MFF
So I wanted to get something up here before it all fades into more of a haze than it already is...
MFF was a pretty good time, better than I was expecting. Historically, MFF has been a pretty down con for me, so I had pretty modest expectations this time around. The new hotel was really nice, well suited for such a big event. I was a little surprised, but despite just having the four primary elevators, there really weren't any significant issues I encountered getting up and down. With the exception of the parking, there seemed to be plenty of room to grow in the space as well. The only minor hotel complaint I had was the low ceiling in the dealer's room. It made it feel pretty claustrophobic.
During the days, I was pretty much dealing all the time for Fur Planet. I did a panel on printmaking Friday, which was fun but lightly attended. I ducked out a bit for the story telling panel that Rikoshi, Kyell, and Fuzz did. I pretty much abandoned attempting any art or commissions myself, as it's just been such a bad con for that in the past. Sucks from a cash flow perspective, but keeps me from either getting bogged down or depressed by lack of sales.
After 'work', in the evenings I mostly hung out with Rikoshi and his crew, including Kohai, Keisho, sometimes Lovejoy, as well as some other additions like Teiran, Cyanni and Amaze, and Jacent. Thursday-Saturday nights were mostly laid back, just a few people in a fairly quiet room drinking and talking. Really nice and relaxing.
Friday was the best dinner, a massive 20 person trek to Gino's East which went off with nary a hitch. Everyone showed up fairly promptly for the meetup, no transportation drama, quick seating even though we were a huge group with no call ahead, no ordering issues since it was completely commandeered, and no money issue at the end of the night. I sat right by Kit, Kyell, Jacent, Cyanni and Will Sanborn. A quite distinguished and wonderful writing crew, with lots of good conversation.
Sunday night was the biggest party night, as I wanted to go to something bigger after keeping so low key earlier, and missing some parties that sounded wild and crazy. I tried to go to the dead dog, and while I got in, it was just so super packed it wasn't worth staying. I went back and hung out with Jacent, Teiran, Rikoshi and Kohai again, and Lovejoy showed up and took us to a Dead Horse party, which was quite great, where I ran into Rozberk for only about the second time that con, and Khyle from Texas was there, ran into and chatted with Dingo (purple draaaaank), Austen was in and out, it was a lot of fun. After that party ended, we headed out, and I said goodnight to Rikoshi, and then wound up chatting with Lovejoy and another fur I can't remember in one of the elevator lobbies till about 4. The drive home was a nightmare, but it was worth it.
That's the con, leaving lots of things out, but that's the parts I can/want to/willing to post/remember.
MFF was a pretty good time, better than I was expecting. Historically, MFF has been a pretty down con for me, so I had pretty modest expectations this time around. The new hotel was really nice, well suited for such a big event. I was a little surprised, but despite just having the four primary elevators, there really weren't any significant issues I encountered getting up and down. With the exception of the parking, there seemed to be plenty of room to grow in the space as well. The only minor hotel complaint I had was the low ceiling in the dealer's room. It made it feel pretty claustrophobic.
During the days, I was pretty much dealing all the time for Fur Planet. I did a panel on printmaking Friday, which was fun but lightly attended. I ducked out a bit for the story telling panel that Rikoshi, Kyell, and Fuzz did. I pretty much abandoned attempting any art or commissions myself, as it's just been such a bad con for that in the past. Sucks from a cash flow perspective, but keeps me from either getting bogged down or depressed by lack of sales.
After 'work', in the evenings I mostly hung out with Rikoshi and his crew, including Kohai, Keisho, sometimes Lovejoy, as well as some other additions like Teiran, Cyanni and Amaze, and Jacent. Thursday-Saturday nights were mostly laid back, just a few people in a fairly quiet room drinking and talking. Really nice and relaxing.
Friday was the best dinner, a massive 20 person trek to Gino's East which went off with nary a hitch. Everyone showed up fairly promptly for the meetup, no transportation drama, quick seating even though we were a huge group with no call ahead, no ordering issues since it was completely commandeered, and no money issue at the end of the night. I sat right by Kit, Kyell, Jacent, Cyanni and Will Sanborn. A quite distinguished and wonderful writing crew, with lots of good conversation.
Sunday night was the biggest party night, as I wanted to go to something bigger after keeping so low key earlier, and missing some parties that sounded wild and crazy. I tried to go to the dead dog, and while I got in, it was just so super packed it wasn't worth staying. I went back and hung out with Jacent, Teiran, Rikoshi and Kohai again, and Lovejoy showed up and took us to a Dead Horse party, which was quite great, where I ran into Rozberk for only about the second time that con, and Khyle from Texas was there, ran into and chatted with Dingo (purple draaaaank), Austen was in and out, it was a lot of fun. After that party ended, we headed out, and I said goodnight to Rikoshi, and then wound up chatting with Lovejoy and another fur I can't remember in one of the elevator lobbies till about 4. The drive home was a nightmare, but it was worth it.
That's the con, leaving lots of things out, but that's the parts I can/want to/willing to post/remember.