Hypothetical question.
Say you were running/staffing a mid tier anime con and you did your best to have the central programming, events and masquerade reflect this.
but over the years you noticed that it was being filled with more and more members dressing up as non anime related characters and going as far as to demand more comic/western programming. This section of your attendees is growing larger and more demanding each year.
What would you do in this situation? Would you put your foot down and still run the con how you would want it or give into demands and expand the scope as to listen to the demands of the people?
If your end goal is to provide programming people want, then add the programming people are asking for.
If your end goal is to have a convention that conforms to your visions of a convention should be, then keeping on doing what you're doing.
I can already tell you seek affirmation to a pre-existing, established opinion and not an actual answer from your tone of voice and this topic itself contrary to you wanting to appear to seek an answer from a neutral standpoint.
You are trying to make the problem at hand appear negative just by the upbringing of this topic itself, using words such as "going as far as" and "demanding" alongside constantly repeating "more and more".
I hate people who do this. Go fuck yourself, as you actually just want people to pat you on the back than for an actual meaningful discussion of open mindedness.
To answer your question seriously, yes, I would personally as a manager allow multicultural stuff to be mixed in together but at the same time keep the original anime theme on the table as the focus with no way around it. It is foolish to be a fascist and think that an anime con should have only ever anime, that's bad representation of its fans and is unhealthy. If you want an event to be popular and big, you welcome these new people in, not shut them out. Not only will it make this event better with different colors, it shows that it is run by people of welcoming personalities and all that is good out of that with it.
Fucking weaboo trash. Stop crying about a culture not of your origins and keeping it "elite". You must be one of those "anyone who watches anime with dubs shouldn't" sort of fag with nothing going for them in life.
Anti-semitic is the word. I hope you like being described by that.
Forgive me I was looking for this word, English is not my main language.
Abhorrent cunt.
>>8892350
I love you
The staff at the con in my hometown does that kind of complaining every year. I think at one point they tried to meddle with the jfashion show organisation to limit the entire thing to kimonos because "Lolita isn't japanese enough" or something.
>>8892335
Do you want the con to die? This is how you can expect lower attendance and a slow death, by limiting what people do what they want to do. Unless it's some extraordinary event that can survive by limiting to Japanese-related stuff alone, there really isn't much option other than shutting it down completely.
>>8892371
>"Lolita isn't japanese enough"
lol, tf? has anyone called them out on it?
>>8892350
You don't always have to smack down OP... But when you do, you go for the balls anon. Bravo.
>Put your foot down and run the con how you would want it.
Describe plx. what your heart desires to accomplish this..."Putting your foot down."
If you consider listening to your customers as giving into demands and assume you know what your attendees want more than they do, your con isn't going to last long
>>8892386
There's nothing saying people can't cosplay whatever they want, run meetups and photoshoots, whatever. AB has been doing Japanese only programming for years and is still doing just fine. Attendance up every year.
The only people who complain are those who can't deal with a con not bending over backwards to cater to their tumblr flavor of the month.
>>8892350
you put my exact thoughts into words.
>>8892420
shut the fuck up.
From a cosplay contest standpoint I would hold onto the Japanese only sources. Once you let western stuff in you're subjecting the judges and your masquerade audience to a lot of AU, Homestucks, genderbent avengers and the whatnot. It's hard enough to judge these things as it is and I don't think it would improve the quality of skits either. That being said some of my favorite skits was based on Portal and did it without a fucking cake joke which I doubt will happen again
>>8892350
IF YOU CAN SMELL... WHAT ANON IS COOKIN
>>8892420
Anon, I hate the invasion of western stuff and I want to see an anime con be about anime/manga/Japanese games, but unfortunately that isn't the reality of things. Personal opinions have to take a far back seat if you're running a viable con.
>>8892438
I don't think it's invading, it's simply being tolerant to what people want to do at the convention regardless of it's eastern/western origin and respecting that. Everyone is there to just have fun is the idea.
>>8892354
>Anti-semitic is the word
It's really not.
You don't happen to be part of the Harucon staff do you? It seems they've been trying to fight a "Western invasion" as well. In their case they limited the application of Western sourced cosplay in their contest to anout 30% and people complained tons about that.
If you want the con to live open it up to what the public wants! If the con gets bigger because of it you may be able to have it over multiple days and put more content up.
>>8892350
>>8892404
Well, yes, obviously. I don't know the specifics, but what happened down the road is that somehow a major japanese brand came along to organize some events at the con and the staff made room and everything nice for them, because, well, japanese guests at western cons. Now that I think of it, maybe the whole thing was about keeping the guest secret before the official announcement, but communication is not that con staff's strong point. They also have a history of getting into conflict with panelists for Western fandoms and Kpop/Kdrama for the "reasons" evoked by OP, so everyone was flipping until they announced the brand guests.
>>8892456
But there's already shitty anime AU, genderbend and I've even seen anime themed Trolls from HS. I've had to sit through more than 1 NarutoxKingdomHearts genderbend skit and I'd much rather see a nice Avengers group or Totally Spies. It's not the western shit that brought that it, it's young people in general.
>>8892456
I've been in a competition where it was intended to be Japanese sources only but there were exceptions for video games and a couple of anime inspired series (like Legend of Korra and stuff) which I thought was pretty fair desu.
It is kind of a double-edged sword to run a competition that is strictly "Japanese only" because only a small number of anime series are popular at once and you run an even higher risk of having it be the same thing over and over again. There's also the issue of more skilled cosplayers coming in Western costumes and not being able to compete, which could fuck over a smaller con if they want a large event.
>>8892456
Then they should just limit entries to canon outfits only. No AU, genderbend, etc unless it was published in the officisl source material.
>>8892350
End thread right here. This is perfect.
You add in some more western/ect shit, but still keep anime as the main focus. If you push people away and be like "THIS IS ANIME ONLY GET OUT WESTERN CARTOONS REEEEEEEEEEEEE" you're shooting yourself in the foot.
>>8892438
>Given how there are more topics toward /co/ stuff "invading" the anime con scene I was expecting something less levelheaded.
Nah, those fuckers are retarded. I don't care about comics and cartoons "invading" my cons, and they shouldn't be opposed to anime cosplays at their cons. We're all abnormal faggots here, why bitch at someone for liking something that is slightly different than their interests?
>>8892350
Here's the key to my mansion, anon, please go fuck my wife
>>8894173
Or some places have an original design category
>>8894207
>REEEEEEEEEEEEE
this would be a fun character to have running around cons. (preferably chasing down furries, homestuck, deadpools)
>>8892350
/thread. thanks anon
>>8892496
Of course but I think it would only invite more of that it. Instead of "Roy Mustang and the History of Dance it would "Gamzee and the History of Dance." Overall cons just need to be better about enforcing their rules because I've been to cons that say they have a 2 min 30 sec limit on skits but then an Agito and a Kagome will flail around of stage to a 15 minute Weird Al polka. Or immediately reject anything with the description "what happens when you put these totally unrelated characters together?!"
>>8894232
i keked
>tfw no pepe to scream at the deadpools and furries
>>8892350
yeah.
This makes me think, how did cons become mostly about Western fandoms anyway? Why are weebs a dying breed these days?
>>8897155
I remember before Disney cosplay was a thing and weebs bitched about Kimba the white lion coming before Simba. If you did comic or Disney cosplay, you got comments/side-eye.I don't mind how it is now, but I miss the more anime-focused cons of the late 90s-early 00s.
>>8897155
When TV shows started being made by weebs and current day animes started being shitty
>>8897155
It sort of grew into a thing as it became more and more prominent for people to like cartoons into their late teens and adult years. Sci Fi and Anime hav always had more mature content or at least a wider range of target ages depending on genre so it made sense to have conventiona. But in the 80s or 90s if there was a cartoon convention it would only be for animators or people in the industry. Now that people are realizing there's nothing wrong with continuing to like cartoons and the writing targets wider audience they started showing up more and more established anime cons.
>>8897155
Because anime is trash.
>>8897210
>and current day animes started being shitty
Am I the only one that noticed that modern day anime tend to look less and less distinguishable from hentai?
A panty/money shot being snuck in was usually a soft-core hentai sort of thing. Now that seems to pop up in basically any anime of any genre (for example). If that's correct, then maybe that contributes to anime's current shittiness? Maybe fans who didn't like the fan-service found less escape from it and turned to other styles of animation.
>I could be wrong though
>>8897222
That's exactly it for me personally.
I can actually enjoy other media for the story.
>>8897222
>Am I the only one that noticed that modern day anime tend to look less and less distinguishable from hentai?
Anime used to be WORSE actually. I didn't really fully grasp the stereotype of anime being "violent Chinese porn cartoons" until I started watching OVAs from the 80s and 90s. Devilman, Devil Hunter Yoko, Ninja Ressurection,Kekko Kamen, Angel Blade, Ninja Scroll, Plastic Little I could go on forever. We just don't really know about this stuff because there's not a lot of people that want to re-release this stuff on DVD/Blueray overseas and it most certainly isn't showing up on Toonami or Hulu.
As for people who say anime is getting shittier they are only saying this as people who consumed what made it overseas back in the day because the distributors knew it would do well. I was waiting at a boba place once and they had a stack of old Japanese anime magazines and there was a preview issues of shows airing in 1994. The only thing I even remotely recognized was Macross 7 and G Gundam. Plenty of shows are made that were forgotten just like 80% of what airs today. Though there might be more shows each season now because it's become so much cheaper to make anime than before and we actually get a chance to see all of it if we want to. There's still plenty of good shows they just aren't being talked about like Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, You Lie in April, Noragami and Osomatsu -san (even though wow it fell into some fujobait turf)
And I'm crazy hype for the next season. Phoenix Wright, The Magi Sinbad prequel, Boku no Hero Academia this shits gonna be cash.
>>8897222
Anime is mostly fanservice and moeshit now
OP sounds like a butthurt elitist baby. Think about what your con's charter says. Does it strictly say "japanese inspired media and culture" or something similar. If that was your intention when creating the con, then you are within your right to with hold the ability to make Homestuck, SU, whatever other western popular thing panels and such. Cons like Otakon do this I believe.
If not, then suck it up and stop crying like a child over it. Yes, it's annoying, but times change and with it comes more western influences mixed in with the anime crowd. Your goal as a con chair should be to maximize attendee enjoyment, not stroke your own ego. You want people to come to your con and have fun. Honestly, think about your con's theme, why it was made, the types of attendees you get. You can always put in limits like "No characer ask panels" and weed out the tumblr kid panel applications, but other than the obvious, why wouldn't you try to accomodate the people who want to go to your con?
Grow the fuck up.
>there's people out there that want to run their cons by keeping integrity rather than giving into demands because mo money
>this thread
>whiny virigns that go to anime cons and dont know/like/care about anime mad about being chastized
the fuck out of here, it's not elitist you're asshurt people don't openly accept your korra, stephen universe or homestuck cockery.
>>tumblr
>>8892342
Holy shit everyone went insane. I think this person has the right idea. Not like you have to shut people out but you can set guidelines for what kind of content is primarily allowed, there is nothing wrong with that. So maybe 70% of panels/vendors/content should involve anime or even 50% if the demand is really that high. You don't want to piss your attendees off either.
You potentially will have the anime fans leave if only western stuff takes over. These are the people who started the foundation of your con, and that's fucked up customer service to shit on them for a new majority. I think in this situation if your con is doing that well, that your attendees keep growing why not manage 2 cons? And make one more western cartoon and one more anime oriented. Before people shit on me too I like stuff from both sides and I like when cons aren't too all over the place because then you can expect what to see when you get there, what kind of vendors, and so forth.
Cons involve practical management, you can't let your feelings take over you have to remember you're providing a service to people so you have to keep them happy but if you have to support something you don't believe in/know nothing about that probably won't go well either. I wouldn't want someone running a western style con who is really into anime, the lack of passion will probably show somewhere and it will turn into a shit con that is all disjointed.
>>8892335
That bag that Ezio is carrying. I need it.
I NEED THAT FUCKING BAG
>>8892456
A good judge can judge any costume from any source because they are judging the techniques and craftsmanship of the costume. What are you talking about?
>>8892350
he's not wrong. We have say Contnect(sorry for bad spelling) con on the East coast as a general meme/teenager/mass media that isn't just comics/SF/fantasy con, these are what cons do not want to become.
>>8892420
I kinda agree with this anon
Keep the panels events and schedule anime themed. Shut them out by exclusion. Even if people wanna wear those cosplays they will, but you don't have to change into a general con. Eventually those more interested in western media will drift towards those cons instead.
If people want x,y,or z they can go to someplace else for that, if they want an unofficial undertale photoshoot, yay for them, they can do what they want in the convention area. Or hell, let them know where they belong and have a western room, that is the only place to host anything about stuff that's not anime/manga/Japan related. Bottom line if you don't wanna host an general geek con you don't have to. It's a lot of work and it should remain about the stuff you love to bring those that share that love together.
>>8892350
What is your favorite liqour and what cons do you go to?
Thank you, anon.
>>8898132
Here ya go:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WWNOZ0O/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1457312977&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=99+souls+but+a+witch+ain%27t+one+bag&dpPl=1&dpID=41G2dRuEzPL&ref=plSrch
>>8898194
wow, anon. ConnectiCon. Spelled just like the state, but with "con" at the end instead.
Personally, I think it's great to incorporate a wider variety of programming. Realistically it will only expand your audience. As long as the quality of your Japanese-related stuff doesn't decline, you should be fine.
>>8898329
I.. I don't drink nor have I ever gone to any con..
I don't think I live in a place where conventions are a thing.. v_v
>>8892335
Give into the demands!
There are tons of cons who'd love to have an influx like that. Take advantage.
>>8899008
Different anon but I'll take you out for a few rootbeer floats.
>>8892350
People are latching onto this post because of its authoritative tone and that's hilarious. Form your own opinions, faggots.
I think it says a lot of /cgl/ that it thinks cons must be major events full of flashy lights, famous guests and lots of people looking at you instead of a gathering of like-minded people.
Popularity, popularity, popularity.
A lot of cons are facing overcrowding be careful about becoming too welcoming. Also don't shun people with a "western room" they'll compare it to an internment camp
>>8898370
Thanks-a-mundo, friend. I literally just went and bought it.
Last I checked, you keep anime relevant in an anime con by inviting guests related to the anime industry.
>>8899008
We owe ya one!
>>8892335
If you believe that's it's best to stay anime-focused:
Cut down on Western programming. Keep events anime and Japanese culture themed. Have programming, guests, exhibitors, and artist that are related to anime. Make "incentives" for people to cosplay anime-related stuff, such as by only allowing anime cosplays in the masquerade or costume contest. Add some programming that caters towards Japanese culture, for instance, "idol auditions", "maid cafe", "tea ceremony", "import beer garden", etc. Add J-rock and J-fashion if you don't already have it. Japanese guests of honour or industry guests who're within the JP industry are great, too.
But if you want to grow the con's attendance and make more profit, give in your customers' demands and have a healthy mix of both.
Your choice, anon.
>We all go to cons for one thing.
>>8904384
Is that G.I.Joe? I see Mainframe in the background.
But that guy in the foreground doesn't look like he's from G.I. Joe at all.
>>8892350
rekt
>>8904712
Also, keep the merchandise hall low on fring media, I like KPOP but let Anime fans have their time to shine please.
>>8892335
No one who actually cares about anime or otaku culture goes to these events so it doesn't matter.
>>8904733
Oo I laughed too hard.
