Open Forum: What do people want from cons, anyway?
by otaking on Aug.10, 2009, under Open Forum
Considering the widely divergent opinions about last weekend’s Metro Comic Con 2009, especially in the comments section of my coverage of the event, I’ve been wondering, what exactly do people want out of conventions? I mean, there are the basics — spacious venue, good sound system, good marketing, good layout — but all those things together don’t seem to add up to a convention that everyone would like.
So I put it to my readers: What DO you want out of your conventions, anyway?
Like
August 10th, 2009 on 5:04 pm
More hobbyist-oriented stuff. Not just merchandise. Could be short talks, or activities. I think that the past how many cons I attended didn’t have much of these.
I like seeing people cosplay but I wish that it won’t be the only highlight of the con. I am not sure if more people want to see cosplays but other activities will be nice too, if the venue does allow them. I really enjoyed the talk that Rotch and Cat gave at Cosplaymania last year.
August 10th, 2009 on 5:53 pm
I also liked the talks at ROD.
August 11th, 2009 on 10:05 am
Wah. I wasn’t able to check out the talks by ROD.
The good thing about talks/workshops/seminars is that it keeps fans updated and there’s a venue to share information. It’s not as passive as watching a cosplay competition.
August 11th, 2009 on 1:19 pm
I agree. But I think as a culture we tend to be passive recipients of entertainment instead of active generators.
August 11th, 2009 on 4:22 pm
I suppose that in our country people tend to be passive. Maybe it is also because of the environment in a con. If it does not encourage us to be passive, then all the more people will participate. I think that the workshop type of activities tend to make us more proactive. Because that gives us something to talk about it. It helps draw out the questions. But that’s just my opinion ^^ I’ve only been to a few cons with workshops and talks and there are people who became a bit talkative — not a bad thing.
It did clear out some things.
August 10th, 2009 on 6:15 pm
well i want a convention that will stick to the theme that they want. if it’s a comics convention, there is no need for a cosplay competition though costripping comic caharacters would be welcome.
i would also appreciate there be a clear cut schedule of programs that revolve around the theme of the convention. seminars and talks would definitely be good.
the thing is, if it’s an anime convention or cosplay convention then cosplay is definitely to be expected. same thing, if you go to a comics convention, you expect to see comics.
August 11th, 2009 on 1:23 pm
Yeah, the lack of focus seems to be a big issue as far as most otaku are concerned.
August 11th, 2009 on 2:20 am
Informative panels, networking opportunities, VIP guests, and exclusive content.
Oh, and caffeine. Lots of caffeine.
August 11th, 2009 on 1:18 pm
VIP guests are an element that’s been lacking in our local cons as of late, it’s true.
August 12th, 2009 on 12:37 pm
I especially agree on the exclusive content.
August 12th, 2009 on 12:58 pm
Ergh. “I especially agree with you on the exclusive content.”
August 12th, 2009 on 1:05 pm
You know you can edit your comment up to five minutes after posting it, dear.
August 12th, 2009 on 1:26 pm
Yes, but I only realized my mistake after the five minute grace period. Shuffling through windows. <_< Hihi.
How do I change my avvie, by the way? It's cute, but I don't want to be forever bald in your blog.
August 12th, 2009 on 1:46 pm
Go to gravatar.com dear. All blogs that support it (usually WordPress blogs) will display your chosen icon.