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Post by drunkwookie on Oct 27, 2010 15:34:01 GMT 1
The smoking visitors have to smoke outside, why change the rules? By the way the people fom Flanders Expo would never allow it to smoke inside the building. So I don't think there has to be a new smokingrule. Maybe next year there can be a single hall, maybe a small one just for cosplay. There would be more room for the viewers and during the cosplay there wouldn't be a jam near the stage.
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Post by Mr. Facts on Oct 27, 2010 15:44:23 GMT 1
Organise the lines for popular artists. I wanted Dave Gibbons to sign my Watchmen copy but there were a lot of people in line who wanted a sketch. If you have popular artists like him you should put someone there who makes 2 lines. One for signatures and one for sketches. You let him do one sketch and when that's finished you let him to 10 signatures. A sketch takes 15 minutes, 10 signatures take 5 minutes. That way you avoid pissing off people who only want a simple signature. I spend an hour there and left because otherwise I would have waisted half my day. Good suggestion but this has already been used on sunday after his lunch as I personally split the row in half and about 10 people who only wanted signatures could happily skip the line. Please address these kind of suggestions to the Artist-managingteam who stand all the time (at least 3 people) the moment itself (does ony take 10 seconds) because when reading this now, I feel sorry I couldn't have helped you saving an hour of valuable FACTS-time.. We're not used to have such a huge line for artists as for Dave Gibbons. We expected more visitors for him than general but not that much. Also, this year's Artist Alley is by far the most succesful ever at FACTS. |
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Post by cartoonjessie on Oct 27, 2010 15:47:09 GMT 1
I think everything at FACTS this year was the most succesful ever. ;-)
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watchgirl
FACTS Sensei
Watchgirl LOVES Nite Owl...
Posts: 151
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Post by watchgirl on Oct 27, 2010 17:06:41 GMT 1
Organise the lines for popular artists. I wanted Dave Gibbons to sign my Watchmen copy but there were a lot of people in line who wanted a sketch. If you have popular artists like him you should put someone there who makes 2 lines. One for signatures and one for sketches. You let him do one sketch and when that's finished you let him to 10 signatures. A sketch takes 15 minutes, 10 signatures take 5 minutes. That way you avoid pissing off people who only want a simple signature. I spend an hour there and left because otherwise I would have waisted half my day. Good suggestion but this has already been used on sunday after his lunch as I personally split the row in half and about 10 people who only wanted signatures could happily skip the line. Please address these kind of suggestions to the Artist-managingteam who stand all the time (at least 3 people) the moment itself (does ony take 10 seconds) because when reading this now, I feel sorry I couldn't have helped you saving an hour of valuable FACTS-time.. We're not used to have such a huge line for artists as for Dave Gibbons. We expected more visitors for him than general but not that much. Also, this year's Artist Alley is by far the most succesful ever at FACTS. I'm sorry , but i also stood for 1 1/2 hour in line just for an autograph on Sunday and than i give up. I believe it was Boom who took place beside Gibbons and i went to him and asked ive i had to wait in the line for just a signature and his answer was YES !! So , i didn't get one and when i got back to see after one hour , the people that stood before me were just 2 places moved , so there were still 5 before them...i feel sad but it was several hours in the line standing or having a whole afternoon watching Q&A and Cosplay and shopping. Maybe next time...Still , verry happy with my signed Watchmensch from Simon , he was a verry cool guy to talk to , i just cant believe he didnt see the movie yet!! !!CRAZY |
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Batman
FACTS Sensei
I believe in Batfleck
Posts: 136
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Post by Batman on Oct 28, 2010 16:10:58 GMT 1
Of course the lines are long, especially with someone this famous.
But I had a very different experience on saturday:
Mr. Gibbons was at one point (after I had been in line for 50 minutes (second time, first time was 30 minutes but then he went for lunch), movin onward about every 10 minutes) on saturday the one that asked who needed just a signature, and then he did about 25 of them (estimated, but about 60% of the line) before returning to the sketches.
He signed my Watchmen, said "very nice costume", I said "very nice comic" and we laughed and he said how much he liked these simple pleasantries.
If it could be organized that there could be 2 lines, signatures and sketches, than that would be a great solution. I must have been one of the lucky ones that benefited from the spontaneous action this saturday.
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Post by wolverace on Nov 1, 2010 14:42:57 GMT 1
I am a newbie, though it was my 9th year at Facts, so I wanted to add my two cents. Cons:- Location: Flanders Expo simply isn't as appealing a surrounding as the ICC. The Expo is a "cold and depressing" building, much like a hangar or indoor market. Call me nostalgic, but I miss the lights and mirrors of the ICC.
- Prices: From the 1,5 euro extra for an online ticket (I don't understand why I should pay more for making it easier on the organisation) and the ridiculous € 3 and more for mediocre catering (I was lucky enough to get a ticket for a free beer...which was good). I can understand the Expo wants to cash in on the occasion, but if you lower the prices a tad, more people will buy more food or beverage. Hence, more profit overall.
- Audience: It could be my own opinion, but every year the audience seems to change. More lookers, less fans. It was to be expected, I reckon when there is one hall dedicated to gaming.
- Floorplan:
- It was confusing at times. The fan village was scattered all over the place. It would have been better if they had their own space, and presented their stuff all together.
- The famed corridor between Hall 1 & 2. Nuff said.
- Very weird moment when one of the comicsellers was in the middle of the artist area. People cuing thought I was cutting in line.
Pros:- The Cosplayers: Every year I am in awe of the different costumes and characters. They are an essential part of the convention. I was amazed to find Jesus Christ carrying the cross though...
- Space: Just until around 11 o clock there was enough space to walk and look around.
- 1hour advantage or early birds: excellent. As I am going to Facts to buy comics, the hour in advance really helps as you can look at your own ease without having to fight for the right to look in the longboxes.
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Post by drunkwookie on Nov 1, 2010 14:48:25 GMT 1
The ICC just wasn't big enough anymore. Soon the same will happen with the space that's used now. I think in a few years Facts will take 4 or 5 rooms in the Expo.
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Post by wolverace on Nov 1, 2010 17:16:05 GMT 1
I understand for growing, but it couldn't hurt to dress the place up a bit. Growing pains...  |
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Post by dogsoldiersthingy on Nov 2, 2010 12:40:07 GMT 1
I understand for growing, but it couldn't hurt to dress the place up a bit. Growing pains... This was my 3rd year @ F.A.C.T.S so I've only been to the ICC once and I must agree that it was less cold and more cosy (if that's the right word for it). But yes, it simply was too small. As for dressing up Flanders Expo, I'm thinking the F.A.C.T.S. people simply don't have enough time for something like that. |
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Post by drunkwookie on Nov 2, 2010 15:04:17 GMT 1
I understand for growing, but it couldn't hurt to dress the place up a bit. Growing pains... This was my 3rd year @ F.A.C.T.S so I've only been to the ICC once and I must agree that it was less cold and more cosy (if that's the right word for it). But yes, it simply was too small. As for dressing up Flanders Expo, I'm thinking the F.A.C.T.S. people simply don't have enough time for something like that. It's not inly about a lack of time, butt also the people of Flanders Expo that have to allow it. Maybe next year there will more decoration. |
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Post by Stoney3K on Jan 1, 2011 20:54:11 GMT 1
The crowd flow in the building was definitely an issue, not really FACTS' fault though as the Expo decided to shut down the toilets for remodeling AND put one of the catering desks in the same passageway. The exit towards the temporary toilets AND the smoking area was in the same hall, which caused it to be kind of a natural choke point. There's little we can do about the smoking rule. Neither can the Expo - it's the law. IMO, the floor plan itself may need to be modified a bit to create a single path for crowds to move through from the entrance to the end of the convention. On some places, walkways were pretty narrow and there were objects (booths, props, catering) in the way. Anyone good at playing Tetris? ;D The Q&A room may have been a bit too small for the expected audience. Especially when Dirk & Dwight were having their panel, people were piling up to behind the room itself to catch a glimpse. The 'garage' used in 2009 offered some more space. There are also some technical things that still need brushing up (regarding the cosplay), but I'm not going to bore everbody with all of the gritty details.  |
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Post by grievous444 on Jan 2, 2011 1:50:11 GMT 1
The Q&A room may have been a bit too small for the expected audience. Especially when Dirk & Dwight were having their panel, people were piling up to behind the room itself to catch a glimpse. The 'garage' used in 2009 offered some more space. Actually I also liked our 'garage' better. It's not the most beautifull place to do a Q&A, but atleast we could hear what they say, without hearing all those people in the room. And you could also decorate the 'garage' a little bit. Putting posters of them like those hanging behind them at their signing tables. And you could put the time when the Q&A from the person in question below the posters. Because a lot of people came to ask me when the Q&A would start. |
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Post by boomvavavoom on Jan 3, 2011 7:13:59 GMT 1
you can be sure FACTS-2011 will have those issues solved!
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Post by grievous444 on Jan 3, 2011 18:51:21 GMT 1
you can be sure FACTS-2011 will have those issues solved! Great to hear. Ofcourse I didn't expect anything else from you guys. |
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Post by boomvavavoom on Jan 5, 2011 11:50:24 GMT 1
each year you can be sure all PRO and CON is measured, evaluated and set up to make sure the CON will not happen again. But we are humans and of course we will make NEW errors each year  But seeing that every year we get more satisfied people coming and going, it must mean that overall we are doing a bang-up job, won't you say? But we will never stop at trying to be more professional and better and awesomer NEVER!!! PS and we also cherish/appreciate any outspoken well-thought remark  |
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lurea
FACTS Noob
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Post by lurea on Jan 24, 2011 3:31:58 GMT 1
1. And this is a big issue. Imo there should be less space for the gaming. I can do that at home or on E3 (or E3 like conventions). The space at the market is way to small to let ppl look and pass by at the same time. You can hardly see anything and you are constantly being shoved. Just move 1 row from every room to the gaming room should be a help. Or just half the gaming room and get even more space. Just look at how many ppl are playing video games and how many are at the market. The video game section is not that interesting. --------- 2. Keep stand together, if for example you have weapon sellers, keep them close by other weapon sellers. Bag and t-shirt sellers, Star Wars with Star Wars sellers etc. I know that's not always as easy to do but its a lot handier to look for something specific if all the ppl selling something from that subject are close together.(i know there are stands that sell a bit of everything but putting at the edge of where one subject sops and a other begins helps) ---------- 3. Have a main corridor (the one ppl might call the main now isent well connected every time), one that connects the exit and the other rooms in one line. Just make it twice the size of a normal corridor between the shops. This will make it easier for ppl to go to where they want to go without having to push there way thru busy sections, like when the cosplayers are on stage. this will also help with the problem from nr1. Also handy if you want to go grab a bite sins the food section would fit perfectly next to the main corridor and at the end you could have a small square for the cosplay stage. ---------- 4. A distinct waiting line for the food section would be nice, no way to skip some one and a clear way to know where the line begins  Could be as easy as a sticker on the floor and the word "Waiting line" next to it ^^ ---------- 5. I don't know if this is possible but. A separate exit. Sure you can always leave thru the main entrance but a separate exit would again help with the rush of ppl at some spots. Just a open door en a guy at it to check no one enters that way. with the right positioning you might even only need one place to check bands. ----------- I really think this could make the hole convention run a lot smoother =) |
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Post by Stoney3K on Jan 24, 2011 10:03:27 GMT 1
1. And this is a big issue. Imo there should be less space for the gaming. I can do that at home or on E3 (or E3 like conventions). The space at the market is way to small to let ppl look and pass by at the same time. You can hardly see anything and you are constantly being shoved. I have to agree that video games may not be the mainstay of FACTS, but as far as I know, some of them are also big sponsors of the event. So I would not be in favor of throwing them out, but have the video game section fit more into the FACTS programming could be a good idea. At this time, there's a HUGE gap in programming in the morning hours on the cosplay stage (since the competition only starts in the afternoon) which can be filled up by the video game crew. This gives them stage time, makes the stage more attractive to hang out when there's NO cosplay on, and means it's not wasted space for the better half of 2 days. TBH, I think it would be absolutely awesome to have FACTS present new game releases and previews along with the main programming. It may also attract new audience to the event, however, FACTS may be quite close to GamesCom to focus too much on video games. |
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Post by dogsoldiersthingy on Jan 24, 2011 11:53:28 GMT 1
1. And this is a big issue. Imo there should be less space for the gaming. I can do that at home or on E3 (or E3 like conventions). The space at the market is way to small to let ppl look and pass by at the same time. You can hardly see anything and you are constantly being shoved. --------- 2. Keep stand together, if for example you have weapon sellers, keep them close by other weapon sellers. Bag and t-shirt sellers, Star Wars with Star Wars sellers etc. I know that's not always as easy to do but its a lot handier to look for something specific if all the ppl selling something from that subject are close together.(i know there are stands that sell a bit of everything but putting at the edge of where one subject sops and a other begins helps) 1. I've never visited the gamezone on F.A.C.T.S. either, but there's always a bunch of people there. So I guess it would be a bit unfair to "take away" their space and some games Just because we don't visit F.A.C.T.S. for the games, doesn't mean others don't. 2. Probably very hard - if not impossible - to do, but I somewhat agree. Not to mention how much easier it would be to find your way back to some stands (which I spend a lot of time on). But what would we do with those that sell both dvd's, comics and collectibles? |
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Post by Mr. Facts on Jan 25, 2011 10:31:08 GMT 1
1. And this is a big issue. Imo there should be less space for the gaming. I can do that at home or on E3 (or E3 like conventions). The space at the market is way to small to let ppl look and pass by at the same time. You can hardly see anything and you are constantly being shoved. -------- 2. Keep stand together, if for example you have weapon sellers, keep them close by other weapon sellers. Bag and t-shirt sellers, Star Wars with Star Wars sellers etc. I know that's not always as easy to do but its a lot handier to look for something specific if all the ppl selling something from that subject are close together.(i know there are stands that sell a bit of everything but putting at the edge of where one subject sops and a other begins helps) 1. Gaming has always been part of FACTS and last year was the first time we could make something big out of it. We think we have succeeded but can still make it better. Empty places at the Games Stand were not foreseen and will be taken into account at the next edition. 2. This has always been the case at FACTS even at Centrum Ten Berg. Our motto : never change a winning formula. It's up to the visitor to discover the dealers he's most interested in and in doing so discover what else there is on the market. And technically, it would be impossible as a lot of dealers bring a bit of everything. |
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johan
FACTS Noob
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Post by johan on Feb 15, 2011 12:07:39 GMT 1
ik ben een nieuwkomer , mijn vraag of voorstel is is het mogelijk om ook acteurs van lotr te strikken voor dit jaar, en misschien ook een te laten zien op de beurs hoe bv via comp.delen van films gemaakt worden , bv met een blauwe wand achter een persoon waar met een comp dan beelden erbij gemaakt worden , lijkt me wel interessant hoe dit ontstaat, als dit niet al eens een keer op de beurs geweest is, wij zullen dit jaar met meerdere mensen de eerste keer komen en verheugen ons er al op
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Post by Mr. Facts on Feb 15, 2011 20:43:12 GMT 1
ik ben een nieuwkomer , mijn vraag of voorstel is is het mogelijk om ook acteurs van lotr te strikken voor dit jaar, en misschien ook een te laten zien op de beurs hoe bv via comp.delen van films gemaakt worden , bv met een blauwe wand achter een persoon waar met een comp dan beelden erbij gemaakt worden , lijkt me wel interessant hoe dit ontstaat, als dit niet al eens een keer op de beurs geweest is, wij zullen dit jaar met meerdere mensen de eerste keer komen en verheugen ons er al op Welcome Johan to the forum. I would like to pinpoint that the written language on this forum is English (the forum's provider regulations). You have a good suggestion although difficult and expensive to organise. I've been to a LOTR exposition in London once where they used a blue screen to have a picture taken of you with a LOTR background. I'm you will have a good time at FACTS 2011. |
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Post by Stoney3K on Feb 16, 2011 13:09:32 GMT 1
ik ben een nieuwkomer , mijn vraag of voorstel is is het mogelijk om ook acteurs van lotr te strikken voor dit jaar, en misschien ook een te laten zien op de beurs hoe bv via comp.delen van films gemaakt worden , bv met een blauwe wand achter een persoon waar met een comp dan beelden erbij gemaakt worden , lijkt me wel interessant hoe dit ontstaat, als dit niet al eens een keer op de beurs geweest is, wij zullen dit jaar met meerdere mensen de eerste keer komen en verheugen ons er al op Welcome Johan to the forum. I would like to pinpoint that the written language on this forum is English (the forum's provider regulations). Side suggestion for FACTS: Move the message boards away from Proboards. The Proboards are being riddled with more and more advertisements and there is no control over the content. If we run our own message boards, it's easier to oversee and will be free of ads. I have server and database capacity available to host a medium-sized message board like the FACTS boards. Should be no problem. |
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jess
FACTS Noob
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Post by jess on Apr 12, 2011 20:36:49 GMT 1
How about an AMV contest?
I think it would be interesting
You can do the AMV contest before noon and then the cosplay contest in the afternoon.. Or something like that..
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Post by Stoney3K on Apr 13, 2011 22:44:24 GMT 1
How about an AMV contest? I think it would be interesting You can do the AMV contest before noon and then the cosplay contest in the afternoon.. Or something like that.. I would be in favor of that. It would take some infrastructure, but it also means the stage would be filled with something to watch before the cosplay. Having projection on hand also opens up some opportunities for sponsors, who can display trailers (for example for new game releases) in front of an audience. Trailers are generally fun to watch but still offer a good opportunity for advertising. |
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Post by weakling on Apr 16, 2011 19:46:28 GMT 1
Maybe it has been mentioned before but my suggestions:
A more closed off and slightly bigger room for the Q&A sessions.
There was a lot of disturbing noise during the Q&A sessions last time, which made listening to the stars a bit hard. With the baddest example a minute long announcement over the speaker system during Kristanna Loken's Q&A. Not very funny for the star and the people at the session.
Better lighting in the cosplay area.
It was a bit too dark, which did not help the atmosphere in the pictures taken.
A nicer looking cosplay area.
Worse than the lighting was the way the area looked. It was too much looking like a factory hall. No atmosphere at all. If you can put up a few large wallpaper backgrounds of for example: a forest, a beach, a cityscape, a mountain and put some decent lighting in there it will make it more fun for the cosplayers and photographers I think.
Better presenters for the cosplay competition
I am sorry, but the way the competition was presented was laughable at best. The Flemish presenter tried to put some energy in the competition, but after him always came a very uninspiring Walloon (?) presenter. She killed the mood every time. If you have to do it bilingual, get two people that can bounce the positive vibe back and forth.
Hopefully some could be improved next time. Don't take me wrong with these comments, I absolutely loved FACTS 2010! Just trying to give my honest opinion about things that could improve.
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Could be as easy as a sticker on the floor and the word "Waiting line" next to it ^^