Jump to content

changes


Jestive
 Share

Recommended Posts

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.

 

878136[/snapback]

 

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.

 

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*.

878156[/snapback]

 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 60
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

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.

878146[/snapback]

 

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

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! ^_^

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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 :lol: ).

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. :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

878146[/snapback]

 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

878146[/snapback]

 

 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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!

878293[/snapback]

 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

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!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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!

878330[/snapback]

 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

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!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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!  :lol:

878190[/snapback]

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. :P 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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

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!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Showmasters Admin
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.

878146[/snapback]

 

 

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

 

Elaine

878404[/snapback]

 

I LOVE the fact you're so good at making REAL suggestions; and incidently, i'm glad you appreciated the photo of Kate that i took for ya at LFACC3!!!!!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

878139[/snapback]

 

im glad i could help out. i hate the no phots rule just because there isnt enough tme for people to get through the line so, if the guest is willing, i always try as hard as i can to get a few shots from the sidelines without slowing up the queue.

 

the pictures may not be posed but you and the guest are both in the shot so it proves that you were there, if only for your own memories.

 

im really pleased that your photos turned out and that i made the weekend a little more enjoyable for you. hope to see you at the event again.

 

gemma

=x=

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

878201[/snapback]

 

*whistles*

 

;)

 

Ok, I admit, I did this. I was talking to my friends quite a bit. BUT only when they had no one going to there queue, and if someone came up I jumped out of the way pretty quickly. I respect that they had a job to do, and I couldn't interfere.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

im glad i could help out. i hate the no phots rule just because there isnt enough tme for people to get through the line so, if the guest is willing,  i always try as hard as i can to get a few shots from the sidelines without slowing up the queue.

 

the pictures may not be posed but you and the guest are both in the shot so it proves that you were there, if only for your own memories.

 

im really pleased that your photos turned out and that i made the weekend a little more enjoyable for you. hope to see you at the event again.

 

gemma

=x=

878504[/snapback]

 

Although I love having a photo with a guest, I appreciate that it does take up time.

 

However, I do believe that once you have developed a brilliant system, why isn't this system being implemented with all guests (even the big ones!)?

 

Yep, I'm talking about writing your name on the back of your auto ticket. Solves the problem of spelling mistakes (which can take up time), and softens the blow for a lack of photos, I believe. A wonderful system that should be used more - and it also distinguishes between people who want their auto's signed our not!! Many a time have I had to ask guests afterwards for it to be personalised (I actually had to go up to Kate Mulgrew the next day).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

878201[/snapback]

 

*whistles*

 

:blink:

 

Ok, I admit, I did this. I was talking to my friends quite a bit. BUT only when they had no one going to there queue, and if someone came up I jumped out of the way pretty quickly. I respect that they had a job to do, and I couldn't interfere.

878524[/snapback]

 

LOL! That's not a problem as long as it doesn't get in the way of the job and as I said, I didn't notice it cause a problem on friday. You can't ignore your friends and it's easy to get excited about what you're doing there but I just felt one or two could have been a little more focused than they were.

 

Not a big deal and not a major complaint.

 

Interesting to see my photo ideas have caused quite some discussion. I think there's some excellent ideas being suggested beyond what I originally started that could be very workable.

 

The other thing I've been thinking about is how to minimise blockages due to crowds. It was okay on friday but I know at previous events it's been near impossible to move around the stalls or the outside of the area due to the number of people just hanging around - often just curious shoppers. I don't want to stop people getting a look at the guests and haven't developed this idea but I wonder if there's any mileage in some kind of signage or flow control system to try to keep people moving in certain directions - in the way you are often encouraged to always stand on the right on staircases or the escalators on the underground etc. Probably unmanageable in MK but thought it worth putting out as an idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Although I love having a photo with a guest, I appreciate that it does take up time.

 

However, I do believe that once you have developed a brilliant system, why isn't this system being implemented with all guests (even the big ones!)?

 

Yep, I'm talking about writing your name on the back of your auto ticket. Solves the problem of spelling mistakes (which can take up time), and softens the blow for a lack of photos, I believe. A wonderful system that should be used more

878528[/snapback]

 

I agree. It works really well and takes up very little time. When I saw Alexis Denisof at C7 they were doing that and although he was very busy and photos weren't allowed, it made me feel a lot better about meeting him to have it personalised. It was easy for the crew to do it while you were queueing and didn't seem to hold anyone up.

 

I guess it does mean the guest has to write a bit more but I'd have thought most would rather personalise to stop people selling stuff. I'd certainly be keen to see it used more.

 

And a side effect may be that as you don't need to spend time telling the guest your name or how to spell it, that time could possibly be utilised to get a quick photo :blink:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

The problem with holding Collectormania where it is lies in the public perception that because it's in a shopping centre, they can stand where they want and do what they want.

 

So crowd control IS very hard. No matter how much a crew member asks people to move on, there will always be some people who are determined not to listen and be extremely difficult. To this end, any "system" would be tricky to implement.

 

The Costa end in particular, where there are seats and non-moveable barriers means that there's very limited space.

 

As for the stalls, that's a general set up that has been the same for many shows now and obviously the space in Middleton Hall is limited and it's probably set up in the best way it can be without getting rid of stalls. It does get very busy and extremely awkward to get through, especially on the weekend days.

 

I think the crowds are controlled as best as possible, and I can only see one way of making things better and that's creating more space by removing things! But I'd rather not see that happen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

All very true DavidB and I can't disagree with any of what you say. I'm no expert on crowd control and I just wonder if someone who was looked at the problem if anything could be suggested.

 

This is all about suggesting improvements and that's one area that could do with it but I agree, it'd be near impossible without cutting down the number of stalls or removing some of the existing fixtures which isn't likely to happen. I thought about making better use of the areas down the sides of JL but guests are already generally put down there.

 

I don't suppose any of the stall holders would be prepared to move down there just to spread people around a bit more - maybe if it was a bit cheaper for them? I dunno, just knocking ideas around.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

878404[/snapback]

Lots of very good stuff in that post, but just to pick up on the above.

The problem with a "pictures but no flash" rule is that it can be difficult to enforce. There will always be those who don't know how to turn their flash off, or forget to, or do it wrong in their excitement. And those who want a picture with flash anyway, so take the rather selfish "oh sod it, I'll take it with flash and then pretend it was an accident" attitude. You'll always get some flash going off for those reasons, and if the guest is a particularly anti-flash type (or in a bad mood/having a bad day etc), then they may well become very unhappy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that for me the events have lost a certain something, I guess the first LFACC had a much less formal feel, the hotel was great, giggles with a few guests who came down to the bar, the forum meet, a forum area.

 

Sometimes also it's not the big names we need, those less famous guys, like the LotR guys, eg Sala, Craig, Thomas, Lawrence and Bruce make the fans feel so special by the effort they put into meeting you. The bigger names I guess don't give as much out, where the others are chatty, jump out from tables to hug and make you walk away feeling like you had an amazing experience.

 

The crew.. well yes some of them can be a little big for their boots, but frankly I think Showmasters are great for giving fans the chance to help with the running of the event and have that experience, it'd be very different if it was just hired lackeys who had no love for films and you didn't get the chance to do that. I've never crewed, not because I don't want to, just simply too far away and I couldn't give the time needed and I don't want to give less than 100%.

 

The only whine i ever really have is a request of tiered seating at london talks as the visibilty isn't great but I know they are working on it so :)

 

Showmasters are the only convention organiser to give as much back to us as they do, heck you see any others coming to forum meets and getting drunk with you, being friends as well as the guys who make a lot of our dreams come true.

Sure not everything is perfect but they work hard and do a blinding job, all of them.

 

Elanor.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share


×
×
  • Create New...