Madeleine

It seems odd that this question was asked and has not been answered. Is someone from Showmasters going to explain how we can get a refund for talks that were significantly shorter than advertised, or that were inaudible? It ought to go without saying that a talk should be audible. It could have been made audible in many ways; the most obvious being to move all the seats nearer, and not reserve four or five rows at the front for people who weren't coming: if people can see the lips of a speaker they're far more likely to be able to hear despite lousy accoustics. I don't know what could be done about the accoustics, but I know that when I went to the talk at last year's LFCC that Karren Gillian did, I heard every word. But regardless of why we couldn't hear, lots of us couldn't hear somethign we'd paid to be able to hear. It would help if someone were to explain how a refund could be arranged.

The good: free wifi, the Iron Throne, the chap who re-arranged the time of the MTG tournament so that my little boys could take part. The bad: massive gap between guests doing talks and the front row of seating, and leaving an excessive number of rows of seats for the gold ticket-holders. So many people have said that they couldn't hear what we'd paid our £15 to hear, and it's even more frustrating when there were five rows of empty seats in front of most of us. If we'd been allowed to move forward once it was clear that the gold ticket-holders weren't going to be taking up all six rows, then a great many of us would have been able to see the lips of the guests, and so 'hear' more. Also, if you are advertising talks as 11:10-11:40, then 11:50-12:20, 12:30-1pm etc, it kind of implies that the gaps between are for emptying and refilling the hall, so that the talks really are half hour long. It seems a little bit rotten to then start the talks late AND finish them early. What with not hearing, and the 30 minute talks lasting 20 minutes, I do not feel I got an honest return on my £15. Suggeestions: At the photo-pickup tables, not all of the space was being used, so it would have made sense to spread the pictures out more, not overlap every photo. It really helps if we can see the guests, so we know if we're looking at a batch we're in or not. A lot of people seemed to be under the impression that if their face was not in any of the photos that were out, they could change that fact by standing and staring at the batch. If the stewards were to explain to them that they were achieving nothing by standing motionless in a wall in front of other people, and told them to circulate, it might help everyone. I know the shambles of the queue was a venue thing rather than a Showmasters thing, but if you're aware of it (basically, a queue was snaking along perfectly for a good few minutes before it collapsed into a free-for-all) it might be possible to get it right next time. What was happening at first was good - one or two stewards could perhaps have kept it going. The aisle where all the cosplay photos were going on, mandalorians and droids and that, needs to be at least twice as wide as any other merchandise aisle.

I had a lovely weekend, and most of the event was fine or better. What wasn't fine was the music during the talks. There were two I'd been looking forward to, and failed to hear a thing. The accoustics aren't good in that place anyway; even when there's no music there's the ambient sound of thousands of people and a number of videos. Perhaps it would be possible to have a higher stage, and give them high stools instead of little chairs? I'm not the only person who hears stuff better when I can see the speakers' faces.

She was smashing. She is prettier by far than Amy Pond, probably because Pond usually looks glum but Karen was the smiliest of people. Very friendly. And she had perfect diction. I've been to plenty of talks in that place over the years and in general I count myself lucky when I hear half of what the guest says, and luckier still if I have a good enough view to lipread. (The accoustics aren't good there.) Karen has such a lovely clear voice that I heard every word.

I think this was the best con I've been to, and I've been to lots. Thanks everyone. The commentary was brilliant. But I'm rather deaf, so I could only hear snatches of the brilliance. For myself, I'd prefer it if next time (please please have a next time!) you had the sound of the episode far quieter so that the commentators could be heard easier. Also, putting subtitles on the screen might be good so that the story can be followed while the commentators are heard.

Thanks everyone, it was a lovely weekend, really well organised. Interesting guests, nice party decorations etc and good value for money.

Yes, that is the usual timeframe. There have been events where some guests stayed a little longer, but with 9 PM at the earliest I highly doubt this will work out timewise. Reception closes around 8 PM. We've always been advising ticket holders to bring their registration letter and show it to crew, then they can still come to the party on Friday. I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work if the meet and greet should still be running. If you leave your registration letter with your wife (maybe with a short note explaining the circumstances) she should be allowed to pick up your ticket, yes. OK - so it looks as though I will miss the meet and greet oh well. Would it be possible for a friend to go to the meet and greet in my place? (she has a standard ticket)

I have some questions about the meet and greet. I won Gold ticket no.1 at Hallowhedon so I will be able to go to the meet and greet - however I am not sure what time it will be or if I can make it. Basically I am away in Iceland for the week and do not land at Heathrow until 8pm. I reckon the earliest I will get to the meet and greet will be 9pm. Will I still be able to register at this time? If I cannot register will I still be allowed into the meet and greet? - Is it ok to arrive half way through? (my wife will be there so she can register me earlier if that is better?) Any advice greatfully received :) (Whoops! Accidentally posted on my wife's account )

I love how she was outraged when she said that... but MORE outraged when she said "twice!" The best line from any show is surely "If wishes were horses we'd all eat steak" - but most of Jayne's lines are fab.

No mice. One cockroach.

That would be the BEST GUEST EVER.

The name of the story is "The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith" It was a fun couple of episodes.

I know it's a matter of taste, but I prefer that they don't open it up to the floor. I've been to too many cons where people ask totally inappropriate questions - about underwear, for example; or 'questions' that are barely-disguised monologues about the fan him/herself; or questions that make no sense. Plus, when fans are asking the questions you inevitably get to learn all of their names and where they're from, and with only 45 minutes to listen to the guest I'm happier at events where that particular way of using up time doesn't happen. Also, it doesn't bother me if one guest is asked the same questions as another. They give different enough answers :) I think 'who the hell writes this --' was banter rather than criticism, and the fact that virtualy every question over the weekend led to an interesting answer of some sort seems to me to say that they were okay sorts of questions.

So I'm sure it'll be a fun weekend whoever is there, but if a genie were to grant me my wishes here's who I'd like to see... From Buffy: Amber Benson. She's done a lot besides act, I bet she'd be interesting. And Tara was just the nicest character ever. From Angel: Amy Acker. Illyria wowed me and Dr Saunders in Dollhouse is so very different from either her or Fred. Amy is such a good actress. I'd cope fine if a certain Mr Lutz were to return though. From Firefly: Adam Baldwin. Cos he's just fabulous in whatever part he plays. From Serenity: Cheweitel Ejefor (sp) or the chap who played Mr Universe. Just cos I've never seen either at a con. From Dollhouse: The woman who plays De Witt. Now there's a character with hidden depths. Or Alan Tudyk. He's a nice chap and very funny. Also, Neil Patrick Harris. I know Dr Horrible is a bit 'niche' but he'd be great to have at the con.

Anthony Head is one of the nicest actors around. And he's been in a fair few shows besides Buffy, so I bet he'll have a lot of interesting things to say. As for it being in the Thistle, you don't have to stay in the same hotel. I find that the Sheraton accross the road is a nice place to stay - cheapish, with clean comfy rooms, and thick curtains to keep the light out if you want to lie-in long after sun-up Hallowhedon was such fun, it'd be a shame if anyone was put off Hallowhedon II because of the venue.