About NY Comic Con.

[Typo Lad]

NY Comic-Con is this weekend. Suzannah's going to be helping someone clean a house out on Sunday so I'm on Tot duty.

Is there going to be a Saturday Night get together?

[Jeff Brady]

There'd better be!

Are you driving out, or taking public transportation? I want to know how many books I should bring for Tot; just a few, or the whole box?

[Typo Lad]

There'd better be!

Whee. Suzannah said Saturday night's all mine, so that's the best day for me to come now.

Are you driving out, or taking public transportation?

Public. I don't drive so I'm going to need to split on everyone with enough time to make the last bus from Port Authority. That's either 11 PM or 1AM depending on the bus I take.

I want to know how many books I should bring for Tot; just a few, or the whole box?

So you're saying I should bring a suitcase?

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'm working 10-5 on Saturday.

Boo.

[Typo Lad]

I'm working 10-5 on Saturday.

Boo.

I'll be there after 6, so we can do a night owl thing!

[Jeff Brady]

So you're saying I should bring a suitcase?

More like a hand truck. But if you're taking public transportation, I'll only bring a few.

[Typo Lad]

More like a hand truck. But if you're taking public transportation, I'll only bring a few.

You're sweet.

So far it's just me and you.

No-one else wants in?

[Jeff Brady]

I'm pretty sure Michael will be at the con all weekend. When I started a thread (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=108053), he said he'd be up for whatever we do.

[literally exaggerated]

I should be there Saturday

[Typo Lad]

I should be there Saturday

Fabulous.

Where ARE we all going to meet?

[Ed Cunard]

I'd love to make it, but I can't make that trip two weeks in a row--I'm still recuperationg from my trip this past weekend.

[Typo Lad]

I'd love to make it, but I can't make that trip two weeks in a row--I'm still recuperationg from my trip this past weekend.

Anti-Semite!

[Ed Cunard]

Anti-Semite!

It's not that I hate jews.

I just hate you.

Maybe we can convince you to come to MoCCA this year.

[Jeff Brady]

Maybe we can convince you to come to MoCCA this year.

Tot could hang out with Alexa Kitchen!

[Ed Cunard]

Tot could hang out with Alexa Kitchen!

God, let's hope not. I'd hate to see Tot spoil her nascent talent through that influence.

[Typo Lad]

God, let's hope not. I'd hate to see Tot spoil her nascent talent through that influence.

That "her" better be refering to Tot...

[Ed Cunard]

That "her" better be refering to Tot...

That "her" is Tot, indeed--the Alexa Kitchen thing kind of irritates me in general, but that's another topic for another time. I never thought I'd say an eight-year-old could be overrated...

[Typo Lad]

Googles

How remarkably underwhelming.

[Ullar]

I will be there all weekend. How many books can i get singed? where is the get toghter thingy? Just info i'm a minor.

[rednecko]

I am going to be there this weekend. If there is Late Night Registration on Friday, I may be there on Friday. I am going to be there Saturday and Sunday. I will be wearing an Anime USA (the con I work for) shirt and carry swag of Manga and Anime for anyone who wants to know more about Anime USA. How about 8 Pm on Saturday? It is right after the show officially ends and before things like the parties begin.

[Ullar]

I will be the only headbangger young teen wearing an iron spidey shirt

[Rae Rodriguez]

I'll be there! I can't wait. :D

[Jeff Brady]

I'll be there! I can't wait. :D


Coolness! Bring your boyfriend; he'll have to fend off the other nerds.

[Rae Rodriguez]

Coolness! Bring your boyfriend; he'll have to fend off the other nerds.LOL! He's the one that got the tickets. He won't have to fend off other nerds because no one'll take a second look in my direction lol. I'm pretty unremarkable in person. :cool:

[cable guy]

LOL! He's the one that got the tickets. He won't have to fend off other nerds because no one'll take a second look in my direction lol. I'm pretty unremarkable in person. :cool:

I really, really think your being modest.

[Michael P]

LOL! He's the one that got the tickets. He won't have to fend off other nerds because no one'll take a second look in my direction lol. I'm pretty unremarkable in person. :cool:
So I take it this is gonna be your first con, Rae?

[Rae Rodriguez]

I really, really think your being modest.I swear I'm not. I really do just take good photographs. :o

So I take it this is gonna be your first con, Rae? Yes it will. I'm freaking out about it... on the inside. :D

[Jeff Brady]

Yes it will. I'm freaking out about it... on the inside. :D

You are a girl, and a cute one, at that. Unwashed fanboys will smell you from 10 miles away.

[howyadoin]

You are a girl, and a cute one, at that. Unwashed fanboys will smell you from 10 miles away.Heh. Is that your idea of encouragement?

[Rae Rodriguez]

Heh. Is that your idea of encouragement?Yeah seriously. :(

[Jeff Brady]

She should know what she's getting into.

Don't worry, most will just ogle from afar. The really cocky ones are rare, and will most likey stay away due your boyfriend.

[Brian Cronin]

Where is the con again?

I figure we could pick a restaurant/bar to meet up at Saturday night, and I'd like to pick one nearby. :)

-Brian

[Jeff Brady]

It's at the Javits center.

New York ComiCon. (http://www.nycomiccon.com/App/homepage.cfm?moduleid=2577&appname=100453)

[Brian Cronin]

Gracias.

I'll see what I can see.

-Brian

[Ronald Bryan]

Where is the con again?

I figure we could pick a restaurant/bar to meet up at Saturday night, and I'd like to pick one nearby. :)

-Brian
And then Cronin will Cronin out at the last second.

[howyadoin]

And then Cronin will Cronin out at the last second.It's like when Lou Gehrig got Lou Gehrig's disease.

[Ed Cunard]

It's like when Lou Gehrig got Lou Gehrig's disease.

Except we'd feel guilty about making that joke.

This one, on the other hand...

[Brian Cronin]

Now, if I got Lou Gehrig's disease...now THAT would be awkward.

-Brian

[Ed Cunard]

Except we'd feel guilty about making that joke.

Of course, by "we," I wasn't including Stonegold. He can even make serious illness funny sometimes.

[Rae Rodriguez]

She should know what she's getting into.

Don't worry, most will just ogle from afar. The really cocky ones are rare, and will most likey stay away due your boyfriend.Yeah my boyfriend's a broad shouldered geek. :o He's such a man.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I figure we could pick a restaurant/bar to meet up at Saturday night, and I'd like to pick one nearby. :)

-Brian

If I go, I'll skip the con and meet you guys later on. Hopefully after 6. Cronin-style.

[Jeff Brady]

If I go, I'll skip the con and meet you guys later on. Hopefully after 6. Cronin-style.

You can't beg off early?

[i_mmmchocolate]

You can't beg off early?

But that would go against my elusivity (is that a word?).

[Jeff Brady]

But that would go against my elusivity (is that a word?).

Dictionary.com has nothing, but a lot of people use it anyway.

[howyadoin]

But that would go against my elusivity (is that a word?).Elusiveness.

Or exclusivity.

[Typo Lad]

If I go, I'll skip the con and meet you guys later on. Hopefully after 6. Cronin-style.

That's what I'll be doing, alas. Shabbos isn't over till after 6 as it is.

Cronin, you find a place that does Tom Lehrer, or am I safe?

[Brian Cronin]

I don't think it would be fair to expect everyone to karaoke, so no. ;)

-Brian

[ILLUS]

I'll be there checking it out Saturday. Was supposed to have Public Enemy perform to promote the new comic but another tour came up and couldn't do it. Next year I hope. So I'll just be there scoping things out. I hope it's good.

[Brian Cronin]

Okay, so I figure we're looking at something on Saturday night, around 8pm. Sounds good.

Here's the question - where would people like to meet up?

I can get reservations for a restaurant, or we can all just meet at a bar (you would not have to drink, people who do not like to drink).

What would you folks prefer?

-=Brian

[Ponda]

I don't think I'll be part of a Saturday night meet-up (only because I have other plans), but I would love to meet other CBR folk while at the con.

I don't know whether I'll be in on Saturday or not*, but I should be there all day Sunday. Is there anyone who'll be there on Sunday who just wants to, like, say hello, shake hands, and eat an overpriced burger?

(*= the reason I don't know about Saturday is because I am proctoring an SAT practice test in the morning, here in Philly. SATs take a while, and then there's transportation, etc... I have to arrive with at least a few hours left, or it isn't worth it)

[Brian Cronin]

I think a few of us will still be able to meet up on Sunday, as well, Ponda.

-Brian

[Ponda]

Awesome! ..

[i_mmmchocolate]

Anytime after 6pm is good for me, so 8pm works fine.

I'm really game for anything.

Well, not anything.

[Brian Cronin]

I'm thinking that place we ate that one time, Heartland Brewery. It's fairly nearby to the Jacob Javits Center.

What do you think a good estimate would be to make the reservation for?

-Brian

[howyadoin]

I'm really game for anything.

Well, not anything.I wonder if it's too late to cancel my flight.

[Jeff Brady]

Heartland Brewery.

Oooh, I'll try their Key Lime pie this time!

[i_mmmchocolate]

I wonder if it's too late to cancel my flight.

I edited like 3 seconds after I posted. I wonder, does it make me a bigger perv to anticipate perv responses even before any are made?

[Brian Cronin]

No.

-Brian

[i_mmmchocolate]

I think I might just hit the con as well. Maybe.

Sounds good. I'm really very flexible, so whatever time works best for the collective is okay with me!

[i_mmmchocolate]

No.

-Brian


Oh good.

___

[i_mmmchocolate]

Whoops, I forgot: I work on Saturday until 5pm! I won't go to the con after all, I'll be there for the meetup though.

[Typo Lad]

I'm really very flexible

Tease.

And Heartland Brewery is fine with me. Mind, I need an address.

[Jeff Brady]

North East corner of the Empire State Building.

[howyadoin]

I edited like 3 seconds after I posted. I wonder, does it make me a bigger perv to anticipate perv responses even before any are made?Y'know, I think it might.

[Bearpod91]

I'm going saturday...

[Brian Cronin]

Heartland Brewery it is.

Nothing else better is any closer, and Heartland is a very nice set-up for just this sort of thing.

I guess I'll make the reservation for 10 people for now. I'll go mention it on the blog, to see if any more folks would like to come.

-Brian

[i_mmmchocolate]

Brian is the best!

[Typo Lad]

It's an easy jaunt from the Port Authority, so I'm all for it.

[Huh?]

I'll be at the con, and will definitely meet up with you guys.

Is this the place that the Houlihan's used to be like 2 or 3 years ago?

[Typo Lad]

Is this the place that the Houlihan's used to be like 2 or 3 years ago?

I believe it is indeed.

[Huh?]

I believe it is indeed.Cool, is the reservation going to be under Cronin's name?

[Brian Cronin]

Yep, the reservation is under "Brian Cronin," which is my American alias.

I made the reservation for 10, but the table can hold up to 14 before they'd need to get more space, so that's cool.

Me, Morts, Michael, Lena, Jeff and Huh? is a confirmed 6. We should get at least 4 more, right?

-Brian

[Typo Lad]

What tiem is the reservation for again?

We need to get Rae and her young man to come. Maybe I could try to see if Austin feels like stopping by.

[Brian Cronin]

8pm.

-Brian

[Huh?]

Yep, the reservation is under "Brian Cronin," which is my American alias.

I made the reservation for 10, but the table can hold up to 14 before they'd need to get more space, so that's cool.

Me, Morts, Michael, Lena, Jeff and Huh? is a confirmed 6. We should get at least 4 more, right?

-BrianI may bring my girlfriend.

[Typo Lad]

Yay! That's perfect. it gives me a bit to run up the blog and get Pizza.

Is there a minimum of any kind? Because due to lack of Kashrut, i'll be slugging back water.

[Typo Lad]

I may bring my girlfriend.

Thou art brave.

[Brian Cronin]

Nah, no minimum, you'll be good.

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

I may bring my girlfriend.

Excellent.

7!!

Only three more!!

-Brian

[Huh?]

Yay! That's perfect. it gives me a bit to run up the blog and get Pizza.

Is there a minimum of any kind? Because due to lack of Kashrut, i'll be slugging back water.I'll buy you some drinks. I assume Kashrut is money?

[i_mmmchocolate]

Woo!!

Kindly note that whoever backs out in the last minute will suffer severe consequences.

[Brian Cronin]

I'll buy you some drinks. I assume Kashrut is money?

Nah, he means the food won't be Kosher.

Now, if you buy him DRINKS...THAT is okay. :)

-Brian

[Typo Lad]

Nah, he means the food won't be Kosher.

'zactly.

Now, if you buy him DRINKS...THAT is okay. :)

As long as I can walk in a straight line after.

[Jeff Brady]

I might bring a friend, but I don't know for sure yet.

[Brian Cronin]

EIGHT!!!

-Brian

[i_mmmchocolate]

Damn, we're good!

[Brian Cronin]

The meet-up is tomorrow!

Will we get out fateful 9th and 10th eater?

-Brian

[Huh?]

The meet-up is tomorrow!

Will we get out fateful 9th and 10th eater?

-Brian8th 9th and 10th. My girlfriend can't make it.

[Typo Lad]

Heartland here I come.

[Ed Cunard]

Just a note--I saw on Jeopardy last night that they're having tryouts at the Javits also. So, multitask--try out for Jeopardy.

[Typo Lad]

Just a note--I saw on Jeopardy last night that they're having tryouts at the Javits also. So, multitask--try out for Jeopardy.

REALLY?

Oh maaaan.

[Ed Cunard]

REALLY?

Oh maaaan.

It makes me hate my job twice as much as I normally do. Not only can I not take off work to come out there for this (or the Kupperman thing a few weeks ago at Rocketship), but even if I could, I couldn't try out for Jeopardy because we air that show.

[Michael P]

Will there be tryouts tomorrow, too?

[Typo Lad]

Will there be tryouts tomorrow, too?

Damn Jepordy try-outs are always only on Friday. While I usually say "Anti-Semites" in jest, I have to wonder if it's not some kind of policy to keep the Ortho Braniacs out.

[Brian Cronin]

8th 9th and 10th. My girlfriend can't make it.

She has made a life-long nemesis this day.

Okay, no problem, no problem, we can get three people, right, folks?

-Brian

[Ed Cunard]

Actually, it's just tomorrow (http://www.jeopardy.com/nytimes.php) that they are there..

[Michael P]

Actually, it's just tomorrow (http://www.jeopardy.com/nytimes.php) that they are there..
Schweeeeeet.

[Huh?]

She has made a life-long nemesis this day.

Okay, no problem, no problem, we can get three people, right, folks?

-BrianI'll bring Chloroform (sp?) to the con. Any requests for what costumes you want our 3 "guests" to be in?

[Brian Cronin]

Three ladies, dressed as Archie, Jughead and Reggie Mantle.

-Brian

[i_mmmchocolate]

She has made a life-long nemesis this day.

Okay, no problem, no problem, we can get three people, right, folks?

-Brian

Hey, it's his fault. Obviously he didn't convince her enough. All is not lost, we can always poison him.

[Huh?]

Hey, it's his fault. Obviously he didn't convince her enough. All is not lost, we can always poison him.After years of dosing myself with small amounts of various poisons, I am now immune to all but one. The question is: "will you bring the right one?"

[Jeff Brady]

After years of dosing myself with small amounts of various poisons, I am now immune to all but one. The question is: "will you bring the right one?"

Lead poisoning, in 9mm capsules.

[Michael P]

After years of dosing myself with small amounts of various poisons, I am now immune to all but one. The question is: "will you bring the right one?"
No. We'll bring all of them.

[Typo Lad]

This one?

http://www.planetdeville.com/poison%208.jpg

[Huh?]

This one?

http://www.planetdeville.com/poison%208.jpgGAH!! :eek:

Foiled again.

[Typo Lad]

Foiled again.

Aluminum or tin?

[Huh?]

Aluminum or tin?A little of both.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Looks like everything got sorted nicely.

[DrewTheXenocide]

Question: What's the best way to get to the Javitz center via public transportation?

[Huh?]

Question: What's the best way to get to the Javitz center via public transportation?http://www.javitscenter.com/directions/directions.htm There you go.

[DrewTheXenocide]

So, there's no train that stops right by, huh?

*ba-dum psh*

[Michael P]

No. Not only that, but the restaurant is 7.5 long blocks from the convention center.

[Huh?]

No. Not only that, but the restaurant is 7.5 long blocks from the convention center.Wait a sec. You guys don't have wings? Oh, this is going to be a great meet up!

[i_mmmchocolate]

Magic carpet all the way, baby.

[Austin]

I'm pretty sure I can make the brewery at 8

[Brian Cronin]

Excellent!!

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

Remember, folks, if you want to come by, feel free to just stop by the Heartland Brewery at 8pm and say you're with the "Brian Cronin" party.

Here's (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/41669260/new_york_ny/heartland_brewery_rotisserie.html) a link to the citysearch profile of the Heartland Brewery at the Empire State Building.

-Brian

[Rae Rodriguez]

The Javits Center can burn to the ground for all I care!!! :evilangry
Whoever organized the event's a total turd. We waited in a line just to be told we were getting a refund because some douchewad didn't plan for all the people and the fire marshall came to bitch about it.
What makes it worse is that Chris bought the tickets over a month ago I believe. Goddamnit!

I took my boyfriend and friends to Midtown Comics instead... and there was even a line for that.
At least I took some pictures with the Ghostbusters.
*sigh* I feel so let down. :(

[Brandon Hanvey]

I've been reading that the con is so packed that some people can't get into the exhibiti hall.

From http://comics.212.net/

So just to confirm, no one is getting onto the con floor right now. Not the organisers, not the press, nothing. Jonah Weiland was here and got fed up and went to lunch because he couldn't make any of his meetings. Dude is a sponsor of the show.

[Brandon Hanvey]

I've been reading that even some exhibitors, pros, and press had a hard time getting in or, in some cases, were turned away.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Jesus....that sounds horrible. It looks like they'd prepared for the massive turnout since the event is ole....New York ! Damn.... :eek:

[Rae Rodriguez]

I've been reading that even some exhibitors, pros, and press had a hard time getting in or, in some cases, were turned away. You heard right, lemme tell ya.

Jesus....that sounds horrible. It looks like they'd prepared for the massive turnout since the event is ole....New York ! Damn.... :eek:We spent damn near 2.5 hours just to be told that we can't get in. We got those tickets a month in advanced for fuckin' NOTHING!!! :evilangry It makes me so angry. Fine, there will be other conventions, but this was supposed to be my first. *sigh* :(

[Donald M.]

You heard right, lemme tell ya.

We spent damn near 2.5 hours just to be told that we can't get in. We got those tickets a month in advanced for fuckin' NOTHING!!! :evilangry It makes me so angry. Fine, there will be other conventions, but this was supposed to be my first. *sigh* :(

That sucks, I guess it can't be helped that the turnout was much more than what they were expecting though.

Look at the bright side, they'll know better next time and with that kind of turn out they will be a next time.

Wizard World Boston wasn't much, but it was the only comic con I could actually get to. *sigh*

[Brandon Hanvey]

You heard right, lemme tell ya.

We spent damn near 2.5 hours just to be told that we can't get in. We got those tickets a month in advanced for fuckin' NOTHING!!! :evilangry It makes me so angry. Fine, there will be other conventions, but this was supposed to be my first. *sigh* :(

Go to MoCCA ArtFest (http://moccany.org/artfest-06.html) in June. I think it is the best Indie/Small Press show on the East coast.

[ghostrider666]

Wow! Its terrible! The outfit that was running it is a professional convention organizer. There was alot of hope for it, & getting a big con back to NYC.
They must've figured, a comic convention, whos gonna go to that?

Tell ya what to do Rae. Make plans, & take the train to Philly for Wiz World.
Or, better yet, if you have a car, go to Baltimore in Sept. Thats a GREAT Con.

[howyadoin]

Tell ya what to do Rae. Make plans, & take the train to Philly for Wiz World.
Or, better yet, if you have a car, go to Baltimore in Sept. Thats a GREAT Con.*coughsandiegocough*

[Samurai]

Similar thing happened at Wondercon... too many people for the size of the room, according to the Fire Marshal. They had people stand in line and every time someone left (to go to the bathroom, get food, etc), they let another person in...

[Typo Lad]

The NY Fire Marshal makes a tradition of shutting down NY cons.

[Dennis K]

The NY Fire Marshal makes a tradition of shutting down NY cons.


You'd think con organizers would learn

[Brandon Hanvey]

Similar thing happened at Wondercon... too many people for the size of the room, according to the Fire Marshal. They had people stand in line and every time someone left (to go to the bathroom, get food, etc), they let another person in...

Yeah but from the sounds of it, this was nothing like that. Unless you had a pre-paid ticket you were not getting in. And if you had a pre-paid ticket you had to wait hours just to get in. And if you went out you had to wait hours to get back in even if you were a pro, exhibitor, panelist, or whatever.

[Typo Lad]

You'd think con organizers would learn

Well, these guys are new to the NY area I gather, so I suspect the "Church-con" guys didn't warn them.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Well, these guys are new to the NY area I gather, so I suspect the "Church-con" guys didn't warn them.

Nope. Reed Exhibitions (http://www.reedexpo.com/App/homepage.cfm?moduleid=567&appname=100266) was organizing it. They held the BookExpo America in the Jacob Javits Convention Center last year.

From what I've read, it seems they underestimated the demand for tickets. They didn't even have the whole convention center for the con. They only half on the ground floor.

[Ayo]

It seems that a lot of people don't know yet what to make of the show.

I'm extremely ambivilant about the experience...I've gotten in, but it's been tough.

[DrewTheXenocide]

Yeah, I was pretty dissapointed too. I waited for a couple hours to pay my 25, then got in. By the time it was already noon, and I was getting head-achey and hungry. So I figured that I'd take a friend and we'd buy some food, get some R&R before we head into the fray.

Big nono.

First of all, I paid seven twenty five for a crap ass burger and crap ass fries. Then we headed back, and all of a sudden there was this bigass line for people with tickets to get into the actual con. Add another couple hours waiting on line.

And the lack of both back issues and free stuff totally dissapointed me.

[jerrymcl89]

I was amazed that the con only had half of the Javits center, which isn't all that big to begin with. The organizers obviously badly misunderestimated the audience they'd be drawing.

[Sir Tim Drake]

And the lack of both back issues and free stuff totally dissapointed me.

No back issues? What the hell?

You and Rae ought to punish the organizers by not going to the convention next year. Go to the San Diego Comicon instead. At Comicon it's never difficult to get into the exhibit hall, except on Wednesday evening, and even then you generally do get in eventually. And there are some incredible back issue bargains.

[Jeff Brady]

I showed up at 4:40 PM. I was first in line for the "hopefulls" - as in, hopefully, I'll get in. By 5 PM, they opened it up and I was on my way.

There were quite a few back issue dealers. I don't know what Drew's talking about.

About an hour into it, I bumped into Michael Pullman. I was already wiped out. I saw a few other friends who had tables, and only bought one book: Neil Kleid & Jack Allen's Brownsville.

It was pretty packed, even for the last two hours of the day. The organizers severly underestimated the number of guys living in their mother's basement.

Afterwards, I walked across town to the Heartland Brewery, met Brian, Lena, Michael, Ryan (Huh? - a very generous and funny fellow), and Richard (RAB). Morts showed up 20 minutes later. Much shit was talked about those who couldn't make it.

Richard & Morts left early, while the rest of us ate & drank. After dinner, Lena & Michael went home, which left me, Ryan & Cronin. We went to the Pop Culture afterparty in the Bowery. There was a real live dragon there, as flaming as dragonly possible, and it grabbed Brian's ass no less than a dozen times. Out of fear for his safety and the safety of others, Brian permitted the unwanted groping, and requested that it go no further than that.

Luckily, the dragon acquiesced.

I started to lose my hearing, so we went up to an Irish pub in midtown. We debated - well, Brian & Ryan debated, I mostly listened, as usual - the finer points of manga and Adult Swim.

We called it a night at 12:30. It was a pretty good day overall.

[Jason]

Nice that I'm not the only one ticked off. I ended up going out to McDonald's, and it took me forever to get back in. And I didn't go to the DCU panel because I was that worried about having to get back on the line.

I got some cheap issues, and I've gotten seven sketches go far. But as I waited on line, and forced to take indirect, messed-up routes to the show floor, it feels like I'm being punished for living in NYC. The closest big con to me is Wizard World: Philly. I'd love to go to CCI, but that's 3,000 miles away. I just wished that the organizers put a lot more thought into the show. And I had a prepaid three-day badge...so I'm probably one of the lucky ones. Bottom line? Worst con I've been to...almost enough to make a man look forward to "The National."

[Brandon Hanvey]

NYCC is closed to non pre-reg attendees on Sunday. (http://www.nycomiccon.com/App/homepage.cfm?appname=100453&moduleID=2526&campaignid=12659&iUserCampaignID=21992796)

[Jason]

Nice reaction. I can't wait to see the reactions of everybody who didn't get the heads-up.

By the way...who schedules a con in NYC in the middle of winter? Okay, there's the Big Apple Con, but I barely have to be outside...I just pop out of the subway and hit Penn Pavilion. Once again...why do I have to be punished for living in NYC?

[Young Avenger]

That very sucks. I really wanted to go to the NYC but I couldn't afford to buy a ticket. From the reactions on how badly it went I'm glad I didn't get to go.

[Jeff Brady]

why do I have to be punished for living in NYC?

Punished? How is walking 6 blocks punishment?

[zzn]

I have to agree. NY Comicon was a disaster. I couldn't even get in. If you got there at 9 am and had tickets you probably had to wait online for like 3 hours before you could get in. Can anyone possibly imagine that? The travelshow actually took up the other half of the convention space. They probably thought ny comicon was going to draw the same amount of people. I wonder how much money they've lost from this fiasco. I hope they only get 200 ppl to attend next year. Fans aren't to be fucked with.

[Justin Davis]

By the way...who schedules a con in NYC in the middle of winter?

I wondered about that myself when I first heard about it, but it's probably one of the few times when it doesn't have to compete with other cons. I'd think that beginning of June might be a better time. Not crsipy hot yet and has potential to steal San Diego con goers away.

[Rae Rodriguez]

Thanks for all the con suggestion guys.
No back issues? What the hell?
You and Rae ought to punish the organizers by not going to the convention next year. I loved this one because it had the word "punish" in it.

I'll be lookin' into different conventions. Alas, for the time being, my con cherry has yet to be popped. :(

[i_mmmchocolate]

First, I would like to say I'm glad I skipped the con.

Second, you suck! You never showed up to the meet up!

[i_mmmchocolate]

Didn't go to the con, but I did meet up with Brian, Jeff, Michael, Huh?, a guy whose name I can't remember at the moment damnit, and Typo.

Huh? is the nicest guy ever. Period.

[Rae Rodriguez]

First, I would like to say I'm glad I skipped the con.

Second, you suck! You never showed up to the meet up!:( I would've if I didn't have three other people with me. I didn't know I was allowed to bring 'em. Also, after that whole ordeal, we just grabbed what we could at Midtown and went back to Jersey to sulk and eat take-out.
It was a sad afternoon lol.

[roguespirit]

I heard an interview with the con organiser before the con and he said that he was worried about the fire marshall from beforehand but was hoping they wouldn'tget too draconian

[Michael P]

So much for that wish.

I think the lessons from this are pretty clear. If they want to do this again next year, they should:

1. Book the whole Javits.

2. Take the number of pre-reggers, add twice that much, and plan for that being the *minimum* number of people who show up.

3. Have one big floor for publishers, and another for dealers (there were a few comics dealers, including Koop, but they were far outnumbered by publishers and other exhibitors).

4. Have a Lego Superman, because Lego Batman was fucking awesome.

This was the first year, and Murphy's Law was in full effect. But they can learn from their mistakes, and I hope they do, because a regular big New York show would be a cool thing indeed.

[Dennis K]

I heard an interview with the con organiser before the con and he said that he was worried about the fire marshall from beforehand but was hoping they wouldn'tget too draconian


oh yes, the hell with safety, the con is more important.

[Sir Tim Drake]

:( I would've if I didn't have three other people with me. I didn't know I was allowed to bring 'em. Also, after that whole ordeal, we just grabbed what we could at Midtown and went back to Jersey to sulk and eat take-out.
It was a sad afternoon lol.

Usually no one minds if you bring guests to a CBR meet-up. In fact, the first time I ever hung out with other CBR people, my dad was with me...

[Rae Rodriguez]

Usually no one minds if you bring guests to a CBR meet-up. In fact, the first time I ever hung out with other CBR people, my dad was with me...Well, if you guys ever meet up on a weeknight, I'd love to try and make it. It's usually more difficult to travel to NYC during the weekend.

[K'Nort]

Didn't go to the con, but I did meet up with Brian, Jeff, Michael, Huh?, a guy whose name I can't remember at the moment damnit, and Typo.

Huh? is the nicest guy ever. Period.

So Rae and her boyfriend weren't able to meet up with you guys? That's a shame.

[Michael P]

So Rae and her boyfriend weren't able to meet up with you guys? That's a shame.
Yeah, they weren't able to get into the con, so they just hit Midtown and then went back to Jersey.

Next time, Gadget; next time!

[DonC]

Is it really that difficult to estimate the number of attendees? Like Morts said, this isn't the first NYC con that's been shut down by the fire marshal. And the non-pre registered only thing happened at Star Wars Celebration III, last April.

How can you look at the number of pre-sold tickets and not think, "Hey, we should maybe plan for more than this?"

[ILLUS]

I was invited to the show as a potential exhibitor for next year and I couldn't get in. In a way I am glad the show was such a huge success in regards to attendance. I just wish they planned a little better for this success. Next year they better get the largest hall they can. If this was to happen two years in a row I would be pissed and I understand why people that came from all over were upset. Growing pains indeed. Looking forward to actually seeing the show next year...I hope.

[i_mmmchocolate]

So Rae and her boyfriend weren't able to meet up with you guys? That's a shame.

Yeah, she talked the talk, but didn't walk the walk. I mean, c'mon, could've at least shown up for 20 minutes or something!

She'll never live it down...ever! Unless, of course, she attends the next meetup, then all will be forgotten. I'm a forgiving sort of person.



PS BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! he he.

[Rae Rodriguez]

Yeah, she talked the talk, but didn't walk the walk. I mean, c'mon, could've at least shown up for 20 minutes or something!

She'll never live it down...ever! Unless, of course, she attends the next meetup, then all will be forgotten. I'm a forgiving sort of person.



PS BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! he he.:( Awww shucks.
If you guys hold a meet up on a weeknight, I'd love love love to meet up. Hell if it's on a weekend that hasn't been usurped by our friends, I will drag Chris with me lol.

[i_mmmchocolate]

:( Awww shucks.
If you guys hold a meet up on a weeknight, I'd love love love to meet up. Hell if it's on a weekend that hasn't been usurped by our friends, I will drag Chris with me lol.

The guilt trip worked!

But just in case it didn't: I cried all night.

[zzn]

I heard an interview with the con organiser before the con and he said that he was worried about the fire marshall from beforehand but was hoping they wouldn'tget too draconian

Gee that makes me feel better so basically they knew there'd be a huge turnout and was just "hoping" for the best when they could have just planned ahead and gotten more space for the con. This is really inexcusable.

[Rae Rodriguez]

Gee that makes me feel better so basically they knew there'd be a huge turnout and was just "hoping" for the best when they could have just planned ahead and gotten more space for the con. This is really inexcusable.That's how I felt about the whole thing.

Edit:
Screw this. Today is going to be a comic shop day for me. I'm going to geek out as much as I can. That's that.

[Rae Rodriguez]

The guilt trip worked!

But just in case it didn't: I cried all night.You're breakin' my heart. :(
I'll meet up, I promise.

[Deathstroke]

Reading all the stories about how badly things turned out for a lot of people sure makes me glad I had never intended on going to the show in the first place.

Even though I probably could've hung out with a couple of friends I made among the pros from Philly and Boston.

[Brandon Hanvey]

So much for that wish.

I think the lessons from this are pretty clear. If they want to do this again next year, they should:

1. Book the whole Javits.

2. Take the number of pre-reggers, add twice that much, and plan for that being the *minimum* number of people who show up.

3. Have one big floor for publishers, and another for dealers (there were a few comics dealers, including Koop, but they were far outnumbered by publishers and other exhibitors).

I think one of the problems was that Reed was treating the show like a trade show (such as the BookExpo) that was open to the public. Mostly showcasing publishers and exhibitors. But for a good mainstream comic-con, you need a good mix of publishers, retailers, and other exhibitors.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Newsarama has an article with the director of NYCC about Saturday. (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=60904)

[Huh?]

Didn't go to the con, but I did meet up with Brian, Jeff, Michael, Huh?, a guy whose name I can't remember at the moment damnit, and Typo.

Huh? is the nicest guy ever. Period.My name is Ryan. But I won't hold it against you for forgetting. :)

I am soooooo happy that I went to the con on Friday because it was a manageable crowd and I had some fun. But, I didn't stay for more than like an hour because I figured "hey, I am coming back for the whole day tommorrow. I don't want to do everything right now."

Boy, was I wrong. On Saturday I got there at 12:15 and walked right in. From the moment I got onto the floor life became very difficult. There were so many people it was hard to move. I bought some back issues and went for a cigarette and a hotdog. When I returned to the entrance at 1:30 there was a huge line and nobody was getting in. I decided to leave. Which looks like it was a good decision.

I will not be attending another big con here in NYC. I pretty much like going for the retailers, and there weren't that many at this con.

I don't think crowds will be an issue next year because there are about 10,000 people that won't even bother making an effort next year.

It was a disappointment.

But the meetup was pretty fun! :D

[Michael P]

I think one of the problems was that Reed was treating the show like a trade show (such as the BookExpo) that was open to the public. Mostly showcasing publishers and exhibitors. But for a good mainstream comic-con, you need a good mix of publishers, retailers, and other exhibitors.
Exactly; they underestimated the power of the Dork Side.

[zzn]

If that was the case and he was treating this like another trade show then he should be fired. How foolish can a person possibly be?

[Jeff Brady]

I think all this talk about firing people and boycotting is pretty childish. What will it accomplish? Nothing. We want and need a BIG con in NYC. Sure, they underestimated the 'power of the dork side.' What a horrible crime; let's riot! With this weekends experience, they can plan much better for next year. They can get a space twice the size. If everyone boycotts it next year, it'll be a complete flop, and then we'll be stuck with Big Apple cons for the next 30 years, without publisher booths, without the really big guests & film promotions.

A lot of us can't afford to schlep across the country to San Diego each year. We want a good, giant con where the comic industry was practically born.

Please, forgive the mistakes. Encourage, critique, and maybe volunteer. All this "fire him" and "boycott" nonsense has to go.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Please, forgive the mistakes. Encourage, critique, and maybe volunteer. All this "fire him" and "boycott" nonsense has to go.

I agree. It was their first comic-con so some mistakes can be forgiven. But I do hope everyone who had a pre-paid ticket and didn't get in gets a prompt refund.

[DrewTheXenocide]

I showed up at 4:40 PM. I was first in line for the "hopefulls" - as in, hopefully, I'll get in. By 5 PM, they opened it up and I was on my way.

There were quite a few back issue dealers. I don't know what Drew's talking about.



Well, for me at least. When I go to cons, I'm used to, like, twenty bucks worth of back issues in my hand picked from the dollar bins, filling any gaps in my runs. This con, I walked away with one.

[kingpin51]

i bought i tichet, waited on line, got a wristband and still couldnt get into the f***king thing. I went to midtown comics afterwards where a lot of the con rejects went. i was planning to go to the meet up but i felt to crappy to go (plus i thought it might be a bit uncomfortrable eating dinner with people i dont actuolly know lol)

[Jeff Brady]

plus i thought it might be a bit uncomfortrable eating dinner with people i dont actuolly know lol

It's always awkward the first time (where have I heard that before?). Everyone was alientated at one point or another. Typo Lad, because he couldn't eat anything. Huh? when Typo & Michael were talking comics trivia. I was alienated when the cutee waitress with too much bleach in her hair brought me the wrong meal, and almost everyone else was finished.

Really, it's no big deal. And that's comming from a guy who's completely socially inept.

[Brandon Hanvey]

From various reports and news bits, here is what I have surmised.

The hall space the con organizers had for the show could only hold 10,000 people. They had about 5,000 pre-registered attendees. They were expecting around 15,000 to attend the con over the three days of the con. Let’s say that pros, exhibitors, and other con personnel totaled about 2,000 people.

So they were expecting to have around less than 3,000 on-site tickets sales Saturday. But it sounds like they had closer to around 5,000 people trying to buy on-site tickets on Saturday. That gave them about 2,000 over the number of people they could legally have in the hall space.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Really, it's no big deal. And that's comming from a guy who's completely socially inept.

Exactly. Yeah it's nerve-wracking meeting new people, but after like 5 minutes you realize that we're just comic nerds, like you.

Except Cronin, he's a Super Comic Nerd.

[Brian Cronin]

Yes.

I am never alienated.

I am all things to all people.

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

Oh, and thanks again to Ryan, for freakishly paying for dinner (and drinks later)!!

Jeff and I had to wrestle him just to let us pay for the cab rides.

-Brian

[Sir Tim Drake]

According to some posts on Newsarama, you have to submit a "letter of refund" by Friday, March 3rd in order to get a refund. (Which seems rather unfair to me.)

[Jeff Brady]

According to some posts on Newsarama, you have to submit a "letter of refund" by Friday, March 3rd in order to get a refund. (Which seems rather unfair to me.)

It has to be postmarked by Friday. How long does it take to copy & paste a letter, print and mail it?

[Brian Cronin]

According to some posts on Newsarama, you have to submit a "letter of refund" by Friday, March 3rd in order to get a refund. (Which seems rather unfair to me.)

While it WOULD have been nicer to extend the period, I think that's probably enough time. I mean, if all you have to do is simply mail a letter of refund, that sounds simple enough, and shouldn't take people a week to do.

-Brian

[Jeff Brady]

While it WOULD have been nicer to extend the period, I think that's probably enough time. I mean, if all you have to do is simply mail a letter of refund, that sounds simple enough, and shouldn't take people a week to do.

-Brian

You owe me a bottle of brown fizzy water.

[Jason]

About feeling "punished"...there hasn't been a big con in NYC as long as I've been hitting the shows. After going to Chicago and San Diego, it became obvious what I was missing. I kept going to the mediocre Big Apple Cons and "The National," kept hitting the MoCCA shows (no dealers, mostly indie folks), kept driving to Philly for Wizard World. And yesterday, I had to wait at least 30 minutes to get back on the floor, and I spent 5-10 minutes crunched up against a wall.

Advice for next time:

1. Get a better date. I like walking....but there's a huge difference between walking around on a sunny July afternoon in San Diego, and a Feburary morning in NYC. One good thing about the Big Apple Con: it's at the Penn Pavilion, so I can pop out of the subway and get there in no time flat. Guess what? You guys have no right to challenge MegaCon, so don't go up against it.

2. Make it last three days. None of this "professionals only" crap. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. If you want a "Day Zero" for pros, that would be Thursday.

3. Get the whole damn floor opened up.

I will say this...I did get enough good comics at cheap prices. And even though I missed a lot of artists for sketches, I ended getting ten for my new book, including an awesome Social Butterfly from Danielle Corsetto. I just wish the organizers had more of a clue.

[zzn]

I think all this talk about firing people and boycotting is pretty childish. What will it accomplish? Nothing. We want and need a BIG con in NYC. Sure, they underestimated the 'power of the dork side.' What a horrible crime; let's riot! With this weekends experience, they can plan much better for next year. They can get a space twice the size. If everyone boycotts it next year, it'll be a complete flop, and then we'll be stuck with Big Apple cons for the next 30 years, without publisher booths, without the really big guests & film promotions.


Somehow I doubt that. If it's a complete flop next year they'll know exactly what caused it and they find a way to fix it or not. Just because people want to go to a big con doesn't mean they have to be treated like assholes in the process. Your answer of doing nothing doesn't help. I'd like to see you be one of the unfortunate ppl who came from out of state and travelled hundreds maybe even thousands of miles with their ticket just to be told sorry you can't come in. What solace do these people have? Alot of ppl don't even know how to get their 25 dollars back. This wasn't a mistake. A mistake is misscheduling a guest. This was an unmitigated disaster never seen before in the history of the Javits center and it all could have been easily prevented.


A lot of us can't afford to schlep across the country to San Diego each year. We want a good, giant con where the comic industry was practically born.

Please, forgive the mistakes. Encourage, critique, and maybe volunteer. All this "fire him" and "boycott" nonsense has to go.

Yeah we do need a good giant con here. Unfortunately comicon wasn't it.

[i_mmmchocolate]

My name is Ryan. But I won't hold it against you for forgetting. :)

Not you! That guy you were with. What's his name?

[Jeff Brady]

Somehow I doubt that. If it's a complete flop next year they'll know exactly what caused it and they find a way to fix it or not. Just because people want to go to a big con doesn't mean they have to be treated like assholes in the process. Your answer of doing nothing doesn't help.

I said complaining, offering suggestions, and volunteering. That's not "nothing."


Alot of ppl don't even know how to get their 25 dollars back.

All they have to do is check the website; that's how they got the tickets in the first place.

Yeah we do need a good giant con here. Unfortunately comicon wasn't it.

It could have been, and it can be next time. Instead of pissing & bitching, why not help out?

[zzn]

While it WOULD have been nicer to extend the period, I think that's probably enough time. I mean, if all you have to do is simply mail a letter of refund, that sounds simple enough, and shouldn't take people a week to do.

-Brian

Dude ALOT of ppl including ppl who worked at the con have no clue about the letter refund. Not to mention there's a little blurb saying it wasn't even guaranteed.

[Jeff Brady]

Not you! That guy you were with. What's his name?

Richard (I listed him). Brian posted about him at Comics Should Be Good.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Richard (I listed him). Brian posted about him at Comics Should Be Good.



Already? God he's fast.

[zzn]

I said complaining, offering suggestions, and volunteering. That's not "nothing."


That's what ppl are already doing.


All they have to do is check the website; that's how they got the tickets in the first place.


Well I guess you won't mind providing a link then.


It could have been, and it can be next time. Instead of pissing & bitching, why not help out?

By doing what? Organizing it myself next year?

[Jeff Brady]

Well I guess you won't mind providing a link then.

Read the rest of the thread. There's a big picture of the letter describing what to do.

By doing what? Organizing it myself next year?

Sure. Put your money where you're mouth is.

[zzn]

Read the rest of the thread. There's a big picture of the letter describing what to do.


But that letter wasn't on the comicon site was it?


Sure. Put your money where you're mouth is.

I'm not an event organizer and have no desire to be one. If volunteering as a helper is your answer to how next year's comicon can be better organized this event is in deep shit.

[Jeff Brady]

But that letter wasn't on the comicon site was it?

Nope, but there's a Contact section. I suppose no one's allowed to use it though. I also suppose that all convention goers who bought their tickets online aren't web-savvy enough to check out all the news about it.


I'm not an event organizer and have no desire to be one. If volunteering as a helper is your answer to how next year's comicon can be better organized this event is in deep shit.

Then you're just interested in complaining and not actually making things better. Thanks for trolling.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I wonder if they'll try again next year.

[Jeff Brady]

I wonder if they'll try again next year.

I sure hope so. The coordinators seem to be hopeful as well.

[Brandon Hanvey]

They already had the dates planned.

Via newsarama

And though Topalian’s main goal for Sunday is to make it through the day without a Saturday-style crisis, he already is thinking of next year, and its main difference from this year: “A lot more space.

“We cannot run this show again in this size space.”

Though, Topalian said, in order to get a larger space, the dates for the 2007 New York Comic-Con will undoubtedly be moved from the listed dates of February 23-25, 2007.

[Jeff Brady]

So they already know what needs to be changed for next year. Good for them for listening and learning.

[mgs]

sounds good there was so much interest, but until they (the organizers) learn how to clean their *&#$ up, I ain't going.

[zzn]

Nope, but there's a Contact section. I suppose no one's allowed to use it though. I also suppose that all convention goers who bought their tickets online aren't web-savvy enough to check out all the news about it.


Not everyone lives on message boards or checks out newsrama. You need a dose or reality. Comicon has a website. If they wanted to post the info they would have done it. The burden for deciminating info shouldn't be on the fans or rather victims in this case.


Then you're just interested in complaining and not actually making things better. Thanks for trolling.

And thanks for making irrational suggestions to a problem. Why don't you suggest ppl to take a job as an usher if they think the management sucks at their local theater. It'll make just as much sense. :rolleyes:

[Jeff Brady]

*snip*

And yet here you are, at a message board, getting all this information. And you've been so helpful, too. Every comment you've made, due to fluctuations in the space-time continuum, has immediately improved the convention. The space got bigger, more people were allowed in, and Neal Adams stopped charging $40 for his signature.

All because of your constructive efforts. You deserve a medal, and a key to the city.

[Tom]

Who wants a cookie?

[Brandon Hanvey]

Who wants a cookie?

I do! Can I have a chocolate chip one?

[mgs]

I do! Can I have a chocolate chip one?
only if you pay for it in advance, wait in line for an hour or more to get it, and then are not guaranteed to get a bite out of it later.




sorry, could not resist. i have no right to gripe, i didn't even go. :o

[howyadoin]

It has to be postmarked by Friday. How long does it take to copy & paste a letter, print and mail it?Maybe ten minutes. The question is, how long will the post office take to deliver it?

And why not extend the deadline by two or three weeks? The con organizers are the ones who fucked up; why should the onus be on the people who got cheated?

[Brandon Hanvey]

I found an interesting interview on one of Comic Geek Speak's podcasts. They spoke with Greg Topalian, organizer of the con, on a couple weeks ago.

One of the things I found interesting was that they only got the Jarvis Convention Center was because of a cancellation by another con.

http://comicgeekspeak.com/episodedetail.asp?episodeid=137

[Huh?]

Not you! That guy you were with. What's his name?That was Richard (rab). Although I didn't go with him. He just showed up a few minutes before the rest of you.

[Typo Lad]

Wait... Huh paid for everything?

Suits me right for going home early.

[rednecko]

I disagree with the sentiment of the attendees of Comic Book Conventions. I had a blast. THey adapted as best they could. I also attend Otakon, which is Line con city. Everywhere there is a line to get into any panel. That is Otakon.

They need to work out logistics with more space or a hard cap like Otakon does have. I am glad they aren't on Megacon's weekend. Nobody went to the Anime/Manga panels or many of the other panels. There was great programming that most people attending the show missed. I had no trouble going later on Saturday and at about 1 PM on Sunday to the Exhibitor's Hall. I have learned my lessons from Otakon and never want to be in the line to be the first into DEaler's Room. I go an hour or two after opening at Any con I go to.

They need a better Registration system on-site. I only waited a half hour to get my badge because I went online to register. People need to register online next year. I believe they will make changes and it will be a better show in 2007. There was no information on volunteering for the con, so how could someone make it better.

[Doesitmatter]

Added pics at my site. Still uploading more so check back.

www.notinmybook.com

[Doesitmatter]

pics updated

www.notinmybook.com

[Rae Rodriguez]

pics updated

www.notinmybook.com*le sigh* :(

[Lubichev]

Was that a Batman made out of Legos?

That is the coolest thing I've seen since LegoLand!

[Rae Rodriguez]

Yeah he was... at least I got to see that. I wonder if any of us got a photo...

[Brandon Hanvey]

NYCC as updated their refund policy. (http://www.nycomiccon.com/App/homepage.cfm?appname=100453&moduleID=2526&campaignid=12661&iUserCampaignID=22063526)

Seems like their are headed in the right direction in terms of makings things right with fans who didn't get in this year.

[Michael P]

Yeah he was... at least I got to see that. I wonder if any of us got a photo...
I did. They'll be on my blog... sometime.

[DrewTheXenocide]

What's to stop people who brought their tickets online/at a comic shop who actually got in, to claim a refund?

[Brandon Hanvey]

What's to stop people who brought their tickets online/at a comic shop who actually got in, to claim a refund?

I think they took their tickets at the door and got a badge.

[Doesitmatter]

Here's my final update with Spidey and Friends.

www.notinmybook.com

[Brandon Hanvey]

According to a Newsarama article (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71650), 2007's NYCC dates will be February 23-25th. Plus they have the main exhibit hall at the Jacob Center which is about double the space they had this year.

CCI's WonderCon (http://www.comic-con.org/wc/) will be held on March 2-4th which the weekend after NYCC. This will make NYCC the first big con of 2007. That is unless WWLA tries to be held even earlier.