[Kaay-chan]

Purplegodess, on 01 March 2012 - 07:00 PM, said:

IRT are on elevators this year

Yay!

[Sir Viver]

Purplegodess, on 01 March 2012 - 07:00 PM, said:

Stop by one of our 2 special needs booths for a special needs access pass. The team there is set to help out, and explain all the accommodations we offer our attendees with special needs. One is located in the entrance to the registration hall and the second is in the Hyatt at the Grand Boardroom. You can also email Smokey, ahead of con to get special needs questions answered. He does a really great job, making sure these opportunities are available.

Funny thing about that is, the girl in question was a once well-regarded ACen staff, and from what I gathered, representatives were very openly upset with her (read: understatement) when she told them she didn't want to staff last year. (Her surgery was less than a few weeks before the con; it was a miracle she was even able to go and enjoy some of it) Perhaps she could have done that, but it's a shame they more or less shunned her for not wanting to do heavy volunteer work shortly after back surgery. :/

Quote

IRT are on elevators this year

Yaaay, ACen's starting to catch up to Youma! Now, it just needs to be a 4-day con with room to accommodate 20,000+ attendees. Maybe in a perfect world...

EDIT: OH! OH OH OH! Could you guys possibly adopt some sort of 'person limit'? Like.. no more than 8 at a time on an elevator? Would be overall beneficial since all four elevators (or at least three, better than what happened last year) might actually still work by Sunday afternoon..!

This post has been edited by Sir Viver: 01 March 2012 - 07:27 PM

[Visadin the insane]

i am debating of making this my last acen, but it mainly since i am starting to have a more of a focus outside of anime for nerd culture. i will still go but this will be my last year i go balls out.

[Lina]

Visadin the insane, on 01 March 2012 - 10:08 PM, said:

i am debating of making this my last acen, but it mainly since i am starting to have a more of a focus outside of anime for nerd culture. i will still go but this will be my last year i go balls out.

I am similar. I'm not into anime/manga as much as I used to be so that's also a big factor for me. I'm much more into comics/cartoons than anime/manga so cons such as SDCC, C2E2, JemCon and Midwestria interest me much more than anime cons. I will still go to anime cons such as Kollision and Youma because I have enjoyed them so much. I do still enjoy some anime even though I don't keep up with the latest and greatest anime.

This post has been edited by Lina: 01 March 2012 - 10:27 PM

[linlindesu]

XenoBlade, on 01 March 2012 - 05:38 PM, said:

*claps*


Sheesh, as soon as someone gets butthurt looking at that, civilness just gets tossed out the window. >_>

If there is one side, there is another.

See, now Xenn Xenn I LOVE when there is opposition. To anything. But if you are going to disagree, you do so in a civil manner. Some things on both sides of this argument were not stated in a civil manner.



thank you Alk for repeating that this needs to stay civil and thank you purplegodess for answering our concerns, telling us about all the changes while admitting that things haven't gone perfect this year.

I'm really happy about how 85% if this thread turned out. I feel like good ideas are being tossed around while people are stating their concerns for the con. And while this wasn't a letter to the Con chair, this was a way for the heads to see how many people have been affected by changes , good and bad.

I'm really, really hoping the tone stays civil. I want and welcome others opinions and I'm hoping everyone else is keeping open as well.
( chainedbyroses , <3 you too ) > _ > just don't tell Suigestu < _ <

[chainedbyroses]

Sir Viver, on 01 March 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

EDIT: OH! OH OH OH! Could you guys possibly adopt some sort of 'person limit'? Like.. no more than 8 at a time on an elevator? Would be overall beneficial since all four elevators (or at least three, better than what happened last year) might actually still work by Sunday afternoon..!

Actually, SirViver, the elevators already have a posted limit inside on the number of people/weight allowed. Just need to have the IRT inside read and enforce that is all~ ;D

And yay being able to read the new replies and be excited we got two staff to reply! My internets decided to go LOL NAP TIME for the last 6-odd hours for no reason I can possibly think of (; A;), so I'm glad I can be all excite with the rest of y'all (even if I'm a few hours late). I say we keep the ideas and amazing civil discussion flowing! WE'RE ON A ROLL LIKE BUTTER ON RYE~~ <3

[Sir Viver]

chainedbyroses, on 02 March 2012 - 12:44 AM, said:

Actually, SirViver, the elevators already have a posted limit inside on the number of people/weight allowed. Just need to have the IRT inside read and enforce that is all~ ;D

Hopefully this will happen in full force this year. Problem with a "weight limit" is some people don't realize they weigh 400 lbs.

[MsLovelyCookie]

I read the whole thread. Every person's experience is different, each year I was able to see more and I am hoping to experience more this year. I agree with some ideas and question others. In the end, it matters on how much fun you have.

[chainedbyroses]

Sir Viver, on 02 March 2012 - 12:48 AM, said:

Hopefully this will happen in full force this year. Problem with a "weight limit" is some people don't realize they weigh 400 lbs.

Luckily the elevators prepare for that weight limit warning, first with a "3000 LB limit = ~10-15 people" sign inside and outside the elevator, and secondarily by a weight sensor buzzer. That buzzer is actually the sounds we hear all convention coming from the 'vaters, as they moan in agony at the strain on their poor lift backs. Really all IRT needs to do this year, bar stopping rowdy behavior, is make the person(s) nearest the door exit if the sensor goes off, or keep it sane to a limit of roughly ~10-12 folk with no luggage, to maybe ~8 with fully packed Con Essentials For Survival. IRT Easy Mode.~ ;).

[Sir Viver]

chainedbyroses, on 02 March 2012 - 01:15 AM, said:

Luckily the elevators prepare for that weight limit warning, first with a "3000 LB limit = ~10-15 people" sign inside and outside the elevator, and secondarily by a weight sensor buzzer. That buzzer is actually the sounds we hear all convention coming from the 'vaters, as they moan in agony at the strain on their poor lift backs. Really all IRT needs to do this year, bar stopping rowdy behavior, is make the person(s) nearest the door exit if the sensor goes off, or keep it sane to a limit of roughly ~10-12 folk with no luggage, to maybe ~8 with fully packed Con Essentials For Survival. IRT Easy Mode.~ .

How hard would it be for the Hyatt to prepare for ACen and lower the weight limit to 2000 lbs? This would make the stationed IRTs' jobs easier, thus perhaps making them a bit more pleasant to congoers when that mid-weekend loathing-of-mankind thing would otherwise start to kick in like VTEC. Between preserving elevator integrity (I would be astounded if, for the first time in years, all four elevators worked by Sunday morning) and lifting the burden the IRTs' burden of head-counting just a tad (well, a 1,000-pound tad), this would likely make the convention more memorable in a positive light for congoers and IRT alike.

Just an idea, though. It would likely require getting in touch with the Hyatt to change the sensors, but the worst they can say to you is "We're too lazy to do it/ It isn't worth the effort/ Not our problem" so isn't it worth a try?

This post has been edited by Sir Viver: 02 March 2012 - 01:26 AM

[XenoBlade]

I agree it could have been said a lil softer, however I agree with,the general feeling. Im in the neutral zone for all of this. @ms. Liny

This post has been edited by XenoBlade: 02 March 2012 - 03:41 AM

[chainedbyroses]

Sir Viver, on 02 March 2012 - 01:19 AM, said:

How hard would it be for the Hyatt to prepare for ACen and lower the weight limit to 2000 lbs? This would make the stationed IRTs' jobs easier, thus perhaps making them a bit more pleasant to congoers when that mid-weekend loathing-of-mankind thing would otherwise start to kick in like VTEC. Between preserving elevator integrity (I would be astounded if, for the first time in years, all four elevators worked by Sunday morning) and lifting the burden the IRTs' burden of head-counting just a tad (well, a 1,000-pound tad), this would likely make the convention more memorable in a positive light for congoers and IRT alike.

Just an idea, though. It would likely require getting in touch with the Hyatt to change the sensors, but the worst they can say to you is "We're too lazy to do it/ It isn't worth the effort/ Not our problem" so isn't it worth a try?

Actually, the weight number is the federally* regulated limit set by fire safety and all that, so I don't think the Hyatt could do anything even if they wanted to. changing the sensors would mean calling out out and paying the regulators who calibrate these things, or what more, and more likely cheaper, if even allowable, ordering new elevators with lower limits, which later would likely have to be replaced back to the old 3000-limit for their day-to-day business, especially since they /are/ in the airport hotel/year-long convention business.

Now can they just put taped pieces of paper up notifying "MAX 10 PEOPLE or 2000 LBS AT ANY TIME -- THANKS, MANAGEMENT" on the wall outside the elevator, and inside on the wall next to the federal regulation sign? Probably, with a leaning towards "most likely". Now /that/ idea I'd suggest someone suggesting to the Hyatt, whether casually calling the hotel and asking to speak to the manager about the idea (they're legally required to record all phone calls, so there will always be a record of the suggestion! ^^d), writing an official appeal/petition, or someone officially affiliated with the con meeting with the Hyatt to discuss The Great Elevator Dilemma Of Every Convention Year Ever and informing of the IRT-manning plan and proposed memos. At the least it might make the Hyatt a little less wary, and maybe give them some hope for the first time in nearly 10 years that they won't have to call ion elevator repairs Sunday evening. :3

* NB: may be local, not federal regulations. just woke up, so my brain might just be herpaderping like a Bidoof in a bag of Rare Candy lol. anyone with links to such knowledge, have at it & feel free to correct me~~ <3

[Naoya Toudou]

I believe I'm along with Xeno in the "neutral" department. I cant speak for last year since i wasnt there. ( though i was there for that travesty of a waiting line back in '08 ) but im certainly hoping that Acen will be a blast for everyone. Like others i am a little worried about there not being any guest announcements yet and badges being delivered very late. however the staff has stated that there will be guest and badges will be mailed. and like in every year i have gone i will try to have faith that they wont disappoint. as far as rowdy jerks who try to ruin the con with their destruction and attitudes. lets remember we do have a right to both defend and speak up for ourselves against the minority that is the idiot. that in terms goes for defending our con as well. we can speak up if we must. and those of you who have that ill intent it would be prefere if you stayed home and destroyed your own house. however if you dont. Im not afraid to call authorities and take a stand myself. This is my one and only Con. and Id hate to see it Ruined right before my eyes. ALL of you should feel the same.

[DarkBebi]

Naoya Toudou, on 02 March 2012 - 01:27 PM, said:

I believe I'm along with Xeno in the "neutral" department. I cant speak for last year since i wasnt there. ( though i was there for that travesty of a waiting line back in '08 ) but im certainly hoping that Acen will be a blast for everyone. Like others i am a little worried about there not being any guest announcements yet and badges being delivered very late. however the staff has stated that there will be guest and badges will be mailed. and like in every year i have gone i will try to have faith that they wont disappoint. as far as rowdy jerks who try to ruin the con with their destruction and attitudes. lets remember we do have a right to both defend and speak up for ourselves against the minority that is the idiot. that in terms goes for defending our con as well. we can speak up if we must. and those of you who have that ill intent it would be prefere if you stayed home and destroyed your own house. however if you dont. Im not afraid to call authorities and take a stand myself. This is my one and only Con. and Id hate to see it Ruined right before my eyes. ALL of you should feel the same.

I may have not been here as long as you but I am on that same boat as you in every aspect, I want this to be my one and only con, and I will try to protect it as best I can.

Last year I was waiting in the line for nearly 4 hours, there were these set of 3 guys, much more built then me so I was sort of scared to speak up, but they kept bumping into us and throwing cards in the middle of the crowd and hitting people with them, you can bet that I am not going to go quiet this year (despite me being celty).


In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power... Green Lantern's light!

Sorry nerd moment.

[Naoya Toudou]

LOL we hear all those heroic speeches yet we stay quiet. even when our very own are acting like complete morons. we really need to put a stop to it. and i know the dreaded line torture. imagine showing up at 7 am....and leaving that line at 10 PM that was the line on a friday back in 08 very exhausting and plenty lost a whole con day to it. poor couple infront of us came from canada to go to this con. i was so sorry for them

[The Fujoshi]

Lina, on 01 March 2012 - 12:41 PM, said:

Since when is Kollision out of state? It's here in Illinois. St. Charles to be exact.

When I did Google I came up with NYC o_e So I thought it was out of state like the big Y.

@Elf: I KNEW IT WAS YOU! I'm going to set bear traps next time :<

@Naoya: I would staff or do IRT but I'm a delicate person and I've been too sick to sign up for staff.....so I waited too late o_e that and dealing with a lot of different court cases is getting to me.

[Naoya Toudou]

The Fujoshi, on 02 March 2012 - 05:36 PM, said:

When I did Google I came up with NYC o_e So I thought it was out of state like the big Y.

@Elf: I KNEW IT WAS YOU! I'm going to set bear traps next time :<

@Naoya: I would staff or do IRT but I'm a delicate person and I've been too sick to sign up for staff.....so I waited too late o_e that and dealing with a lot of different court cases is getting to me.

Its ok. Im not saying Join the staff. I don't. But if you have the means to speak up as a fellow con goer. or just for the sake of human decency, then do it. scream at the top of your lungs and call out these fools on their actions. let them be on display for their idiocy. you dont need to wear a fancy vest or a badge to be strong. you just need to speak ( i know i get pretty corny in my speech but its the truth LOL )

[Shaherah]

This will be my 4th time coming to ACen and I really can't see this as being my last year. I will probably still be going 10 years from now. I've been to other cons, and I always find myself comparing them to ACen -- ACen is one of those cons that you compare all other cons to. I still have yet to find one with such a live and exciting atmosphere as ACen. So many more dynamic personalities and crazy situations to end up in at ACen.

I will say that I have, every year, come across rude people at this con -- both con-goers and IRT alike. But I can't down ACen for these people since you can't really screen for a-holes when you sell the badges etc. I really just laugh and make fun of these people and just walk away from them. They aren't going to spoil a weekend I spend so much money on to have a good time.

But yea, ACen is really what you make of it. If cosplay and anime really aren't your thing anymore, then that means you're growing out of your hobby and there's not really anything ACen can do about that. If it is your last year though, I hope its a great farewell experience

[FlyingElf]

I've heard a lot of people make the argument that ACen is what you make of it. That is absolutely true, however that is true of just about every convention and if there is one thing we have right now, its an oversaturation of cons. So why would you give your money to one who operates in ways you disagree with? There are a lot of well thought out arguments here that have nothing to do with making the con anything. Yes, not everything is constructive, and if you're just responding to those people, its a little more valid. But if you are why? Those people aren't worth responding to anyway.

Anyway, I'm glad we got some response from the higher ups on this. I'm sure not everything brought up here will be solved, but conventions can usually only know whats wrong with input from attendees. Ultimately cons are done for them and the majority of conventions out there recognize and value attendee input. And if even one thing is solved from all this, its worth it.

[Sir Viver]

I only get an ACen badge year after year because I don't want to have to split up with my friends in the instance they want to hit up a panel or gaming room or dealer's room. With the gaming room going to hell every single year that Zerst didn't run it, and online shopping taking away incentive from going to the dealer's room, that just leaves panels... something I attend maybe once every other year or so, across all the cons I go to. I wonder how many other people are in the "I'm getting a badge because I don't want to have to split up with friends" boat...

[STVO]

No need for me to stop going really. I can understand a lot of people frustrated with price increases and guests not matching up to those prices (admittedly I'm not as into the anime scene as I was 5-10 years ago.) Don't get me wrong I love anime, but me not being as up-to-date with the current scene may hinder me being excited for the current batch of guests (Justin Cook would make me "mark out.") I've been all over the registration issue, so like I said I'll go in this year with optimism but it has technically been an issue plaguing the con since I've started going in 02 and they briefly corrected in 09 and 10. With high price increases, I would think this could be corrected.

Anyhow, as long as I have good friends going, the cosplays continue to remain good, and the fun continues I have no reason to stop going. To all those people who are fleeing to other cons because of the rude partiers/attendees, I think people party at every convention I've been to big and small. It may not be as big as Acen but it does happen! Heck the more people fleeing to another con, the more likely others will follow, just saying. So while I currently say no, unless I get a slew of other trips planned (possible), get a new job that causes me to move far from
Acen (possible), or a family/friend/personal emergency (HOPE NOT) then I have no reason to not go for at least a day or two. Someone else on here (call me out for not referencing you, on a phone, sorry) said it best: ACen can be as good as YOU want it to be. If you have the friends and panels you want, hang out with them and go to those panels. If not, find other convention activities to do. Can't do that, maybe Acen isn't for you and somewhere else could please you.

One last note, I do know a few (won't name names) people pertaining to programming (which I also won't name) that appear unhappy as well, so I'm not saying its all sunshine and rainbows. If one of them does back out of Acen, it will effect me a little more.

This post has been edited by STVO: 03 March 2012 - 07:19 PM

[TheStrongJaeger]

STVO, on 03 March 2012 - 07:13 PM, said:

Someone else on here (call me out for not referencing you, on a phone, sorry) said it best: ACen can be as good as YOU want it to be. If you have the friends and panels you want, hang out with them and go to those panels. If not, find other convention activities to do. Can't do that, maybe Acen isn't for you and somewhere else could please you.

That was me. And though I snipped it I completely agree with everything in your post. Sure ACen has turned into a bit of a party con but that's only after 9 PM or so. Before then I still contend that it's always been a fantastic con as far as panels, guests, gaming, etc. Sure Registration can be slow at con some years and maybe other years IRT is bad but every con goes through these problems year to year. I go to an average of 8-10 cons a year ranging from tiny 500 people cons in the Midwest to the Megacons on either cost and yet ACen is still the one con that I insist on going to every year. It never fails to deliver on an awesome time; whether it's from great panels, entertaining people or sweet guests.

All of your complaints expressed in this thread are valid and if you want to go elsewhere I won't begrudge you; instead I pity you because in my mind I can't think of another con I'd rather go to. I hope you have great times at those other cons but always remember that the ACen crowd would always welcome you back.

[STVO]

TheStrongJaeger, on 03 March 2012 - 10:01 PM, said:

That was me. And though I snipped it I completely agree with everything in your post. Sure ACen has turned into a bit of a party con but that's only after 9 PM or so. Before then I still contend that it's always been a fantastic con as far as panels, guests, gaming, etc. Sure Registration can be slow at con some years and maybe other years IRT is bad but every con goes through these problems year to year. I go to an average of 8-10 cons a year ranging from tiny 500 people cons in the Midwest to the Megacons on either cost and yet ACen is still the one con that I insist on going to every year. It never fails to deliver on an awesome time; whether it's from great panels, entertaining people or sweet guests.

All of your complaints expressed in this thread are valid and if you want to go elsewhere I won't begrudge you; instead I pity you because in my mind I can't think of another con I'd rather go to. I hope you have great times at those other cons but always remember that the ACen crowd would always welcome you back.

I applaud you ma'am!

This post has been edited by STVO: 03 March 2012 - 11:12 PM

[Dark Stranger]

Well If I had the money to go this year, Im not sure I still would. I had too many problems last year, and this year isn't looking to be much better so i'm not coming.

[Sir Viver]

TheStrongJaeger, on 03 March 2012 - 10:01 PM, said:

I still contend that it's always been a fantastic con as far as panels, guests, ...

TheStrongJaeger, on 03 March 2012 - 10:01 PM, said:

guests

What... guests...?

This post has been edited by Sir Viver: 04 March 2012 - 04:03 AM

[Steam_Loli216]

YoungBirdcall, on 01 March 2012 - 03:27 PM, said:

Oh, please trust me when I say that I've read this entire thread.

I have too.

Anyways, maybe I'm just naive or new to conventions but last year was my first year and I loved everything about it. Maybe the glamour wears off after a few years but I'm legitimately upset that I can't go again this year.

If there is one thing I've learned from the military it's this: stupid and unfair things happen constantly without any warning or any reason, but you know what? you just go with it. You don't question those in charge of you because it's your choice to be there.
And if you go to ACen you have to accept that things aren't going to be 100% or even 70% what you think they should be, but it's your choice to go.

Just be happy that you have to opportunity!

[dorkatlarge]

My experiences at ACen 2011 didn't start well. I never received my badge in the mail, so after work on Thursday, I went to the con, and waited for several hours just to pick it up. Fortunately, things after that seemed okay. I took a bunch of pictures at cosplay gatherings, attended a few panels, and enjoyed the artist alley and dealers room. Since then, I've attended a couple small cons.

Right now, it's really easy for me to get to ACen. I know how to prepare for the event, and I usually enjoy it. The way I look at things, the con is 2-3 days of entertainment, and then I go back to work the next day. It's not a big deal.

On the other hand, I've been slowly wandering into board/card/strategy game fandom. I've been watching more sports and live action movies than before. And I need to make sure I keep track of my health and my money.

I will be at the con in 2012. If it survives into 2013, perhaps I'll keep attending.

[KungPowKirby]

FlyingElf, on 01 March 2012 - 06:16 AM, said:

I'm just curious where people are getting that higher priced badges are related to hotel damage costs? Yes, that is some of the issue, but any large convention is going to have some damage to the hotel and the cost does have to be paid. Typically your higher priced conventions come in the form of guests. Guests are expensive to fly out and put up. Especially if you are getting some from overseas. The cost to rent out the convention center as well can be a factor in this as well depending on what kind of discount ACen gets on its spaced based on the number of hotel rooms they sell which likely also depends on the relationship between the Hyatt and convention center. Information I have no knowledge of. You are also paying to have this con in Chicago. Chicago itself is an expensive city and luxury tax is very high there.

Basically, there are numerous factors that go into choosing the cost of a convention, not withstanding what they may pay the various members of their planning committee. Cons are not strictly a volunteer run thing and some conventions like Youmacon and Colossalcon are even for profit events designed to make money.

As for the gripe issue, absolutely you have the right to express discontent with a product you are paying for. However, the most effective way of doing it is in a constructive manner. Writing a letter to the convention as a whole or posting on the forums can help as all cons should read their own forums for issues to address. If this were a post on facebook, I can see where not complaining to the appropriate sources would be a more valid argument. Though I suppose you could point out that this would be better suited on a more on topic forum.

As for my grand role? As some of you know, I had considered last year possibly my last year of ACen. After being treated poorly by both the convention and the hotel the last couple of years as well as having points of disagreement with how the convention is run as a whole. I have put such things aside and am going to return again this year, but further treatment along those lines can certainly push me over the edge. Already this year, I am returning far more because of friends like Isamu, SongstressLenne, KungpowKirby, and Junk pushing me to do so than any sense of obligation to the convention. Which is a shame as I have been a faithful attendee every year since 2003. Will this be my last year? Maybe, we'll see.

Just saw this, and it made me happy. I <3 you Felf. ACen wouldn't be ACen without you!

ACen as a whole does not disappoint me. Sure, id like to see more and better guests, but I come for the experience. To see friends like Felf, Isamu, Rondo, Jello, etc. What would make me stop attending would be my friends no longer coming. I have no problem with the party atmosphere at this point, as I have personally seen unrully people get sent away, and parties get shut down for various reasons.
As everyone can see, I've staffed. I've done my "duty" as you will, and I understand the fustration from attendies. You have the right to voice this fustration. Please realize that not everyone ignores these concerns and wants. For example, the ball, how many people requested it come back the last two years? Now Bloo has put one together for this year. I will say there has been mistakes but (I know you hate to hear this), but its been out of our control. Everyone on staff works very hard, those who don't, well let's just say they don't last long. Its not for everyone, but I do encourage those who can, to staff.
Your voices are being heard, and while you may not see it here, we do take them seriously. Please know that.

[TheStrongJaeger]

Sir Viver, on 04 March 2012 - 04:03 AM, said:

What... guests...?

Oh snap son a reaction image! Don't I look stupid now!

And yes, every year that I have been to ACen they have had great guests. I'm sure this year will be the same when they announce them. Did anyone say there would be no guests this year? No, so wait until the con happens. If there are no guests I will eat my words, but I find that unlikely.

So how about you start actually contributing to the thread instead of posting like you're on 4chan.

This post has been edited by TheStrongJaeger: 04 March 2012 - 11:33 AM

[GITS SAC Motoko]

Steam_Loli216, on 04 March 2012 - 09:19 AM, said:

I have too.


If there is one thing I've learned from the military it's this: stupid and unfair things happen constantly without any warning or any reason, but you know what? you just go with it. You don't question those in charge of you because it's your choice to be there.
And if you go to ACen you have to accept that things aren't going to be 100% or even 70% what you think they should be, but it's your choice to go.

Just be happy that you have to opportunity!

*STAMP* stamp of uber approval! Yes and I totally agree.