60 replies to this topic

[Rockstar6662]

Thanks for your responses. I can see it from all sides and realise that sometimes things have to change on the spot but I'd still imagine it would sometimes be in the contract if it was a definite 'no' and some indication could be given on the website in advance if it was known there would be no chance.

I've been to other events with queues just as busy as any queue at Cx where they've still let you take a quick shot while the guest is signing or you stand to one side, out of the way as you leave and take a quick one and it didn't seem to hold things up particularly.

Obviously if the guest really doesn't want any photos, that's different but I would suggest some thought be put into seeing if there's some way to make it possible. As DavidB says above there's not necessarily reason to stop it just because of timing - it can be done without being disruptive and grabbing a shot from the queue while you're already waiting takes nothing away from anyone.

Anyway, don't want to get bogged down on this one subject. It's not all I go for but is a nice extra to put with the autograph and just wanted to make the suggestion and hope it gets given some thought.

One thing I did like very much about C8 (not sure if this was done at C7) was the virtual queue tickets had the guests name on and the day they were valid for. Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere and that was a big help. Also noticed a few more radio headsets being used but there still seemed to be some poor coordination keeping the various signs about tickets numbers up to date and consistent which could be tightened up a bit but it wasn't bad by any means. Maybe just a few more radios would help - still saw quite a few people running around passing messages.

[abstractharmony]

I'll just drop in here to give props (and thanks) to the young girl who was crewing Adam West at about 12.00 on the Saturday.

Even though there was no posed photos allowed she took my camera and pulled off a couple of shots of me with Adam.

They've been developed and are ace. This did not intrude on Mr. West's time or the signing and despite that fact that I look immensly fat in the photos (not the fault of the crew member - blame Greggs' Chocolate Donuts) this meeting and the photos actually made my weekend.

So - it can be done with a busy guest as long as the crew are helpful.

Well done.

[KITT]

Start treating the people who attend the event with the proper amount of respect and dignity.

Until Showmasters start doing that, all the other issues pale in to insignificance.

I don't think they realise the effect which the cattle market and rude/thuggish crew are having on people. To have a guest like Shatner, trumpet it from the rooftops that you've got him, and then treat many of the people who came to see him to physical threats and verbal abuse beggars belief.

[DavidB]

KITT, on Oct 6 2005, 07:08 PM, said:

Start treating the people who attend the event with the proper amount of respect and dignity.

Until Showmasters start doing that, all the other issues pale in to insignificance.

I don't think they realise the effect which the cattle market and rude/thuggish crew are having on people. To have a guest like Shatner, trumpet it from the rooftops that you've got him, and then treat many of the people who came to see him to physical threats and verbal abuse beggars belief.

That's not being helpful though.

I'm sure you have your own proper ideas on how to improve the event, so why not actually give them rather than just slagging off the organisers?

I know it's easy to moan, but unless you want to offer your own REAL ideas and suggestions for improvements then no one will take you seriously.

So go ahead . . .

[jennylouise]

sugar_mouse, on Oct 6 2005, 06:55 PM, said:

I've been to other events with queues just as busy as any queue at Cx where they've still let you take a quick shot while the guest is signing or you stand to one side, out of the way as you leave and take a quick one and it didn't seem to hold things up particularly.

Sorry thought we were talking about posed photos   . No taking a few shots whilst in the queue or getting the crew member to do it whilst the guests is signing your photo doesn't add extra time on. I think Showmasters have taken this on board because now many guests have a crew member assigned to getting cameras ready and taking those shots. I should know I was one. Yes, people trusted me with their expensive cameras *bg*.

[Rockstar6662]

jennylouise, on Oct 6 2005, 07:19 PM, said:

sugar_mouse, on Oct 6 2005, 06:55 PM, said:

I've been to other events with queues just as busy as any queue at Cx where they've still let you take a quick shot while the guest is signing or you stand to one side, out of the way as you leave and take a quick one and it didn't seem to hold things up particularly.

Sorry thought we were talking about posed photos   .

No problem. Posed photos certainly do take time and while not a problem if it's quiet would definitely be a bad idea when it's busy.

Quote

No taking a few shots whilst in the queue or getting the crew member to do it whilst the guests is signing your photo doesn't add extra time on. I think Showmasters have taken this on board because now many guests have a crew member assigned to getting cameras ready and taking those shots. I should know I was one. Yes, people trusted me with their expensive cameras *bg*.

I have to say I only went on friday and got everything done I wanted to so don't know what saturday was like this time.  The crew members with Andy Hallett and Marina Sirtis were on hand to take photos and I thank them for that and that was a bit different to previous events. I just hope it doesn't become a blanket "no photos" policy just because of timing - with a bit of thought it is possible to let people (or a crew member) take a quick shot as you go through without causing major hold ups. I don't expect a posed shot (nice though it is) but would like to be able to grab one just for the record.

Anyway, point made, thanks for not seeing it as complaining and giving it some consideration for next time.

[SuperGirl]

KITT, on Oct 6 2005, 06:08 PM, said:

Start treating the people who attend the event with the proper amount of respect and dignity.

Until Showmasters start doing that, all the other issues pale in to insignificance.

I don't think they realise the effect which the cattle market and rude/thuggish crew are having on people. To have a guest like Shatner, trumpet it from the rooftops that you've got him, and then treat many of the people who came to see him to physical threats and verbal abuse beggars belief.

I, personally, did not have any problems with the crew and have not seen anyone have any problems with them. With people like Shatner, there would not have been enough time in the day to get everyone through without there being certain draw backs.

If some of the crew members were slightly grouchy at times then they may have had a good reason. Yes - there should be some professionalism there - good customer service and all that, but there is also the aspect that there would have been alot of people in that queue for Shatner that would have also have been grouchy and probably rude to them. It is no excuse but it is what it is.

This thread has been posted for constructive critism. Not only for what you think is wrong but HOW you think it could be made better. How are SM meant to change things unless people constructivly say what they think? Why not give them some pointers at what you think could be inproved - in realistic ways - instead of just basically slagging them off - that helps no one.

This is not necesserily ago at you. I have only seen you add to this thread in this way. It is more of a post to anyone who wishes to contribute in the way in which you have done.

*goes and hides in the corner when she realises she sounds commanding and didnt mean to be*

SG

[DavidB]

I know I'm being picky now but I was quite disappointed at only TWO talks at this particular Collectormania considering the amount of guests etc.

We've had more at PAST Collectormanias, and I realise it's a lot easier to do talks at LFACC when you don't have to rent out the space.

I was just wondering whether this was a cost issue, or a timing issue, or even the guests not wanting to do one?

It's less of an improvement and more of a curiosity!  

[nosybird]

I agree i have felt things have been different since my 1st proper c.mania. Working in the centre i have walked past or through all of them since they started (it was my way home so i would have a nosy on my way past ).
C4 was my first booked time off to go, event and i loved every minute, even getting up at stupid o' clock in the morning to get into E.Woods que!!
I feel the events are becoming more aimed at certain films/programmes. I do feel this is a good idea, it just means there can be a lot less autos/photos that i wish to get.
I do consider crewing from time to time, but wonder if it will change my entire view on the whole experience, fearful of it being bad! However when i look at the crew photos and general banter on the forum and at the events, i see the positives to it all.
Yes i have had a couple of bad experiences with crew, 1 thats sticks out in particular. However this will not put off my thoughts of the crew, they are there to do a job and o.k i may have better c. service skills than a few of them, i'm not gonna let that spoil my day, i just assume they are having a bad day and move on to the rest whom are lovely.
As for the party i have made my own fun, every time at the parties.
I enjoy the band, i enjoy the music- o.k. not all of it, but a fair amount. I find people to talk too, i have a few to drink and i might, i might not see a star. Its good when i do.
If another venue could be found that is suitable for the party i would be surprised, M.K. i dont think is that great for venues, unless you count hotel halls, or little office style meeting rooms! The shopping centre doesn't have the facilities to cater for the party either, so to keep it as local will be hard. No nightclub is going to give up it's saturday trade for a scifi/ fantasy party goers bash.
I do think that better communication is key to any event, be it with crew, celebs, the centre mgmt or the venue (party). If communication runs smoothly all are aware of what is happening and there is no fuss or confusion- or delays to the footy running late .
Maybe when the dons have their stadium finished we can get a better venue, not hampered by high and random prices or overtime/injury time!!
I will continue to make the day wot i want it to be and maybe one day crew.

Thanks to you all for bringing to us in the first place.

[Rockstar6662]

SuperGirl, on Oct 6 2005, 07:49 PM, said:

KITT, on Oct 6 2005, 06:08 PM, said:

Start treating the people who attend the event with the proper amount of respect and dignity.

Until Showmasters start doing that, all the other issues pale in to insignificance.

I don't think they realise the effect which the cattle market and rude/thuggish crew are having on people. To have a guest like Shatner, trumpet it from the rooftops that you've got him, and then treat many of the people who came to see him to physical threats and verbal abuse beggars belief.

I, personally, did not have any problems with the crew and have not seen anyone have any problems with them. With people like Shatner, there would not have been enough time in the day to get everyone through without there being certain draw backs.

I didn't have or see any particular problems with the crew either this time. Possibly a few chatting to their mates and/or other crew members a bit too much at times rather than concentrating on the public which should be the priority. So maybe a little more professionalism there (they are there to work, socialising can be done afterwards) but it was fairly quiet and didn't seem to be causing any grief.

Shatner had no-one queuing at times and I'm sure could have got through just as many people but still allow the odd quick photo (if there hadn't been a blanket ban) and any abuse I saw did not come from the crew but his agent - but that argument has been done to death in other threads.

Maybe generally trying to keep agents/managers a bit more behind the scenes would help - I don't particularly see why they need to be on the front line as the vast majority of guests lines seemed to manage perfectly well with just the crew to support them. Don't know how possible that would be though.

My only other real suggestion that I've already hinted at would be to tighten up the communication between different sections a bit. I made that suggestion after C4 and it does seem to have improved a bit although there still seemed to be a lot of people running around with messages or asking questions of others.

[chris_mk]

KITT, on Oct 6 2005, 07:08 PM, said:

Start treating the people who attend the event with the proper amount of respect and dignity.

Until Showmasters start doing that, all the other issues pale in to insignificance.

I don't think they realise the effect which the cattle market and rude/thuggish crew are having on people. To have a guest like Shatner, trumpet it from the rooftops that you've got him, and then treat many of the people who came to see him to physical threats and verbal abuse beggars belief.

I've just had a look through all your previous posts and, aside from the fact you've hardly ever posting something that wasn't a gripe, there's not actually ANY indication that you went to C8...... or indeed ANY other SM event?

The reason I mention this, is the fact that most people agree that the standard of crewing at C8 was way better than at previous events.

[Hero_of_Time]

wow this is a good thread a nice place to put foward ideas

i had an idea about photos, this may or may not be possible, it would be good if u had somesort of thing where the guests could sorta eiter walk around or sit and have a few photos taken,

another alternative is to get a recent photo of the guest or an offical event photo of the guest as one of the possible pictures to get an auto on, so that those who want a photo of the guest as they are now rather than then wld be happy

and the final one is to impliment the photoshoot idea they have at other cons where u can get a ticket to have ur photo taken with a guest by a proper photographer with blue screen and everything for a small price.
which cld be printed there and then and may be signed by the guest after at the standard auto price!

[chris_mk]

Hero_of_Time, on Oct 6 2005, 09:55 PM, said:

and the final one is to impliment the photoshoot idea they have at other cons where u can get a ticket to have ur photo taken with a guest by a proper photographer with blue screen and everything for a small price.
which cld be printed there and then and may be signed by the guest after at the standard auto price!

This one has been debated quite a lot. To be honest, there's not enough time to do this properly and I can't see Showmasters maximising their earnings this way.

[DavidB]

I think it could work at LFACC, if anywhere.

(1) There'll be the space for it.

(2) If they DID do it, then at least make it a group photo from a reunion or something, then it'll be unique and something you cant get for free if you meet the guest! Cuz they could just stop photos with the guest and make you do the photo session instead, and I don't agree with that.

(3) Or maybe do it with a themed background i.e. a graveyard for a Buffy guest, a galaxy one for Star Wars or Star Trek etc. Costume parts? Props?

Those would be the kinda things that would tempt me into getting a professional shot done because it's unique and different enough from those posed photos that you can get for free with the majority of guests when you meet them!

[chris_mk]

DavidB, on Oct 6 2005, 10:20 PM, said:

I think it could work at LFACC, if anywhere.

(1) There'll be the space for it.

(2) If they DID do it, then at least make it a group photo from a reunion or something, then it'll be unique and something you cant get for free if you meet the guest! Cuz they could just stop photos with the guest and make you do the photo session instead, and I don't agree with that.

(3) Or maybe do it with a themed background i.e. a graveyard for a Buffy guest, a galaxy one for Star Wars or Star Trek etc. Costume parts? Props?

Those would be the kinda things that would tempt me into getting a professional shot done because it's unique and different enough from those posed photos that you can get for free with the majority of guests when you meet them!

From experience, these things take too long to organise and execute. The 'big guests' wouldn't be able to do it and do you think a group of 'B Guests' would be that popular?  Also, the time to process the pictures IS prohibitive.

[DavidB]

Yeah I'm sure it's the logistics of the whole thing that stops them from actually doing it.

At another event where they DO do it, it's become extremely annoying because they've turned it into "no sorry NO PHOTOS because we have a photo session" so it's like you only get a photo if you're willing to pay ANOTHER £15 on top of the £15-20 you've paid out for an autograph. I'd absolutely hate to see that happen at Showmasters events.

So we're probably better off without them!

[feralmoggy]

DavidB, on Oct 6 2005, 07:58 PM, said:

I know I'm being picky now but I was quite disappointed at only TWO talks at this particular Collectormania considering the amount of guests etc.

We've had more at PAST Collectormanias, and I realise it's a lot easier to do talks at LFACC when you don't have to rent out the space.

I was just wondering whether this was a cost issue, or a timing issue, or even the guests not wanting to do one?

It's less of an improvement and more of a curiosity! 

I'd have to agree with you on this one ... I was surprised that there wasn't a Buck Rogers talk with almost all the main cast being at an event. I have seen Erin and Felix do a talk before and it was really quite enlightening and entertaining. I'm now trying to think of something constructive to say that would facilitate this.    Maybe it just wasn't financially or organisationally viable. Definitely if there is a situation where there is effectively a reunion a Q&A session would be greatly appreciated.

[DavidB]

I do like the "additional" things as well as the guests - so, the talks, cars, Daleks, UKG etc. I really think they add to the event and even though there is a limited space, there is still SOME there for use. The talks have always been some of the most memorable moments from my Collectormania experiences - Elijah, Robert/Ken Freddy vs Jason .. just being able to listen to those people is such a unique opportunity.

I also liked the trailer room before, even if it was out of the way. That was interesting.

What about things like ...

Showing fan films?
Face painting for the kids as related characters?

Just little things that could add to the day and give people more to do. I realise the space limitations, and that things like these could be more appropriate for LFACC. I did see someone mentioning more things for kids to do THERE.

It's only a vague comment based on what I personally enjoy!

[showmasters]

KITT, on Oct 6 2005, 07:08 PM, said:

Start treating the people who attend the event with the proper amount of respect and dignity.

Until Showmasters start doing that, all the other issues pale in to insignificance.

I don't think they realise the effect which the cattle market and rude/thuggish crew are having on people. To have a guest like Shatner, trumpet it from the rooftops that you've got him, and then treat many of the people who came to see him to physical threats and verbal abuse beggars belief.

We do treat people with respect, Kitt. Anybody that knows me personally will know that I care how the public are treated, as well as the crew who sometimes have a very hard time dealing with so many people's needs and do an incredible job. You might not be happy with the odd one, but I can tell you that this crew is the best trained and conscientious volunteer crew working at any convention in the uk. NO other crew deals with 1/2 a million members of the public; thats 6 times the number that the old Wembly Stadium used to hold.

I also care about the celebrities who also work very hard over the weekend, and who are often the ones calling the shots. Has it crossed your mind that if the no photo rule is implemented it has probably come from the star themself and not anyone at Showmasters or the agents. One of the rolls of Showmasters is to take the responsibility and make the actor look good. I know this for a fact as I HAVE had to lie for an actor before, its all part of the job and thats one other reason actors like working with us.

Now if you are going to come on here and just start inflamatory comments then I will just have to delete your post. If you or anybody else wants to leave constructive criticism then that would help us in providing you with a better expirience.

yours RESPECTFULLY
jason

[Elainec]

I went on Saturday this time around and was absolutely dreading it as I expected it to be extremely busy.  However, what a pleasant surprise I had.

One of the main reasons I go to any event is to meet up with some terrific friends I now have BECAUSE I attend these events, but as a collector of autographs that is also a high priority.

As usual, I wanted autographs from several guests, and not only did I meet them all, have a chat and get the opportunity to have a posed photo taken with them, I also got everything done before midday!  The most unusual scenario for me was when Erin Gray asked if photos could be taken with the flash turned ON "I'm going to be in your house for a long time, and I want to look good" was her comment!

It was also a friend's birthday and when I got to meet Robert Davi, asked if he would wish her a happy birthday, not only did he write that on her photo (and date it) he also stood up and gave her kiss - whilst it was amusing to see her go very pink, it was also a wonderful surprise that was totally unexpected.

As a collector, a posed photo is a wonderful opportunity to prove that you have met the actor in question, after all anyone could have picked up a personalised photo for you, or you could have bought an unpersonalised one from a dealer - and then there's still no proof that it's genuine.  I love getting back home and showing family and friends photos of who I have met, and as other people have written, it is a terrific way to remember both the actor and the event.

I find it sad when you join a queue and there is a notice advising you that no photos are allowed at all.  Now I can understand the no flash rule, but no photos at all tends to leave a sour taste with many attendees.  Some actors will always be more popular than others, and with those I can understand that for the actor to pose with every single person they meet can slow things down.  In this situation perhaps it is wise that there is a restriction on what you are able to do, however, having either a steward or a friend to take photos whilst the actor is signing - which I did with Kate Mulgrew at the LFCC event earlier this year - will not slow anything down if handled in the right way.

There are some simple rules that can be followed by anyone attending events - other people may wish to add/change them:

(1) have everything you want signing ready before you get to the front of the queue, this will always keep things moving more smoothly rather than you dropping everything in your haste to put them in front of the actor

(2) have your camera ready, and turn the flash off if requested - if a steward is taking your photo, show them how the camera works before you get to the guest

(3) always ask the guest if they are allowing photos, just because the person in front got one, doesn't mean the actor is allowing it (they may just have been very cheeky and just done it), it also shows a sign of respect for that person

(4) if you want to ask them a question, think it through in your mind before you meet them - if you know exactly what you want to say before you say it, it is less likely that you will be tongue-tied and it may even calm your nerves (if you get nervous), even if all you want to say is hello, how are you

(5) always be conscious of the queue behind you - again just because the person in front hogged the guest for 10 minutes, doesn't mean that you have to as well, just remember that you could be the person at the back of queue.

All of the above might mean that you are only in front of the actor for a minute (or less), but your memory of that time will be much better than if you have people behind you complaining - and you can still say that you have met them.

My personal feelings on photos, as a minimum it would be great to take photos whilst you are in the queue and/or the actor is signing autographs, as this still adds to the memory of meeting them and attending the event.  To have a posed photo with any actor at an event such as MK is a bonus, but should not be expected as it is often too busy.

The suggestion of somehow indicating which actors will allow photos is terrific, and could be done if there is a disclaimer attached.  Perhaps there could be different colours for different guests, ie red would suggest a guest is likely to be very busy therefore posed photos are not allowed, but non flash photos can be taken whilst in the queue.  Those that could be steadily busy could be amber, with the disclaimer that posed photos may be stopped if it is slowing the queue down too much (or words to that effect), whilst those that will be popular, but quieter could be green indicating that posed photos will be allowed for however long they are there, but still have a disclaimer, perhaps worded differently from the amber guests.

SM have been doing this for many years now, and will probably have a good idea of those that will be busiest - again, perhaps the symbols could also be at the front of each queue, with an option to change from red to amber, amber to red, green to amber, etc if necessary.  I also think that once you have joined the queue you should be allowed the same options as those people in front of you, - ie if there is a need to stop posed photos, perhaps stop the queue until the last person is getting to the front, and then change the sign before allowing anyone else in - to have that option taken away from you just because you might be sixth in a queue rather than first, again doesn't leave you with a very good experience.

Elaine