AA Suggestions Thread

[blueshift]

Not sure if there's a better thread for this (if so feel free to move it!)

I've put a few thoughts down about the AA weekend! Bear in mind these are the ramblings of someone who was completely frazzled and out of it. Points of criticism are meant as constructive criticism - overall I loved AA and had a fantastic time and I have been recommending next year to everyone I know! That said:

A few people mentioned that the atmosphere at the Con wasn't as great as it was in previous years. I've mulled a bit over that, since it is quite a subjective thing.

The stage seemed pretty bare for most of the convention. I was a bit confused at that, given that AA had more guests than ever before. Surely there should have been more than one comics panel on Saturday and one comic and one cartoon panel Sunday? There was more going on on the Sunday, and I think if the Saturday was more like that there would have been a bit more of an energetic atmosphere. Showing episodes is all well and nice as background noise, but technology has moved on, and episodes are no longer a novelty when we can pull up anything we want within seconds on youtube.

I did enjoy David Wise commenting on some of his episodes as they were shown last year, maybe something similar like that could be done again, so you could have the best of both worlds as it were.

I might have been going mad but it seemed like the opening ceremony started far far later this year, at around 11 or so (was it always that late)? It felt like half the day had gone already before the convention actually 'started'. Some more buildup/announcements/stuff going on at the very start would have helped build up a bit more of an atmosphere; as it was it felt like the convention just 'started'.

Publicity regarding side panels would have been good too. The booklet was appreciated but like most people I'm sure, mine lived in my bag buried under stuff for the weekend. I couldn't see any big posters listing what panels were on when anywhere unlike in previous years, and I only caught one announcement for a panel not in the main room.

I really REALLY liked the venue. I know some people had issues with the hotel, but not me. Full marks all around!

The Saturday night dragged on far too long I'm afraid. I understand issues around a/v setup happen (though it seems the same delays happen every single year) but starting an hour late and still having a/v issues was a bit of a kick in the teeth.

I liked having the Saturday night in a seperate room with a lot of space, and especially lot of seats! The Cosplay competition was excellent, and over the years it's slowly turned from something to giggle at to something to actually be impressed by. It's a real shame it was very late in starting because I think that ended up making people quite grumpy.

I don't think the script reading was as good as last year's (sorry!). Not because of the technical issues, but it just wasn't as funny and it was full of injokes. Part of the fun of it for me is seeing the actors interacting and riffing with each other, but there just wasn't enough chance for that in this one.

The Saturday night did drag on too much though. At times I was hoping it would finish so I could get a drink/some food (having skipped dinner because it was nearly 7pm and not wanting to miss the start of the evening entertainment!). It definately seemed like a lot of the chatter was spinning the evening out a bit too much, and finishing the whole thing at 10.30 felt like 'time to go home' rather than 'let's paaaaarty!' If the kareoke started at say, 9.30 (and wasn't so instantly LOUD) I'd have been tempted to stick about instead of retreating to the bar!

The video messages were nice this year, and not the half an hour slog (or so it felt) of previous years. Thank you for not forcing us to sit through them again on the Sunday.

I really liked Sunday, I enjoyed a lot of the day's events, though it did seem to die down quite early on in the afternoon, not sure why that was.

The closing ceremony was much improved from last year, which was overlong; I think it was just right this time.

I was a bit upset to see the entire committee and volunteer force leave early at the end, leaving poor Andy T pretty much alone to pack up the hall. This is a guy who I barely saw all weekend because he was on his feet and doing stuff the whole time! Of course some of the dealers seemed to have ran off too leaving their tables covered in stuff while the tables needed to be packed away! It's not over til it's over (and yes I and others did help clear up despite being unable to stand ourselves).


If anyone from the Con reads this, please don't take it negatively! It's constructive criticism based on my experiences. I still had an absolutely fantastic time and it's definately my favourite convention experience, but I think overall last year was better despite the worse venue. I know quite a few people who came for the first time and thought it was amazing, so take my comments with a pinch of salt that I may be old and grumpy! To summarise, things I'd like to see for 2013:

More announcements re: stuff going on, and publicity of everything that is happening for muppets like me who are disorganised and lose their little booklet.

Finish the Saturday night earlier so people feel like chillaxing and partying rather than legging it. If things look like they're going to overrun then tighten up the schedule, don't keep stringing things out.

More panels / things going on on the Saturday to get people in the mood and build up some hype. There's lots of guests, show them off a bit more! Have more things welcoming people first thing Saturday morning, not halfway through the day!

Stay casual and friendly! One thing I like about AA is that it isn't a big faceless corporate event and everyone is on the same level.

[The Doctor]

I pretty much echo those comments.

-Ralph

[Bogatan]

Phil if you feel like it please create a new AA suggestions thread from Matt and my posts.

Basically I agree with everything Matt said, though the more I read online I find many felt the atmosphere was better, so I guess that was personal experiences varying and all us Toyfu types and Mr T were all running around for at least 12 hours a day and the hotel was excellent.

Beyond Matts comments I'll add a few thoughts.

The charity auction felt a bit flat, I could imagine it running better as part of the Saturday night activities. Admittedly adding something to a night that felt far too long and taking something from a Sunday that felt too quiet may not be obvious sense, but put it at the start of the night and everyone can get in on time and if needed any issues can be fixed while its going on and from the auction pov every attendee is present and all the guests are there to help flog the items.

I heard some talk of moving the panels to a different room, one day that may need to happen but I hope not yet as its nice to wander and listen to the panels, but getting the audio right would help a lot. It seemed to be all over the place.

I could not hear the panels/guests from Toyfus tables which was barely behind the last rows of chairs, but could almost always hear Dave or whoever else from the AA committee making announcements, introductions etc. It would be good to hear the panels from the dealer section too.

The music blasting out when other things weren't happening. Please turn it down, atmosphere is fine but I couldnt hear people talking stood next to me.

More panels and day time activities would be great, Matts right, last years commentary was really good, I know its not an option most years but finding stuff like that to do would be good. Hell get James or Simon to do commentary on an issue.

Sorry to sound negative, generally everything was great so I'm just picking on the stuff I feel could work better.

[blueshift]

Oh yes, speaking of the charity auction, I was watching it and didn't have a clue what half the things being auctioned were, there were lots of mumbles and waving objects. Might be worth using the big video wall to put up a photo of the item being auctioned for those who don't have a good view of the stage.

[blueshift]

Aug 9, 2012 20:14:05 GMT Bogatan said:

I heard some talk of moving the panels to a different room, one day that may need to happen but I hope not yet as its nice to wander and listen to the panels, but getting the audio right would help a lot. It seemed to be all over the place.

From experience, separating stuff off into other rooms tends to really hurt a con's atmosphere. I really like the setup AA has going where the panels and dealers are in the same huge room, where people spend most of their time.

[Jaymz]

Aug 9, 2012 19:43:44 GMT blueshift said:

Publicity regarding side panels would have been good too. The booklet was appreciated but like most people I'm sure, mine lived in my bag buried under stuff for the weekend. I couldn't see any big posters listing what panels were on when anywhere unlike in previous years, and I only caught one announcement for a panel not in the main room.

Stealing an idea from Botcon, I'd say have the programme listed on the back of the attendee pass [easily found around your neck the whole convention] instead of an advert. As well as big signs with the programme listed.

Also, with the seats in the main room, I saw most people sitting on the edges and a lot of the seats in the centre were empty. Maybe separate them into 3 or 4 smaller blocks instead of 2 large ones. Yes you'll lose some of the seating numbers, but it would give more edge seats which seem to be favoured seating positions.

[Andy Turnbull]

Thanks guys.

Any feedback is welcome, we can't 100% promise we'll be able to act on it for any number of reasons but we honestly do want any feedback that can be useful in making the con a success.

Andy

[The Doctor]

I think doing something with the original art display might be an idea. It tends to just sit to one side and be ignored. Perhaps having each piece have a description and or scheduled talks from a guest and or/fan where someone can walk through the pieces and describe where they are from, when they were done, some history of the artist/discussion of how the art was done. Like at an art exhibit.

The other thought I have had is that I have found it fascinating watching artists draw but don't like to hover over them at tables too long. Maybe have, oh, Nick, do a Rolf Harris Cartoon Time style thing live on stage (projected) with artwork produced going into the charity raffle?

Also, what about a 'history of TF comics' or history of TF cartoons' panels?

-Ralph

[glaug]

I had to have the Micromaster base display in the corner pointed out to me, which is a shame as it was a very cool little thing. It was so isolated from everything by the stage, unfortunately.

Echoing some earlier comments (no pun intended) but the Audio part of the AV setup seemed to have a lot of problems this year. I have a hard time picking out voices from noise at the best of times, but the script reading was really, really hurt by the mic levels and issues there. I don't remember the same problems in the main hall, at least, but I didn't attend much there besides the auctions and comics panel.

[nick]

Hey, if the projector thing was a go-er, I'd love to do a drawing live on stage, and talk my way through it. I'd find that easier than a workshop/draw-along deal, as I never know where to pitch those things really, but it'd be cool to chat along as I doodle, and then have the artwork go up for auction. And you could use us artists to fill out the programme, possibly. There's enough of us there; just stick it in our schedule.

I honestly don't mind folk watching me as I draw at the desk either, though, so haver away, young Ralph!

[blueshift]

That's an excellent idea Ralph

[Bogatan]

Nick if you did a "draw-along deal" it could be a lot of fun. In MGM or Hollywood studios or whatever its called now they do an animation class were one animator/artist guides a class through a step by step process to draw a character. Think the guides in the titan comics or Nicks very own how to draw with the audience following along, it works really well as long as the image is kept fairly simple.

I think theres room for different types of live drawing, certainly theres enough artists and empty stage time for both in depth watch along and simple draw along sessions.

You could take it further and have inkers and colourists do there thing live. Get the writers involved and add a speech bubble and have a full colour page to auction.

Also to echo Jaymz point schedule on the back of name badge does make life so much easier. And apparently more sign-age because I didnt see or know of any displays beyond the customs contest display.

[The Doctor]

I've already spoken to Andy T about this, but I don't want volunteers anywhere near dealer set-up time. They tend to interfere and seem only interested in playing with stock.

-Ralph

[blueshift]

Aug 10, 2012 19:44:24 GMT The Doctor said:

I've already spoken to Andy T about this, but I don't want volunteers anywhere near dealer set-up time. They tend to interfere and seem only interested in playing with stock.

-Ralph

It depends on the individuals, there were quite a few who were helpful and professional, but also quite a few who were GRAB GRAB GRAB CAN I BUY THIS CLICK CLICK CLICK

[The Doctor]

After 4 years of their nonsense, I have run out of patience. No-one but staff gets near the Toy-Fu stall next year.

-Ralph

[blueshift]

Aug 10, 2012 21:37:55 GMT The Doctor said:

After 4 years of their nonsense, I have run out of patience. No-one but staff gets near the Toy-Fu stall next year.

-Ralph

What about customers?

[panderson]

Hi guys - I know I don't pop along often now but I REALLY enjoyed seeing you guys. First off, I was intrigued to hear some of your comments and while I know not negative per se they have been the first I have heard beyond the concerns over the Berger skype chat. I have come at this year from a very different viewpoint as it was the first year I had as a volunteer. In that respect I may well be one of the naughties Ralph mentioned - I was walking around outside of my given hours helping out Andy on the filming and I did chat and look over the ToyFu stall as I filmed on more than one occasion. In this case I can only say sorry and I will learn the correct etiquette for these things going forward. Similarly, at the end I was not sure what my duties were after I finished filming so others in my position may have been in same place. It was only when I was walking around looking for Rick(?) to return the camera stand I borrowed I heard the call on the AV for aid and I came back in. This is not really an excuse, its just explaining that there was not any malicious nature to me leaving hall and I hope the same was for the other helpers. Of the ones I talked to everyone was keen and wanted to be there. As with the other thing, if my actions caused offence please accept my apologies and I will know better next time - seeing things from the other end was a VERY large honor, tiring and a great learning experience. In this vein PLEASE give me a genetle prod if any felt there was anything me or the volunteers could have done better...I am not their spokeperson but if they are like me they woudl appreciate honest feedback just so we know the lay of the land better...there were more than a few including me where this was their first time and half the time I was caking myself worrying what I was doing and if it was right and I am sure the feeling was common.

OK - with this in mind I cannot really see the event fully from the delegate perspective. What I saw and experienced felt miles better than the last few years - I was very familiar with the venue as I attended events there through my business and I know it is top notch and all the staff were very good.

The side events were very well received and those I sat in on to film went down stonking. Yes we need to advertise them better both the event itself and where they are located but this is a tester year in this regard. I feel the same can be said about the number of sound issues that were mentioned to me over the weekend - everyone did a cracking job and its going to be even better next year when the lessons learnt are brought forward.

I found the three main voice actors hilarious and they played off each other well when they interacted. Similarly, the artists alley was a dream to watch - as always the peeps were kind, patient and very easy to approach I could see and by and large the delegates respected peoples personal space I could see. My only real disappointment on the weekend was not doing the karaoke but this was my own fault due to trying to squeeze some extra filming in between costume changes. The other is I did not have time to line up for sketches.

Personally the only real misstep I felt was the hour selling window on the Friday. One one hand it took some of the pressure off the rush in the morning, making it a more relaxed open. However, it did then put an intense pressure on that hour - I was at the opening gate and there was actual pushing and real overt keenness to get in...more than was healthy in some cases. I may be getting old but I did not expect to see that bare naked Next Sale like psudo aggression at a TF event. It was worse when we were trying to then end the 1hr slot. Some people were told an number of times we had to clear the hall and they either ignored you outright or moved onto another stall till you came round again. I felt VERY awkward having to be assertive with some people - in a friendly way, but still assertive. Talking to some of the sales tables they also felt this may have be done better or not at all.

OK - in general - loved it - sorry if I did anything that wound people up - please tell me where can do better - loved the new hall and guests - the hour sale was a bit meh but thats was only negative for me


WOW - ok rambled a bit there - sorry
kind regards
Paul

[The Doctor]

Paul, you did absolutely nothing whatsover to annoy me. Andy T knows which volunteers hacked me off and the specific issues thereof and these will be addressed.

-Ralph

[panderson]

Aug 10, 2012 22:05:33 GMT The Doctor said:

Paul, you did absolutely nothing whatsover to annoy me. Andy T knows which volunteers hacked me off and the specific issues thereof and these will be addressed.

-Ralph

OH - ok dude - sorry

[The Doctor]

No worries. As I said, I have had a chat with a committee member about my volunteer issues during set-up but have never had an issue with yourself at this or any other con.

-Ralph

[panderson]

Aug 10, 2012 22:10:34 GMT The Doctor said:

No worries. As I said, I have had a chat with a committee member about my volunteer issues during set-up but have never had an issue with yourself at this or any other con.

-Ralph

Other than getting your name wrong GRIN

[Philip Ayres]

Aug 9, 2012 20:14:05 GMT Bogatan said:

Phil if you feel like it please create a new AA suggestions thread from Matt and my posts.

Done. Sorry for the delay, real life has intervened

[nick]

Hey - I'd also like to chime in and apologise (if it's necessary) for any interference I caused with Toy-Fu and their setting up. I hope no one thought I was pulling 'rank' by trying to earmark some stuff for purchase, but I barely get time for lunch or bathroom breaks over the weekend, let alone shopping. (Poor me, eh? Where's the charity stall in aid of the comic pros, eh?) Thanks to the amazingly amenable Fu-Crew for looking after me, but I swear next year I'll back off. I know I probably wasn't the main troublemaker over the weekend, but I'd hate to hinder you guys in any way, mainly because you're my mates (I hope) but also because of your bloodyminded goodheartedness.

[The Doctor]

As I said, the difficulties were caused by folk not on this forum. I've raised my issues and they have been addressed. Let's move on.

No problems with yourself, Sir Nick.

-Ralph

[Andy Turnbull]

Indeed. It was one particular chap, who has been a hindrance before. I don't know his name but he will be stopped next year.

Or I will die trying!

Andy

[primenova]

Anyone else think the corridors to the rooms where to dark - if you dropped guns like first aid, groove on way back to your room you'd never be able to find them.

[The Doctor]

The evil of the Decepticons knows no depths.

-Ralph

[legios]

My main suggestion is pretty much already taken care of - it would have been can the Con be at the same hotel next year. The combination of being outside of the centre of Birmingham and not, it would seem, immediately on a main through traffic route made it probably the best hotel experience I have had at a TF Con. Rather than the constant sound of traffic and whatnot there was enough quiet that I was able to snatch several hours of sleep a night - something of a Convention record for me.

Karl

[The Doctor]

I've never experienced such uncomfortable beds in a hotel. It was like trying to sleep on slabs of rock and contributed a great deal to my lack of sleep. I'll be staying elsewhere next year. I can't face those beds again.

-Ralph

[blueshift]

Aug 11, 2012 19:31:03 GMT The Doctor said:

I've never experienced such uncomfortable beds in a hotel. It was like trying to sleep on slabs of rock and contributed a great deal to my lack of sleep. I'll be staying elsewhere next year. I can't face those beds again.

-Ralph

I liked my bed! I found it hard to wake up!

Of course my bed at home isn't in great shape at the moment, it's probably TOO soft, so a hard bed was a nice break.