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Post by harlock on Oct 20, 2009 7:31:58 GMT 1
Hey i'm one of the friends belgiumnight mention. one of the problems i had was, that most of the stuff shown was sci-fi, though i don't mind it, but i come for the anime, which i felt was a bit lacking in quantity, only a few shops that had anime to my opinion. this was much better last year. ( FACTS has always been a "science fiction stronghold" as far as I know. Funnily enough, I thought there was too much anime. I do like animes and mangas (I watch a lot of them), still I don't really expect to see much of those at FACTS because it's always been that way in the past. But all conventions are now loosing their own "identity". See japan expo opened a "comic con" part, and facts is doing the opposite : adding manga to sci fi and fantasy... |
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Post by e-Mino on Oct 20, 2009 7:37:39 GMT 1
Hey i'm one of the friends belgiumnight mention. one of the problems i had was, that most of the stuff shown was sci-fi, though i don't mind it, but i come for the anime, which i felt was a bit lacking in quantity, only a few shops that had anime to my opinion. this was much better last year. ( FACTS has always been a "science fiction stronghold" as far as I know. Funnily enough, I thought there was too much anime. I do like animes and mangas (I watch a lot of them), still I don't really expect to see much of those at FACTS because it's always been that way in the past. But all conventions are now loosing their own "identity". See japan expo opened a "comic con" part, and facts is doing the opposite : adding manga to sci fi and fantasy... Well, the "A" in FACTS stands for Anime, so we've always had an anime/manga part. But your reaction is funny, since we often get the "there's too much SW" reaction from anime-fans and the exact opposite from SW-fans... We try to have a healthy mix of all genres, but ultimately it's the dealers who decide what they'll bring along. |
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Post by belgiumnight on Oct 20, 2009 9:06:12 GMT 1
well there will be always discussion about how much everything was present for me it was good and yes maybe a bit lagh of anime but i love SW as well so  |
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Myka
FACTS Sensei
Posts: 214
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Post by Myka on Oct 20, 2009 9:13:58 GMT 1
o.o This might sound weird, but you might actually be able to control the temperature without much effort.
It was freezing on friday because there were 4 gates open in the connection hallways.
On saterday/sunday there was only a door open for the smokers in the connection hallways.
If the heat is too much, you could just open up one of those gates . And to not have people "sneak" in, opening up the inner gates (for example the one were the door was for the smokers area) would be a good solution
Just tossing ideas though.
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Post by dacrewboyd on Oct 20, 2009 9:54:44 GMT 1
True friday it was freezing , but the weather wasn't really helping either. As for the other days well it's normal that a mob of people becomes a nice little stove, opening the gates could probably lower the temperature but a lot of people would probably catch a cold and there also would be complaints from the draft. And indeed the inner gates would prevent people "breaking in" but gives people just more place to dump their garbage... And honestly didn't find it that warm both days  All I know is FACTS is like a good wine , it just gets better every year so ... Respect to the people in the red shirt  |
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rug
FACTS Padawan
Posts: 57
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Post by rug on Oct 20, 2009 12:18:33 GMT 1
My brother and me had a awesome time at Facts 2009!
..uber great line up of artists (and actors) !!
Finally a BIG european convention, that gets us on the map (..and sucks my wallet dry:)
..thanks guys!!!
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Post by e-Mino on Oct 20, 2009 12:23:42 GMT 1
All I know is FACTS is like a good wine , it just gets better every year so ... Respect to the people in the red shirt Well... thanks a lot for that! But, please don't forget all the people in the yellow t-shirt: we couldn't do it without them! |
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Post by harlock on Oct 21, 2009 16:13:21 GMT 1
FACTS has always been a "science fiction stronghold" as far as I know. Funnily enough, I thought there was too much anime. I do like animes and mangas (I watch a lot of them), still I don't really expect to see much of those at FACTS because it's always been that way in the past. But all conventions are now loosing their own "identity". See japan expo opened a "comic con" part, and facts is doing the opposite : adding manga to sci fi and fantasy... Well, the "A" in FACTS stands for Anime, so we've always had an anime/manga part. But your reaction is funny, since we often get the "there's too much SW" reaction from anime-fans and the exact opposite from SW-fans... We try to have a healthy mix of all genres, but ultimately it's the dealers who decide what they'll bring along. Yeah I know that's what I said to our friend here : there are always a lot of scifi and comics in FACTS, and fewer "japanese" stuff. But now there is more anime  It's easy to figure it out, over the past three years there have been more and more (japanese animes related) cosplayers, and they do come for a reason I think ^^ I take japan expo as a "not to follow" example : don't make the convention a supermarket. |
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latexstrawberry
Nurdz
I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts ~[F4:754608089]
Posts: 780
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Post by latexstrawberry on Oct 21, 2009 17:06:58 GMT 1
I still think sci fi overpowers anime by far.
not in cosplay, but in organisation. I mean, I didn't see a 3 meter high naruto statue, but i saw more than 5 diffirent sci fi statues, jabba, the fighters, the gate, ... and everyone who volunteers to cosplay someone act facts, as in, join the staff a little bit, is dressed up either as stormtrooper, darth, or another character from star wars...
So don't say anime has more people. We have anime, movie, game,... cosplayers, not JUST anime.
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Post by dacrewboyd on Oct 23, 2009 11:48:35 GMT 1
I would love to see a huge kyuubi or hollow for a change. And a animebased fanclub as organised as the scifi's would be awesome |
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fab1
Nurdz
Life without robots: Quite possible, but utterly pointless
Posts: 257
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Post by fab1 on Oct 23, 2009 15:01:01 GMT 1
The only REAL complaint I have is the toilet situation.
Folks, the toilets began to STINK at saturday noon, and from then on it went downhill.
I expect more from a paid toilet.
Having said that, let's talk about the payment thing - This was the first time I went to a fair or convention where I had to pay for using the porcelain department.
What if some of the visitors have a weak bladder or a cold? Will they be able to purchase a "pee-pee-flatrate" next year?
The situation has been uncomfortable for some female visitors, too. In order to reach the ladies' room you had to pass the door to the boys' room and could always see a lot of guys lined up shaking their water.
Wonderful.
So that's my complaint, now it's off my head, I feel better now, thank you very much.
Things that can be improved - well, I guess everything's been said about the noise, location of the cosplay stage and placing of guest stars.
The F.A.C.T.S. crew has shown over the years that they are willing and able to improve lots of issues. So you guys have my trust.
The location:
Well, I loved/hated it. Loved it because it was roomy and the lighting was ok. Having everything located on one floor was an improvement, too.
Hated it because now you could see and access every dealer's table without any difficulty. Everyone (and -thing) was (almost too) easy to find. Put a rather large dent in our spending budget. ;D
Hated it also for its "coldness" - it's been said (and truthfully, too) that F.A.C.T.S. 2009 looked like a trade fair held in a warehouse.
The charme of the ICC is something I'm going to miss.
MAYBE it's possible to get a better mix of Fan Village and dealers' tables by placing parts of the Fan Village between the dealers.
This might help some people feel more comfortable with the location.
But that's not really a big issue, at least to me.
Did I enjoy F.A.C.T.S. 2009? You bet I did!
Will I be back? Hell, yeah!
The choice of actors really really was good (once again) - great mix, all of them very friendly and accessible and seemed to enjoy talking to their fans.
Same goes for the artists. I missed Lildragon this year. Anybody know why she wasn't there?
BTW, talking about "accessibility" - I don't think one could find a better place. The tram stopping about 100 meters from the entrance is just great. And the trams left every 5 minutes so you didn't even have to wait long. Believe me, I've seen much MUCH worse at much larger events. So this is a GREAT plus.
Gaming area: Since it was easy to find and rather large with lots of machines running I sat down playing an old shoot 'em up. Enjoyed it very much.
One thing I also enjoy every year at the F.A.C.T.S.: It's the kind of people it attracts. A happy, friendly bunch of geeks like me having a good time.
Oh yeah, nearly forgot to mention.
Girls, if you need to have taken care of some pervert next year, point him to me. Or some other guys. I'm totally sure a LOT of people will gladly help. The fan community does not need this type of people. They give all of geekdom a bad name.
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absum
FACTS Padawan
Posts: 97
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Post by absum on Oct 23, 2009 15:03:39 GMT 1
yeh, the 40 cent for the toilet was a bit too much for me aswell, I do have a weak bladder (usually have to go like every 1 and a half/2 hours) and the 40 cents stack up, but then again, I think it's a Flanders Expo fixed price?
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Myka
FACTS Sensei
Posts: 214
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Post by Myka on Oct 23, 2009 19:11:14 GMT 1
Same goes for the artists. I missed Lildragon this year. Anybody know why she wasn't there? If my memory still serves me well, i think she mentioned not coming this year anymore. I talked a bit with her after F.A.C.T.S, last year. She said her sales weren't very good. |
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fab1
Nurdz
Life without robots: Quite possible, but utterly pointless
Posts: 257
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Post by fab1 on Oct 23, 2009 23:24:29 GMT 1
Pity, as she's quite talented and has a rather unique style and a good eye for colors.
Bought several of her prints last year and would have loved to see new stuff.
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blaai
FACTS Noob
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Post by blaai on Oct 24, 2009 15:58:10 GMT 1
Can anyone inform me how many visitors attended FACTS this year?
Every year I am checking the site after the convention for some info, but none whatsoever.
It would be especially nice if you could give the records for the past few years aswell. I've been coming for 10 years now and the audience grew much bigger over the years, but I would like to see that confirmed in figures. Thanks in advance.
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latexstrawberry
Nurdz
I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts ~[F4:754608089]
Posts: 780
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Post by latexstrawberry on Oct 24, 2009 18:41:08 GMT 1
14.000+ they said in the newspapers  |
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absum
FACTS Padawan
Posts: 97
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Post by absum on Oct 24, 2009 18:59:57 GMT 1
14.000+ they said in the newspapers Wow, thats more than i expected |
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Post by scififan07 on Oct 25, 2009 14:18:29 GMT 1
Wow, seems like a lot of people that came  I tried to order some thoughts about this years edition: The location: after going to the ICC for several years, I missed the "feeling" from there... especially with the q&a's. Also, it would be nice if there could be something done about the "hangar" look/feeling  (Don't know or this is possible). The Expo is bigger (true) and easy to reach (also true). There is also a lot of parking space: true, but - and I know this is out of the hands of the F.A.C.T.S. people - for 5€/day I expect something more than just "leaving your car there - unguarded - and when something happens, we aren't responsible". I do know there are places that are even more expensive, but I just wanted to mention this - especially for people who want to come by car next year... so they can bring some spare money for the parking lot The restrooms/toilets: first time we had to pay and 40 cents for something that isn't looked after as it should be in hygienic standards is a lot of money. Everyone has to go sometimes - especially when you're there for the whole day (or both days). If they keep everything in order (clean, hygienic, controling the amount of available toiletpaper etc....) I don't mind to pay something, but as mentioned before: the hygiene could have been A LOT better. (I understand that this is also out of the hands of the F.A.C.T.S people, but I hope that some things will chance in the next edition). I wonder: were the only available toilets the ones next to the actors or did I overlook another place? 'cause if this was the only place, with thousands of people in there, it's obvious that there will be (long) lines forming and as the people who have to take care of the hygiene etc. are taking care of their pockets first (at a moment there were 2 people standing there to receive the money, but no one was taking care of the toilets themselves).... well... Besides: another downside to having to pay.... the parking lot was popular by some too (which isn't also hygienic amongst other things.....) The Q&A: love to go to them The place they were held... well, as Mr. Kevin Sorbo mentioned - it did have that feeling to it. I do believe that the Q&A and cosplay have to be held at different places/locations. The Q&A: I opt for a seperate room (different from the cosplay room to avoid problems with timeschedules and giving both audiences the opportunity to obtain "a great seat"). Give the people from the cosplay contest some room to sit down. It's true: tall people are always standing in front. I don't actually watch them, but when I pass by I occasionally stop for a moment and have a look. But as said before: it was hard to get by at times, especially on Saturday (for going to the q&a room or checking out the dealer stands). So I opt for a seperate room for the cosplay where the interested people can go and sit down for a while and enjoy what is brought there (some acts must be amazing considering the costumes I see every year... and it's great to see people walking around in those wonderful costumes ) (know only a small part of who's portrayed, but some are really amazing and it's nice to - occasionally - see someone dressed up as a character I "know".) The Q&A hours: as there were a lot of people waiting for an autograph I understand that the hours changed. I was in the line too and when you're waiting for half an hour or longer you don't want to be send away - especially not when it is almost your turn. But maybe it's better to stop the line at one point, telling people he/she has to leave for a q&a and that you can queue later or that you get a number so you don't have to wait another hour before you get your autograph/picture.... On Saturday it was really busy with K. Sorbo and C. Judge... but in the end it all worked out.... When something was announced it wasn't clear what it was, especially not when you're walking around and there is always other "noise". Important things could be missed by that. I almost missed the photoshoot of K. Sorbo. I loved the idea of the photoshoot. (Hé, I LOVE the ones I have - though A4 size would have been better). One remark: isn't it a better option to sell the tickets at a separate place and not (only) with the actors themselves? If you only want a ticket for the photoshoot you don't have to stand in line for a long time or in my case: when you forget to buy your ticket right then and there..... well...  Also, it would have been easier if the hours (who at what hour) and place of the photoshoot where known on beforehand (like online in advance or at the convention with the actors or more clearly: hang out were everyone can see them). Another positive note: I got to meet "a few" nurdz and they are -INDEED - great people. Hope to meet some more next year - when I - hopefully - can be one too.  |
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kaydra
FACTS Sensei
Posts: 118
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Post by kaydra on Oct 25, 2009 16:12:14 GMT 1
oh oh oh
longer opening hours! sorry crew I know this means you have to work longer but having taken 2.5 hours already for a cosplay competition (which I had to leave from cuz I was also in the soulcalibur tournament) is a lot of time for only being open from 10 to 6/5
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absum
FACTS Padawan
Posts: 97
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Post by absum on Oct 25, 2009 16:47:53 GMT 1
oh oh oh longer opening hours! sorry crew I know this means you have to work longer but having taken 2.5 hours already for a cosplay competition (which I had to leave from cuz I was also in the soulcalibur tournament) is a lot of time for only being open from 10 to 6/5 it's still open 2 days though, In my opinion, 10-18 is enough |
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Post by helliwood on Oct 25, 2009 19:49:28 GMT 1
The Q&A: love to go to them The place they were held... well, as Mr. Kevin Sorbo mentioned - it did have that feeling to it. Another positive note: I got to meet "a few" nurdz and they are -INDEED - great people. Hope to meet some more next year - when I - hopefully - can be one too. See my clip of Kevin Sorbo for what Kevin mentioned: facts2009.skynetblogs.be/You got to post more and you will become also one of those great people ;D |
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Post by scififan07 on Oct 25, 2009 22:34:11 GMT 1
Thanks for posting this helliwood Yeah, should have mentioned WHAT he said as I know not everyone was at the q&a. You got to post more and you will become also one of those great people ;D I'm working on this.... right NOW. ;D |
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hadesgod1
Nurdz
Give me your eternal soul
Posts: 1,985
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Post by hadesgod1 on Nov 14, 2009 13:35:58 GMT 1
GREAT video's (as usual ) Like this i got to see some of the Q&A |
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Post by Stoney3K on Nov 16, 2009 21:03:22 GMT 1
The restrooms/toilets: first time we had to pay and 40 cents for something that isn't looked after as it should be in hygienic standards is a lot of money. Everyone has to go sometimes - especially when you're there for the whole day (or both days). If they keep everything in order (clean, hygienic, controling the amount of available toiletpaper etc....) I don't mind to pay something, but as mentioned before: the hygiene could have been A LOT better. (I understand that this is also out of the hands of the F.A.C.T.S people, but I hope that some things will chance in the next edition). Keep in mind that even when the *actors* had to go, they needed to do so in the same place. Not something I'd recommend to a VIP if I were an organiser... You can do either thing: Do the Q&A and cosplay in parallel, which means two activities at once, people need to consider their schedules carefully, and you need the floor space and volunteers to run both at the same time, or run the cosplay competition after the Q&A's. The latter has a major advantage of having more space, eventually seats, and a bigger Q&A audience, but the FACTS schedule might need to be extended into the evening hours to accomodate that. I've been at conventions (Wolf Events, Fedcon) where the programme takes center stage and you can sit down in the morning, follow the Q&A's, and keep your same seat throughout the day. The programming is filled with projections, stage workshops, panels, Q&A's and ends with the cosplay contest. Smaller fan-run workshops (fan Q&A, filk) and panels are held in separate rooms and if you want to go to the dealer areas, there's nobody to stop you from doing so. Registration for such a con is in advance and if you pay enough, you get reserved (guaranteed) seats for the main theatre. The party at Billy Bob's was pretty enjoyable, but the venue was hard to find (we drove past it three times with the DJ gear!) and quite cramped. The air in there got thick pretty quick (especially with people smoking) and people started going outside for some breathing room. Some FACTS-goers have a bit of trouble with personal space, so more room in the venue is better. |
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latexstrawberry
Nurdz
I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts ~[F4:754608089]
Posts: 780
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Post by latexstrawberry on Nov 24, 2009 0:01:26 GMT 1
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It's easy to figure it out, over the past three years there have been more and more (japanese animes related) cosplayers, and they do come for a reason I think ^^
(Don't know or this is possible).
~ Selphie Tilmitt ~ F.A.C.T.S. 2011
