (but not staffs fault)
4.yes

[JeffT]

Fifth: I didn't find as many of the panels that interesting this year, which ended up being a good thing for me since I ended up trying to go to so many photoshoots, do some gaming, and hang out with friends just to try something new. I love going to panels, though.

yeah i noticed the panels are getting kind of stagnant, but you also have to remember how many years recently have we had a new con chair each year.

A brief note... panels are handled by the Programming department (this is not meant as an attack on them--I just wanted to note the area that handles it since it was mentioned). The panel availability also depends on what is submitted to us.

[fairly_foxy]

So I think the answer to our panel woes is: more people need to run panels and know how to run them well.

[Black~Rose]

1) I had an issue with the elevators. I really dont think people should shove their way in when we are FULL. My friend is claustrophobic and got shoved in a corner because a con goer would not listen to us when we said we were full with no room. That's not okay with me. There should be signs posted and/ or staff members that can support better behavior. I had no problems when there were staff members in the elevator that made sure to direct the number of people in the elevator.


2) I also had an issue with people stopping in the middle of a walk way to chat. Spreading out to the side would be super easy and so would finding a different location to chat. I was even IGNORED by a cosplayer when I said excuse me trying to get by. This is a bit of a personal opinion but the cosplayer in question was a homestucker; and I am going to say right now, that if you want the negative opinion about your group to cease and desist, it would be a good idea to set a good example and be on your best behavior. I encountered pleasant homestuckers at con, so I know that they exist.


3) I do not like the garage set up for the vendors hall. It was sooooo unbelievably hot in there and I wanted to escape the heat sooo badly. This made it hard for me to want to be in there.


4) I understand that the slightly anime dating game 18+ gets too raunchy but it would have been nice to at least have another one because it was really fun and the line was clearly drawn which made it more comfortable. I would love to see more interactive panels like that. That being said, I also would like to suggest that 18+ should not mean we have to go all out disgusting and frightening. The line should still be drawn at R-rated, not X-rated.

[wildlavender]

The Todd Autograph lines this year were horrible. The line management was terrible, to be honest. A particular staff member repeatedly moved people outside, made them wait outside in the heat, then told them they wouldn't be able to get in because they let people, which were the people who lined up too early and didn't listen to the staff to wait outside, got in. He even made the back of the line, which were the people who arrived at the right time, circle the hotel while they let the other people in.
The person managing the sabbat line, however, had the right idea. He kept the line from forming too early, and just made the early ones conga line to the back. That worked fairly and effectively.
Also, did anyone else see a suspicious old guy at the merch booth on day 2? I remember he was harassing people in line for the autograph panel. I also remember him pulling out a brown paper bag and pulling out what looked like old bullets. I'm not sure if they were replicas or not, but that is not appropriate.
Anyway, what Todd did with the extra autograph session for the people who ended up in those lines was incredible, and I certainly have a newfound respect for Mr. Haberkorn.

[Valkyrie542]

I felt that mostly everyone was on their best behavior and it was a lot of fun to attend this year.
But, there were a few things that were amiss and a little healthy criticism never hurt anyone...
 
1.) I noticed that a lot of the games were being held late at night; even though they weren't 18+ events. For example, I really enjoyed playing the Anime Murder Game last year and it was held at 6 or 7PM. This year, it was 10PM at night. I did a lot of walking this year and I usually went back to my room and crashed before 10PM. It really would have been nice if they were held a bit earlier in the day.
 
2.) Panels. Panels everywhere. I felt that there were more panels than games this year. Granted, this was my first year of trying some panels out and, I have to say, if they all consist of biased opinions and getting talked at - I don't think they should outweigh other possibilities for the con.
 
3.) I realized, after talking with a few people, that not a whole lot of con-goers even know that the forum exists. There are some really nice photoshoot and meet-up ideas I'd like to set up with people who share similar interests and it would be easier to do on the forum. I wish that the staff added a pamphlet or ad in the swag bags that let con-goers know about it so they can join in.
 
4.) I understand that not everything can fit into one hotel. But I think it would be nice if all the games could be hosted in one and the panels could be hosted at the other. There were only a handful of games and panels that I wanted to try out this year and they were all over the place. I think it's insane to attend an event at the Hilton for an hour and walk across to the Red Lion to attend another one, only to turn right around and attend another one at the Hilton. Surely, there can be a compromise?
 
5.) I really wish that Kumoricon was more friendly towards non-anime fans. Don't take this the wrong way, I still enjoy anime and Japanese culture, but I'm starting to outgrow it and I think it's a common trait in our generation. Over these three years of attending the con, I've seen people cosplaying video game characters, comic book characters and even Doctor Who and internet memes. I feel that it's probably time to start thinking of games and events that incorporate these genres and changing the rules for the cosplay contest so people with different interests feel more welcome. From my own experience, I worked really hard on my Lara Croft cosplay and I had thought about trying to get into the cosplay contest only to be given a half-answer (Because it wasn't Japan-related, it didn't apply to costume judging or a solo spot; but I was considered for a skit slot). I felt unwelcome and pushed aside simply because what I wore wasn't anime-related.
 
 

[GregAtlas]

4) I understand that the slightly anime dating game 18+ gets too raunchy but it would have been nice to at least have another one because it was really fun and the line was clearly drawn which made it more comfortable. I would love to see more interactive panels like that. That being said, I also would like to suggest that 18+ should not mean we have to go all out disgusting and frightening. The line should still be drawn at R-rated, not X-rated.

I personally have never noticed that the slightly anime dating game 18+ get much, if any, more raunchy. Maybe more swearing, but as they make very clear: Innuendo is funny, Vulgarity isn't. Heck, I wouldn't mind having a second just regular slightly anime dating game without the 18+. I love it and always find myself with my face in pain from laughing and smiling so hard (something I almost never get to do)

[Bresslol]

I disagree that vulgarity isn't funny. If you can deliver something with great comedic timing, it will be hilarious. That said, adult humor isn't for everyone, and personally why I post a huge disclaimer before Cards Against Con saying that the content can get a little over-the-top and that we won't be offended if you want to turn back now.

[superjaz]

While I saw most of the yoji who smoked move away from line to do so, as well as attendees,
On day one  noonish there was that line of people waiting to be directed past the gap to go to the parking ramp to register.

The yoji that was in charge of directing people from the line and to the rampthere was smoking and yeah I got a full blast of smoke, as did anyone heading down the ramp
I fully admit I am sensitive to cig smoke and get really bristly when I see people smoking around  kids.  I don't know if because that person was in chafe  there tey couldn't leave the post to another yoji to take a cig break or what , and I know it was outside when so many restrictiosn to where people can and can not smoke these days that is hard on smokers,but as said in jaz world you don't smoke around kids
that was also an issue where the display contest line up started, it was the outside smoking area of the Hilton where they have those sand buckets for butts, that you're in line and sine one says excuse me to drop a still smoking butt in ewww

[TuxedoSchwab]

  I have attended for 2 years now and my experience has been great so far. However after losing that "magical" wonder over the first year, Kumoricon really doesn't offer many panels, signings, and events to warrant a four day event. The park offers a space for down time however that is a lot a wasted energy that could be used inside panels. These are critiques and not rants about the problems.
 
 
 My list of things needed to be examined:
 
 1. Better organized panels with proper equipment. The two Chris Sabot panels I went to were under prepared for him and was an embarassment for the con itself. Chris was an absolute gentleman about it and worked with what he had.
 
 2. Volunteers that know how to form a line and keep it there.
 
 3. The Kumoriball rules, of course. But also the music was not ballroom music, thus under minding the dress code requirements. Swing dancing is fun, but is not proper music for a ball.
 
 4. VIP rules. I was not a VIP during this year, however I heard many complaining about how they were and deserved to be in front of the line. The rules seem a loss to even those that buy the pass and should be cleared up.
 
 5. Photo-op rules. Kumoricon is bigger than ever. Congrats to us! people taking photos of cosplayers was worse than last year with bad moments chosen to take a photo. While I was Tuxedo Mask and my girlfriend was Neo Queen Serenity, we were stopped in some of the most awkward of locations inside the con. I am always ready to pose for someone, but stopping us in the middle of a huge crowd of people is bad for the flow. Posting rules on the columns or walls about photos might help deter photographers in that area.
 
 6. Event Tickets. The times for getting tickets were confusing and seemed trivial. Standing in line for Kumoriball tickets an hour before the event and then moving to another line seems to be a bad solution. My girlfriends Neo Queen Serenity cosplay was turned away because she had sandals did not meet "requirements." However after the rules were changed we were able to come in at the very back of the line. No problem with getting in, however from being in the back of the line, I wonder why they made so many tickets if last year it was filled very quickly.
 
 That is all I have for issues to examine. I know others felt the same and I am looking forward to next year. I am planning on volunteering and also holding a panel so I am obviously a fan with positive feelings about the con.

[reppy]

I did see too many people smoking too close (for my tastes) to the hotel.

It's not just a stinky nuisance, it could also be a very serious fire hazard for cosplays that have a lot of flammable materials. Or even someone that used an entire can of hairspray to get their wig just right.

I'm not saying con staff didn't do a good job of speaking with people about it (I'm sure they did). I just want people that may have the urge to smoke to remember this and try to move a bit further away from where there is heavy con traffic. Even better: quit smoking, it's bad for ya!  Or consider buying a throw away e-cig for the weekend.

[TuxedoSchwab]

I did see too many people smoking too close (for my tastes) to the hotel.

It's not just a stinky nuisance, it could also be a very serious fire hazard for cosplays that have a lot of flammable materials. Or even someone that used an entire can of hairspray to get their wig just right.

I'm not saying con staff didn't do a good job of speaking with people about it (I'm sure they did). I just want people that may have the urge to smoke to remember this and try to move a bit further away from where there is heavy con traffic. Even better: quit smoking, it's bad for ya!  Or consider buying a throw away e-cig for the weekend.

Felt the same way. However if it is legal in the state and city, then there is nothing they can really do.

[reppy]

I did see too many people smoking too close (for my tastes) to the hotel.

It's not just a stinky nuisance, it could also be a very serious fire hazard for cosplays that have a lot of flammable materials. Or even someone that used an entire can of hairspray to get their wig just right.

I'm not saying con staff didn't do a good job of speaking with people about it (I'm sure they did). I just want people that may have the urge to smoke to remember this and try to move a bit further away from where there is heavy con traffic. Even better: quit smoking, it's bad for ya!  Or consider buying a throw away e-cig for the weekend.

Felt the same way. However if it is legal in the state and city, then there is nothing they can really do.

I think hotel staff and con staff would certainly be within their legal rights.

Smoking is banned under the following circumstances:

• In any "workplace" in Washington – meaning any area which employees are required to pass through during the course of employment.
• In any "public place" in Washington – meaning any building or vehicle used by and open to the public, for example, schools, bars, restaurants, schools, elevators, stores, bowling alleys, skating rinks, and non-tribal casinos.
• Within 25 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes for work places or public places.[/l][/l]

[/list]

[Black~Rose]

4) I understand that the slightly anime dating game 18+ gets too raunchy but it would have been nice to at least have another one because it was really fun and the line was clearly drawn which made it more comfortable. I would love to see more interactive panels like that. That being said, I also would like to suggest that 18+ should not mean we have to go all out disgusting and frightening. The line should still be drawn at R-rated, not X-rated.

I personally have never noticed that the slightly anime dating game 18+ get much, if any, more raunchy. Maybe more swearing, but as they make very clear: Innuendo is funny, Vulgarity isn't. Heck, I wouldn't mind having a second just regular slightly anime dating game without the 18+. I love it and always find myself with my face in pain from laughing and smiling so hard (something I almost never get to do)

I have never been to the 18+ one. But I was told it was cancelled for that reason.




I also have a complaint about the last day. The park was soooo awful to be in the last day because EVERYONE was smoking around the perimeter. I even saw someone light one up RIGHT NEXT TO A MOTHER AND HER BABY. That is just sooo rude.

[RobinSena]

  3. The Kumoriball rules, of course. But also the music was not ballroom music, thus under minding the dress code requirements. Swing dancing is fun, but is not proper music for a ball.

Personally, my friends and I would go ballroom dancing every Friday night and east coast swing is one of the the many dances that we do at the ballroom dances (including the formal balls once a term).  Providing a large variety of music gives people options on when to dance and if it's a song they don't like also gives them a dance or two to take breaks.

[TuxedoSchwab]

  3. The Kumoriball rules, of course. But also the music was not ballroom music, thus under minding the dress code requirements. Swing dancing is fun, but is not proper music for a ball.

Personally, my friends and I would go ballroom dancing every Friday night and east coast swing is one of the the many dances that we do at the ballroom dances (including the formal balls once a term).  Providing a large variety of music gives people options on when to dance and if it's a song they don't like also gives them a dance or two to take breaks.

True, however that resembles a "mixer" or dance than ball. The Kumoriball implies a certain expectation of dress code and sophisticated dancing. In this case, they are not working together. If you were there, you would know that it was somewhat of a mess of bodies moving rather than dancing. There are other events at Kumoricon that allow many kinds of dancing. I am of course talking about the events at night with the DJs.

What I am concerned with is the high expectations the rules imply, monitoring dress code, and then allow everyone to dance however they feel like. That isn't a ball, it's a high school mixer. I still enjoyed the ball, however the rules and dress code don't really meet the expectation they imply.

[Amezuki]

This was my first Kumoricon; prior to this I've been to SakuraCon and a ton of other larger cons over the years. Calibrate my observations appropriately.

I managed to make it to two panels--the back-to-back prop- and armor-making panels. They were highly informative and run by people with deep knowledge of their craft. They were also sweltering ovens with no airflow or obvious access to water, and I almost left early. I did have to step out once midway through, and only got back in because I was able to show the slip of paper they passed out for the raffle. I realize that there's only so much that can be done about this, but the heat was pretty bad and after that I didn't go any others.

The exhibition hall was deeply disappointing in many ways, most of which have already been brought up. The quality and variety of merchandise was poor, and most vendors I spoke with could only take cash due to the lack of cell signal. That lack of signal had one other problem that can't be remedied by the (reportedly spotty) vendor wifi: it made it extremely difficult to coordinate plans with anyone there, meet up, or regroup, because once you were there you couldn't call or text. This was a much bigger problem than in any other signal-deficient areas because of the huge lines to get in early in the day and the way the number of visitors was throttled.

I was lucky enough to meet up with some friends I made on the forums and make good use of information I found here. I ended up spending most of the weekend hanging out in the park with said new friends, and that was a blast. But if I hadn't done that, or hadn't visited the forums beforehand, I probably would've struggled.

[BlackjackGabbiani]

Oh yeah, another con is that there was no photoshoot guide at the info desk like there's been in previous years. When I asked, I was told that the shoots weren't officially part of the convention...but then why have they been there in years past? I was told to use the app, but I don't have cell phone access at this time (it literally broke in half), and not everyone has a smartphone in the first place. And isn't that a convention app anyway? Why would, if they're "unofficial", they be on an official app?

[JeffT]

Oh yeah, another con is that there was no photoshoot guide at the info desk like there's been in previous years. When I asked, I was told that the shoots weren't officially part of the convention...but then why have they been there in years past? I was told to use the app, but I don't have cell phone access at this time (it literally broke in half), and not everyone has a smartphone in the first place. And isn't that a convention app anyway? Why would, if they're "unofficial", they be on an official app?

The photoshoot schedule changes right up until the con. It would be misleading to print a schedule that is frequently changing in books that have to go to print significantly sooner.

And, if you are objecting to it being in the app because it's not official, then we would refuse to allow it at the Info Booth as well. It benefits the nearly 40% of attendees who downloaded the app guide this year. We're not going to keep something useful out of the app just because not everyone uses it.

[JeffT]

Additionally, at least during some parts of the convention, the Info Booth displayed the forum photoshoot schedule on a monitor. I don't know during what parts this was active.

[BlackjackGabbiani]

And, if you are objecting to it being in the app because it's not official, then we would refuse to allow it at the Info Booth as well. It benefits the nearly 40% of attendees who downloaded the app guide this year. We're not going to keep something useful out of the app just because not everyone uses it.

No, my objection was exactly the opposite--why was it not at the info desk if it was in the app? Why was I told that the info desk wouldn't have it because they're unofficial, and then hear that they're in the app? If they're official enough for the app, surely the info desk can have a printout. And as far as the schedules changing, the info desk can change that info as needed. It's vitally important to know these things and to hear that they're "unofficial" when everything else seems to indicate otherwise is absurd.

[Valkyrie542]

The photobooth had a schedule for the entire weekend right by the door.
 
It listed the dates and times that they were going to be at the convention and it also listed a couple of the primary guidelines. I don't think they're considered "official" since they mostly volunteer their services. But, they're a big deal at the con for those that want fantastic photos taken of their costumes and they've been a part of the con for a few years now; so I can't say whether they're official or not.

[JeffT]

No, my objection was exactly the opposite--why was it not at the info desk if it was in the app? Why was I told that the info desk wouldn't have it because they're unofficial, and then hear that they're in the app? If they're official enough for the app, surely the info desk can have a printout. And as far as the schedules changing, the info desk can change that info as needed. It's vitally important to know these things and to hear that they're "unofficial" when everything else seems to indicate otherwise is absurd.

It is unofficial, as it is not con-produced programming.

Unofficial things are included on an as-able basis, and are not disseminated through a channel that passes through all the departments, like Info Booth, Publicity, and such, with a special effort to match it everywhere we publish it. That doesn't mean we won't sometimes assist with spreading the info in certain ways, which is what happened with the app. Sorry the Info Booth didn't have it in print form, but I want to clear up that what they said about it being unofficial was correct.

The photobooth had a schedule for the entire weekend right by the door.
 
It listed the dates and times that they were going to be at the convention and it also listed a couple of the primary guidelines. I don't think they're considered "official" since they mostly volunteer their services. But, they're a big deal at the con for those that want fantastic photos taken of their costumes and they've been a part of the con for a few years now; so I can't say whether they're official or not.

The PhotoBooth is something different. I am, and I think Blackjack is, talking about the photoshoots that people do outside con space, mostly in the park.

[hexdef6]

I also have a complaint about the last day. The park was soooo awful to be in the last day because EVERYONE was smoking around the perimeter. I even saw someone light one up RIGHT NEXT TO A MOTHER AND HER BABY. That is just sooo rude.

people have TO REMEMBER THE LAST DAY EVERY YEAR THE STUPID motorbikers and drunks destroy the park

[reppy]

I also have a complaint about the last day. The park was soooo awful to be in the last day because EVERYONE was smoking around the perimeter. I even saw someone light one up RIGHT NEXT TO A MOTHER AND HER BABY. That is just sooo rude.

people have TO REMEMBER THE LAST DAY EVERY YEAR THE STUPID motorbikers and drunks destroy the park

I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in the behavior of some of the people attending the event. I think multiple events occur in the park on that day, but in particular I noticed some people from the Hands Across the Bridge (is that right?) that were behaving in ways that would have made a mother yell at her 5-year-old.

I suppose I naively assume someone that has had their life significantly changed by addiction and the subsequent recovery would be a kinder, gentler, more thoughtful purpose. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to always be the case. Even more upsetting when the person is clearly STAFF for the event.

(And just to clarify, it was nothing malicious.. just childish antics from a grown man that is most likely in his mid-30s or later.)

[CMD Productions]

I enjoy the tech people at the Cosplay Contest, but they should schedule time ahead of the Contest to make sure the cues and the boards are working. That way the audience isn't waiting a large amount of time before the show actually starts.

Don't I know it. We have very limited amount of time to actually program the lighting cues into the console, set up the sound cues to match the order and make sure that the camera feeds and backstage techs are ready for a show that really only gets a half a rehearsal the morning of the show and can deviate cues and we need to roll with the punches. After we had everything set we received a new list from the coordinators with different numbers and names for all of the contestants so we needed to reprogram the show and reorg all the supporting lighting, sound and backstage cues and double check that the sound cues were still linked to the corresponding skit. I was programming like crazy and Chris and Talia I know worked hard to get the show up and running. We also had a large number of contestants with either corrupted sound files or files in need of editing that we helped them out with which further ate into our time.  We really should have been more strict but it's all about having fun and rolling with what your given.  There were some files we couldn't get to work but for the most part once we got going things went really smooth.  With four days next year we may have the ability to give more down time to main events for programing and cosplay set up.

[TalaRedWolf33]

I think this con turned out alright.
Id have to say the only things that were bad for me were the vendors hall and artist alley, the sheer lack of respect from con goers to other con goers, and the stupid Homestucker that thought it was a good idea to paint the subways women's restroom with your grey body paint. Thanks to you, I've got grease paint on my cosplay.
Honestly people, mainly you Homestuckers, if you want to keep going to kumo and not have to complain about how NOBODY in that area wants us there, then you need to check your freaking behavior and not do stuff that will get us kicked out.
*on a side note, this isn't to say all Homestuckers are bad. I had a lovely conversation with a group of them on day one, and I was very happy to have made friends with them.*

[DarkStar]

I enjoy the tech people at the Cosplay Contest, but they should schedule time ahead of the Contest to make sure the cues and the boards are working. That way the audience isn't waiting a large amount of time before the show actually starts.

As one of the individuals responsible for the room, I completely agree with Mike's statement. I'll add that the Main Events Staff have to be experts at "rolling with the punches" and that we do whatever we can to mitigate problems as quickly as possible. This year, we were fortunate to have seating for the contest take longer than expected and were only needing an extra 10-15 minutes to get everything set.


I'll also add that the Cosplay Contest Staff has a bit of work to do as well, since we end up spending about half of the Cosplay Technical Rehearsal straightening out items that could be dealt with beforehand.


Every year things get better and we always strive for perfection and we appreciate every bit of patience the con-goers provide! 

[Chibiorochimaru]

I can honestly say this was one of my favorite years so far~
I love the new location of the dealers hall even if it was lacking a little bit.
What I really had problems with (even if its not cons problem) was the event going on during the last day in the park.
Every year I think certain people get worse and worse. I had several high-school aged boys cat call me saying rather inappropriate things as we simply tried to get over to subway.
There was also someone cosplaying Fix-it-Felix going around warning people about kids going around throwing water on cosplayers. (I do appreciate your warning though. Thank you Felix!)
Not to mention all the smoking that was going on. It made it hard to leave the Hilton at times, and again I know its nothing against con but really wanted to express this.

[fairly_foxy]

I also have a complaint about the last day. The park was soooo awful to be in the last day because EVERYONE was smoking around the perimeter. I even saw someone light one up RIGHT NEXT TO A MOTHER AND HER BABY. That is just sooo rude.

people have TO REMEMBER THE LAST DAY EVERY YEAR THE STUPID motorbikers and drunks destroy the park

Gosh I want them to reserve the park during Kumori and actually make it apart of Kumori. It would make so much more sense. I really hate that. It destroys the atmosphere every year and really ruins our fun. They can have their stupid festival somewhere else!

[Chibiorochimaru]

Gosh I want them to reserve the park during Kumori and actually make it apart of Kumori. It would make so much more sense. I really hate that. It destroys the atmosphere every year and really ruins our fun. They can have their stupid festival somewhere else!

THANK YOU!

[superjaz]

Gosh I want them to reserve the park during Kumori and actually make it apart of Kumori. It would make so much more sense. I really hate that. It destroys the atmosphere every year and really ruins our fun. They can have their stupid festival somewhere else!

THANK YOU!

word
http://oxfest.net/ (the event in the park fyi stating with hands across the bridge celebrating recovery from addiction)

I agree with the posts.  People celebrating sobriety and addiction such, its easy to think they would be understanding of how it feels to be judged by what your wearing, but sadly its not the case.

Figured that last year when a mom was yelling at her kid for wearing his hoodie like a tail after seeing cosplayers with tails. 

[fairly_foxy]

Gosh I want them to reserve the park during Kumori and actually make it apart of Kumori. It would make so much more sense. I really hate that. It destroys the atmosphere every year and really ruins our fun. They can have their stupid festival somewhere else!

THANK YOU!

word
http://oxfest.net/ (the event in the park fyi stating with hands across the bridge celebrating recovery from addiction)

I agree with the posts.  People celebrating sobriety and addiction such, its easy to think they would be understanding of how it feels to be judged by what your wearing, but sadly its not the case.

Figured that last year when a mom was yelling at her kid for wearing his hoodie like a tail after seeing cosplayers with tails.

I was looking up the cost to rent out the park for 4 days and it seems expensive. $1,600+ So fundraiser to make it happen? That way photoshoots can be official parts of Kumoricon and you can register them with con... But the only real bad thing about that is that the Glomp Circle would have to cease and desist.

[acton]

Gosh I want them to reserve the park during Kumori and actually make it apart of Kumori. It would make so much more sense. I really hate that. It destroys the atmosphere every year and really ruins our fun. They can have their stupid festival somewhere else!

 I said it last year I think it going to be impossible to rent out the park and throw out Oxfest without serious repercussions with the city of Vancouver. They were there longer than Kumoricon and we just agreed to  the hotel not hotel and park.
 

[Prinz Eugen]

Which brings me [to]... I've noticed sometimes that the panels can be a little disjointed. Particularly when you start to involve technology. Staring at someone's desktop while they search around for a file that they misplaced can kill the momentum of a great panel!

This happens to me as a presenter off and on. I work with software that can sometimes be temperamental, and also some ad-hoc networking between my laptop and maybe a NAS box to access LARGE files used in digital editing. Ideally one gets a chance in a hotel room to do a 'dry-run' set up of the system in the configuration that one is presenting, much the same as a presenter may practice talking aloud while going through Powerpoint items to practice up on a presentation.
 
That said, not all of us are Toastmaster-level public speakers. (I used to belong, and it's actually great practice for public speaking or group presentations on a job...) For the panelist side, "the show must go on." Work the crowd with questions, or with verbal information to buy yourself a little extra time to find where that damned AVI file was that you thought you had in the 'Projects/' directory...
 
For the visitor's side, if the presenter has indeed switched to verbal transmission for the subject manner while visually searching for a file AND also trying not to say 'um' too many times* then LISTEN UP. And ask questions pertinent to what you are trying to learn. Not every part of a presentation is going to have special video effects to engage your eyes 90% of the time...
 
* Toastmasters will NAIL you on that...

[Trochy]

Everyone's talking about competing with Oxfest for park space but I feel like a better solution would be keeping Kumo as a three day con with Friday instead of Monday. That way, both events could have the park to themselves and the two parties wouldn't be harassing each other. I can't think of a single attendee who actually enjoys Oxfest's presence, and no amount of growth in con attendance or length is going to help that (until one of us leaves, which I don't think they plan on doing). For now, I think Oxfest will continue to be a huge negative of Kumoricon, for everyone involved.

As for the rest of the con... I have to agree with everyone else saying the merchandise variety was lacking this year. I'm not really into prints or any the same few series I kept seeing over and over at vendor booths. I wanted to spend more money! Staff communication didn't seem the best either (specifically thinking of the whole cosplay contest line issue) but I think that will always be somewhat of an issue considering the nature of cons.

[BlackjackGabbiani]

I think honestly we can share the park, but since harassment is an issue we need to have both sides get a security presence in there. We need to talk to Oxfest about it and tell them that this is a recurring issue and that it affects not only us as a convention but the city security.

[Kimiski]

1) The ball. Last year it was discrepancies between staff about the line that created a huge problem. THANK YOU for ticketing it this year, however this year it was the dress code creating problems. It was stated that the dress code needs to become stricter, I 100% think that is NOT the problem, it doesn't need to be stricter, it needs to be CLEARER. You say semi-formal, formal, and cosplay. You say no sandals, flip flops unless part of cosplay. But then someone cosplaying Jesus cannot get in because his outfit is made of cotton? Because he is wearing flip flops? He is in cosplay. He is in flip flops but they are PART of the cosplay, he is following the rules!!! It no where said cosplay needs to be of a certain caliber, it simply stated- cosplay. A woman dressed in a $500 cocktail dress she bought for her senior prom years ago, wearing high-heeled strappy open toed shoes, she is in no ones mind, not formal. But she is not allowed because her skirt is too short? Because her formal shoes can be categorized as sandals? She is following the rules! (Any woman, girl, anyone who has bought an outfit for prom should know, there is a big difference between casual sandals and formal sandals)

If you are going to say cosplay is allowed, but then limit the type of cosplay after that- it needs to be WRITTEN out. Cosplay- UNLESS- etc. Semi formal and formal cosplays only. Example: ect. Spell. It. Out. Do not leave one thing to a guessing game come time con. And do not- enforce rules AFTER the rules have already been printed in the con book. That is completely unfair.


2) Lines. Our third year in a row at one location, I don't understand why where lines are going to go is such a huge issue. It just seems like something we should automatically know, every staffer should know, especially info booth, before the con starts. I understand we jumped in attendance this year, but that doesn't seem like it should be such a huge factor we didn't know where any line was going anywhere throughout the whole con. I realllly hope that after this year we can get an idea where we want lines to go for what events, and when the event schedule is out, someone can please plan the line routes then relay that information to the rest of staff. Also, more signage would be great. Instead of walking about trying to figure out if this line is for this, is that line for that, is the line outside on which wall, or inside against the wall, we can have large signs like the "Start of Line" "End of Line" signs, and put on there, for WHAT event. Put signs out every panel room saying where the line for that event will start. "Signs are not in the budget" is a horrible excuse. How much money does it take to make a sign that would solve a huge percentage of what attendees complain about and what causes stress on staff. Even regular printer paper, markers, and tape. I would have gladly made some for every panel room at Info Booth with those supplies in under five minutes if it could have spared the headaches that were the lines this year. Same thing goes for events with ticketing. We need a plan going in, on if we allow attendees without tickets to line up, but make sure they are in back, or tell them to go away and then come back (which I see not really working because if someone really wants in they are going to hover and block walking space) and then let maid squad, yoji, and info booth know this so we know what we are doing, looking for, and can give accurate information.


3) A lack of adult panels it felt like this year

[Kimiski]

Oh yeah, another con is that there was no photoshoot guide at the info desk like there's been in previous years. When I asked, I was told that the shoots weren't officially part of the convention...but then why have they been there in years past? I was told to use the app, but I don't have cell phone access at this time (it literally broke in half), and not everyone has a smartphone in the first place. And isn't that a convention app anyway? Why would, if they're "unofficial", they be on an official app?

The photo shoot schedule is not officially part of con, and I do not remember it ever having it being printed in the con book itself. We did however, have hard copies at Info booth last year to hand out.

Next year I may print copies myself to hand out for Info Booth with a disclaimer on top saying that shoots are subject to change, and are not in anyway scheduled by the con, and to make sure your shoot is up to date, please check the forums. We were all frustrated at Info Booth because we kept getting asked, but we were not given any this year. So sorry about that, but it was out of our hands, and I did not have access to do any printing while at con. We did eventually get a TV screen up and had it open to the forums where the photoshoot schedule was listed. That lasted for about half a day... before our laptop stopped working all together...

[hexdef6]

1) The ball. Last year it was discrepancies between staff about the line that created a huge problem. THANK YOU for ticketing it this year, however this year it was the dress code creating problems. It was stated that the dress code needs to become stricter, I 100% think that is NOT the problem, it doesn't need to be stricter, it needs to be CLEARER. You say semi-formal, formal, and cosplay. You say no sandals, flip flops unless part of cosplay. But then someone cosplaying Jesus cannot get in because his outfit is made of cotton? Because he is wearing flip flops? He is in cosplay. He is in flip flops but they are PART of the cosplay, he is following the rules!!! It no where said cosplay needs to be of a certain caliber, it simply stated- cosplay. A woman dressed in a $500 cocktail dress she bought for her senior prom years ago, wearing high-heeled strappy open toed shoes, she is in no ones mind, not formal. But she is not allowed because her skirt is too short? Because her formal shoes can be categorized as sandals? She is following the rules! (Any woman, girl, anyone who has bought an outfit for prom should know, there is a big difference between casual sandals and formal sandals)

If you are going to say cosplay is allowed, but then limit the type of cosplay after that- it needs to be WRITTEN out. Cosplay- UNLESS- etc. Semi formal and formal cosplays only. Example: ect. Spell. It. Out. Do not leave one thing to a guessing game come time con. And do not- enforce rules AFTER the rules have already been printed in the con book. That is completely unfair.


2) Lines. Our third year in a row at one location, I don't understand why where lines are going to go is such a huge issue. It just seems like something we should automatically know, every staffer should know, especially info booth, before the con starts. I understand we jumped in attendance this year, but that doesn't seem like it should be such a huge factor we didn't know where any line was going anywhere throughout the whole con. I realllly hope that after this year we can get an idea where we want lines to go for what events, and when the event schedule is out, someone can please plan the line routes then relay that information to the rest of staff. Also, more signage would be great. Instead of walking about trying to figure out if this line is for this, is that line for that, is the line outside on which wall, or inside against the wall, we can have large signs like the "Start of Line" "End of Line" signs, and put on there, for WHAT event. Put signs out every panel room saying where the line for that event will start. "Signs are not in the budget" is a horrible excuse. How much money does it take to make a sign that would solve a huge percentage of what attendees complain about and what causes stress on staff. Even regular printer paper, markers, and tape. I would have gladly made some for every panel room at Info Booth with those supplies in under five minutes if it could have spared the headaches that were the lines this year. Same thing goes for events with ticketing. We need a plan going in, on if we allow attendees without tickets to line up, but make sure they are in back, or tell them to go away and then come back (which I see not really working because if someone really wants in they are going to hover and block walking space) and then let maid squad, yoji, and info booth know this so we know what we are doing, looking for, and can give accurate information.


3) A lack of adult panels it felt like this year

couldn't have said it better

[Zensuke]

People's reactions to the other group in the park really rub me the wrong way.why do we have a right to be there and they don't? Why should they have to leave?

If they said that we need to leave and do our convention somewhere else just because a few of us were being jerks that would make them ass holes. It's no different for us. I have had nothing but pleasant encounters with that group every year (other than the fact that it makes the park really crowded but that's hardly a crime) I'm not saying that there aren't individuals there that cause problems but that's true of every large group of people, ourselves included.

[reppy]

Which brings me [to]... I've noticed sometimes that the panels can be a little disjointed. Particularly when you start to involve technology. Staring at someone's desktop while they search around for a file that they misplaced can kill the momentum of a great panel!

This happens to me as a presenter off and on. I work with software that can sometimes be temperamental, and also some ad-hoc networking between my laptop and maybe a NAS box to access LARGE files used in digital editing. Ideally one gets a chance in a hotel room to do a 'dry-run' set up of the system in the configuration that one is presenting, much the same as a presenter may practice talking aloud while going through Powerpoint items to practice up on a presentation.

Totally understandable! Sometimes we are all at the mercy of technology. Things like that are simply unavoidable. So are things like the projector being missing from the room because someone took it to another panel. I've definitely seen that happen!

And I don't mean to imply that any of the panel hosts were sloppy! Rather, I think they ran into some things they didn't expect.
 

That said, not all of us are Toastmaster-level public speakers. (I used to belong, and it's actually great practice for public speaking or group presentations on a job...) For the panelist side, "the show must go on." Work the crowd with questions, or with verbal information to buy yourself a little extra time to find where that damned AVI file was that you thought you had in the 'Projects/' directory...

I'm not going to be upset with someone for not being a stellar public presenter. I'm certainly not much of a public speaker myself.

And I have also attended a handful of Toastmaster's meetings. I think people that have aspirations of hosting a panel and some day speaking in front of large crowds should definitely consider finding the location of their local Toastmaster's. And to be honest, a lot of people don't even know Toastmaster's exists! I'm sure they wouldn't mind an influx of young adults headed their way.

And stuff like asking questions during down time a lot of people might not even consider to do. It's just easy to take for granted because you've probably ran into that situation before and now you know how to handle it.
 

For the visitor's side, if the presenter has indeed switched to verbal transmission for the subject manner while visually searching for a file AND also trying not to say 'um' too many times* then LISTEN UP. And ask questions pertinent to what you are trying to learn. Not every part of a presentation is going to have special video effects to engage your eyes 90% of the time...

I totally understand that. Again, I don't think any panels have been ruined by any of the things I have encountered. Rather, they could simply be improved if people running were made aware that certain things could be an issue.
 

* Toastmasters will NAIL you on that...

I've heard many a bells ringing my way during the improv portions!

[reppy]

People's reactions to the other group in the park really rub me the wrong way.why do we have a right to be there and they don't? Why should they have to leave?

If they said that we need to leave and do our convention somewhere else just because a few of us were being jerks that would make them ass holes. It's no different for us. I have had nothing but pleasant encounters with that group every year (other than the fact that it makes the park really crowded but that's hardly a crime) I'm not saying that there aren't individuals there that cause problems but that's true of every large group of people, ourselves included.

I don't have a problem with them being there. They have as much right as we do. And I'm sure there's a group of them on a message board complaining about how we ruin the park for them and all that. 

[Zensuke]

I don't have a problem with them being there. They have as much right as we do. And I'm sure there's a group of them on a message board complaining about how we ruin the park for them and all that. 

I'm sure there are and I would hope that their reaction to our complaining would be the same as mine to theirs, which is neatly summarized by your profile pic.

[reppy]

I don't have a problem with them being there. They have as much right as we do. And I'm sure there's a group of them on a message board complaining about how we ruin the park for them and all that. 

I'm sure there are and I would hope that their reaction to our complaining would be the same as mine to theirs, which is neatly summarized by your profile pic.

It's not very often that I actually lol when I'm in front of the computer reading something.

But I just did. 

[Prinz Eugen]

... one panel that I went to the person hosting it was running about five minutes late, only to find that the room that the panel was supposed to be hosted in was locked, which caused more delays while everyone waited several minutes for the room to be unlocked.

Yeah - that was probably *my* panel - I was slamming in my room assembling the Closing Ceremonies winners vid looked up at the clock and OH CRAP MY PANEL STARTS NOW! Gathered all the props for it and hit the elevator delay - then we find the door locked and I am thinking "amatol, C4, semtex, RDX, Tovex, hmm.... must be SOME way to get this door open... Anybody got any Meal-D?'

Next year I think we could easily banter for 90 min.
Also, I'd like to work through 'official' channels to see if I could bring a few 'interesting' display items someday.. especially if we are ever in Oregon...

[superjaz]

Everyone's talking about competing with Oxfest for park space but I feel like a better solution would be keeping Kumo as a three day con with Friday instead of Monday.

Hubby man and I were talking about this idea last night, I like the idea but don't know how feasible it would be.

... one panel that I went to the person hosting it was running about five minutes late, only to find that the room that the panel was supposed to be hosted in was locked, which caused more delays while everyone waited several minutes for the room to be unlocked.

Yeah - that was probably *my* panel - I was slamming in my room assembling the Closing Ceremonies winners vid looked up at the clock and OH CRAP MY PANEL STARTS NOW! Gathered all the props for it and hit the elevator delay - then we find the door locked and I am thinking "amatol, C4, semtex, RDX, Tovex, hmm.... must be SOME way to get this door open... Anybody got any Meal-D?'

Next year I think we could easily banter for 90 min.
Also, I'd like to work through 'official' channels to see if I could bring a few 'interesting' display items someday.. especially if we are ever in Oregon...

I wouldn't worry as I am sure you have panel brownie points from that year a person running a para para panel didn't show up and you showed AMVs instead and no one complained, 2010 I think...

To the oxfest "we were as bothersome to them as they were to us"  This is the con/complaint thread.  Where people post from their own personal interactions with that group during con.
That said they are renting(?)  the park and that would give them the right to that area vs k-con peeps walking around it.  Tho from the stories I have heard and read maybe requesting more of a police/park security presence would be beneficial for the safety of both parties?  Not really to do anything, but think how people slow down when they see a cop car?  Like that.

[Black~Rose]

I also have a complaint about the last day. The park was soooo awful to be in the last day because EVERYONE was smoking around the perimeter. I even saw someone light one up RIGHT NEXT TO A MOTHER AND HER BABY. That is just sooo rude.

people have TO REMEMBER THE LAST DAY EVERY YEAR THE STUPID motorbikers and drunks destroy the park

Gosh I want them to reserve the park during Kumori and actually make it apart of Kumori. It would make so much more sense. I really hate that. It destroys the atmosphere every year and really ruins our fun. They can have their stupid festival somewhere else!

Thank you! That would be a brilliant way to solve that problem.

[superjaz]

^ they might already have the location locked in for next year.  Heck we do for the hilton and red lion, so its easy to see.

If nothing else, a little blurb in the con book, explaining the event going on there Monday so people know what is going on, and its not a surprise to new attendees.

*unless there is and I just didn't see it, that has happened before*

[fairly_foxy]

I would really like a larger "bored room" There were never enough chairs in there. Every time I went up there, people were sitting on the floor, there was never table space. I just wanted a calm place to talk with my friend and possibly begin work on the manga we were inspired to make. But there was just no where to do that other than the bored room which was always packed...

[Valkyrie542]

I also have a complaint about the last day. The park was soooo awful to be in the last day because EVERYONE was smoking around the perimeter. I even saw someone light one up RIGHT NEXT TO A MOTHER AND HER BABY. That is just sooo rude.

people have TO REMEMBER THE LAST DAY EVERY YEAR THE STUPID motorbikers and drunks destroy the park

Gosh I want them to reserve the park during Kumori and actually make it apart of Kumori. It would make so much more sense. I really hate that. It destroys the atmosphere every year and really ruins our fun. They can have their stupid festival somewhere else!

Thank you! That would be a brilliant way to solve that problem.

To be fair, Oxfest is a Washington festivity and Kcon is an Oregon event; techinically, we're intruding on their territory. If it's really such a problem, then maybe we should have Kcon a bit earlier so it doesn't clash with Oxfest - we have our space and they'll have theirs and we won't have to worry about stepping on anyone's toes.

[Valkyrie542]

I would really like a larger "bored room" There were never enough chairs in there. Every time I went up there, people were sitting on the floor, there was never table space. I just wanted a calm place to talk with my friend and possibly begin work on the manga we were inspired to make. But there was just no where to do that other than the bored room which was always packed...

The "bored room" isn't the same as the manga library? Or are they separate areas?
I know what you mean, though, it gets awful crowded downstairs in the afternoon. On Day 2, I was lucky to find a comfy couch to sit on downstairs after most of the popular panels were over when it was about four or five at night.

[veraca]

I enjoy the tech people at the Cosplay Contest, but they should schedule time ahead of the Contest to make sure the cues and the boards are working. That way the audience isn't waiting a large amount of time before the show actually starts.

As one of the individuals responsible for the room, I completely agree with Mike's statement. I'll add that the Main Events Staff have to be experts at "rolling with the punches" and that we do whatever we can to mitigate problems as quickly as possible. This year, we were fortunate to have seating for the contest take longer than expected and were only needing an extra 10-15 minutes to get everything set.


I'll also add that the Cosplay Contest Staff has a bit of work to do as well, since we end up spending about half of the Cosplay Technical Rehearsal straightening out items that could be dealt with beforehand.


Every year things get better and we always strive for perfection and we appreciate every bit of patience the con-goers provide! 

I wouldn't mind seeing things improve for the Cosplay Contest, namely, since it's such a time eater for the Main Events. I'm not crazy about the tech rehearsal being from 7:30am until 10am,  but you take what you're given. Mainly speaking to the issues that could've been sorted out ahead of time, couldn't it be possible that people hand in their sound at the first Contest check-in that happens the night before? Some people were ready to hand in their music then. That could at least let people know if things need editing or if they're corrupt, you'd know before the tech rehearsal.

[Yanagiba]

Just to shine a bit of light on the situation with panels, if you want more variety in content, please run a panel at the convention on the content you want. This is the easiest way to achieve this. Because of the changes to layout between the both hotels, there were actually more rooms for panels this year than any other year, and there were actually more panels run this year because of it. This also meant that the vast majority of panels that were submitted were accepted as well. If you're interested in getting something going for a particular panel, try bouncing ideas around on the forums with other attendees and see what others think. Others who share similar interests will help you get going (and possibly even help you run the panel).


To give a good example of this, the Probending Tournament that happened this year was pretty much born from FilkAeris's idea that she put up on the forums and got a lot of feedback from others on. After a lot of communication with the Programming department, the panel became somewhat of a premier event and seemed to be well accepted at the convention this year. That's right, the panel was submitted by an attendee (although we eventually signed her up as staff due to the many hours of content she ended up running). You can do it too~


About Kumoricon being more friendly to non-anime fandoms, as far as panels go, it is the same issue as above. If it isn't submitted, it simply doesn't happen. However, since this is an anime convention, if too many things are submitted from a particular non-anime fandom, they are the most likely targets for being cut. That being said, I think that particular issue has only come up once or twice since I've started helping with panels, so if you're interested in submitting a non-anime panel idea, please do submit it!


As far as the ball goes, we're already talking about how to deal with the dress code issues that came up this year. There were multiple issues that came up that will most certainly be addressed in the dress code rules for next year. Also, since someone was wondering about the passes for the ball, they were meant more as a method to expedite the dress code check so the initial group of people could get in immediately when the ball started rather than a staggered entry as outfits are checked.

Hopefully this clears up a lot of the issues I saw...

[Washougal_Otaku]

About Kumoricon being more friendly to non-anime fandoms, as far as panels go, it is the same issue as above. If it isn't submitted, it simply doesn't happen. However, since this is an anime convention, if too many things are submitted from a particular non-anime fandom, they are the most likely targets for being cut. That being said, I think that particular issue has only come up once or twice since I've started helping with panels, so if you're interested in submitting a non-anime panel idea, please do submit it!

This could be easier to accomplish for next year on account of us expanding to four days.  GIVE IT A SHOT!

[Prinz Eugen]

5.) I really wish that Kumoricon was more friendly towards non-anime fans. Don't take this the wrong way, I still enjoy anime and Japanese culture, but I'm starting to outgrow it and I think it's a common trait in our generation. Over these three years of attending the con, I've seen people cosplaying video game characters, comic book characters and even Doctor Who and internet memes. I feel that it's probably time to start thinking of games and events that incorporate these genres and changing the rules for the cosplay contest so people with different interests feel more welcome. From my own experience, I worked really hard on my Lara Croft cosplay and I had thought about trying to get into the cosplay contest only to be given a half-answer (Because it wasn't Japan-related, it didn't apply to costume judging or a solo spot; but I was considered for a skit slot). I felt unwelcome and pushed aside simply because what I wore wasn't anime-related.

I've done "Mr. Monopoly" a few times as a spoof/joke costume, in that well, yes it IS a game character but most people don't expect it at an anime con. I only kept it on for short period of time, or in the context the Japanese-style commodity-trading panel I did, where the underlying theme was making money.

One possibility as you move on into new chapters of your own life is to start visiting other cons and other fandoms. Downstairs in dealers there were two 'steampunk' tables there and one of the guys quipped: "Steampunk is where anime fans go when they get old."

There is a new con in the area coalescing called Newcon, which seems to welcome a very broad spectrum of fandom (steampunk, SF, anime, even buckskinners, maybe?)

Orycon is another local con which bills itself as a regional SF con, and it *used* to have active costuming and media events up until about 15 years ago when the director level staff got hijacked by a cabal of "LIT-ruh-chuh" types who chased out most everything that wasn't about writing and publishing SF (yawn and yawn for me, though.) I did encounter some resistance there once my AMV overnighter became popular - they cut me off from their tech to try to 'clamp down on these crazy media fans' who (ugh) don't care about reading. So I know what it's like to be at a con where what you enjoy best is subtly not wanted here.

In this case the trick is to gather enough people around your interest to HAVE FUN ANYWAY in the middle of No True Scotsman types even if there are only 20 of you. It might be interesting if the Lara Crofts, and media-based fandom (web comics too?) the emerging English-language sort-of manga, etc. might rally at Orycon...

As your interests range beyond anime, why not look beyond Kumoricon?
There may be other regional events throughout the year where you can have cool fun,
and people who come to Kumoricon to enjoy anime and Asian culture will be able to enjoy that as a cultural concentration - undiluted by Twilight, Harry Potter, Dr. Who, Star Wars, and all that other stuff which would do great at other regional events.

tl;dr: Rather than wondering if a Japanese restaurant should include more Lebanese food, just go to the Lebanese restaurant on some other night.

[fairly_foxy]

I would really like a larger "bored room" There were never enough chairs in there. Every time I went up there, people were sitting on the floor, there was never table space. I just wanted a calm place to talk with my friend and possibly begin work on the manga we were inspired to make. But there was just no where to do that other than the bored room which was always packed...

The "bored room" isn't the same as the manga library? Or are they separate areas?
I know what you mean, though, it gets awful crowded downstairs in the afternoon. On Day 2, I was lucky to find a comfy couch to sit on downstairs after most of the popular panels were over when it was about four or five at night.

No it isn't. It is however the same room as the cosplay fix up center.
Yeah I really really just wanted a place where I was allowed to talk to my friend in a calmer atmosphere where there were tables to work on stuff. I tried to ask the info desk if such a place existed, and they only told me about the bored room.

[Prinz Eugen]

Props to the crew running the AV boards in MAIN, especially during my little glitch firing up the first category of the AMV contest. (In case that was a 'con' for anybody here, I'll take the mea maxima culpa on that.)

The following may be a hotel issue, but I think the built-in projectors in MAIN are either 720x480 or maybe even 640x480.

The AMV event is drawing top-notch amateur video editing talent and we have already had some 1920x1080 60fps AMVs come in. This additional clarity is lost in the current infrastructure.

There may be nothing we can do about it, but in case some audience members were wondering why the visual resolution of AMVs was merely somewhat better than VHS tapes, well, technology marches on, and maybe we can get lucky and step up one of these days.

Again though, thanks to all the support from you guys in the back corner!

[Bresslol]

Props to the crew running the AV boards in MAIN, especially during my little glitch firing up the first category of the AMV contest. (In case that was a 'con' for anybody here, I'll take the mea maxima culpa on that.)

The following may be a hotel issue, but I think the built-in projectors in MAIN are either 720x480 or maybe even 640x480.

The AMV event is drawing top-notch amateur video editing talent and we have already had some 1920x1080 60fps AMVs come in. This additional clarity is lost in the current infrastructure.

There may be nothing we can do about it, but in case some audience members were wondering why the visual resolution of AMVs was merely somewhat better than VHS tapes, well, technology marches on, and maybe we can get lucky and step up one of these days.

Again though, thanks to all the support from you guys in the back corner!

This is a fair point, especially with the technology of projectors being much less expensive than years ago.

[Yanagiba]

Props to the crew running the AV boards in MAIN, especially during my little glitch firing up the first category of the AMV contest. (In case that was a 'con' for anybody here, I'll take the mea maxima culpa on that.)

The following may be a hotel issue, but I think the built-in projectors in MAIN are either 720x480 or maybe even 640x480.

The AMV event is drawing top-notch amateur video editing talent and we have already had some 1920x1080 60fps AMVs come in. This additional clarity is lost in the current infrastructure.

There may be nothing we can do about it, but in case some audience members were wondering why the visual resolution of AMVs was merely somewhat better than VHS tapes, well, technology marches on, and maybe we can get lucky and step up one of these days.

Again though, thanks to all the support from you guys in the back corner!

This is a fair point, especially with the technology of projectors being much less expensive than years ago.

A fair point indeed. It has been my intent to push for new projectors to be in the 2014 budget for a good year or so now. Of course, it wasn't for this particular reason that I had the investment in mind, but it is ultimately the same reason in the end. Video quality has changed drastically since the last time we got new projectors, so it's getting to be time that this is dealt with.

[superjaz]

To be fair, Oxfest is a Washington festivity and Kcon is an Oregon event; techinically, we're intruding on their territory. If it's really such a problem, then maybe we should have Kcon a bit earlier so it doesn't clash with Oxfest - we have our space and they'll have theirs and we won't have to worry about stepping on anyone's toes.

Actually per to their web site they are a Oregon Washington event, put on by oxford houses which while mostly in OR and WA have a NW presence.  And the first time K-con was in Vancouver, there were either at a different venue or weren't invented yet, so I would say its open territory, it belongs to the city and power to them to host venues to make the local area money.

[Woodrat]

... one panel that I went to the person hosting it was running about five minutes late, only to find that the room that the panel was supposed to be hosted in was locked, which caused more delays while everyone waited several minutes for the room to be unlocked.

Yeah - that was probably *my* panel - I was slamming in my room assembling the Closing Ceremonies winners vid looked up at the clock and OH CRAP MY PANEL STARTS NOW! Gathered all the props for it and hit the elevator delay - then we find the door locked and I am thinking "amatol, C4, semtex, RDX, Tovex, hmm.... must be SOME way to get this door open... Anybody got any Meal-D?'

Next year I think we could easily banter for 90 min.
Also, I'd like to work through 'official' channels to see if I could bring a few 'interesting' display items someday.. especially if we are ever in Oregon...

It was quite fine, and I thought it was one of the better panels I went too. Just was somewhat sad that when it seemed like the audience was getting engaged and we were all warmed up that our time ran out. Oh well, hopefully next year!

[DarkStar]

Props to the crew running the AV boards in MAIN, especially during my little glitch firing up the first category of the AMV contest. (In case that was a 'con' for anybody here, I'll take the mea maxima culpa on that.)

The following may be a hotel issue, but I think the built-in projectors in MAIN are either 720x480 or maybe even 640x480.

The AMV event is drawing top-notch amateur video editing talent and we have already had some 1920x1080 60fps AMVs come in. This additional clarity is lost in the current infrastructure.

There may be nothing we can do about it, but in case some audience members were wondering why the visual resolution of AMVs was merely somewhat better than VHS tapes, well, technology marches on, and maybe we can get lucky and step up one of these days.

Again though, thanks to all the support from you guys in the back corner!

Our projectors are not too bad at all, they are HD projectors capable of a really nice output. Their only downside is that they are not very bright.


Our visual quality issues stem from us still running an SD operation (480i resolution). All of us in Main Events Tech have been pushing to go HD, however it is a large hurdle (about $10k) to get there, causing it to be delayed year-after-year.


We're doing what we can to be ready for that jump (whenever it happens), but at the end of the day it all comes down to budget. I couldn't even get coax this year and rewired cable to each projector and camera twice due to cheap, old cable that has been damaged over the years.


I really hope next year we can go HD in Main Events (probably 1080i resolution), but we have to wait until budget season (usually in April). 

[Valkyrie542]

5.) I really wish that Kumoricon was more friendly towards non-anime fans. Don't take this the wrong way, I still enjoy anime and Japanese culture, but I'm starting to outgrow it and I think it's a common trait in our generation. Over these three years of attending the con, I've seen people cosplaying video game characters, comic book characters and even Doctor Who and internet memes. I feel that it's probably time to start thinking of games and events that incorporate these genres and changing the rules for the cosplay contest so people with different interests feel more welcome. From my own experience, I worked really hard on my Lara Croft cosplay and I had thought about trying to get into the cosplay contest only to be given a half-answer (Because it wasn't Japan-related, it didn't apply to costume judging or a solo spot; but I was considered for a skit slot). I felt unwelcome and pushed aside simply because what I wore wasn't anime-related.

I've done "Mr. Monopoly" a few times as a spoof/joke costume, in that well, yes it IS a game character but most people don't expect it at an anime con. I only kept it on for short period of time, or in the context the Japanese-style commodity-trading panel I did, where the underlying theme was making money.

One possibility as you move on into new chapters of your own life is to start visiting other cons and other fandoms. Downstairs in dealers there were two 'steampunk' tables there and one of the guys quipped: "Steampunk is where anime fans go when they get old."

There is a new con in the area coalescing called Newcon, which seems to welcome a very broad spectrum of fandom (steampunk, SF, anime, even buckskinners, maybe?)

Orycon is another local con which bills itself as a regional SF con, and it *used* to have active costuming and media events up until about 15 years ago when the director level staff got hijacked by a cabal of "LIT-ruh-chuh" types who chased out most everything that wasn't about writing and publishing SF (yawn and yawn for me, though.) I did encounter some resistance there once my AMV overnighter became popular - they cut me off from their tech to try to 'clamp down on these crazy media fans' who (ugh) don't care about reading. So I know what it's like to be at a con where what you enjoy best is subtly not wanted here.

In this case the trick is to gather enough people around your interest to HAVE FUN ANYWAY in the middle of No True Scotsman types even if there are only 20 of you. It might be interesting if the Lara Crofts, and media-based fandom (web comics too?) the emerging English-language sort-of manga, etc. might rally at Orycon...

As your interests range beyond anime, why not look beyond Kumoricon?
There may be other regional events throughout the year where you can have cool fun,
and people who come to Kumoricon to enjoy anime and Asian culture will be able to enjoy that as a cultural concentration - undiluted by Twilight, Harry Potter, Dr. Who, Star Wars, and all that other stuff which would do great at other regional events.

tl;dr: Rather than wondering if a Japanese restaurant should include more Lebanese food, just go to the Lebanese restaurant on some other night.

You dressed as the Monoply guy? That sounds adorable! I wish I could've seen it, but I might've missed you.
 
I did see an advertisement for Orycon, but my understanding of if was it being all about sci-fi/fantasy - like Lovecraft stuff.
I do have a great time at Kumoricon every year; I love dressing up and seeing all the other costumes and taking pictures. This year was my first year to meet a voice actor and it was really exciting! I make it a point to try new things, but it's kind of hard to do when a lot of it is Anime - but there's been a breakthrough with some newer panels and games.
 
Planning photoshoots really helps; I ran one for Resident Evil this year and plan to run it again along with one for Deadly Premonition next year. 
 
But I agree with you, sometimes you have to make your own fun - right?

[reppy]

But I agree with you, sometimes you have to make your own fun - right?

I sure wish more people had this attitude! I see so many people that are turned off from Kumoricon because they say no one talked to them or tried to be their friend.

If you want friends, get friends! Don't wait for them to come to you! And yes it's hard, which is probably why most other people don't do it. *booming voice* Take control of your destiny.

Homestly, while I think there are legitimate issues raised every year, I think a lot of complaints could easily be remedied if people took on this attitude. The con is the environment. What you do with the environment is up to you.

[Valkyrie542]

But I agree with you, sometimes you have to make your own fun - right?

I sure wish more people had this attitude! I see so many people that are turned off from Kumoricon because they say no one talked to them or tried to be their friend.

If you want friends, get friends! Don't wait for them to come to you! And yes it's hard, which is probably why most other people don't do it. *booming voice* Take control of your destiny.

Homestly, while I think there are legitimate issues raised every year, I think a lot of complaints could easily be remedied if people took on this attitude. The con is the environment. What you do with the environment is up to you.

Right, it's like going to a party - it's full of people and it can be overwhelming but just smiling and talking to people will really make everyone's day. I haven't made very many 'official' friends at the con, but I do like talking to people and sometimes I see them again the following year and we take the opportunity to catch up.

[Sailor-Jeimi]

Really I only have 3 things I didn't like. One of which isn't a "con issue" but more of a time of year issue. That one is completely obvious..It's too hot..haha I had a lousy time, but it was mainly due to heat. even in the littlest of clothes, wearing a wig in that heat just makes you a human sweat box.


Number 2 would be the dealers. There were not as many good items as I thought there would be. I was really hoping for a wig dealer and was bummed to not see one. I mean, I know that only depends on if one WANTS to come, but yea..Kinda just sucked lol


The last one also has to do with the dealers hall. Me and another roomie of mine voiced this opinion to the other rommies we had but not to staff because we knew it wouldn't get us anywhere. Having a line to get into the dealers hall a whole hour after it opened was really odd and seemed like it didn't need to happen. Me and one of my roomies got there at about 10:50ish and we were prety far back in like. It was about 11:00 or later when we got in. Not a huge problem or anything, just something that I didn't expect at all, nor did I like.


I think making the dealers hall in a bigger area should fix that problem though. so next year that may be something to look into.

[CaptnPoptart]

Ho Hum...Kumoricon 2013...Honestly, It was fun, but not as fun as years past :\


And there are some cons here I'd like to speak about.


1. There was confusion about lines ESPECIALLY Day 2. My friend and I wanted to go to Christopher Sabat's autograph session, so we arrive near the place a half-hour before the even starts. maybe more! And we see no line present so we asked a staff member where the line is or where it starts. After discussing/arguing with another staff member or something, she tells us there wasnt a line made and tells us to line up by a wall. Great we're first in line. Apparently not. Another staff member goes to us and asks us what we're lined up for. When we said the autograph session, he tells us the line for it is outside. Outside. So we walk out where he told us too, and already there's this long line of people, and so we walk down it and get to the end, finally. So we were one of the last ones in line. What a shame. We were LUCKY ENOUGH TO STAND IN LINE FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR AND GET OUR AUTOGRAPHS, but because of that I missed a photoshoot I wanted to go to. So PLEASE, FOR NEXT YEAR: Keep lines organized and know where they are. You would make my con year.


2. Immediately, Day 1, there is a conflict. My friend and I pre-registered for the convention and we get in line to get our badges. Only to find out that my friend's registration info was lost or not received or something. So she's trying to call her mom and freaking the hell out and getting really stressed and angry about everything. So, after about an hour of trying to look through all her emails for the registration info, she gives up and goes into the long registration line for a few hours. Poor her


3. Also a con for me was my cosplays. I regret doing them. So very dearly. Now because of those errors I made of poorly putting them together, I'm taking cosplay so seriously now.


4. The Vendors. I got kinda lost easily in there and the line to get in I didn't know. I almost broke into there twice, with staff telling me about the line. But agreed with above, there wasnt as much that i liked and I just hope next year there's more.

[Derpyrainbowshy]

This was my first con. And on day 2 for the todd signing there was a lot of miss communication. The line was moved 5 times and the people who fallowed the 30 min rule were punished. I'm just lucky todd was willing to do a second signing because of it.  I was in tears and i wasn't the only one. and because of it todd didnt do photos. Thankfully they learned a bit from the misshape and for the chris signing there was a person with i sign and for the people who ere lined up before the 30 min he wen and stood behind them with the start here sign.

[RoriLei]

From my understanding, Kumoricon actually started in Springfield, Oregon until it got too big for their venue and they had to move to Vancouver. There was actually a rumor going around that they were going to be moving back to Portland next year, due to it possibly being big enough for the Portland Convention Center (though that turned out to be no more than a rumor). So this isn't the home turf of K-Con. Though OxFest is part of a nationwide program, making it plausible that they could rather easily move to a new location.

Even though I am an attendee to K-Con and not to OxFest, I have to ask, which do you think should have more priority? A musical event supporting people recovering from addiction that has only one day to celebrate? Or a convention full of anime geeks who have already had two full days to celebrate their love of anime? It seems self-entitled to say that we are any better or more deserving of the park than them. Especially when you look at the problem with kids throwing water at con-goers next to some of the tales of con rudeness.

In essence, I think it's okay to have whatever opinions about OxFest, but I don't think we have any more right to be there than them.

*Edit: This is a reply to some things I read on the previous page, sorry for any confusion.
I was not aware that it started in Springfield, I could not find any records of the locations of the first few cons. All I had to go off of was that a friend told me that it had apparently been in Portland a few years back. But, regardless, the point is still the same: Kumoricon did not start in Vancouver.

[superjaz]

From my understanding, Kumoricon actually started in Portland, Oregon until it got too big for their venue and they had to move to Vancouver. There was actually a rumor going around that they were going to be moving back to Portland next year, due to it possibly being big enough for the Portland Convention Center (though that turned out to be no more than a rumor). So this isn't the home turf of K-Con. Though OxFest is part of a nationwide program, making it plausible that they could rather easily move to a new location.

Even though I am an attendee to K-Con and not to OxFest, I have to ask, which do you think should have more priority? A musical event supporting people recovering from addiction that has only one day to celebrate? Or a convention full of anime geeks who have already had two full days to celebrate their love of anime? It seems self-entitled to say that we are any better or more deserving of the park than them. Especially when you look at the problem with kids throwing water at con-goers next to some of the tales of con rudeness.

In essence, I think it's okay to have whatever opinions about OxFest, but I don't think we have any more right to be there than them.

Not sure which post/poster you are responding to, or just in general but with "which do you think?" sounds like you are referring to a specific post. 

If in general-
Personally the complaints I have heard about Oxfest are not because they are in recovery, but because of their current behavior towards k-con attendees. I am sure people have opinions/experinces with Oxfest that are good but as this is the complaint thread, its understandable the opinions about Oxfest as an event are not going to be the best.
I have witnessed and heard rumors of rudeness and violence regarding both sides, no one is arguing both groups have rude people, that point is moot.   Cuz lets face it!
Whenever there is con or there are 2 events going on in the same space there is going to be friction, random examples:
year 2 there was another convention going on during k-con and attendees there were ripping up the elevator limit signs because they "didn't have to follow it", and then add VERY drunk family reunion people and some scared-of-cosplayers-so-better-pull-fire-alarm-happy people you've got some "good" times...
or year 4, one word weddings!... no we don't need main events....I guess...
Or down town double tree! Which I actually liked this event space a lot, tho no one broke into my car during con...

The fact Oxfest "only has only one day to celebrate" has nothing to do with K-con, and everything to do with their own event planners.

As I said before, the rights belong to city of Vancouver, (who rented the park to oxfest giving them the right to use it this year ) so the choice to who has priority to the area belongs to Vancouver and what is best for them in the ever-changing economy.

The subject matter of the event being held doesn't weigh in on that as they have to decide what is better for Vancouver, which includes other factors that are more important. I will point out that the city of Vancouver and all the local businesses are very happy Kumoricon is there, as it is a big event that brings a lot of money to the area that they wouldn't have otherwise.
If K-con attendees want to talk about raising money to rent the park to avoid that friction, that's their right and makes sense as attendees want the best Kumoricon the can get.
As said before that point might also be moot as who knows Oxfest may already have rented the event for next year.

*Not that it matters but actually K-con started in Springfield OR, and I have a couple of Salem and Eugene friends who would have been happy if it stayed in the area but with growth means moving around, and finding new places to fit  There was talk years back of the convention center, when there were going to build a big hotel near it which sadly didn't happen due to the economy*

[Washougal_Otaku]

From my understanding, Kumoricon actually started in Portland, Oregon until it got too big for their venue and they had to move to Vancouver. There was actually a rumor going around that they were going to be moving back to Portland next year, due to it possibly being big enough for the Portland Convention Center (though that turned out to be no more than a rumor). So this isn't the home turf of K-Con. Though OxFest is part of a nationwide program, making it plausible that they could rather easily move to a new location.

Even though I am an attendee to K-Con and not to OxFest, I have to ask, which do you think should have more priority? A musical event supporting people recovering from addiction that has only one day to celebrate? Or a convention full of anime geeks who have already had two full days to celebrate their love of anime? It seems self-entitled to say that we are any better or more deserving of the park than them. Especially when you look at the problem with kids throwing water at con-goers next to some of the tales of con rudeness.

In essence, I think it's okay to have whatever opinions about OxFest, but I don't think we have any more right to be there than them.

Point one - It actually started in Springfield.


Point two - A basic rule to go by when it comes to talk about next year is this: don't listen to it.  It's usually based on someone's hopes and absolutely no facts.


Point three - Regarding the park, they have the money and the want to rent out the park; we don't.  Our money and wants go towards the hotels.  Also, OxFest gets the jump on renting out the space before we get to, plus they've been there longer than we have.  Also, I think recovering from dangerous addictions is a MUCH greater reason than finding joy in cartoons and video games.

[Sven]

4) I understand that the slightly anime dating game 18+ gets too raunchy but it would have been nice to at least have another one because it was really fun and the line was clearly drawn which made it more comfortable. I would love to see more interactive panels like that. That being said, I also would like to suggest that 18+ should not mean we have to go all out disgusting and frightening. The line should still be drawn at R-rated, not X-rated.

I personally have never noticed that the slightly anime dating game 18+ get much, if any, more raunchy. Maybe more swearing, but as they make very clear: Innuendo is funny, Vulgarity isn't. Heck, I wouldn't mind having a second just regular slightly anime dating game without the 18+. I love it and always find myself with my face in pain from laughing and smiling so hard (something I almost never get to do)

I have never been to the 18+ one. But I was told it was cancelled for that reason.

Hi I'm Sven and I run the Slightly Anime Dating Game. Can I ask who told you that our 18+ game was pulled for being to raunchy? This is simply not true. The only reason we did not do one was we did not put in a request for it. The group has been very busy with our every day jobs and such and so just did not have the time to put together 2 full games of the quality we try to maintain. So we decided to just focus on our all ages game as more people have the opportunity to attend. We very much hope that next year we'll be back with not only 2 full games including our 18+ Dating game but with some all new programming for everyone as well.

[Sven]

I disagree that vulgarity isn't funny. If you can deliver something with great comedic timing, it will be hilarious. That said, adult humor isn't for everyone, and personally why I post a huge disclaimer before Cards Against Con saying that the content can get a little over-the-top and that we won't be offended if you want to turn back now.

The thing to remember is you know how comedic timing works. My "innuendo, vulgarity" speech is designed simply to make some of our contestants think for a second longer before they say something. It's also why I am often the dirtiest person on stage. I do agree we have different comedic styles and I for one am glade for it! Maybe with 4 days next year we can attend each others events a bit more instead of always running at the same time.

[GregAtlas]

I disagree that vulgarity isn't funny. If you can deliver something with great comedic timing, it will be hilarious. That said, adult humor isn't for everyone, and personally why I post a huge disclaimer before Cards Against Con saying that the content can get a little over-the-top and that we won't be offended if you want to turn back now.

The thing to remember is you know how comedic timing works. My "innuendo, vulgarity" speech is designed simply to make some of our contestants think for a second longer before they say something. It's also why I am often the dirtiest person on stage. I do agree we have different comedic styles and I for one am glade for it! Maybe with 4 days next year we can attend each others events a bit more instead of always running at the same time.

Already looking forward to it.
I hope this new schedule works out. It seems like a tiny step before moving up to the convention center. I'm still curious on what the attendance numbers have been over the past few years. This year actually felt like we did outgrow the two hotels and the park in some ways.

[DarkStar]

I'm still curious on what the attendance numbers have been over the past few years. This year actually felt like we did outgrow the two hotels and the park in some ways.

Totals from https://www.kumoricon.org/history:


2003: 422
2004: 1284
2005: 1790
2006: 2327
2007: 3133
2008: 4610
2009: 4761
2010: 4271
2011: 4182
2012: 5023
2013: ~6200


I also heard our median age is "aging" as well, but I don't have any firm statistics for that...

[wana10]

The largest con for me this year was the swag bag, and that's mainly just because it worried me about the future of kumoricon. What worried me about it? The fact that it was empty, and the fact that the staff didn't seem to care. Now I'm not saying that I deserve piles of free stuff just for showing up but there was nothing in the bag beyond the colour con guide and the b+w con guide. Years past you've had to sort through a pile of advertisements to find the guide, not this year though. Does that mean that the anime and scifi production companies, not to mention local businesses, don't think it's worth advertising at the con? That thought worries me. As for the staff not caring; when i picked up my badge the staff member said something along the lines of "head down that way to pick up your swag bag. lots of cool stuff in there" which just served to draw attention to the fact that there was nothing in there which in turn just added to the worry.


And it wasn't just the swag bag but the vendors hall as well. Last year stands like funimation had those cheesy(and yet awesome) dbz hair headbands and such whereas this year I don't even remember them having a stand. Other complaints about the lack of depth and breadth of the vendors hall have already been made so I won't expand upon that other than to say that the loss of big name vendors worries me. 


Finally the announcement that the con will once again be at the hilton/red lion. I like the location, it's not bad, but only for a year or two. This will be four years in the same place. Look at the Rose City Comic Con. Last year was their first year. They were at the Doubletree (remember that place from years ago?) They had 4100 people. This year, their second year, not only are they renting out half the convention center for a weekend, they also have a cheaper badge price, better and more numerous vendors, bigger and better guests of honour, and I can pretty much guarantee that their numbers will swamp kumoricons. In just two years. Well done to them but it adds to my feeling that kumoricon is floundering without a clear vision of where it's going.

[veraca]

Of course the Rose City Comic Con can rent out the convention space- they're predicting a large jump in attendees strictly from the fact that it's a "Comic Con". This is similar to how Emerald City Comic Con is at the convention center; Conventions with "Comic Con" get attention just from the larger ones taking place and being in the news. I don't think they really need to do a lot of PR beyond saying "hey when and where!" That said, Comic Con's tend to relate more to main-stream stuff and sci-fi things from television--- which I have nothing against--- but that is strictly not the goal of Kumori Con.

As for the location being in the same place, I don't mind too much. Nothing really bothered me other than the late night panels being over at the Red Lion. Lack of space, lack of good lighting to walk there. The convention should, if possible, look into renting more of the Hilton.

And getting something done about that 3rd Floor issue- many times when I've needed to head up the third floor, I've been stuck with the elevators. I'm capable and willing to walk up a few flights of stairs if it means not having to deal with the elevator. If there's a security issue about the stairs being open, think of the people going up to the third floor already via elevators with very little (or no) staff present to police them. Yes, walking up stairs hurts. Yes, it's a pain. But if all I have is an issue that I need the offices on the third floor, can't there be an elevator dedicated to just that and free up the third elevator to "Guests Only". The other elevator, of course, should go to Vendor's and those with the need for it (I think it's called ADA?).

[JeffT]

Totals from https://www.kumoricon.org/history:


2003: 422
2004: 1284
2005: 1790
2006: 2327
2007: 3133
2008: 4610
2009: 4761
2010: 4271
2011: 4182
2012: 5023
2013: ~6200

You have changed them from the way they are listed on that page. Adding the paid attendance number to the staff number is not the way to get a total body count. Not listed are exhibitors, artists, panelists, industry, press, guests, and free attendees (under age 6). The paid attendance number is the primary number we have consistently reported over the years.

[VampireFangs103]

The last one also has to do with the dealers hall. Me and another roomie of mine voiced this opinion to the other rommies we had but not to staff because we knew it wouldn't get us anywhere. Having a line to get into the dealers hall a whole hour after it opened was really odd and seemed like it didn't need to happen. Me and one of my roomies got there at about 10:50ish and we were prety far back in like. It was about 11:00 or later when we got in. Not a huge problem or anything, just something that I didn't expect at all, nor did I like.


I think making the dealers hall in a bigger area should fix that problem though. so next year that may be something to look into.

Honestly, as far back as I can remember, back to my first Kumoricon (2007, which was actually at the location it is now), there has always been a line to the dealers hall after it opens on day one. :/ That's why I usually wait a few hours to go down, and even then there might still be a line, but I usually get in within ten minutes. I would suggest going to the opening ceremonies (dealers hall usually opens around the time ceremonies start), and then wait an hour or two after the ceremonies before heading down to the dealers hall. I know that might not sound too appealing- I know the feeling of wanting to get down there right away and see everything available.


And unfortunately, I'm pretty sure the parking garage is the "bigger area". I'm not sure where else they'd be able to move it.

[veraca]

They have tried different areas. Since it was in the garage in '07, they've made great progress- it had terrible lighting, less fans so you couldn't breathe (it was a cooler year somewhat), and it was overall on the dark and tiny-aisle side of things. The last few years they've tried different locations between the two hotels, and it's kind of depressing to see it back in the garage- but they did what they could. I honestly think with the layout of the hotels, the only other area large enough for it would be where the Main stage is.

[reppy]

I don't really know what can be done about the dealer's hall. Even in extremely large venues, like the Oregon Convention Center, there were lines to get into the vendor's room. For safety reasons they can only allow so many people into the room at once. That's why you see a staffer clicking when each person walks by, and only allowing a certain quantity of people in. If a fire marshal came in and the room was over capacity, the convention would be in serious trouble.

[veraca]

If anything, they could try moving registration somewhere else- although anywhere inside with that many bodies will still be hot. The hotels just aren't equipped to deal with that many people in one area. They'd need a room with a large roof for the heat to rise.
But if the vendors could take up the entire garage area, that could potentially allow for more air circulation and possibly less lines.

[GregAtlas]

Where would you suggest to put registration then? The only other place I could think of that could accommodate that many people is maybe the place where card gaming was this year and even then there are traffic congestion places such as the double doors. That or have registration outside and I doubt there would be a single staff member that would put up with that kind of duty in that kind of weather.

[TalaRedWolf33]

I think we should move the Dealers hall back to the red lion, and put the AA back in that little building on the side, and use the garage for the gaming again. I dont know why people didnt like that set up before. I thought it was good.
I liked having stuff in the garage, only cuz it was closer. I did not like how hard it is for me to go back up from the garage, but that is all me and not the con lol

[GregAtlas]

The main reason to not have gaming in the basement is the fact there is no net access down there. That is fine for most (not all) of the console gaming, but for PC gaming it is not an option. The last couple years before now PC games were put in a little tiny room with only 6 machines able to fit and if I remember right they still had spotty net access. With how big the league tournament ended up being this year there will have to be a bigger solution instead of downsizing.

Some people come to con just to game and no cell phone access is another big hindrance when you're down there hours at a time.

In addition to these problems in previous years, the lighting was absolutely horrid photos and for card game players having to read small text. There also seemed to be a lot of unused space in the basement with that kind of setup as well so it wasn't very efficient (not to mention not having sectioned off areas made the entire basement very loud because in order to hear someone you had to yell over the music games).

I did manage to talk to some of the venders last year and they described the parking garage year as their worst experience as well, partially because there was too much space and competition, thus not being profitable. This might explain why the selection was lackluster as many have claimed since businesses are not going to set up shop unless they think they will make a profit.

I wish there was an easy solution, but it doesn't sound like there is until maybe we find a new venue, which would have its own set of difficulties even if it were at the convention center.

[acton]

 I was out of it for the last couple of weeks  I  do have a few thing I felt went wrong.
 
Reg line on Saturday:  I  was there when the industry gust of honor chew out the Chairman  about  long waits for  reg and pre req, for a while  Kumoricon was doing a great job, but now I think Kumoricon is slipping back to it old bad habits; my fried had waited in line for four hours to get in. This is unacceptable. Rose City Comic Con attracts far more and had less booth  space for people  who  were buying  tickets that day and by 11:00 am  there was hardly a line, if Rose City Comic con can do it so can Kumoricon! 
 
I tried to get into the Manga Hell Panel but I was told the room was full yet there were still four rows of chairs unoccupied. Later Tod had his panel in the same room without any problem.
It seem a lot of industry panes were clustered around  Sunday.
AS for the dealer’s  den yes it was space but I wonder it’s a sign of things to come thanks to Ebay and Amazon.com 
 

[XxBelovedxSoubixX]

The biggest thing for me and the people I was with was lines. Not only were they unclear on where they were/started you would have staff sending you to different places only to have another send you back and then tell you to double up against the wall and then another would yell at everyone for doing so.
Also people would be lined up long before the 30 minutes for popular evens and they would be allowed to stay leaving people who follow the rules to be screwed over. I ended up learning the hard way that we would have to line up about an hour before an event to hope to get in because no one was going to make people abide by con rules even though it was stated several times that they would.


Which isn't any of  the staffs fault I just felt like communication between themselves and between them and people arriving for events needs to be improved. My suggestion would be to have signs with an arrow at the start of event lines/rooms and/or to have a sign which can be held given and passed down to the last person in line that says which event it is or which room it's for. (Could be a white bored). It would make it more clear to everyone at least where they are suppose to be for the event that they are wanting to attend.


The ball was an issue too. Again it was communication errors mainly between what we were allowed to wear for shoes and where the line began. I had asked staff the first day of con where and when we get the tickets and I was told to come to the info both at 7. So when I got down there at 6:55ish and there was a line of about 15-20 people in front of the info both in there dresses and such waiting for ball tickets we got in line only to be told about 5 minutes after 7 that the line was outside instead of where we were informed it was going to be and by that time it was wrapped over halfway around the building. When we got in line we were told after about 10 minutes that people were being turned away for the cosplays that they were told they could wear before and that there were only about 250 tickets that they were giving out so we gave up because there was no way we had a shot if staff is saying there is 250 tickets and there are at least 400 people in front of us and the fact that even of we somehow made it up there we might be turned away for our shoes that was previously stated would be okay.

[prussia]

I usually don't post in the 'cons agenst con' threads but there's a few things that were p big cons for me.


To start off Badges Not only did I end up having alot of trouble figuring out where the prereg line was, but also I had ALOT of trouble asking the staff where it was. Some of them just didn't seem to get it? Like I had to ask 3 different staff before I was told the prereg line was actually inside. I'd ask where the prereg line was and they'd say something along the lines of 'oh if you aren't prereg'd this is the line you go to.' which was like, gee thanks, you didn't even moderately answer my question. Thank you.
Next, when getting my actual badge they asked for my ID to (And not only my moms for some reason) and so I showed them, and tried explaining that we had registered my badge under my preferred name, and that "Dennis Arndt" was indeed my badge. However, the staff member at the computer needed to get ANOTHER staff over to try to figure this out, and we explained the situation to the 2nd staff and he basically told the first one EXACTLY WHAT WE'D SAID 5 TIMES BEFORe but for some reason they got it this time??? Which made me a bit upset because I felt like they weren't listening to us considering they needed another staff to translate our sentences into the SAME sentences jkdsfsfsd


Next on Panels, I didn't go to many besides the ones I was in/running. The one I went to on sunday, the panel mod left the room soon after I arrived (Which was a good 10 mins before the panel was supposed to start) Not really explaining which mic's were hooked up, or anything. If I ended up having a mic problem or somefin I'd probably have had to go outside to get them to help me fix it. I guess it's just a personal preference to have the panel mod in the room but still. I was bothered by the fact that they weren't in the room also because people were crowding in the back and standing. I know this is a fire hazard to have more people than chairs, and I don't really know how to say "hey if you can't fit in a chair you gotta leave". Finally, during the homestuck Q&A panel on saturday, the mod wasn't doing much to keep a couple random people from entering the room before it started, luckly I wasn't running that one (I was just cast) and someone else asked them to leave.


And finally. The Artist alley/Dealers hall I really didn't like that the dealers hall was down by regestration, alot of people were confused with the dealers hall line and the registration lines. I wanted to find some artwork but I had NO clue whatsoever where it was, until someone told me late on saturday that it was /in/ the dealers hall? I feel like these should be seperate. Anyways theres my cons against con.

[Nayruenthusiast]

All I have to say is the video game tournament organization is always pretty bad. I personally only experience the Brawl tourney's tight schedule that is always broken but that is only because they are given an hour to complete each pool. Oh and "Chair" isn't funny anymore we don't need it to come back next year.

[JaegerDarkness]

Oh and "Chair" isn't funny anymore we don't need it to come back next year.

*runs away crying* YOU'VE OFFENDED ME!!!!! *starts bawling*

[Prinz Eugen]

Whenever there is con or there are 2 events going on in the same space there is going to be friction, random examples...

THIS ... has been the subject of many an entertaining panel at many sorts of cons I have attended over the years. Sometimes the panel was called 'Disastercon' - tell us your worst yet funniest logistical-crashes you have fought through, etc.
Usually this happens with smaller cons which aren't big enough to fill in / wipe out all the major function spaces at a hotel, or sometimes the hotel wants just a tiny bit more income so theyr rent out the remaining space to some other group -
- and of course they don't tell each group what the other group is about...
One time we went to an SF con which filled half the hotel. The other half was a Primerica event (network marketing instuance - think Amway + State Farm, or something...) To their credit some of the shirt-and-tie sales force did try to 'prospect' the sf fans (that can take some courage,) and some of them actually bought memberships to the con!
There was a furry con in WA which shared its hotel with a meeting of Mormon Elders.
 
 
 
 

[TalaRedWolf33]

Lol was that Rainfurrest? I went there last year

[Witchaven]

OK. I've seen several people mention the Dealer's Hall.
As a Dealer myself, I want to give some feedback.
First off, many people are mentioning that they didn't see a lot of stuff they were interested in. What specific stuff were you looking for? Also, is what your looking for even available?
I saw someone mention the lack of DVDs. At both Kumoricon and recently at Aki Con, I was the only vendor carrying any DVDs/Blu Rays. The reason for this is honestly that they don't sell nearly as well as they used to, and when they do it's only if you discount them (lowering your profit margin.) I have lost track of how many times I've heard "I'll just buy it online for cheaper" or worse "I'll just download it."
One last thing, if your interested in getting something specific, feel free to let one of us Vendors know, so we can try and have it in stock for you. I don't know any Vendors who will pass up an easy sale.

[Sailor-Jeimi]

OK. I've seen several people mention the Dealer's Hall.
As a Dealer myself, I want to give some feedback.
First off, many people are mentioning that they didn't see a lot of stuff they were interested in. What specific stuff were you looking for? Also, is what your looking for even available?
I saw someone mention the lack of DVDs. At both Kumoricon and recently at Aki Con, I was the only vendor carrying any DVDs/Blu Rays. The reason for this is honestly that they don't sell nearly as well as they used to, and when they do it's only if you discount them (lowering your profit margin.) I have lost track of how many times I've heard "I'll just buy it online for cheaper" or worse "I'll just download it."
One last thing, if your interested in getting something specific, feel free to let one of us Vendors know, so we can try and have it in stock for you. I don't know any Vendors who will pass up an easy sale.

I've kinda wondered what people could honestly be looking for if not a single vender has what they want..


You guys do realize that they put out what's popular right? You aren't gonna find that super rare statue from a series no one has heard of..I should know..I've been looking everywhere for things from the Nanoha series..Never found one..Know why? It's not something that will rake in the money..They need to sell the stuff they bring to the hall..If they bring a lot of stuff that only one or 2 people will even recognize, then it's not worth trying to sell..It takes away from the many other sales they will get..Working retail for a long time, I have learned this..People would ask if we can get in that one item that only a few customers will even look at, but we couldn't do that because we would lose money..Same thing here..


Now, if you mean "they didn't have that super popular series statue" there are many reasons..There are tons of exremely popular series' out and they can't all have every single figure and statue..


As for the DVD's, I totally understand that too..My old work sold dvds of really popular movies..We would maybe sell 10 in a month..Because what's the point when they can get it free online? No one seems to want to actually pay for things anymore..A lot of people's mindsets are "I want it cheaper (or free), so you should do it because I want it that way". And I'm not kidding..I get a lot of people asking for commissoins that act that way..They say "It's a hobby so you shouldn't charge for it"..Same here..


Sorry for the rant, but I feel people need to not complain about something like that..So what if the vendors don't have a toy no one's heard of..Go to ebay if you want it that badly..

[PaladinCecil79]

I have a couple of things I wanted to bring up regarding guests and voice actor panels.

The first is one that I've brought up before and it relates to voice actors. Earlier in the year, I suggested having fliers put on chairs at VA panels giving insight on how to get into voice acting. When I found out that it would take a lot of work to put into, I came up with an alternative, which was making them myself and handing them out before the panel started. I'm working on attending Kumoricon next year and if I can make it, what I'd like to do is before at least one panel, make an announcement at the mike that I have fliers with info on getting into voice acting and pass them out to those who have their hands raised. The fliers that I use would have info from voice actors that I spoke to personally and I would only do it with both the guests and the staff's permission. Over the past several months, I've been contacting voice actors on Facebook about this idea and so far, have gotten a good amount of advice on it.
I got to do it for the first time at Aki Con last month, which both the staff and guests were okay with and it went over very well. The info featured was from the words of David Vincent, who I spoke to in a PM at Facebook and I'm currently working on getting info from more voice actors as well. And I only do it with with words I get from VAs I speak to personally who are okay with me doing it.
If the con staff is okay with this idea, I'd like to suggest that they ask the voice actors if they're okay with it and will only do so if they approve.

Another thing I wanted to bring up regards guest and autographs. Recently, I've noticed that there are more anime conventions where guests have been charging for autographs and pictures. I don't know all the details on how those cons started doing it, so I'm not sure how much control convention staffs have.
Before I mention what I'd like to suggest, I want to say that I have heard a good amount of details on why it's been happening more. I'm aware that guests have extremely busy schedules and don't get paid for the conventions they attend, so I know it's done with good intention, and I agree that they have important needs. But if it's something the Kumoricon staff will or might have to give in to, I'd like to see if it can be done in a way that caters well to both the guests and attendees.
My idea is, if any guests charge for autographs, see if it can be done where the first item is free, but anything after will have a price. There are a lot of fans that like to have multiple things signed and because of that, it'd still result in the guests making a good profit, and it'd be a little easier for the attendees to save their money, since they already spend a lot on hotel and admission.
And regarding pictures, instead of doing photo booths, just allow fans to have a picture taken at the autograph session with their own camera like before. When guests attend conventions, their schedules are already busy enough and adding a photo booth would give them even less free time than before.

Regarding autograph sessions and guest photo booths, I don't know if any of this stuff has been considered before or will have to be done, but if it does, I'd to see if that suggestion would work.

[Randomman29]

It's probably a bit late but I'm hoping this year we can have free play in Pokemon and no tournament. 
But if we do have to have one have someone that likes the game, having shouting matches indoors is not something that is a part of Pokemon. It’s why I quit playing because the organizers think it is for some reason. I do get loving Pokemon, I still do I just don’t go to tournaments because no one else seems to. I did try to do one in Eugene at Cozmic pizza but still saw they don’t care about the players.
Look at it on the map then think how one of them told a kid playing with a beach ball “Play outside” at that place. It’s not Yu-Yu Hakusho.