These are what problems I feel were the biggest issue over all:
1.) BIG Lack of communication. That is the MAJOR problem.
2.) No confirmation for those who had paid, whether from recent, to last year.
3.) Inability to contact persons in charge, to GAIN information.
4.) When contacted, it was on an unreliable source. (Deviantart)
5.) When information was given, it was vague and unclear, or incorrect, or unprofessional.
6.) contradiction's when contact is made. Told one thing, then turned around and was told something else. LACK OF CONSISTENCY.
7.) NONE of this information was reflected on the official website. This alone could have helped avoid a LOT of problems.
8.) Instead of "We're working to fix this" it was "It's not my fault! Blame _____" No. Placing blame on the "System", on a "Person", on "Email" or something else does NOT help the situation. This was done constantly by the AA/EX coordinator, and now by Relations.
9.) Coordinator was absent? Not doing what she was meant to be doing? NONE of this would have happened if you had a professional, knowledgeable, competent, experienced and readily available coordinator for Artist Alley ALONE. Hearing that she was taking on AA and EX felt wrong, it was too big for any one person to handle.
10.) Obviously things were not clearly defined to staff (Coordinator, Relations, ect) until it was TOO close to the convention! Again, left hand doesn't know what right hand is doing. Isn't this a team effort here? Department or not, you gotta have contact WITHIN the ranks.
I could, sadly, go on for a long long time. And I'm sorry if it comes off as ranting, but really these were some serious issues that were brought up to a lot of higher end staff MULTIPLE TIMES and brought to attention REPEATEDLY and were not addressed early on. Maybe they weren't taken seriously, but if those involved would have jumped on it way back in January, February, March...things could have been avoided. I am sad that only NOW it seems efforts are being made to fix things when they were well aware of issues ages ago. We have six weeks left before the convention itself, these issues to be fixed BEFORE then? I echo Tom here. RIIIGHHHHHTTT. Should I be pointing out planning, prep time, finances, travel and logistics come in to play NOT only for the con, but for those attending it. Shoving things to the last minute will only make people bitter and angry, and not want to return.
I will say again, as I've told people many times, I love this convention. I've loved since I first started coming, and the reason why I complain as I do, is BECAUSE I care. Just because I was confirmed for a table, I refused to just let it slide. There are so many great people that want to simply BE there, it's a huge compliment to the convention. I think I feel brushed off as an artist and as an attendee because of this situation. I am of course going to attend, but now with a bitter taste in my mouth because of this.
I'm pissed, other artists are pissed. And we have a valid reason to be.
