Mewcon - new Year eve convention

[Washougal_Otaku]

-clings to Mewcon- Don't jinx it! There will be another Mewcon! I demand it in the name of Inu! I will die without my awesome Chillcon! It must live on and make awesomeness more awesome!

Anyways, as you can see above, I love Mewcon! I have worked security for all three years and I have enjoyed it every year. I have my fingers crossed for next year! -crosses fingers- I must have my Mew fix or die!

Aww... that's cute!  You think I believe in jinxes!

Make your voices heard, oh fans of the MEW, to your leaders, so that they know your support in them is strong!!!

[@random]

Support and encouragement are always good, but I don't think it's their voices that the MEWsters are worried about. What will probably make the difference is whether people bought enough tickets. Hotels charge a lot of money for meeting space, and happy voices don't pay the bills.

_{(From all the good things I heard about MEW during Kumori and on the forums, and from the way the hotel was filling up, I would have thought they were going to be jam-packed. I'm surprised they weren't, considering how fun and relaxed it is. But even so, I think/hope there were probably enough people there to cover the bills... assuming that most of the people there actually bought tickets, that is. =/)}

[RemSaverem]

^ This.
<3 you, MEW! Seriously.

[Washougal_Otaku]

The thing though is that I've heard some of the board members are thinking about calling it quits regardless of the financial situation because some people were supposedly displeased with the con.

It might change this upcoming year, too, since the economy is supposed to be starting to make a turn for the better (CNN, FOX, and NBC specialists all seem to agree with this from what I've heard this past week).  Maybe MEWcon could have a bright future after all...

[Prinz Eugen]

What will probably make the difference is whether people bought enough tickets. Hotels charge a lot of money for meeting space, and happy voices don't pay the bills.
...But even so, I think/hope there were probably enough people there to cover the bills... assuming that most of the people there actually bought tickets, that is. =/)

The unofficial rumor that went around staff late Sunday night was that required break-even was 400 tickets, but only about 300 of the people who showed up actually paid anything. The con hotel and the neighboring hotels reported that around 600 people rented rooms for the con. So we are talking a 50% 'ghost' rate, which frankly SUCKS for the possibility that there will be a 2011/2012 Mewcon; also heard was that the organizer is already over $10K in the hole - as in PERSONAL MONEY gone...

[LexManos]

(From all the good things I heard about MEW during Kumori and on the forums, and from the way the hotel was filling up, I would have thought they were going to be jam-packed. I'm surprised they weren't, considering how fun and relaxed it is. But even so, I think/hope there were probably enough people there to cover the bills... assuming that most of the people there actually bought tickets, that is. =/)

Still waiting on final totals, but that is what hit the hardest this year. People were making it a game to sneak into panels/etc.. while our backs were turned.
We didn't have enough staff to police everything all the time and we shouldn't have to. Combined with the where our jurisdiction starts/stops gives us vary little power.
People just need to realize that badge fees are what makes the con run! The money that is lost if to few people buy badges, comes right out of the specific people's pockets.

[RemSaverem]

I appreciate all the supportive sentiment towards the inner MEW circle and all the lamenting of what shouldn't have happened, and echo it. However, I am actually uncomfortable with details that probably would have been intended by an individual to remain private (with regard to personal finances as opposed to convention finances) being in a public part of another convention's forum. Just a thought that we should respect how someone might be feeling emotionally about such a situation.

In fact if this conversation were about KC finances & KC directors, mods would probably have edited it by now.....

I don't know if people are aware that MEW is a project of the non-profit, Morak Events. Donations to Morak Events are 501(c)3 tax deductible. Perhaps some of those who snuck in could make amends by making donations. That would repair some of that bad karma.

[Prinz Eugen]

I am actually uncomfortable with details that probably would have been intended by an individual to remain private ...

Thats why what I mentioned was (a) delicately passed along clearly marked as hear-say only, (as in "FWIW,") and (b) names no names or private details included...

[RemSaverem]

I am actually uncomfortable with details that probably would have been intended by an individual to remain private ...

Thats why what I mentioned was (a) delicately passed along clearly marked as hear-say only, (as in "FWIW,") and (b) names no names or private details included...

* nod* and Thanks

[@random]

I appreciate all the supportive sentiment towards the inner MEW circle and all the lamenting of what shouldn't have happened, and echo it. However, I am actually uncomfortable with details that probably would have been intended by an individual to remain private (with regard to personal finances as opposed to convention finances) being in a public part of another convention's forum. Just a thought that we should respect how someone might be feeling emotionally about such a situation.

In fact if this conversation were about KC finances & KC directors, mods would probably have edited it by now.....

Not necessarily. I can't speak for the other mods, but the only way I'd yoink info would be if it fell into the category of "personal dispute", got within a mile of cyberstalking, or had legal ramifications. I try to hew pretty close to the spirit of the code of conduct since doing otherwise gets into dangerous territory, ethically speaking.

Mind you, I'm not sure that this much should be aired in public... people should probably look at their posts and make sure they'd be comfortable with the injured parties in question reading them. But it's up to them to know that, not me. 

I don't know if people are aware that MEW is a project of the non-profit, Morak Events. Donations to Morak Events are 501(c)3 tax deductible. Perhaps some of those who snuck in could make amends by making donations. That would repair some of that bad karma. (extra emphasis added)

It would be incredibly nifty if that happened; by any chance do you know their PayPal details and/or snailmail address?


_{(But sadly, I would imagine that if someone came up with excuses for why they shouldn't have to pay, they'll continue to come up with excuses for it.)}

[Lynx]

I must say that I greatly enjoyed Mewcon and it's microsized population. Though small the crowd was, it was tight knit and everyone got real friendly with one another. I sadly did not get to hang out with the previous years Chillaxacon people. But I did get to meet at least 7 new people and befriended them. God help me if they catch me here on these forums >_>;

[Washougal_Otaku]

What will probably make the difference is whether people bought enough tickets. Hotels charge a lot of money for meeting space, and happy voices don't pay the bills.
...But even so, I think/hope there were probably enough people there to cover the bills... assuming that most of the people there actually bought tickets, that is. =/)

The unofficial rumor that went around staff late Sunday night was that required break-even was 400 tickets, but only about 300 of the people who showed up actually paid anything. The con hotel and the neighboring hotels reported that around 600 people rented rooms for the con. So we are talking a 50% 'ghost' rate, which frankly SUCKS for the possibility that there will be a 2011/2012 Mewcon; also heard was that the organizer is already over $10K in the hole - as in PERSONAL MONEY gone...

Well, I can definitely say that I was one of those ghosts, as was Chauna.  However, we were working a table, not con attendees.  If there is a MEWcon, I know that I would love to come back, as an attendee.  Also, Clark's anime club was talking earlier in the school year about using MEWcon as a possible recruitment tool for us, but various issues with the school made that plan impossible.

[RemSaverem]

@ Aaron vs. Those Sneaking In: KC was officially allowed by MEW to be there having a table, & you were there working, so that's not being a ghost.

I also was there not having paid (because I was providing a greater number of hours of panels than the number required for a free day pass, and had gone through the proper channels to get the free day pass); but  I made a point to go to the reg table anyway and buy the cute colorful MEW dog tags as a sign of support and a donation.

Officially being part of a con, in such a way that the con allows you to not be charged money for your participation, is very different than unilaterally, arrogantly presuming the right to enjoy the fruits of dozens of others' labor without contributing either effort or money. The first is productive and community-minded; the second, detrimental and selfish.

Having been low-income for years, and even houseless at times, I empathize with folks who want to be part of community but don't have money. Those folks could have joined staff, been panelists, at least come up with the $5 for an evening dance. I have no empathy for folks who apparently can afford to spend elaborate amounts on their own cosplay, but then sneak into, rather than pay to attend, the con for which they made or bought the cosplay.

And honestly, I feel really differently about people sneaking into MEW -- a relatively tiny con, with a family feel, that really is a non-profit -- than I would if they snuck into something that obviously was huge and making an enormous profit (Sak, AX, etc.). With something huge and rich, it would likely have no impact. But there is no way anyone could truly have been ignorant they were being parasitic off something too small to be able to afford their behavior, with MEW.

@ random: http://sites.google.com/site/morakevents/Home/Volunteering is sort of a sign-up page for those who want to help, but I don't see any link for how to donate. I really should suggest they fix that, pronto!

[luvan1me]

@lynx: i caught u

[fleur_fraise]

I had a good time at the con, and thank you so much to the people who helped me figure out what to bring for registration, I got my badge without any problems.

Also, randompvg, I realized later that I didn't introduce myself but I'm the girl who gave you a brofist on the last day hahaha.

[@random]

^ I kinda guessed, actually, and I was glad you stopped by! It was bro-tastic. (^_^)

[Shadow]

MEW was pretty brotastic. I had a lot of fun, and observing all the drunk people on New Years was highly amusing. :B

And my Lovett and I are totally stoked that we get free passes for next year! THANK YOU COSPLAY CONTEST COORDINATORS, WE <3 YOU.

[Mr Silmero]

a day or so late but here you go everyone


http://www.flickr.com/photos/25233340@N04/sets/72157625760429106/


photos from the event! knock yourselves out.

[Washougal_Otaku]

MEW was pretty brotastic. I had a lot of fun, and observing all the drunk people on New Years was highly amusing. :B

And my Lovett and I are totally stoked that we get free passes for next year! THANK YOU COSPLAY CONTEST COORDINATORS, WE <3 YOU.

Your involvement in the anime dating game was great!

[kylite]

I would love to find a way to start a get mewcon out of the hole fund to help out admin so she can keep this rockin con going.

I know Kcon had to get some backing from Sakuracon during its early years. Perhaps they or other cons might help mewcon *hint hint to the powers that be*

[Shadow]

MEW was pretty brotastic. I had a lot of fun, and observing all the drunk people on New Years was highly amusing. :B

And my Lovett and I are totally stoked that we get free passes for next year! THANK YOU COSPLAY CONTEST COORDINATORS, WE <3 YOU.

Your involvement in the anime dating game was great!

Oh hey thanks!!! It was a ton of fun, and I love doing it. And making faces with that make-up is just way too fun.

[RemSaverem]

@ Kylite, I totally agree. *cough Sponsorship offer cough* . Personally I offered to donate specific goods and services as Creation Station.

[Washougal_Otaku]

MEW was pretty brotastic. I had a lot of fun, and observing all the drunk people on New Years was highly amusing. :B

And my Lovett and I are totally stoked that we get free passes for next year! THANK YOU COSPLAY CONTEST COORDINATORS, WE <3 YOU.

Your involvement in the anime dating game was great!

Oh hey thanks!!! It was a ton of fun, and I love doing it. And making faces with that make-up is just way too fun.

If I'd thought to bring a camera, I totally would've gotten some pics of you.

[nekovamp13]

For my first mewcon, I had fun! Though me as my cheetah girl really made me rethink my Ivy cosplay idea. I sadly think I creeped out more people than made friends, but I had fun still.

Though who ever gave me their hangover Saturday morning was evil. XD

Hello my date
I was the Envy that won you XD
I still have that leaf!
You were awesome.

Everyone was!!!!

Had sooooo much fun.

Even won my very first contest for a cosplay >w<
I was the Cheshire Cat creeping around, losing my voice...

MEW got me sick......XP Ever since I started to lose my voice the second day, I've been getting worse...Was out almost all this week...But MEW was sooooooo worth everything!!!

[JeffT]

I know Kcon had to get some backing from Sakuracon during its early years.

There were some equipment trades under generous terms, but to my knowledge, no direct financial support from Sakura-Con to Kumoricon.

[shipop]

Hey, all! I have some photos, and though it's mostly just me and MAH BROS, you are welcome to take a look and see what you can find. c:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/sierra-jole/grr-tagged/190927550922609?ref=notif&notif_t=note_comment#!/album.php?aid=33542&id=100001196835348

[luvan1me]

shipop we can't see it cuz we aren't your friends on fb

[Chan_Highwind]

For my first mewcon, I had fun! Though me as my cheetah girl really made me rethink my Ivy cosplay idea. I sadly think I creeped out more people than made friends, but I had fun still.

Though who ever gave me their hangover Saturday morning was evil. XD

Hello my date
I was the Envy that won you XD
I still have that leaf!
You were awesome.

Everyone was!!!!

Had sooooo much fun.

Even won my very first contest for a cosplay >w<
I was the Cheshire Cat creeping around, losing my voice...

MEW got me sick......XP Ever since I started to lose my voice the second day, I've been getting worse...Was out almost all this week...But MEW was sooooooo worth everything!!!

Envy, you are awesome. I thought that I'd lost that round too!! You can live in my closet, or should I live in your closet? Lol! Naw, sorry my heart belongs to washougal.

I'm still getting my voice back from mew my self.

[nekovamp13]

XD
My closet's pretty big...
lol
You were awesome though!
You were the only contestant that I didn't figure out who they were.

I truly hope that Mew continues!!!

I'm sure a bunch of us would even staff as hall patrol to keep this going!!!!!!! I know I would.

[AllyKat]

I know Kcon had to get some backing from Sakuracon during its early years.

There were some equipment trades under generous terms, but to my knowledge, no direct financial support from Sakura-Con to Kumoricon.

Yes, as far as I can see from any historical documents no cash/monetary assistance has been given by Sakura-Con to Kumoricon as far as I can tell. I maybe be wrong, but at the very least it was never documented.

We encourage our staffers to assist and get experience at other conventions throughout the year and help out in the community any way we can. Because trust me, working at cons doesn't just have to be a once a year gig! In the community I meet people all the time who work for upwards of 7 cons a year! And they love it!

MEW is still growing, and they need all sorts of support, like staffers who can keep watch on rooms and make sure people have badges, so people don't ghost. They need people interested in publicizing the event and the opportunity to donate to help keep them going. They need dedicated individuals who want to learn more about convention structure and who want to be taught how to run a grassroots full fandom convention for adults.

Trust me when I say I had an incredible amount of fun at MEW Con, as a fellow Convention Runner I feel the pain of almost helplessness that because of poor sports who wouldn't pay for the fun they had, the convention is in dire straights.

If they do come up with a way to donate to the cause, I know I'll be among those donate, and I encourage anyone who loved the convention or wants to experience it next year -as a convention lover, not as the director of publicity for Kumoricon mind you- to donate as well.

Either time, money, or resources... I guarantee you they can use any and all of them! Every convention can!

[luvan1me]

i'm trying to staff for sakuracon this year but they aren't responding -.- sigh... and i love reg staffing too

[Washougal_Otaku]

XD
My closet's pretty big...
lol

Both of mine are, too; mwahahaha. HAHAH!

[RemSaverem]

I know Kcon had to get some backing from Sakuracon during its early years.

There were some equipment trades under generous terms, but to my knowledge, no direct financial support from Sakura-Con to Kumoricon.

Yes, as far as I can see from any historical documents no cash/monetary assistance has been given by Sakura-Con to Kumoricon as far as I can tell. I maybe be wrong, but at the very least it was never documented.

We encourage our staffers to assist and get experience at other conventions throughout the year and help out in the community any way we can. Because trust me, working at cons doesn't just have to be a once a year gig! In the community I meet people all the time who work for upwards of 7 cons a year! And they love it!

MEW is still growing, and they need all sorts of support, like staffers who can keep watch on rooms and make sure people have badges, so people don't ghost. They need people interested in publicizing the event and the opportunity to donate to help keep them going. They need dedicated individuals who want to learn more about convention structure and who want to be taught how to run a grassroots full fandom convention for adults.

Trust me when I say I had an incredible amount of fun at MEW Con, as a fellow Convention Runner I feel the pain of almost helplessness that because of poor sports who wouldn't pay for the fun they had, the convention is in dire straights.

If they do come up with a way to donate to the cause, I know I'll be among those donate, and I encourage anyone who loved the convention or wants to experience it next year -as a convention lover, not as the director of publicity for Kumoricon mind you- to donate as well.

Either time, money, or resources... I guarantee you they can use any and all of them! Every convention can!

True, true! Excellent post, thank you! Have you thought of also posting on the MEW forums?