Update from Ycon 2014
Sorry - have to reply to some comments soon, it's been a very busy week what with work and getting ready for the con and packing and finishing the cosplay. Anyway, made it to San Fran and Ycon (Scribbles, passed your message and hugs to Mac, she hugged back and said 'HI!!!!!!').
It's been a very interesting con - a lot smaller than in previous years - hell, a lot smaller than I can ever remember the con being and we've been coming... oh hell, what, the past eleven years give or take a year or two (we boycotted the LA con and it sounds like that was definitely for the best). It's a more intimate con, yes there's less panels and less dealers but there's also less headaches, less yelling, less hassles and it over all seems better organized. We got to spend time with the friends who did arrive (such as the creators of Grave Impressions, etc.) and Ycon seemed more open to accepting web comic creators, which was great as we found some new comics to follow. It was more interesting to see these 'artists' here than some in the past - though where the hell is Guilt Pleasure??????? Seriously, we had expected them to be here as they are always a mainstay at Ycon. So glad I got their recent release online instead of waiting to 'see' if they were at Ycon.
The panels we attended were not maxed out, which was nice, and there seemed to be a lot of good deals in the dealers room (heck, doujinshi for ten dollars? So much better than at Ahh con, where they were selling for $40+!). Much less screaming this year, too. Plus, pre-reg at Thursday and events/dealer room on Friday, so more time to spend at the con.
Over all, it seems like Ycon is determined to win back its attendees. I'm glad I came this year, especially since it was a weekend w/ Mac. But over all, it seems like Ycon is trying to build back its reputation - noticed a lot of the 'old time' volunteers were back. Can only hope that it's back next year, even if it means more of a crowd. More later on the cosplay experience.
It's been a very interesting con - a lot smaller than in previous years - hell, a lot smaller than I can ever remember the con being and we've been coming... oh hell, what, the past eleven years give or take a year or two (we boycotted the LA con and it sounds like that was definitely for the best). It's a more intimate con, yes there's less panels and less dealers but there's also less headaches, less yelling, less hassles and it over all seems better organized. We got to spend time with the friends who did arrive (such as the creators of Grave Impressions, etc.) and Ycon seemed more open to accepting web comic creators, which was great as we found some new comics to follow. It was more interesting to see these 'artists' here than some in the past - though where the hell is Guilt Pleasure??????? Seriously, we had expected them to be here as they are always a mainstay at Ycon. So glad I got their recent release online instead of waiting to 'see' if they were at Ycon.
The panels we attended were not maxed out, which was nice, and there seemed to be a lot of good deals in the dealers room (heck, doujinshi for ten dollars? So much better than at Ahh con, where they were selling for $40+!). Much less screaming this year, too. Plus, pre-reg at Thursday and events/dealer room on Friday, so more time to spend at the con.
Over all, it seems like Ycon is determined to win back its attendees. I'm glad I came this year, especially since it was a weekend w/ Mac. But over all, it seems like Ycon is trying to build back its reputation - noticed a lot of the 'old time' volunteers were back. Can only hope that it's back next year, even if it means more of a crowd. More later on the cosplay experience.