Comments, Compliments, and Concerns for NDK 2011

[Kyaa the Catlord]

Unfortunately this is probably not going to happen and not because we want you all to be crammed inside like sardines but because the weather around the time of the convention is a bit erratic and unpredictable. For example, this year we had amazingly good weather. Overall not to hot or cold but what if it's raining, or snowing? It would be irresponsible of us to force attendees to stand outside in such circumstances.

Great suggestion though, keep them coming.

Having survived the lines of doom for preregistration over at the Holiday Inn which were outside, I'd also like to point out that blacktop and cement get very hot very quickly under the sun. Hydration helps, but even with good weather standing in the parking lot or on the sidewalk is not fun.

[Yevi]

The one major line issue I saw was getting OUT of the AMV contest. The line waiting to get in for the next event clogged the hall and there was a major choke point in the atrium where the food line was this year. Also, I missed the "End of Line" signs from previous years. However, the big event lines do move quickly once they get going.

I agree with the comment about putting the theaters closer together. I like watching the shows in the theaters and going from one end to the other means I miss something.

The panel on Sexuality and Gender Roles Friday night was very well done. The topic was handled in a mature manner and was very informative.

I love the Anime Dating Game.

I was disappointed in the Comedy category AMVs this year. Not really a problem with the con.... However, it is hard to vote and/or make notes about videos in the dark. Maybe there could be a category review at the end of the category with the lights on so we could vote then while things are fresh.

[stolenvalkyrie]

I think the con went off pretty well for me - that being said, I didn't attend too many panels.  Here are some things I noticed:

1) Elevator lines - if at all possible, everyone working the elevators should be briefed on one way to run them.  I encountered three different ways (one line only, two lines but each open elevator got some from each, two lines but each elevator was filled from only one line) which made it confusing and seem unfair when there was no one was there to direct and people just started forming another (smaller) line and grabbing elevators. 

2) Photographs - I know that there is a stipulation in the guide that says anyone who is in the con has agreed to be photographed, which is fine.  However, I'd like to request a bullet point addition to that to say that it is polite to ask cosplayers if they would pose for a photo, and to respect their answer.  I had a few unfortunate experiences with this here, including one where a woman (without asking) attempted to remove some luggage from my hands so her daughter could take a picture, and then being incredibly rude when I asked her to stop.  I did not feel this was important enough to report, but I do feel like incidents like that (and others) could be stopped by that addition.  I've never experienced a similar incident at a bigger convention, like Otakon and Anime Boston, and even at previous NDKs, so maybe I just ran into a bit of bad luck.  Anyway, something to let inexperienced congoers know would be great!

I had a lovely time, and while I do think space is an issue, I know you all have been dealing with that issue for a while.  Thank you for everything you've done, and I can't wait for next year!

[YazooAirspace]

Could you elaborate on this? Was it the art you felt was better? This is a bit too vague to provide an adequate response about unfortunately.

I liked the art that was on the staff's badges better, yes.  I liked the badges with L and Light parodying the one painting whose name eludes me.

It was sort of a joke complaint, I'm sorry.  Text doesn't express emotion very well.

[theshadow]

I liked the art that was on the staff's badges better, yes.  I liked the badges with L and Light parodying the one painting whose name eludes me.

It was sort of a joke complaint, I'm sorry.  Text doesn't express emotion very well.

I see, well we apologize that you didn't favor the attendee badges more. All the badges are designed by the same artist each year and we believe she puts equal effort into all her work. Though we can't guarantee that everyone will like the badge art every year since the appreciation of art is subjective. We do appreciate the feedback though and hope you'll enjoy next years badge art.

[luftwaffel]

I thought the press badges were designed by a different artist. Love the pokemon playing poker.

eta: oh, I think the booklet cover was done by a different artist.

[Rozen Middy]

I would also suggest just a few moments, if possible, to at least warn volunteers and staff members to be less rude to us con-goers. That has been one of the most consistent complaints I've heard every year. I know I personally don't appreciate being yelled at to get in line and back against the wall and all that stuff. It's necessary, but it can be done more politely. It's also never bad enough from what I've heard to go to con-ops and complain.
I would also suggest there being four lines for pre-reg rather than three. My friends and I got there maybe 10-20 minutes before the pre-reg line was cut off on friday, and L-R was insane, while A-K had literally nobody in it. And I never heard the reminder to have a photo ID out, so after waiting in that line and getting to the front, I had to get out of line and find my friend who had my ID on her. Having a reminder at the end of the line when you get in it would be a good idea. But L-R was a particularly long line, and if that can be shortened next year by splitting it up that'd be wonderful. One of my friends referred to it as the "Line of Doom" this year.
Lines into rooms were also pretty chaotic. Not only were they long, but they also didn't make any sense in some places. I think I cut in the Dealer's Room line of Friday since I saw a huge gap between were I hopped in at and where I later saw somebody holding a sign for the end of the line. Taping or roping that off would make a lot of sense, in my opinion.

On a (possibly) side note, does the staff know if there was anyone in the hallway of the Hilton across the street representing the staff or volunteers? I only ask because somebody came upstairs and down the hall to my friends and I, who were practicing for the contest outside our room at the end of the hall. He asked if we were staying there, then told us we needed to go to our rooms because "there are other people in this hotel" or something along those lines. He wasn't a staff member of the hotel, I know that. Also, after we went in the room we ask our other friends who were hanging out in our room (which was never more than a few feet away) if they heard us and thought we were too loud, and they didn't hear us at all. I was just wondering if that was a NDK rep with a stick up his ass or not. 4th floor, if it makes any difference.

I thought the booklet cover was the same as the pre-reg badge art? Chi from Chobits, right?

[GimmeAnime]

I'm throwing this one in again because I'm hoping there might be a change of heart or a possible change in hotel staff: 

Any chance that you could see if the hotel might let NDK use one of the hotel channels to broadcast some of the big events in the Main Events Room, like the cosplay, opening & closing ceremonies, AMV contest (though that might have some legal problems) and guest panels? I think this might cut down on some of the lines and some of the crowding if people could watch from the comfort of their hotel rooms.

I've seen other cons do a variation of this theme before. I've seen them re-run events and also run the schedules, schedule changes, ads and trailers. I realize the logistical challenges if you decide to go full-out on this, but even just a few events broadcast might help things considerably.

And to address one person who talked about putting con stuff in the Hilton next door, I kinda agree with it, but the trick is finding something that has enough of a draw that people will go over there, rain or shine. Anyone who gets stuck over there will feel somewhat slighted by not being near the main traffic. Just ask Comic Fest when that snowstorm hit during Starfest. 

[Lunara]

Well, actually, I'm pretty sure that Stephanie Kao designed the badges and the book cover.
All the other badge art was done by The Enigma here on the forums. http://ndkdenver.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=624

[theshadow]

I'm throwing this one in again because I'm hoping there might be a change of heart or a possible change in hotel staff: 

Any chance that you could see if the hotel might let NDK use one of the hotel channels to broadcast some of the big events in the Main Events Room, like the cosplay, opening & closing ceremonies, AMV contest (though that might have some legal problems) and guest panels? I think this might cut down on some of the lines and some of the crowding if people could watch from the comfort of their hotel rooms.

I've seen other cons do a variation of this theme before. I've seen them re-run events and also run the schedules, schedule changes, ads and trailers. I realize the logistical challenges if you decide to go full-out on this, but even just a few events broadcast might help things considerably.

And to address one person who talked about putting con stuff in the Hilton next door, I kinda agree with it, but the trick is finding something that has enough of a draw that people will go over there, rain or shine. Anyone who gets stuck over there will feel somewhat slighted by not being near the main traffic. Just ask Comic Fest when that snowstorm hit during Starfest. 

Though I don't know of any current changes that may have happened after this convention I do know that every year we ask and every year they turn us down. Here's hoping they'll change their mind at some point

[theshadow]

Well, actually, I'm pretty sure that Stephanie Kao designed the badges and the book cover.
All the other badge art was done by The Enigma here on the forums. http://ndkdenver.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=624

Lunara is correct. Stephanie Kao designs all of our badges each year, she also holds a booth in artist alley if you wish to buy prints of her work. The artwork within the program guide is done by two very gracious and talented attendees The Enigma and gypsygirl.

[colonelmasako]

I don't have much to add in terms of complaints in that most of mine have already been expressed, and there weren't that many.

Thursday night pre-reg pick up is awesome and essential, please keep that up!

My major suggestion, regardless of costs, is this: bar code pre-reg badge pickup. The big big cons like AX use it and it is amazingly smooth. You just walk up, scan your barcode receipt, and then they call your name and pick up your badge and bag of stuff. It may seem overkill for the size of NDK for now, but implementing this would leave room for NDK to grown whenever they decide to grow and when the attendance cap is no longer deemed necessary.

[Pker Sora]

This was my 5th NDK and overall I thought it was a good con. I have been reading that lines are a problem and I have to say that's going to be a problem with any growing con with limited space. I don't think the lines were too bad with the exception of going to the 2nd floor rooms where some panels were held at. I tried to go to the gaming in society and it was already a long line in such a small room.  If you think the lines this year were bad, 3 years ago you couldnt get into any panel without 2 hours in line then maybe you can get in if it wasn't full.

Another problem I saw was the dealers room not opening on the correct time. I saw signs around the hall leading to the dealers room that had times when it would open on the weekend. I think it said 10am and 11am. On both Saturday and Sunday they didn't open till noon. I don't know what happened to caused the delay or if it was just moved to that time. I don't think its a good idea to open it around the noon time because you also people coming for the 2nd day of the con in line and it was just too small for that many people in line. I would say open the dealers room without a line and on time.

The last problem I had was people just standing around blocking traffic. This happened a few times in Artist Alley and in the Dealers room. The dealers room had a booth full of staffers but they were too busy with talking to each other to go out a police people from standing around and blocking traffic. Please fix that. The same thing happened in Artist Alley, people were standing around talking blocking traffic.

like I said before it was a good con and I hope it gets better for next year.

[YazooAirspace]

My major suggestion, regardless of costs, is this: bar code pre-reg badge pickup. The big big cons like AX use it and it is amazingly smooth. You just walk up, scan your barcode receipt, and then they call your name and pick up your badge and bag of stuff. It may seem overkill for the size of NDK for now, but implementing this would leave room for NDK to grown whenever they decide to grow and when the attendance cap is no longer deemed necessary.

You say 'regardless of cost', but who do you think that the cost of the machines and such to do that would be passed on to?

[Sipesh]

I had an AWESOME time this year.  There were more people on Friday night, probably due to the cap, but that didn't really dampen my experience any; the more the merrier.  I can't even say that we ever had to wait for the Front Range Tower elevator for more than 3 minutes or so, those were run pretty well as far as I was concerned.  The other lines for assorted events didn't really bother me, but I didn't wait for any of those things for the most part.  Seems to me, though, that there are always lines around like that every year, it's just part of NDK.  One just has to expect there to be masses of people in the convention area.

HOWEVER... one doesn't expect there to be masses of people eating up half of the hall space to your hotel room...

Having been roomed on the 5th floor, getting past all the autograph lines to get to the room and then back to the elevators was a little awkward, and would have been really rough with any props of any size.  Also, I hate to be "this guy/gal" but is having 500 folks waiting up there in line should there, God forbid, be an emergency that required evacuation a good idea?  I know it's just in the spirit of trying to keep at least some of the lines out of the main convention area, but making a room floor a packed house in the way of people who need to get through to the rooms they paid for is a little hinky.

[LadySarabi]

Lunara is correct. Stephanie Kao designs all of our badges each year, she also holds a booth in artist alley if you wish to buy prints of her work. The artwork within the program guide is done by two very gracious and talented attendees The Enigma and gypsygirl.

Let me clarify on the art-  Stephanie Kao provided the artwork for the program book cover (which was also used as the pre-reg weekend badge art), the 2011 t-shirt, and the Guest Badge.  Enigma provided the artwork for the Director, Area Head, Staff, Volunteer, Press, Dealer, and the Friday, Saturday, Sunday on-site badges.  John Peters of Gypsy Girl Press provided the artwork used in the program book and the front of the Staff shirt.  Awesome work by all!

[Phoenix]

I would like to say thank you to everyone who stopped by Ops for one reason or another. Everyone I had the pleasure of dealing with was very polite and understanding this year, and you are the reasons I keep coming back to con every year and working insane hours. I hope you enjoyed the Con as much as I did. I hope I will have the pleasure of seeing many of you again next year

[RedheadOtaku]

I have one concern. My friends and i saw a charazard cos player get arrested. I dont know the ceremstaces but i dont feel comforted by this. Is there any info for a conserned con goer?

[kravlin]

Hello,

I'm one of the events staff that helped run panels. I'd first like to apologize to anyone who feels we were rude, or short with them. It isn't our intention to ever be that way for any of the attendees and we thank you for being patient with us.

Unfortunately our group only has about enough people to put around one person in each panel room. We not only have to make sure that the lines are handled but also that the panel people have everything they need, that all of the panel equipment is working, and that the rooms are completely cleaned out, all within a 5 minute break between panels.

I personally helped with a lot of the lines and I know that we had to cut them off abruptly due to different arrangements of the rooms, unfortunately a lot of the time we weren't sure how much room a room would end up with as things like the tea ceremony and Deathote mafia both completely rearranged the room. It was also our first time dealing with lines that big, and with the staff we had management was incredibly difficult just due to the sheer number of people who wanted into panels. To those who got cut in line by people with friends I apologize, we knew it was happening, we just didn't have the ability to watch the lines and figure out who/where it was happening to. If you would bring it to our attention next time it happens to you we would be more than happy to help you out. We're just trying to be fair to everyone and we're trying not to accuse people of things they didn't do. A lot of the line management was actually staff/volunteers that took time out of whatever their job was to help us, and we're grateful for everything they've done to help us out.

Please know that I'm taking everything you guys say to heart, and I know the rest of the events staff will take what you say into account the next time we meet.

Feel free to PM me if you want, I can't promise I'll read it immediately but I can promise I will read it.

Thanks for being patient with us,

Krav

PS: Thanks to all of our Panelists who put on amazing panels. I was amazed and really enjoyed the ones I sat in on. There wouldn't be panels without you guys, and it's so obvious you guys put time and effort into them. They were truly wonderful.

[shs]

I won't complain about things that can't be fixed, so I'll mention the two minor issues I had. I knew where it was from last year, but the photoshoot schedule really needs to be bigger/higher up/somewhere not so crowded, or a combination of those things. There was also a photoshoot on Sunday in front of the Starbucks that just about blocked off all the traffic in that area and I'm surprised someone didn't ask them to move.