bring the twi cast to scotland

[val79]

between london and MK there are about signing events all with BIG names, cant they just send a few up here????, nothing about that baker guy.. but isnt he at collectormania every year? (((( please ont shout at me )))))

[Reverend Scapegoat]

Hobo, before getting into this argument, you'd really be best reading the threads from all the other Glasgow events, and seeing what happened as a result of discussions about the "big name" status of Glasgow guests...

[val79]

looked but couldn't find them- but its OK i will shut up and just keep paying the money to travel to London every year instead of supporting my local event.

[Reverend Scapegoat]

Totally not what I meant, mate - All I'm saying is that the mods don't respond well to criticism of the events up here, and threads tend to degenerate into "Us Vs Them" when one customer posts something critical, a Mod takes exception to it, tempers flare, posts get deleted, and everyone loses.

 

The best way to look at the Glasgow show is to think of the guests as a bonus, and the meetups/costuming/socialising as the main attractions!

Edited March 16, 2010 by Reverend Scapegoat

[comawhite]

All I'm saying is that the mods don't respond well to criticism ever, at all, in the slightest and they have no sense of humour.

 

Fixed.

 

To recap, things usually go like this:

 

- Showmasters announces a midget, extra, background character or a guy who got to dress up as a wooie for ten minutes.

- Fans wait for bigger guest.

- Showmasters announces another background character and a dummy prop.

- Fans get excited and wait.

-Showmasters announces an announcement.

- Fans wait.

- Showmatsers announces... the same guest we've had every year.

- Fans say they'd like something new.

- Fans suggest a big name guest.

- Supporting character headlines.

- Fans complain.

- Moderators tell everyone to shut up.

- Fans discuss.

- Moderators have a breakdown.

 

All this has happened before, it'll happen again.

 

Edit: I'll add, not all mods - but some really do make things worse and come off as really patronizing. Which is half the battle.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ComwWhite

[Too Tall]

When the Mods answer negative posts about any event it is purely to try and explain why the situation is the way it is. Not for some personal gain or gratification.

 

As I have said time and time again. The size of this show is a business decision by Showmasters. You may not agree with it, but it's their money and they will risk it as they wish. This is their forum and if people post things that they feel are detrimental to the show they will be removed. And people being overly negative about a specific guest or the whole line up can be detrimental to the show. You may say "but it's only that one persons opinion and we're all allowed our opinion!". That's true, but that doesn't mean that SM are obliged to let you post it on their forum. People can read it (both guests and attendees) and decide not to come.

 

If you do not agree with the way in which this forum is moderated, then you are more than welcome to make a complaint to Showmasters (info@showmastersonline.com).

 

If on the other hand you feel you simply can not respect the forum Mods. The answer is even more simple, don't use this forum. This isn't what we want to happen, all we do want is for everyone to show the mods the respect they deserve and stop these little snipes and rude comments.

 

This whole anti-Mods thing needs to stop. You're the ones creating this them and us situation by posting stuff like this.

 

Thank you,

Stuart.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Too Tall

[comawhite]

This whole anti-Mods thing needs to stop. You're the ones creating this them and us situation by posting stuff like this.

 

Certain mods give plenty of cannon fodder and speak down to people in such a way that they show no respect to the people who, y'know, go to the event.

 

It's a too way street. I don't think we've ever had problems or crossed paths in any negative way (not that I remember) but remembering that it's a two way thing would be nice instead of pointing fingers at the people who have been spoken to like a retarded seven year old fat girl sitting on a see saw by herself and wondering why it doesn't move.

[MartyMichaels]

This whole anti-Mods thing needs to stop. You're the ones creating this them and us situation by posting stuff like this.

 

Certain mods give plenty of cannon fodder and speak down to people in such a way that they show no respect to the people who, y'know, go to the event.

 

It's a too way street. I don't think we've ever had problems or crossed paths in any negative way (not that I remember) but remembering that it's a two way thing would be nice instead of pointing fingers at the people who have been spoken to like a retarded seven year old fat girl sitting on a see saw by herself and wondering why it doesn't move.

Amen.

 

Oh and that last post? The "how things usually go" post? Made of win.

[Too Tall]

This whole anti-Mods thing needs to stop. You're the ones creating this them and us situation by posting stuff like this.

 

Certain mods give plenty of cannon fodder and speak down to people in such a way that they show no respect to the people who, y'know, go to the event.

 

It's a too way street. I don't think we've ever had problems or crossed paths in any negative way (not that I remember) but remembering that it's a two way thing would be nice instead of pointing fingers at the people who have been spoken to like a retarded seven year old fat girl sitting on a see saw by herself and wondering why it doesn't move.

As I say if you have an issue with a Mod then it should be brought up at the time and if you don't feel the issue is being dealt with, talk to Showmasters about it. Making rude comments about the Mods is not going to make the situation any better.

 

It's not easy being a Mod on these boards as we do try and allow a certain amount of freedom of speech. A lot more than any other signing show sites. On there you'd just not see a mod discussing the situation, it would just be deleted straight away. Something we have to remove posts too, but we try not to. As I say it's not easy and sometimes people take what the Mods say badly. As we all know their is no tone of voice in text on a forum. You read things as you expect them to have been written. I'm not saying the Mods a perfect and they'll be the first to admit that sometimes could have been worded better but we're all only human.

 

If I see a Mod doing something wrong (talking down to people etc), I do talk to them about it off forum and try and deal with it. That's part of me being head moderator.

 

But in this instance there has been no posts by any Mods in this thread for over a month and yet yourself and Scrappy have both felt the need to make generalised negative comments about the Mods.

 

Please don't stand there having thrown the first stone for over a month and then say, but they do it too. That's the excuse of a 4 year old.

 

If you truely want it to be a two way street then please act like it and don't post stuff like that above.

 

Thanks,

Stuart.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Too Tall

[comawhite]

I've spent the past seven years of my life being paid to be the bad guy and believe it or not, in my down time I don't like to be the goit.

 

The very fact people can't say a word here without having to double check that it's going to be pleasing to the mod should be more revealing than any complaint which will - most believe - be completely ignored.

 

Instead of the 'four year old' comment or pointing blame - I'd be asking myself why people are so uncomfortable here and take the ****. Sure, it's easy to get defensive - I know from experience it's not an easy job - and the answers are clear in the previous forums.

 

Name calling and sly jokes isn't where us v them comes from - it's mostly being told, in one way or another, to shut up or that we're the problem with the forums or event or that we're wrong or whatever.

 

Bad feelings generate bad feelings - it doesn't matter if they were generated a week ago or a year ago, they're still there and it's tiring having the fans be the ones to be told to make the first step, end the cycle - or worst of all - come up wth a reason to attend the event.

 

Edit to that - I also think it'd be best to continue the discussion elsewhere if it were to continue, as clogging up the board with this poop is a little distracting.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ComwWhite

[MartyMichaels]

Know what's funny? We all know it's not THE mods, it's A mod and we'e all dancing around it. I'm not gonna be the one who points any fingers, but a quick scan through this thread should make my feelings clear. Page 2, about halfway down.

[comawhite]

Know what's funny? We all know it's not THE mods, it's A mod and we'e all dancing around it. I'm not gonna be the one who points any fingers, but a quick scan through this thread should make my feelings clear. Page 2, about halfway down.

 

Pretty much, yeah. It was Too Tall and Sydel coming to mind that made me edit my initial post as - as far as I recall - they're generally nice. And tall. And a lot of the staff are and have been a pleasure to tlk to and generally share postive and negative comments in equal amounts.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ComwWhite

[Queen_Sindel]

It was Too Tall and Sydel coming to mind that made me edit my initial post as - as far as I recall - they're generally nice. And tall. And a lot of the staff are and have been a pleasure to tlk to and generally share postive and negative comments in equal amounts.

 

Well, thank you for the compliment, but the tall bit goes for one of the two. I think we need to have a drink at Comic Con so you can see for yourself. You were coming to London for that one to see Katee, right?

 

I haven't been on here much lately, so my apologies if I got that incorrect. But that's all Marty's fault. He posted that link to one of his Sherlock Holmes stories, and made me realize that there is actually good Holmes stories around. So I've been reading for quite a while now.

[Too Tall]

ComwWhite,

 

But the thing is I don't think it's as bad as you're making it out to be. You're saying people can't make comments but we do allow one hell of a lot more than other forums do.

 

Yes there are times when we're going to have to draw the line and I'm sorry if that makes you uncomfortable. I guess it's down to HOW we draw the line.

 

Name calling and sly jokes isn't where us v them comes from - but you have to admit that it's not going to help the situation either?

 

That's my point, I'm far from pointing the finger at you, I'm just saying that two wrongs do not make a right, you pointing the finger at the Mods doesn't make being rude to them right. You have issues with them and we obviously need to look at that.

 

Maybe we need to look at starting a dialogue and look at ending it?

Edited March 16, 2010 by Too Tall

[MartyMichaels]

I haven't been on here much lately, so my apologies if I got that incorrect. But that's all Marty's fault. He posted that link to one of his Sherlock Holmes stories, and made me realize that there is actually good Holmes stories around. So I've been reading for quite a while now.

Happy to have been of service!

 

Edited March 16, 2010 by MartyMichaels

[Reverend Scapegoat]

Too Tall - If by "Scrappy", you meant me, I don't think my post was negative towards the mods at all, and if you feel it was then you have my apologies.

 

I moderate on a great many forums, and I own a couple as well, so I know full well what it's like trying to deal with arguments - And I know it can be difficult staying polite when you feel someone is being rude.

 

But it's a good mod's job to be polite in the face of rudeness, and to display a professional attitude towards criticism. That hasn't always happened here, and while it's also true that some of the users have been pretty harsh in their criticism I think that they are within their rights to express some level of disappointment at the same promises being made and forgotten year after year - Even if there are good reasons for bigger guests not being booked, it's still disheartening to see it. Either way, a good mod will try to take the moral high ground and point out that banter is one thing, but there is a line and if it's crossed then posts WILL be deleted and accounts banned.

So long as it's clear where that line is, I have no issue with those consequences - And I'd far prefer that to Mods slinging insults back at customers online or in real life...

 

Hence my attempts to turn people's attitudes round by pointing out that it IS pointless criticising the guest lineup for Collectormania.

 

Nothing anyone says on here will change the guests that are booked - so why get into an argument that will invariably be seen as "The Glasgow mob doing their usual moaning about guests"?

Customers will always be disappointed if the guests don't satisfy them, and Showmasters will always be defensive about their decisions not to include bigger-name guests at what they still see as a growing show.

 

And I DO want the show to grow - I have worked extremely hard to ensure that Collectormania Glasgow IS a show to remember, and one that will continue to leave fans with smiles on their faces.

 

I've printed posters and handed out flyers for the event, and placed stacks in every relevant shop in Glasgow and East Kilbride that didn't have any ( Which was a lot! )

 

I have, and will always so long as I'm welcome, haul my prop collection over to the Arena to let folk see and take photos with.

 

I busted my ass to make sure the party happened last year, even in the face of a number of technical hitches... And I did my best to smooth things over and convince people not to give up on CM:G after Braehead Arena apparently shafted us by forcing us to end the party early with half an hour's notice.

 

If Jason will grant such an event official recognition and advertise it on CM:G promotional materials, I'll even pony up the deposit to hire a venue and 100% organise a Saturday night party for this year's event as well.

 

I suit up and wear the ol' armour for two days, and I convince anyone I can to join me in costuming up so that every person coming through those doors has as memorable a day/weekend as they possibly can.

 

All of this is stuff that we, the punters, CAN directly influence.

 

So what I'm saying to people here, is don't focus on the negative aspects.

If you don't like the guest lineup - Fine! But if you put that from your mind and concentrate on the positive side of the convention, you'll have a far better time at the show itself, and you won't end up getting into needless flamewars on the internet.

[Too Tall]

Yes I was talking about yourself in that comment, I have no Idea where Scrappy came from though. I know you do your best and I can see that your comments where to try and stop an argument starting, but to say to a new user....

 

"a Mod takes exception to it, tempers flare,"

 

Makes it look like all of this is the Mods fault and that the reason for not posting negative things is purely because if you criticize the shows, the Mods will get funny and start deleting post. Which is simply not true. If you reread your post you will hopefully see what I mean? Your comments made out that the Mods are the bad guys on this forum, and that's really not helpful and very counter productive.

 

As I've said to CommWhite I'm not pointing a figure at you and saying "It's all your fault". Far from it. Overall what you're doing for the shows is great and from your last post I can only assume you didn't realise the way it reads.

 

Stuart.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Too Tall

[Ravenshayde]

Dear lord! Isn't it a bit early in they year for this? Um....and I think it's all went a bit off topic. Shouldn't someone be moderating this or something

Edited March 16, 2010 by Ravenshayde

[comawhite]

Yes there are times when we're going to have to draw the line...

 

 

Damn you! I was determined to stay offline tonight, but after reading over Raven's shoulder I felt I needed to post that image.

 

I agree with Scapey on the politeness thing, Gods, I've done more of my fair share of being polite in more situations I care to remember in my online working environment. At the same time I've tried to be polite and add little disclaimers to ensure what I said wasn't seen as a 'Frak you' and I got tired of that as... well, it was ignored.

 

I won't comment on the larger issues with CMG... but on the forum side of things, there are one or two people on staff who only seem to push the wrong buttons even to the smallest comment - even the ones that are trying to be helpful. Then those one or two view me as the trouble maker.

 

It would be nice - for once - to have a suggestions thread, or an ideas thread, or any possibly helpful comments without the usual mod suspects making the usual comments - which are the biggest wind up - and instead have some useful discussion which has often been overlooked or too easily shot down in the past.

 

That's where the frustration lies with me. And partly why I've really stopped caring about censoring my annoyance.

[comawhite]

Well, thank you for the compliment, but the tall bit goes for one of the two. I think we need to have a drink at Comic Con so you can see for yourself. You were coming to London for that one to see Katee, right?

 

Yes indeedy, it gave us the excuse to head down and I also want to see if I can get a pic with her holding a sign saying "Frak Dirk".

[Turtle]

As has been pointed out, the main issue people have seems to be with just the one mod. The one who insists on treating us like children, seems to be telling us to 'grow up and be grateful' whilst seemingly doing his best to make us feel unimportant.

 

Granted, that's our perception of things... but I would ask you to look at the difference in behaviour here.

 

Too Tall, you are coming here talking about and no one is reacting the way we do to the afore mentioned mod - because you seem to be coming and treating us with respect. You mention wanting to "start a dialogue" which at the very least is acknowledging that we have issues, and shows a willingness to talk about them. I welcome this because it's not the "La la la, not listening. Shut up and be grateful" approach that the other mod has taken.

 

See what I'm saying? Even though you are saying much and such the same thing in regards to Glasgow being a 'growing show' the manner is completely different. It's not the core message I find offensive, it's the manner in which it has been delivered in the past - and the implications that brings.

 

My question is though, whilst people are in here talking to us about our reactions being innapropriate - is anyone contacting him and explaining WHY we feel the way we do?

[comawhite]

See what I'm saying? Even though you are saying much and such the same thing in regards to Glasgow being a 'growing show' the manner is completely different. It's not the core message I find offensive, it's the manner in which it has been delivered in the past - and the implications that brings.

 

I think thats why I like him. And I don't usually like people who are taller than me. Or people called Jim Brown, but thats a totally different issue.

 

My question is though, whilst people are in here talking to us about our reactions being innapropriate - is anyone contacting him and explaining WHY we feel the way we do?

 

Good point.

[comawhite]

To add to the 'good point', I just replied to a message from someone about it and hope that it's a first (well, second as it was a reply) step to sorting out any bad vibes.

 

I'm all about the love, me.

 

[MartyMichaels]

To add to the 'good point', I just replied to a message from someone about it and hope that it's a first (well, second as it was a reply) step to sorting out any bad vibes.

Oh aye, HE gets a message and I don't? Bloody favoritism...

[Queen_Sindel]

If this starts to sound like the "mods against the rest of the world" I apologize in advance. But TooTall is off for the night and I felt some posts deserve to be answered now. I'll politely withdraw if you rather talk with TooTall tomorrow.

 

I hope you'll understand that leaving the comments about the issues with the moderating aside. I know I am not on some Christmas lists myself, and I feel it is not my place to get into this. I can only repeat what TooTall said: please, please, please contact Showmasters if you have an issue about a mod or try to speak to that person directly. (Turtle has raised a good point there.) That's especially valid if you feel a mod was slinging back insults like you posted, Scapegoat.

 

We're all humans, and sometimes we don't even realize how we come across. We all have different personalities. I know I sometimes get into the "commenting on everything" mood myself, but I do try to behave.

 

I sometimes get the feeling you guys feel ignored, and if someone wants to make sure you don't get that feeling and hence posts too much I realize that this may look a little too eager, and possibly even annoying to some.

 

Nothing anyone says on here will change the guests that are booked

 

You probably meant the SM's decision what guests to book, right?

Still posts here can make a difference in guest's decisions to attend:

 

but on here we are happy for people to air there thoughts but please think of others and remember guest do come on here all the time , and to date we have lost 4 guest to this sort of thing , and that is why we do police this sort of thing as we have the forum to help you and the shows we run not to damage them and loose guest because of it .

 

That statement may cause a few to react a bit heavy to anything remotedly negative at the moment. I'm really hoping that will go away, but when I read that number I was kind of shocked too, so I see where those users are coming from.

 

Personally I think every guest that cancels because of an unnecessary flame war (I borrowed that expression Scapegoat, I think it is quite appropriate) is one guest too much. It may not even be a current guest, it may be someone who was approached, checks out the internet to see what he/she is getting himself into, sees one of those topics, then expects god knows what and decides not to go to the show.

 

Dear lord! Isn't it a bit early in they year for this? Um....and I think it's all went a bit off topic. Shouldn't someone be moderating this or something

 

You know, just what I was thinking. A bit early in the year.

 

It was a post in here that started the discussion, so I thought we are not that far off topic... at least not yet.

 

It would be nice - for once - to have a suggestions thread, or an ideas thread, or any possibly helpful comments without the usual mod suspects making the usual comments - which are the biggest wind up - and instead have some useful discussion which has often been overlooked or too easily shot down in the past.

 

Like I said, if anything is wrong, please tell someone directly. Contact Showmasters, or if for some reason that doesn't work out my e-mail is in my profile. I may not be able to solve the issue for you immediately myself, but I can pass the info on as needed.

 

We did have a feedback topic after the event which for some reason stayed in the old Glasgow forum last year. I can move that one if you want, or if you want to do a new topic I can pin it for you? The old topic was titled "great day", so this one may not be appropriate anymore because it was focussing on the event.

 

I can't promise that everyone will keep to the "no comments" request. But I can promise you I will look at the suggestions, and I know TooTall will do the same.

 

Yes indeedy, it gave us the excuse to head down and I also want to see if I can get a pic with her holding a sign saying "Frak Dirk".

 

Well if you're up for a drink I certainly am. (Or at least say hi... especially if Marty is bringing the Kroenen outfit.) I don't know any real "non tourist traps" in London, but there's two pubs near Earls Court that seem pretty good.

 

I've only met Katee briefly, but from the impression I got that sign will suit her sense of humour.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Queen_Sindel