So uh...
...is anyone going?
>>9010268
no.
>>9010272
Thread over, I guess.
I keep hearing two things:
1) Midwest still has the intimate feel of an early-2000s con, and while the guests aren't all that good, if you're into panels and activities, it has that in spdes.
2) Midwest is run by a rapist.
How true are they?
Isn't that a Kopf con? No thanks, I like my cons without rape and actual pedophiles in the ranks.
>>9010275
1.) From what I hear this is is true because there's no other reason to go.
2.) True. Not naming names, but yes. Source is my friend's sister who was raped but did not participate in the proceedings because she didn't want to relive it or have her name tied to it for all eternity.
I'm just an anon though so take it for what it's worth.
>>9010279
>mfw I already bought a pass purely because I can't go to ACen
Tell your friend's sister I'm sorry.
Also you'll be sharing the convention center with an actual porn convention.
http://www.nerdandtie.com/2016/05/10/anime-midwest-will-share-a-convention-center-with-exxxotica-porn-convention/
I'm sure there will be absolutely no incidents whatsoever. It's not like his staff have allgedly had violent reactions to peaceful artists/vendors when they are stressed either.
http://www.nerdandtie.com/2015/09/08/animecon-org-ceo-ryan-kopf-allegedly-attacks-vendor-during-metacon-2015/#more-3888
I could go on, including the actual pedophile working for him in California, 'allegedly' trying to steal a maid cafe's image and licenses...
Just.. I will not give Ryan Kopf one red cent. And that includes the small conventions he puppets from behind the scenes.
Not touching a Kopf con.
>>9010298
I don't mind the porn convention thing, not when ACen has that one dude screaming HENTAIIIII/YAOIIIII in a dealers' room filled with 14-year-olds all day.
The rest, though...oy. Christ, he's banned from Anime Iowa.
>>9010298
Yeah, I remember when someone originally posted this a few months ago. Surprisingly enough, some of AMW's staff aren't cool about it, but Exxotica is seeing this as a business opportunity and are providing discounted passes for AMW attendees including a free Lady's Night.
desu, I think it's kind of great because it'd help weed out the majority of young homestuck fans and encourage older cosplayers to stay and party.
Personally, idk if I'm going since there are still no announcements for a major Japanese lolita brand guest. Maybe I'll join a friend's room party and stay the weekend, but visit Chicago during con hours.
>>9010380
ha, I forgot about the filter there.
>>9010380
They've always done a free ladies night. Its nothing new. Overall Exxxotica is mild in nature. People can be so sensitive.
>>9010406
Ah, cool. News to me. I've had cosplay friends who've also gone to that con. I'm surprised that they never mentioned it (then again, I never delved into the site).
I just really want to model in the Lolita fashion show. I hate that its run by this living garbage bag.
It's also A-level con price for a C-level con.
>>9010275
1. Midwest is where all rejected ACen panels go. If they show up to do their panel that is
2. Whatever you heard is the same I heard. I don't think anyone that staffed has ever asked him about it.
>>9013354
>>2. Whatever you heard is the same I heard. I don't think anyone that staffed has ever asked him about it.
I work for another midwest convention and we regularly get new staff applicants from Midwest who, most often, were added to Kopf's infamous blacklist for either a) bringing up allegations, b) speaking up / out about how things are run, or c) are part of an all-new allegation again glorious leader.
>>9013354
>1. Midwest is where all rejected ACen panels go.
Huh. I've honestly been considering submitting an older version of my panel out of mothballs but figured I shouldn't reuse content I previously used at ACen. Maybe I should just do it.
Eh, I bought a pass because I could only attend one day of acen. Apart from having bad guest and the organizer being a shitty person, is the con itself genuinely bad?
>>9017169
Kopf cons are usually okay, as long as you dont mind them all being identical con-in-a-boxes. Great ball, too.
Though, some people inevitably run into some "how does this even happen" level nonsense at his cons. Like at Con Alt Delete last year where someone forced themselves into a person's room and took a bunch of stuff to their room across the hall and the con security said they could do it.
>>9017180
>and the con security said they could do it.
Fucking what. There has to be more to this store than that nonsense, right?
>>9017169
Hopefully AA will be better this year since it isn't during AX, but it's a decent small con if you're hanging out with friends and has a decent amount of good panels. I'm passes that you don't get a free badge if you do a panel like other cons. Steam Powered Giraffe concert is always really good and there are a lot of decently dressed lolitas around. This year, they got TRIGGER so I'm hoping someone does Space Patrol Luluco cosplay, as I missed anyone that was doing it. They also have free ramen in the Hyatt (great for a quick lunch if you're lazy), but definitely avoid the soy sauce station at all costs to avoid any potential staining on costumes/dresses. Maid cafe is now run by some decent peeps, so I'd recommend checking it out too!
>>9010279
>can't report it meme
Your sister is an histrionic attention whore
>>9017197
Look up Taylor Caines. I'd link to it but phone so it's hard to link to.
He has the most punchable face, also don't go to his shitty cons
>>9017359
>center-part
>ponytail
>babyface
Jesus
It wouldn't be so bad if he'd cut off that awful ponytail, maybe buzz down his hair, and lose a little bit of weight in his face
>>9017359
Supermodels don't run anime cons, so why do you even brings someone's looks into the discussion.
>>9018935
Hey, when you have the face of a douche, you have the face of a douche. Him actually being a douche only makes it more appropriate.
>>9017359
He ran for mayor once
https://encyclopediadramatica.se/Ryan_Kopf
>>9014417
By any chance were several from Safety Department before 2014? If so it would somewhat explain why Safety needed extra staffers at 2015 Midwest. They had to take other staffers from other departments to cover shifts.
>>9017180
I feel like they're relatively mediocre because they've spread into a franchise of cons rather than focus on maybe one or two cons for quality purposes.
AMW is pretty chill in my experience. It's half the size of Acen, so it's not as hectic and quite nice if you like private parties (easier to book rooms and general chill-hang-with-nerdy-friends vibes). Some upsides:
>once again, easy to book rooms
>con-suite
>maid-cafe (Unlike ACen, in spite of sharing the same con space; the grills are qt too)
>lolita friendly
Downsides
>cosplays quality
not on point as ACen (unless you like casual cosplays as a break for major projects)
>younger crowd
This is common in other Kopf cons because they're cheaper.
>>9017359
Hahaa, he really does. I wish he would cut his hair for an updated look, too. It's been like that for years.
Pt 1
I staff another convention and actually attended this con as an attendee this last year. Things I noticed:
>panels all off schedule by 20-30 min
>DC douglas' panel was supposed to be in a larger room
>DC told Ryan this and ryan didn't listen
>projector was the incorrect one for the panel
>20 min wasted just to figure this out by staff
>get moved to a larger room because way too many people
>staff guides no one out of the room and we all lose our seats
It was literally a stampede and the staff did nothing to stop it
>staff shouting in the lobby that they're on the board of directors
>rubbing it in people's faces
>guests had no clue where they were going nor did the staff that was supposed to guide them
>staff downright rude to people with alot of yelling
>no organization. At all.
I can't even begin to describe the level of disorganization i witnessed. Everything was late, incorrect equipment, or we had panels that were right next to musicians so you could barely hear the person running the panel. I asked many different staffers questions as to where things were and they didnt know where to direct me.
>>9019495
Pt 2
>most attendees were 18 or under
>people got sick off of the free ramen
>autograph lines cut directly into the flow of traffic for the vendor hall
>autographs all took place in the vendor hall at tables
>had to cut through lines on many occasions
It was a really stupid setup. I get what he was trying to do but it really didnt work well for the flow of traffic. If anything, he could have laid out some tape markers or even some rope saying "Do not stand past this line."
It honestly felt like i couldnt even mention i was staff for another con. I didnt feel comfortable bringing anything up to their staff at all. I like having discussions with other staff to compare and maybe learn something but this felt like i was not welcome.
>>9019495
I'm Tech staffer and mainly the one posting in the thread and incorrect equipment more like broken since a few didn't work during testing Thursday.
You also forgot the best thing that happened Sunday, the encryption key for the Studio Ghibli movie they showed managed to expire before the planned showtime.
Definitely going. I actually enjoy Midwest more than ACEN. The combination of the smaller size and free food is what really stands out for me. Yeah, I know it's just ramen, rice, oatmeal, and soda, but the Consweet is always an awesome area to meet and chat with others.
As for Kopf, I say meh to the allegations. I ran into him once, he was quietly sitting at a table typing away on his laptop. From the looks of it, he seemed like a regular guy. The fact that the allegations seemed to make their first appearance on the Tumblr echo chamber ( aka the Department of Misinformation) and the fact that the victim refused to cooperate further is what causes me to dismiss the allegations.
>>9010298
looks like I'm definitely going. Will create some very interesting cross culture.
>Nothing will ever top how Fandomfest 2013 in Louisville shared a booking with a Pentecostal religion group
>>9019640
>shared a booking with a Pentecostal religion group
>group of Osomatsu cosplayers all yelling SHEEEEEH or something
"Honey, look, they're speaking in tongues!"
>>9019640
My favorite cross-cultural experience is still the mix of an anime con literally focused on alcohol with a bar mitzvah. When both parties were boozed up and talking to each other it was actually a good time
I'll probably end up going, but only on Friday or Saturday. Acen has left me unsatisfied. That and otherwise my next con ain't until January.
>tfw all of your cosplays are more appropriate for winter
>gotta come up with something or else I'll die
>>9020205
I usually only go for Friday too. It's just easier to get one day off than the whole weekend.
>>9020205
I'm really unsure. I don't necessarily want to go, but I wanted to get some mileage out of some cosplay before I'm done for the year. If anything I'd just like to stay at the Hyatt and linger around the con center/hotel lobby the entire time. But I don't have the budget for a room unless I stayed with someone who wouldn't charge me much.
>>9019594
look up the police reports. Pretty telling of what kind of man he is http://professorpher.tumblr.com/post/54077111698/balhalla-ravennight14-fluffysparkles-a
>>9020781
Again......Tumblr. I know, I looked at the police reports myself. I also looked at the follow up reports made by detectives as well. In the reports, it's clearly stated that the victim refused to cooperate. Was there something that happened between her and Kopf that night? Probably, yes. Was it sexual assault? Dunno, especially since she straight up refused to allow investigators to run a rape test and later told them not to pursue that case anymore.
Look, I know it's hard for victims of sexual assault to go through investigations, but this whole ordeal sounds like BS. How many times has a girl slept with a guy and then tried to lie to cover up her shame by going on a delayed Tumblr crusade?
>>9020914
well what about the reports that he set someone fire? there are even eye witnesses to that one, so it's not another case of 'bitches be lying' as you think
>>9020916
Never heard about that one. Care to point me to it?
Anime midwest has the burlesque show every year. Otherwise it's mostly forgettable aside from hanging out with other seagulls.
>>9019541
Oh yes!!! I'm still kicking myself for missing out and it was on my To Do list, but iirc, it was running the same time as the lolita fashion show. I kind of wish there was a night showing instead, but there was already a lot going on, so I can understand it being hard to move things around in the programming.
Is it bad that the only reason why I'm going to AM is because of Studio TRIGGER? I don't fuck with their works but since two memebrs of thay company were former GAINAX dudes I figure I fucks with AM this year
Plus eXXXotica and I like visiting Chicago.
>>9020983
The movie screening was so far behind schedule that you probably could have attended both.
>>9020219
I spent so much money at Acen that I'm going for one day to just save money the badge and I won't need a hotel.
>plus the fashion show is on Saturday so I may just go that day.
>>9020236
This. i didn't have any thoughts on going until Acen was done and over with. So it could be just con blues.
So, Anime Midwest's demographic isn't as autstic or retarded as the Anime Central's demographic and Facebook, right?
>the Lyft fee back to my apartment from the con is cheaper than a hotel room
I love living in the city.
>>9017231
Wow you're lying when you say the maid cafe is being run by "decent" people. Its being run by children and that attention whore Ghosttraveler.
The only decent person is that bald guy and I heard even he is that old racist woman's lackey.
>>9022690
yeah, I was only thinking of the bald guy though... sorry about that!
I don't know if anyone here does Artist Alley stuff, but if you do, make something Idolm@ster and I promise I'll buy it off you.
Just no more Love Live, please...
>>9010268
Well this sucks. My friend and I are going here as our first big con. We're even going to do our first real cosplay together here. It's a shame I won't get to meet many anons while I attend.
>>9022093
no but it is a much younger crowd
>Steven Universe VA
And just like that, AMid managed to nab a guest with more current star power than half of ACEN's guest list. This is why people say Midwest is better than ACEN. They know their audience and try their best to cater to it.
inb4 "Hi Ryan/Kassy/Erica/etc.", fuck off. I hate that wannabe Alucard ass nigga as much as anyone else, but he knows what the young weebs want.
>>9031409
Great post Ryan, love ya bro.
>>9031409
SU fans are vocal psychos. What is going to happen to this kid.
>>9031409
>but he knows what the young weebs want.
Like free ramen.
>>9031465
Don't forget the all-you-can-eat oatmeal.
>>9020970
Go to the Burlesque, they said. It'll be fun, they said.
>>9031409
oh god the VA looks as punchable as steven
he almost looks like he has the downs
rebecca chose the perfect guy for steven I gotta say
>>9031841
That's just how kids look dude
Would anyone want to do a meetup?
>>9032076
I'd be down for it.
>>9031848
I work as a councilor for summer camp every year, kid looks downsy.
funnily enough I enjoy steven universe.
>>9032396
Well let's see if anyone else would like to.
/cgl/ meetup
http://www.strawpoll.me/10359965
>>9031409
So a bunch of kids and insane tumblrfags?
There are a lot of stupid posts here, some of which don't even make any sense. I was on staff for Midwest for two years, and quit because I have a real life and stopped doing most weeb stuff. I still lurk here to think back on those days, and I still attend.
For one, ACEN and IRT are run very Chicago-style, and they blacklist and run a campaign against anyone who opposes them. Why do you think KollisionKon and RamenCon both suck so incredibly hard? ACEN bans ANY convention that might compete with them. When's the last time you've seen any Illinois convention have a table at ACEN? If they had one, they must have cozied up to a lot of people. It's always Otakon and Ohayocon - cons 5 or more hours away. ACEN hates competition.
A handful of the "I hate Kopf" fans on here are old IRT guys. Some of them worked for Kopf and his cons for a while, and then were let go. The story, as I'm told, was that there was a very minor incident with some girl having trouble breathing at a con, and they actually told him, the con chair, that he couldn't go in the room or assess the situation. It was the main events room, and they were trying to tear down as it was Sunday. Apparently they thought they'd be violating HIPPA if they let a non-medical person enter the room - which is total bullshit, because HIPPA literally only applies to hospitals. Stopping the guy who owns the whole operation from entering and assessing a situation which might involve ambulances and insurance? That's just downright silly to me. But they had a hard time accepting that. That's what I've been told. The other side said something like Kopf just wanted in so he could see boobies or something if they had to take this girls shirt off? Doesn't make sense to me. He's not that creepy. IDK though I met him later maybe he's grown up more.
(cont)
A lot of these rumors about the con chair are like the one above... "my friend's sister who was raped." That's so BS. I'm a girl, btw.
It's shit like this that makes it hard for a women to be believed when she's actually raped. I've seen way too many times at conventions some girl, usually only a semi-nerd girl, who disappears with a guy consentually (you can see the way they were acting together), and then months later decide they totally weren't into the guy, they never said yes to anything, they never wanted to kiss him, he forced himself on her, etc. Like, I saw them flirting, and they straight up say that never happened. It's really dissapointing and infuriurating.
Some of these other things I'm reading are pretty weird stories.
>staff shouting in the lobby that they're on the board of directors
There is no board. That's not even possible. You can't even be thinking of a Kopf con because it's just him. There's no board, and you think Kopf's ego would let people go around shouting "I'm on the board"? Are you sure you're not thinking of ACEN because that sounds very ACEN to me.
(cont)
I think the biggest thing people don't question enough is Kopf being banned from ACEN and Anime Iowa. Also, who even goes to Anime Iowa anymore? You bring up Anime Iowa in a thread about a con 7 hours away?
Here's one view of things.
1. Kopf starts a con in Iowa and Illinois
2. He litters Anime Iowa and ACEN with flyers
3. They now have competition
4. They get mad and ban him
But it really doesn't look like something exclusive to Kopf. Anime Central clearly has a huge vendetta against anyone who doesn't worship them. They deny tables to anyone who starts to compete with them on a serious level, because they're worried their crap-tier guest list and their power-hungry IRT staff might actually have something to compete against.
>>9032879
(cont)
And I'll do it for you.
"Hi Ryan!"
I lurk but I'm ready to hop on the pro-Midwest train since there's actually a couple good people in here.
> Better guest list
> Ramen is shit, but free pop is worth something. Buying a soda in Rosemont is like $3 unless you walk to McDonalds. That's $9 saved per day or $27 over the weekend for someone who drinks 3 bottles a day which is pretty light considering I've had two just this morning.
> Maid cafe is better than the two other cons I've seen one at. The maids are wearing matching uniforms and the place is decorated, and they're all in sync. The dance is pretty "meh" but I definitely feel the atmosphere
> Anime Midwest got Lolita guests... though it looks like no brand this year and that's lame. They probably wasted their time getting S.U. guests instead of the brand we wanted.
I always experience way less harassment at Midwest than Acen too. There's always drunk people being idiots at Acen, but Midwest is like dry city.
Schedule's out.
>this dearth of good adult panels
jesus, I shoulda submitted after all.
>>9032864
>>9032869
>>9032879
>>9032881
Care to summarize that?
>>9032864
>>9032869
>>9032879
>>9032881
Okay, I'll take the bait.
>ACEN and IRT are run very Chicago-style, and they blacklist and run a campaign against anyone who opposes them.
No they don't.
>Why do you think KollisionKon and RamenCon both suck so incredibly hard?
Because the head of Kollision is a jackass who's shit with money and planning, and RamenCon is actually a convention for teenagers, not 20-something weebs looking to fuck.
That story with the girl having trouble breathing is only known by a literal handful of people, so holy shit on that one. It's very possible that we might know each other. Yeah, the big boy and his jagoff buddy were totally in the wrong there.
>There is no board. That's not even possible. You can't even be thinking of a Kopf con because it's just him. There's no board
Bitch, don't be cute. You know goddamn well which staffers the Anons who say that are referring to. The same 6-7 who are always running con ops at every AnimeCon.org event, and getting little gifts like hats and katanas and Nintendo 3DSs in the same meeting that that shithead Ryan tells his staff that the convention can't afford to put his security staff in hotel rooms.
>>9033128 again
You are right though. ACEN does NOT take kindly to area cons that aren't drinking the kool-aid.
(What's yer callsign, bby? :^)))))))
>>9033134
Heh, I'm not telling my callsign, I prefer to stay anon on this anon site. I don't want people to know I go here.
>ACEN and IRT are run very Chicago-style, and they blacklist and run a campaign against anyone who opposes them.
>>No they don't.
That's just kinda how it looks from the outside. A city as big as Chicago not having more than 1 big anime con seems weird, but maybe it's not as weird as I think. California and New York both only have 1 "really big" con (as far as I've heard of anyway). It's still weird that none of the cons in Illinois (or Indiana in the case of RamenCon) seem to get along. Maybe the people in charge of all of them need to get more professional.
>>9032891
I feel ya about the dry city thing. I think that having a much younger demographic due to being cheaper contributes to it. Getting S.U is definitely going to draw a younger crowd (though, tbqh, I kind of want to meet the tyke in spite of not planning on going this year). People still do private parties and drink. They're just more mindful than when at ACen.
Real shame about the no Japanese brand guests this year. According to some staff members I asked, brands have been slow and vague about replying. Kind of strange considering how they seem to have done well sales wise last year (especially compared to AP's visit to ACen and AM). Hopefully folks will still support indie Western brands anyway.
>>9032869
I kissed a guy at a con and when I saw him later in an elevator he grabbed my boobs. Does me kissing him mean that was okay for him to do? If it helps, I was 13 and I think he was 21. Seriously, giving permission for some things doesn't mean they're consenting to everything. The lying about being into the person at all is a red flag, but it could also be a defense against people then saying they must have wanted it just like you're doing.
>>9033653
>I kissed a guy at a con and when I saw him later in an elevator he grabbed my boobs. Does me kissing him mean that was okay for him to do? If it helps, I was 13 and I think he was 21. Seriously, giving permission for some things doesn't mean they're consenting to everything. The lying about being into the person at all is a red flag, but it could also be a defense against people then saying they must have wanted it just like you're doing.
Absolutely does not give him permission.
But in these situations lying about one details raises a red flag. It's tough to be a woman and have to deal with harassment like that, but it's also tough to be a man because a lot of people won't take your word.
Did you guys read the Johnny Depp thing recently?
http://www.unilad.co.uk/film/johnny-depp-is-being-blackmailed-and-manipulated-by-amber-heard/
>an autistic manlet
>makes a mediocre ripoff con
>commissions the con mascot as an edgy alter-ego version of myself
>gets to touch all the underage girls
>sue anyone who disagrees with him
THE ABSOLUTE MADMAN
>>9033653
the hell were you doing kissing a grown ass man though?
>>9033781
>>an autistic manlet
>>makes a mediocre ripoff con
>>commissions the con mascot as an edgy alter-ego version of myself
>>gets to touch all the underage girls
>>sue anyone who disagrees with him
>THE ABSOLUTE MADMAN
Okay, to be fair, that's a brilliant business plan.
>>9033970
You gotta remember she was 13. We don't really explain to 13 years olds who to kiss and who not to kiss in this country. We just kind of leave them on their own to figure it out.
American sex ed sucks.
>>9033623
>They're just more mindful than when at ACen.
Shit, I was hoping they'd be less mindful. I miss the days when you could just put out an ad saying where your room party was.
>>9033970
13 year olds are retards, dude
The fact that there are no names here leads me to believe that they don't have a single person directly involved in production coming (key animators, directors, producers, etc). Anyone have any details? If they actually had some I would pick up a day badge for that seeing as I live so close and couldn't pass it up, despite my reservations about kopf cons.
>>9034976
They just emailed everyone about those guests just now, what a coincidence?
>>9033587
Fair enough on the callsign. I'd love to continue this conversation in person though. Do you do any camping in July?
This guy's music is not bad, I encourage some of you to see it and decide. I don't like hip hop but his freestyle last year was killer.
>>9038124
as long as it isn't more shitty trap house Chicago reject stuff... then he has a shot.
>>9038124
I remember listening to him rap over FF6 at another con and I actually really liked it.
>>9026696
you can find a way to enjoy yourself if you try, oh Roguish anon
>>9038248
I'm hoping the meetup goes through. Though I don't really know what we'd do.
>>9010298
"Peaceful artists/vendors"
Nigger are you kidding me?
Are we talking the sperg who was shouting at guests/staff who 'triggered' her "muh gender issues' at CAD, or the vendor at the Michigan(?) con who refused to stop selling bootlegs and had to be escorted out by the police? Because kudos for the staff for not letting that transbullshit artist scream at kids and get away with it because she played the retard card, and kudos to Ryan for standing up to that dealer with his mountains of bootlegged crap. Lord knows enough convention staff don't give two fucks about legitimacy in the Dealer's Hall.
>>9038264
I assume everybody stands around and spergs out
First time on /cgl/ and I saw "Midwest" in a name so I went and got my hopes up. I guess this con seems pretty sketchy bc of who's running it.
I live in central Wisconsin and there's never anything to do (that I know of) that's at max one state over (no cons, no music tours and so on). Part of it is that I'm pretty clueless as to how I'm supposed to find anything happening near me; any beginner advice?
I enjoy sewing and dressing up so going to a con sounds like a lot of fun.
>>9038344
I went to midwest last year and it was really chill but not boring. There's a lot more room to breathe and enjoy yourself than at Acen.
>>9038344
>went and got my hopes up. I guess this con seems pretty sketchy bc of who's running it.
>I live in central Wisconsin and there's never anything to do (that I know of) that's at max one state over (no cons, no music tours and so on). Part of it is that I'm pretty clueless as to how I'm supposed to find anything happening near me; any beginner advice?
>I enjoy sewing and dressing up so going to a con soun
Don't buy into the stories, people go back every year because it's a good con. It's definitely not the "only option" in town so it can't be that.
Wisconsin has Anime Milwaukee which is okay, but compare it to Midwest and you'll be disappointed (unless it's the expensive voice actors, they DO well at that).
New congoers should make sure to cosplay, go to meetups, and do stuff. Meetups in cosplay is a good way to make friends so you're not all alone.
>>9038357
Unless they keep growing maybe. As long as there's not 10000 smokers outside, I'm good.
So what's the general consensus on this one? I was at ACEN for 2 days, bought a 3 day but ended up getting con plague and not going on Sunday. I was alone anyway because the one person I planned on going with bounced.
How much of Anime Midwest is anime? ACEN was about 50% anime, 25% vidya, 15% specific fandoms and 10% other.
>>9039245
Guest wise Midwest is a bit less anime at least last year and more vidya/everything else. Panel wise about the same
Also, they keep spelling Madoka "Modoka". How do you spell this wrong after 2-3 years?
>>9039257
Because they have the same programming schedule from 2013. They never update the damn thing.
>>9039323
For panels, that's not really that much of a big deal, as long as there are new guests.
>>9039588
Is it the exact same because no one ever submits different panels, or because they just never change what schedule is posted on their site?
>>9038344
You didn't even try... there's Geek.kon in Madison in late August, Anime Milwaukee in February, Wizard World happened in Madison iirc this past year, No Brand Con in Wisconsin Dells... honestly, AMW is better than AMKE in some aspects, but at least Midwest brings in big name Japanese guests, Milwaukee tried to bring in a Japanese dj a while back and he couldn't get past the Canadian border...
I have a few panels that I've run before (one of them is 18+) and since they still have the submission form open I wonder what my chances of getting in are...
Does anyone know how close in proximity the erotic con will be to Midwest? I'm very tempted to buy a badge just so I can get access to the entire building.
>>9040453
You forgot Daishocon, anon. IDK if Wausaubi con is still around, but that one was held in my home town.
>>9041118
They're sharing the convention center. Different areas, same building though. Midwest is also in the Hyatt
>>9040453
I went to Geek.Kon a few years ago and it was pretty mediocre. The vendor room was big, but otherwise... nothing else redeeming.
How is Wizard Madison? I heard (from a good source) that Wizard Minneapolis only got 2,000 attendees.
Hey Anons,
Here's a question I have to ask, because I am dumbfounded. My job involves some accounting for an office supply place, so I see a lot of numbers and I have a huge question.
If Anime Central has 20,000 people more than Midwest, that's $1,000,000. How can Anime Midwest run the exact same quality of convention as Anime Central, with a million dollars less? A couple more Japanese guests might cost $10,000 each including travel and that's it. Where the fuck is this money going?
They claim to be a charity. Who's getting it? They have TWO scholarships a year and that's it.
Smells fishy.
>>9041606
Well their financial data is online as a nonprofit.
http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2014/364/300/2014-364300022-0b2b6470-9.pdf
But $600,000 is listed as just "Convention Expenses".
>>9041614
One or the other is probably lying about attendance.
>>9040358
They made sure to announce the new schedule was out via email, so I think it must just be the same panels over and over.
Had I known the 18+ lineup was going to be so shitty I would've submitted a porn panel or something.
>>9041606
I'm going to give the obvious answer of "it's cheaper to give the same quality of experience to fewer people", but what do i really know.
>>9041606
Ones a non-profit organization and the other's for profit if that answers your question.
>>9041969
>Ones a non-profit organization and the other's for profit if that answers your question.
>"Non-profit Organization"
> Makes a million more dollars than the for-profit company
> Produces worse convention
> Makes sense right.
>>9041944
>I'm going to give the obvious answer of "it's cheaper to give the same quality of experience to fewer people", but what do i really know.
Really though? Have you never taken a class on economics and learned what economies of scale are? They use the same venues, so they're going to be paying the same amount. The price of making a badge and program book for each attendee is at MOST 5 bucks.
>>9041726
>One or the other is probably lying about attendance.
Someone is probably pocketing money at ACen. It's Chicago. But what do I know.
>>9043636
This is a Midwest thread let's get back on topic plz.
I hope the cosplay shoot schedule comes out soon.
>>9043658
Isn't it on the site already?
>>9044390
Not yet unless it's been updated.
>>9036134
I wish they were going to AX.
>>9043658
I think it's kind of shoehorned into the regular schedule, under meetups. They have things like One Piece, Fullmetal, Pokemon, etc.
There's a girl on Facebook making a list of a whole bunch of unofficial ones as well
>>9044634
I'd just like it as a means of choosing which cosplays to bring. I've got more than 3 days worth unless I wore 2 a day.
>>9045668
Either Midwest is doing great for lying about their attendance, or MAPS/Acen is embezzling a fuckton.
>>9045742
It's actually both.
>>9045812
Of course they are.
>>9045821
Well then, must explain why the con is so empty feeling. The only time I saw a giant crowd was for the Burlesque show and 50% off line.
>>9043635
>Same Venues
ACEN uses the Hyatt, Convention Center, and often some of the other neighboring hotels. Midwest just uses the Hyatt.
>>9045999
Midwest also used the Convention center, but only a slight part of it compared to acen (like a third of the dealer's room)
>>9046177
>Midwest also used the Convention center, but only a slight part of it compared to acen (like a third of the dealer's room)
Also Midwest has room blocks at all the nearby hotels.
Also ACEN doesn't use any meeting space at any of the nearby hotels except the Hilton, and I'm sure it doesn't cost an extra million dollars to use.
>>9046234
Room Blocks only have to pay if they don't fill all the rooms. That's the point of a room block, "I can guarantee you X number of filled rooms if you make them cheaper".
And there are years that ACEN has used more of significantly more hotels. I remember a couple years ago that there were multiple panel rooms in the Double Tree and Hilton.
>>9046287
Back then they weren't using any of the rooms in the convention center for one reason or another. I don't know if they are a recent addition or if the con center allows them to use them into the night like a hotel would.
>>9046296
I think it's only been used the past two years, I remember some people confused about the new setup. The con center is locked at night though
What age group do you mean when you say younger crowd?
I'm 21 but never been to a con. I'm not autistic or a dork and I don't like them - nerds are cool but not geeks. I want to get drunk with a lolita qt. Worth going?
>>9046340
There is a large number of 14-18 year olds, but also quite a few people in their 20's and up,so you should be fine.
>>9046359
It's pretty mixed so you'll be fine. 21 is actually average.
It's the smaller cons that are all definitely under 21 these days.
>>9045861
That room was packed tho
>>9046407
That's what I'm saying. It's the only time I really saw a huge crowd. The con center wasn't anywhere close to Acen's and you could actually pick people apart in the crowd.
>decide to check out the erotic con's info
>they offer discounts for midwest
>mfw
http://chi.exxxoticaexpo.com/
I've never been more hype for a con.
>>9046783
Yeah, it felt smaller, but that was kind of the joy in it. I can't get into half the shit I want to at ACen.
>>9046990
There are certainly advantages to small cons. I've been to some tiny tiny cons before and theyre super cozy, with most people getting to know a lot of the people there beforethe con is through
>>9046932
Tfw Midwest doesn't have to deal with prom but gets exxxotica instead
>>9047338
>with most people getting to know a lot of the people there beforethe con is through
I want to try and relive the good old days of meeting, hanging and partying with strangers at the con but now I'm a 32-year-old sort of doughy guy. If the average age is mid-20s I'm gonna look super creepy, aren't I?
>>9047564
Don't worry anon! As long as you hang out with people with similar interests nobody will care! I know I'm going to try and meet as many people as I can.
>>9047564
well, if you have some active fandoms/anime that you're passionate about and willing to talk about, you'll be fine. Or share con horror stories of days past, those are fun to hear at a room party
>>9047642
I have kind of fallen in love with Osomatsu-san, that'd be a pretty easy cosplay!
If all else fails I bet there's a couple oldfags who still love Ranma 1/2
>>9047694
I might go and I like ranma 1/2 and I'm a young 20 something but you sound like a dopey fag & I would not hang.
>>9049082
You'll be him one day, anon. You'll be him.
>>9049082
Okay, anon.
>>9047694
>Osomatsu-san
I'm hearing a lot about this lately but have no idea why it's popular.
>>9049989
>>9050181
Nah, these people, you can see them already half formed before they leave their teens. They're geeks, not nerds; the hobby is just a petty way to find friends, and carve a niche to feel smug for themselves, and little more. I'd sooner die than become what I hate the very most.
>>9051688
It's hilarious, and gay. Episode 1 can be rather off putting but it's a riot after that. Extremely popular with fujoshi with how much pandering there is. And it's self aware pandering. Probably one of the most hilarious anime I've ever seen.
>>9051849
>I'd sooner die than become what I hate the very most.
Ow the edge.
>>9051688
It's got some of the sharpest comic timing I've seen since Azumanga Daioh and it's got a wonderful visual style.
Plus as >>9051983 pointed out it's gay as all hell, full of fodder for incestuous shipping fujos.
>>9051849
>the hobby is just a petty way to find friends and carve a niche to feel smug for themselves
>you're just pretending to like all this stuff so you can find friends who also like this stuff and feel smug while you enjoy this stuff with your petty friends
>I'd rather die
Okay, anon.
>>9051983
>what are jokes
I can only go friday, does it seem like we can get a decent /cgl/ meetup?
>>9052768
I can only go Friday, too, I'd be down to grab a drink at the bar or something.
>>9052768
I'd be down too.
>>9052768
There's at least 10 peeps who want to. I being one of them would be fine with Friday.
I woke up this morning to a text from Ryan begging me to go to Anime Midwest, did anyone else get this text? This is so fucking weird
>>9053795
No texts but certainly emails. Ever since my first time last year I get emails from time to time about the con, forum/facebook ongoings- but strangely enough not that erotic con. I don't even remember signing up for a newsletter.
>>9053795
I got a text too. Weird is an understatement.
>>9053795
So weird, but if you really hate him, you can post the number here and people can spam him with furry porn
>>9053795
I got an email this morning regarding something about a Lolita tea party.
>>9053835
Doxxing is against the rules anon
>>9053795
That's pretty fucking odd. I got the aforementioned Tea Party email but never any texts.
>>9053803
It's probably smart of them to not mention anything about the Exxxotica convention. If they mention anything, it would just cause a huge stir among people as they would think that they were working with one another - ZOMG think of the children! People tend to freak out about that stuff.
>>9053795
I got one two and told them it's creepy, but he (or whoever is actually doing it) replied and said it's some software program that turns phone numbers into conversations on a computer, so it's like instant messaging and they're not actually on a phone texting you or anything.
Anyone in need of a room? I happened to book a two double bed room at the Hyatt and I figured I could share.
>>9055058
Still creepy, but at least they're willing to address complaints, I guess
Welp, looks like I'm alone at a con again, one person who I thought would hold out dropped. Any other anons going it alone but wouldn't mind the company of another weeb?
>>9056241
I wouldn't mind hanging out mang
>>9056241
Yo, I'd be down
It's always the same thing with these meet ups. Why not just make a full weekend schedule for a time and place and if someone can't meet up then they just can't. It's not like someone wont run into another elsewhere.
>are you down
>m-maybe
>ok
>are we still meeting up?
>where is everyone
>anons give a time and place
>silence for an hour
>where's the meet up?
>>9056241
I'll also hang out. When the time comes we'll get a meetup going.
>>9056487
>>9056347
>>9056330
Cool, as it gets closer I'll post again. I only set foot in the Hyatt for a few minutes at ACEN so I'm not really familiar with the layout or where anything is. I know I met a few seagulls at ACEN but it was just more of a oh hey you're that person with that cosplay.
>>9056448
Pls no bully. It was just to see if people were interested, I was considering just not buying a ticket and not going since being at ACEN alone really sucked.
>>9056448
That actually isn't that terrible of an idea. Should we just do lunch on each of the days, and if we all want to hang out after words we can?
>>9056714
>>9056528
Most /cgl/ meet ups I've witnessed have been later at night since during the day everyone is generally at photo shoots, panels or just getting there since check in is at 3-ish. For Midwest and Acen, everyone typically goes to the Red Bar at the Hyatt, pic related for those unfamiliar.
I would suggest 7pm Friday and Saturday. I don't know what their Sunday hours are, but given it's the last day then I would go for an earlier time.
>>9056849
Alright, so perhaps a dinner meet up around 7 those two days. I can at least confirm I'll be there. I can probably drag my bro along too.
Would any gulls going to Midwest be down to have an itabag meetup? I know it's a smaller con so there might not be as many congoers with itabags, but I'd be willing to set up a meertup if enough people would like that!
>>9057280
yeah, I'd be willing to do it! I don't think there's a lot of itabaggers in the Midwest according to the small amount that I saw at ACEN
Anyone know much about the game room?
>>9057280
I would be!
>get mail
>Midwest post card
>offers $5 for registration
>already registered
This would have been useful a week ago
>>9060251
I'll take it off your hands if you don't want it!
>>9060274
Use promo code: POSTCARD
>>9060407
Thanks much!
>>9059928
Pretty good last year.
>finally schedule a con where nothing gets in the way after missing usual con due to other obligations
>suddenly we're celebrating the family business's anniversary a few days early on Saturday night
>and my wife's got a dance performance Friday night, thought it was the following weekend
FUCK
I'm gonna spend so much on cabs
Is anyone going an Orphan Black fan? I'd love to have an orphan black meetup but tiny fandom is tiny.
>>9062687
Sorry for your misfortune anon. Perhaps you can schedule for some upcoming cons like GenCon?
>>9056528
If badge security is anything like at Con Alt Delete, Not Buying A Badge doesn't mean you can't go. A friend of mine got into every event he wanted without any badge at all, there was literally no badge security. And I'm not misusing the word, there was no one at the entrances to the panel rooms, the main events, or the dealers' hall checking badges.
>>9062687
The dancer performance sucks since it seems planned in advanced, by why not tell your family to fuck off for the anniversary? You had this first.
>>9064843
>Oh Anon where were you?
>At one of my chinese cartoon conventions
>>9064510
>If badge security is anything like at Con Alt Delete, Not Buying A Badge doesn't mean you can't go. A friend of mine got into every event he wanted without any badge at all, there was literally no badge security. And I'm not misusing the word, there was no one at the entrances to the panel rooms, the main events, or the dealers' hall checking badges
An inside source told me there's going to be security at every entrance to everything this year. might just be bullshitting
>>9064977
>might just be bullshitting
There's always that person who wants to put the fear of the lord into someone.
>>9064843
I'm an investor, I have to be there
At least the booze will be free so I can stumble back to the con and gawk happily
My artist friend is selling at Midwest. Warned her to keep her head down around staff so she won't be violently removed from the premises, and that the posted number of attendees are a dirty lie.
>>9064977
since exxxotica is the same weekend it's possible
>>9066335
I'm praying some of the actresses at Exxotica decide to cosplay
>>9064510
It wasn't a money thing, but thanks I guess. Glad to know I can at least walk around with my pass in my pocket instead of it "ruining" my cosplay.
>>9065949
>Warned her to keep her head down around staff so she won't be violently removed from the premises, and that the posted number of attendees are a dirty lie.
You're a fucking retard if you don't believe Midwest has 10,000 attendees. The dealers would fucking riot if they didn't.
>>9066515
And you're this upset why?
>>9066829
AMW staff.
>>9066838
So you're an actual paid shill.
>>9066829
You're a retard and I'm not staff. What is there to understand?
>>9066515
I'm excited about AMW but I doubt it's hit 10k.
>>9067016
They filled about a third of the ACEN exhibit hall and the dealers didn't riot, so I have to believe they have at least a third of the attendance too. Basic maths, but I'm making a lot of presumptions
>>9066838
>>9066856
>>9066984
You've got it all wrong
>>9064977
Your source is probably bullshitting. AMW hasn't been able to keep a consistent safety staff since 2011.
>>9065949
Your friend should be fine. That particular artist was a fucking Tumblr babby and was gonna get kicked out regardless.
>>9066515
10,000 people on the premises? Sure. 10k people paying money to attend AMW? Hell no, senpai. Idk if you're a shill, or staff, or what, but no one believes that fucking lie.
>>9068409
>meet AC3 Ezio cosplayer
>he shows me his sword
>it's real
>mfw
There's not even a weapons check, the security is the most lax I've ever seen.
>>9068417
>AC3
Sorry, AC: Revelations.
>>9068417
>>9068409
You're delusional if you think Midwest doesn't make cash money in registrations. If they don't get 10k paying attendees, how the fuck are they suing everyone and their brother, and still running a better con than Acen? baka
Obviously you're involved with safety staff at other cons if you're getting into specific departments. Get out troll.
AM is purposefully lax on weapons I've noticed.
>>9068487
>If they don't get 10k paying attendees, how the fuck are they suing everyone and their brother, and still running a better con than Acen? baka
Because the con was started with daddy's money, and 90% of their guests will show up for beans compared to what they charge other cons (like the TGWTG crew). Daddy Kopf is backing the lawsuit against Trae as well.
>Obviously you're involved with safety staff at other cons if you're getting into specific departments. Get out troll.
I've worked damn near every con in the midwest , including ACEN, AMW, Geek.Kon, Ramen, Ponyville, etc. I was there when the e-mail was sent out in 2011. I was there when that 4-eyed bitch was putting zip-ties on everyone's shit. I was there during the second major staff walk out with Diana got canned. Shut the fuck up, you fucking shill.
AM is not purposely lax on weapons. They're understaffed and everyone knows it and takes advantage of it. That's why we have to put those obnoxious "no standing" signs all over the Hyatt. So we can herd people into a single area and quietly remove people who are ghosting the con.
>>9068487
>check subs
>Octopimp at AnimeExpo
>tfw missed panel at Midwest last year cause crowd too big
Well then I know where I'm going next year. Illinois doesn't seem to have anything spectacular to offer.
>>9068496
Daddy Kopf? That's the creepiest thing I've ever heard. If you look on Kopf's website it says "grew up a poor kid". I mean, that could be a lie, but who the fuck lies about being poor?
baka
I'm really looking forward to this but I'm really worried about the exxxotica people next door being assholes.
>>9069513
It really doesn't, and with the on-going budget impasse, it's only going to get worse.
It might be worth partying with friends who are going and spending the weekend visiting Chicago. There are a number of nerdy places to scout in the city without the levels of autism from a con.
>>9069513
>>9072389
>caring about dub voice actors of all things
I know /cgl/ is shit on routinely for having shit taste in anime, but this really takes the cake.
Seriously, Anime Midwest has fucking TRIGGER coming yet you would rather hear some b-tier VA.
I cannot wrap my mind around it. At all.
>>9072525
Anon try doing some basic research before you make /a/utistic posts. It's from 50% Off, a parody series of Free. it's about the same as going to a TeamFourStar panel.
>>9072677
And this >>9072525 is why I hate subfags. Not because dubs are better--they're almost never better and usually barely passable--but the mere mention of an English VA, even a parody VA, in a convention thread talking about guests, sends them into a conniption fit.
That said, I agree that TRIGGER is a WAY bigger deal than some parody dubber. My only panel complaint is that the late-night lineup, the stuff I usually go to, looks so shitty and sparse I might see if I can still submit something.
Does the Midwest Formal have special tickets? I know ACEN made you pay to get in, was just curious if it's the same here.
>>9073208
Midwest has a "everything extra is free" attitude except for the maid cafe.
Formal ball is free.
Lanyards are free.
I've seen other cons charge for both.
>>9073249
Other Cons have charged for Lanyards? I have never been to any con that's charged for their lanyards, especially since those are usually covered in the sponsor's ads.
>>9073249
Hell, they still have a consuite. That is legit impressive. Some of my favorite early con memories are dicking around in consuites eating popcorn and chugging Code Red.
>there's karaoke
oh fuck, I had no idea how badly I missed this.
>>9072677
>>9073050
Parody dubs are still dubs, you morons.
But the fact you even watch those ebin parody's really drive my point home.
>>9073729
You're a bigot and embarrassing yourself. Commit sudoku.
>>9073729
>Parody dubs are still dubs
Subfag-senpai, I never claimed they weren't. I like the occasional dub and I like some parody dubs (by which I mean DBZ:A and never bothered checking out any others). I just acknowledge that good dubs can and do exist.
What is your point? That you hate fun and anything not from Glorious Nippon?
Go forth, and shitpost no more.
Don't forget to shower, seagulls.
>>9073365
They were cons where the badge came with a pin instead, and you had to get a lanyard if you didn't want to poke a hole in your clothes.
>>9074023
It amazes me that in CURRENT YEAR we still need to remind weeaboos to shower at conventions. It's gotten better since my first ACen (although their motto's still "Got Soap" for a reason), but still, you inevitably enter a couple rooms filled with a miasma of otaku funk. Do these people not realize they smell?
>>9074821
Essentially. People get used to the smell of funk and then don't consider it foul smelling.
>>9072369
It will be interesting to see how they interact.
>>9075032
I just hope we don't get an army of lecher porn fans even less respectful of boundaries than usual weeaboos.
>>9075059
I'm expecting and hoping for the biggest hot mess of perverts and weebs. Just gotta remember my hand sanitizer because every surface will likely be filthy.
>>9075508
It's going to get crazy when the drinks start being served
>>9075508
I wonder what we could do to cause a bit of harmless mischief
>>9075569
Midwest is the kind of con to call the cops on people doing Marijuana outside. I wouldn't recommend mischief.
It's not like ACen.
Discuss http://ryankopf.com/posts/2117-What-is-jurisdiction-
>>9076973
You wouldn't do the same if people continued to harass you even though the person who initially made the allegations decided to pull a 180 and made a request to detectives to not pursue the case any further?
>>9076158
>doing Marijuana
Seriously?
>>9076999
Forum shopping is legal, but the way he talks about it is bad. It's also possibly smart, since there's apparently only four places in the entire country where his case would stand, according to him. That's four in the entire country.
He's still, in my opinion, a sleazebag who has too many personal issues and slimey behavior to be as in the public as he is. And, in my opinion, his slimey behavior which includes having an actual pedophile on his high-ranking staff (BG checks anyone? If he's actually a mogul as he claims to be and taking all these trips to Japan he can afford to BG his officers.) is grounds for me to never EVER give him my hard-earned money, and to encourage others not to as well.
