Yojimbo (All Purpose) 2010 Sign-Up

[kylite]

Welcome to year 2010. This last year, we had 56 Yojimbo on staff.  We need atleast this many if not more this coming year.  I wont sugar coat the job. You will be up early and to bed late, sometimes you may not sleep or eat for long periods of time. But the rewards of seeing all those con goers having a great time is what we are all about. so please PM me the following information and I will add your information to the roster. Questions Welcome.

Duties include:

Morning Shifts: Registration lines, crowd control, peace bonding station, general assistance
Day shifts:  Registration lines, Event Lines, crowd control, peace bonding station, general assistance
Graveyard Shifts: Guarding dealer hall, Guarding Viewing rooms, general patrol

Required Info:
Email Address
Forum Handle
Age (at time of con) (16+ is current allowed)
First and Last Name
Phone Number
City
State
best chat handle to get ahold of you online
(Please indicate which network) (AIM, YIM, ICQ, MSN)

Thanks one and all. Your help in this is much appreciated.

PS: we ALWAYS need more help so don't be shy. Any questions.. post below.

[pepito]

Done!

[LexManos]

Psh, you have all my info! Only thing that should change is my age from 19 to 20.
Barring unexpected events i'll be there.

[Namazzi]

I'm seriously contemplating signing up this year for the first time. But I do have a question. I'll send a PM with the info and question.  

[Himura Kenshin]

Do Yojimbo have to wear special uniforms, or do they get to wear costumes like everyone else? If so how do you tell them apart from everyone else?
*Is contemplating signing up*

[kylite]

the last few years we have worn either a red haiori or a red sash tho this year we definitely did not have enough. not sure about next year as of yet but while on duty we do often wear something that can be easily recognized in a crowd.

[Himura Kenshin]

Hmm okay.
One more question...
What exactly does a Yojimbo do, and what are the benefits of becoming one?

(yeah I sound like a newbie I know)

[kylite]

added my response to the original post

[Himura Kenshin]

Sent my info to you.
Though there is a small chance something could pop up in the future and I would have to back out, but unless that happens (I would let someone know) consider me available to help out.

[AllyKat]

Sending my info now! Though I want to let you know that I want to also help the
maid squad (I'd prefer to wear a maid costume and fight Convention-Crime!)

Really, I just want to do as much as absoultely possible... I really wanna be supre
involved cause that just makes me excited even more for the con!

YAY!

~Allykat

[camname21]

I'm up for another year, you should have my info already.

When do we usually do this klite event me hears about?

[pigtailninja]

kylite - we should all talk at one of the upcoming meetings about your shortage of yoji uniforms.  I had no idea we didn't have enough, and I think it'd be fun to get a group together to have a little sewing party and make some more.  I think the red haori is important, since it's become somewhat iconic at k-con.  Most returning people know that when they need security, they should look for the red jacket!  

We can also attempt to collect red fabric donations at upcoming meetings, too.  I'm sure plenty of cosplayers have leftovers that they'd be willing to share.  

I'll look for you at the first or second meeting and we can talk about this.  

[Hawkeye]

Do I really need to give you my info again?

[camname21]

I don't remember any tags, but were the haories linen per chance?  That's what some of them felt like to me.

[kylite]

some were made of different material, not honestly sure what. or even how their made but we need more but well... the budget isn't exactly an easy thing to get into...

[AllyKat]

While the red haori's are cool, perhaps they may be... fiscally ineffective for ALL the yojimbo?

Perhaps they should be worn by Yojimbo-Team/Platoon Leaders? Then there underlings can wear
a red headband/Arm Band with a specific symbol/character/number on it designating them to that
Yojimbo leader. That was the red Band and Haori are universal, and the leaders of the Yojimbo are
distinct from the grunts/teams. Making Red Bands seems alot easier/cheaper then a bunch of Haori's.

But thats my 2 cents.

~Allykat

[Himura Kenshin]

While the red haori's are cool, perhaps they may be... fiscally ineffective for ALL the yojimbo?

Perhaps they should be worn by Yojimbo-Team/Platoon Leaders? Then there underlings can wear
a red headband/Arm Band with a specific symbol/character/number on it designating them to that
Yojimbo leader. That was the red Band and Haori are universal, and the leaders of the Yojimbo are
distinct from the grunts/teams. Making Red Bands seems alot easier/cheaper then a bunch of Haori's.

But thats my 2 cents.

~Allykat

I agree.

[kylite]

*nods* it comes down to cost of materials, person to make said materials into the proper things, AND making sure what we wear is identifiable throughout the crowd without having to look too hard.

the red bands while nice are hard to spot and everyone wore them differently

the jackets are large and red and stand out, the only people we look like in the land of cosplay is inuyasha lol

still I am up for suggestions, donations, whatever works LOL

[camname21]

I've got a cosplay outfit I'm trying to finish, sad i couldn't get it done for this con, and after that I could see about making a single haori and multiply the materials/cost to make the amount needed for everyone working at one time to wear.  The haori itself takes VARY LITTLE skill in sewing to make (single stitch ftw), and we could have a little get together to make them, but its not necessary.  The cost for the fabric is probably somewhere around 7.50$ a yard.  Each yard is about 54" x 36".  I don't know exactly how much fabric they take, but I'm sure you can make 1 per yard if not 3 per 2 yards.  Donations and cheaper/deals on fabric are all possibilities.  Anyhow I still have to finish my cosplay and I'm not in a super hurry so not sure when I'll be looking into the haori.

[Himura Kenshin]

well I cosplay as Kenshin, he also wears red (though a darker red than the Haori) but still.

EDIT: Can yojimbo wear the Haori over a cosplay? or do they need to wear normal clothes under it?

[camname21]

Mmm.. I was told we could cosplay, and we had others cosplaying there (not sure if they were all yoji or just other staff)  but I don't believe you need to wear anything over your outfit.  That would, after all, ruin the whole point of cosplaying
But no props are allowed on duty.

[Himura Kenshin]

In that case, is there a safe place that yoji can leave their cosplay props/personal belongings while on duty? (say if they can't afford a hotel room) Cause I for one have a sword with my cosplay... and if it were to be stolen I would be royally pissed.

Also I want to clear up a rumor I heard. Yoji, as staff members, get into kumoricon for $10. is this true?

[Rathany]

In that case, is there a safe place that yoji can leave their cosplay props/personal belongings while on duty? (say if they can't afford a hotel room)

Also I want to clear up a rumor I heard. Yoji, as staff members, get into kumoricon for $10. is this true?

All staff pay $10.

[Himura Kenshin]

In that case, is there a safe place that yoji can leave their cosplay props/personal belongings while on duty? (say if they can't afford a hotel room)

Also I want to clear up a rumor I heard. Yoji, as staff members, get into kumoricon for $10. is this true?

All staff pay $10.

Sweet!

[Rathany]

In that case, is there a safe place that yoji can leave their cosplay props/personal belongings while on duty? (say if they can't afford a hotel room)

Also I want to clear up a rumor I heard. Yoji, as staff members, get into kumoricon for $10. is this true?

All staff pay $10.

Sweet!

Staff pay $10, get reduced hotel rate, free T-shirt and Con Suite access.

[Himura Kenshin]

Con suite??
*confused on what that is*

[Rathany]

Con suite??
*confused on what that is*

It has food and chill-out space.  The runners who bring food to staff and volunteers bring it from con suite.

[Himura Kenshin]

Well then sign me up!
Nvm, I already did sign up, lol.

One more question,
what do I do after signing up? Wait to be contacted?

[AllyKat]

Well, first there is a background check... and the current Yojimbo have to follow
you around for a month to decide if your heart is pure and your mind is free and
clear of all fear.

You will then be kidnapped at a random hour of the night and whisked away to
the "trials" where you will be grilled on your anime knowledge, your skills in the
martial arts and your ability to solve puzzles and riddles in a quick manner.

If you pass this test you will go before the great Yojimbo 1 and lay your life and
bokken at his feet. If you please him you are granted the title of Yojimbo...
if not...

Well, lets just hope you are!

(All joking of course, I think we just have to go to the meeting once they approve us
and start learning how to do what yojimbo do!)

~Allykat

[Himura Kenshin]

Well, first there is a background check... and the current Yojimbo have to follow
you around for a month to decide if your heart is pure and your mind is free and
clear of all fear.

You will then be kidnapped at a random hour of the night and whisked away to
the "trials" where you will be grilled on your anime knowledge, your skills in the
martial arts and your ability to solve puzzles and riddles in a quick manner.

If you pass this test you will go before the great Yojimbo 1 and lay your life and
bokken at his feet. If you please him you are granted the title of Yojimbo...
if not...

Well, lets just hope you are!

(All joking of course, I think we just have to go to the meeting once they approve us
and start learning how to do what yojimbo do!)

~Allykat

I take Kendo.... does that count?
I certainly hope you're joking, lol. Good one, though.  But I was wondering how long it would take to find out if I was approved, and when the meetings are.

[Rathany]

Well, first there is a background check... and the current Yojimbo have to follow
you around for a month to decide if your heart is pure and your mind is free and
clear of all fear.

You will then be kidnapped at a random hour of the night and whisked away to
the "trials" where you will be grilled on your anime knowledge, your skills in the
martial arts and your ability to solve puzzles and riddles in a quick manner.

If you pass this test you will go before the great Yojimbo 1 and lay your life and
bokken at his feet. If you please him you are granted the title of Yojimbo...
if not...

Well, lets just hope you are!

(All joking of course, I think we just have to go to the meeting once they approve us
and start learning how to do what yojimbo do!)

~Allykat

I take Kendo.... does that count?
I certainly hope you're joking, lol. Good one, though.  But I was wondering how long it would take to find out if I was approved, and when the meetings are.

We are now kind of a lame duck board.  We can't sign people up for next year.  We need to wait until after elections so we know who will be running Ops.  Elections will be mid-October.

Right now lots of people are enthusiastic, but we can't do much until elections.  Gomen.  Whoever is appointed as Yoji 1 should be contacting people as soon as he is in place.

[Himura Kenshin]

Alright!

[kylite]

Just attend a general meeting, meet up with the director of operations and one of the Yojimbo leaders.

I myself have been requested to sign up as Yojimbo 1 by many people so I will try for it. Wether I get that position or not is up to the new operations director

Regardless I am working on the new roster for 2010 if I can stop flaling asleep after work. (convention  jet lag) LOL

[Himura Kenshin]

Ah okay. Well just let me know when the meeting is.. and if I was accepted or whatnot... that would be good. I don't want to waste a trip if I am not approved as a yoji member.

[pyronine]

Augh that was a huge msg to Yoji 2 soon and hopefully to be Yoji 1. Well sent my info in. I think i may be over qualified. lol

[kylite]

I will tell ya now, we rarely EVER turn anyone away from being yoji unless you were in years past and simply didnt perform ur duties and such.

Just show up at a general meeting, I will be at every one of them if I can, and we will get u set up and trained.

[Rathany]

Ah okay. Well just let me know when the meeting is.. and if I was accepted or whatnot... that would be good. I don't want to waste a trip if I am not approved as a yoji member.

We do really appriciate people attending the earlier meetings and, if possible, more than one.  The more Yoji we have who are more well trained, the better off the whole con is. 

[Himura Kenshin]

Okay. So how do I know when and where the meetings are at? *hopefully they are on fridays.... cause that makes transport easier*

[Rathany]

Okay. So how do I know when and where the meetings are at? *hopefully they are on fridays.... cause that makes transport easier*

One of the first tasks of the new Board will be to set all the meeting times.  Once they are set, they will be put into the calender on the front page of the website.

[Himura Kenshin]

Kay.

[Trumby]

The meetings are always on Saturday or Sunday (at least from the past four years I have been staffing) and you'll know by watching the website for the announcement about them. Hopefully we'll have it a lot like we did last year so the dates are set in advance so it is easier for people to get time off.

Also to answer a previous question: yes yoji can leave stuff in the yoji office (I do all the time) while they are on duty.

And to reanswer another question: yoji do have to wear either the sash or haori while on duty as well, whether cosplaying or not.

[Himura Kenshin]

oooh... saturday might not be good for me, but I can try for sunday meetings.

@ the leaving stuff in yoji office/haori statement - Thank you for clearing that up. ^^

[pyronine]

Just out of curiosity, where do you hold the meetings? what town?

[LexManos]

Thats part of the things to be decided when they set the meetings but I would assume it would be the same as last year, in the hotel itself.

[Himura Kenshin]

Thats part of the things to be decided when they set the meetings but I would assume it would be the same as last year, in the hotel itself.

That would be convenient... as I already know how to get there.

[JeffT]

Not all meetings are in the hotel due to the higher cost of using that space. Most meetings are somewhere in Portland. We also try to have one in Eugene, a couple in Salem, and maybe some in Vancouver, WA.

[Namazzi]

Not all meetings are in the hotel due to the higher cost of using that space. Most meetings are somewhere in Portland. We also try to have one in Eugene, a couple in Salem, and maybe some in Vancouver, WA.

That would be of soooo much use if there was one in Eugene. <3 At least for me. haha.
But really, I can make it to anywhere if I need to.

[Hawkeye]

The haoris are all cotton, but some of them are better quality cotton than others.  I say hold off on any of this until the new Operations Director takes office, then we can request a budget for materials to make more.  We do indeed need more though.

[camname21]

Well, first there is a background check... and the current Yojimbo have to follow
you around for a month to decide if your heart is pure and your mind is free and
clear of all fear.

You will then be kidnapped at a random hour of the night and whisked away to
the "trials" where you will be grilled on your anime knowledge, your skills in the
martial arts and your ability to solve puzzles and riddles in a quick manner.

If you pass this test you will go before the great Yojimbo 1 and lay your life and
bokken at his feet. If you please him you are granted the title of Yojimbo...
if not...

Well, lets just hope you are!

~Allykat

That actually sounds like a fun way to meet the new yoji's, maybe we should do something.......

And to reanswer another question: yoji do have to wear either the sash or haori while on duty as well, whether cosplaying or not.

Well at least a sash is easily incorporated into most costumes, not totally ruining it.  Though in cosplay I doubt anyone would realize you are staff at first.

[AllyKat]

Thats why the Red Band would need to have some kind of symbol/word/number on it

To discern it from regular ones or generic samurai ones....

~Allykat

Not to mention most of the Yojimbo were carrying flashlights and tools or clipboards
along with their haori/sash