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The Life and Mind of DamnBlackHeart
This is to help me stay actively writing. So expect to see rants, tips on writing, thoughts on subjects, me complaining of boredom, reviews, anime, movies, video games, conventions, tv shows and whatever life throws at me.
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Castle Point Anime Convention 2011 |
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Castle Point Anime Convention (CPAC)
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ, USA
It was fun but not as amazing as I thought. I notice a difference about this convention when it first started in 2008 to 2011. The first time it was small and not as much but the events and panels were great. Simply because they were unique and showed effort behind them which left good impression on all con goers. I'm not saying the ones now don't do the same but I was sad to not see the C.R.A.Z.Y. O.T.A.K.U. panel this year. I always look forward to it but I guess they decided to leave that out for some reason. For those that don't know what this is, it's a popular panel among con goers because there are games and lots of chances to win prizes and get free random pocky or candy thrown at you.
In the large convention this panel becomes really packed, last time I went to C.R.A.Z.Y. O.T.A.K.U. it was in AnimeNext 2010 and the line was so long and it started before the panel began. But I was lucky enough to get a seat since many people were left standing against the wall or sitting against it.
Another thing I noticed now that I didn't realize the other years was that, pretty much all the panels end at 7:30 and the only things that were still going on were the video screening and the dance. So to some people the convention ends sooner because there wasn't much for them to do, especially if they weren't interested in dancing or watching videos. Maybe they should think about having some panels for those that were able to stay longer before heading home at 9:00 or so? As for what kind of panels I'm not sure but asking the con goers opinions of it would help determine who (the age group) and what kind of panel they might be interested in.
I would also like to see some variety with the panels or at least see some different materials in it. So far I've been to a couple of panels (a couple of them were the same as the other times I've been in) and it does tend to get slightly boring when you know what to expect. I have some suggestion in panels they can think of adding or how to spice up the panels they do have.
Panels:
Parents Intro of the Anime/Manga World
- This would a great panel for the morning, before all the major panels start and after the Opening Ceremony event. I suggest this because I understand that some parents are such dullers that they group it as immature and just cartoons. Having this would help them understand that there's more to it and that it can be an education tool and a great way for younglings to be interested in. After all, it gets them curious in wanting to know about another culture and keep them doing something productive instead of being in the streets and getting into trouble. Also it can help parents understand some fandom terms and phrases that they hear a lot such as "kawaii", "desu?", "nani?", "shoujo", "mecha" and so on.
Onward to Japan!
- This panel would be helpful and education for those that are planning to travel to Japan. They can learn a lot of what to expect and what they might have never thought to well, think about. Such as a hair cut, sometimes people end up realizing it gets pretty hot and having long hair becomes a hassle and they should think about getting their hair trimmed before they leave. Another could be have friends or family step up skype accounts in order to talk and keep them update once in a while, especially when one is staying in Japan for a while. Or have them send you care packages once in a while. Why? Because sometimes it's difficult to find certain brands and/or food/snacks we know and love in Japan.
Writing Workshop: Fanfiction
- Majority of fans of whatever fandom, whether it's anime, manga, books, video games. movies, tv shows or whatnot seem to like to write fanfiction but one of their concern is how to improve and write an amazing story. There should be a panel that helps them better their skills in every area of writing fanfiction. Such as how to create and develop an Original Character without it become a Mary Sue or a Gary Stu. How to get a beta reader and what do they do. Links to great writer's guide on the internet so they can always refer to when they're at home. And cliches and misconceptions they have when it comes to certain plots because they don't know or didn't research.
Plushie Workshop or Cosplay Workshop Madness
- Great for those that want to learn or like to make their own things from starch. From outfits, to hats, to plushies to jewelry or whatnot. I'm sure there are a lot of people that would love to make things themselves since it's cheaper then buying them already made. Plus it's a useful skill that they can use in life like when a new pair of jeans is too long they can tailor it themselves or make things and sell it, making money.
Artist Alley Business
- For this one it can help those that are interested in going to a convention to sell their artwork/arts and craft items. From how do they prepare, the process of getting a table, how to set up in a way that attracts
customers and how to deal with problems. Such as when one needs to use the bathroom, to eat, when they an item sales out, how to price their work, to what's the best hotel for them to save money and so on.
As for how to spice up the current panels to keep con goers interested and stay longer, here are some ideas...
C.R.A.Z.Y. O.T.A.K.U.
- If money is an issue of why they didn't have it (such as not having prizes) then maybe there should be a small fee of $1 or $2? It's not much but it does add up, especially when this panel/event draws in a lot of con goers. Just be sure that people sign up for it early in the day so that one can collect the money and buy the items/candy before hand. Or if it's not that and the problem is not knowing what to do, how about a game of "can you guess what this is"? It's can be still images of scenes or part of scenes and the fans try to figure out where it is from or what it is. Those who get the most right win. What about another game of "this or that qoute"? Where fans have two choices of quotes and they have to try and figure out which quote a character said exactly. If not, how about which character said it and from where they are from? If the game is too easy.
Zombie Survival Seminar
- This is my favorite panel because I'm such a zombie fan and it's great to be inform in how to be prepared. But it'll be even more fun if it's more interactive. Such as quiz the fans, ask them questions and have them explain why they pick it. Sometime people have great ideas and it opens up an interesting discussion about it. Sometimes it helps the panelist to figure out what their audiences misconceptions are and it gives them a chance to correct/explain and why another answer/choice is correct. For example: A Monster Truck isn't an ideal car to survival a zombie outbreak. For one, how is a person going to easily find one where they live? Two, for short people it's going to be impossible for them to even climb into it or even drive since the pedal is far from reach. Three, it will make a lot of noise attracting the dead.
The Good and Bad:
Anyway, the good things about it is that the Artist Alley/Dealer's Room was moved into another larger area. The space was excellent and allowed everyone to move around easily without bumping into others. Or have a hard time viewing the tables without a large group of people blocking it. Speaking of the artist alley/dealer's room, even though there were signs right in front of the entrance to it, I still saw some people take pictures.
I nearly forgot myself and only realize afterwards that you're not allow to take pictures. But I was lucky enough that the cosplayer I asked to take a picture of (and she was just standing around and talking to her friend so I didn't bother her) was standing behind a wall. So there were no tables behind her. I can understand how people don't want pictures of their merchandise in the background of cosplay pictures and I respect that. If I did happen to take a picture with tables behind the cosplayer I would have darker/blacken the background so only the cosplayer was visible.
But of course, another reason why they don't allow pictures in there is for the cosplayers benefit. The cosplayers themselves want to buy things and don't want to be interrupted while they are browsing and purchasing things. Plus, they happen to be carrying bags around and they don't want to have those bags be in the picture because it makes the cosplay look messy.
So far I've seen people respect that but a couple of them ignore it and it might help to have someone walk around and keep an eye out for that. If they want to take a picture have them wait until they are outside or maybe, just maybe move into an area in the room where there's nothing around if they really want to get a picture and the cosplayer doesn't mind?
As for food, the location is great because you have plenty of access to whatever you're in the mood for. CPAC is also right down the street from the train station, so commuting was easy from either New Jersey or New York City. Did I mention that the price is low too (on site: $15. and pre registration: $12) unlike those of the bigger cons that range from $30 to $55 depending on if you're going for one or all three days or more.
I recommend for those that plan to come to this convention next time, to take the train because parking is an issue with a lot of the con goers. There is no parking available on the Stevens campus but there is public parking garages on Hudson Street with reasonable fees in close proximity to the campus. If you decide to park on the street in Hoboken, pay close attention to the parking signs. Parking in Resident Only spaces, streets scheduled for cleaning, or parking for over the four hour visitor limit will result in your car being ticketed, booted or towed.
Note: I will be posting some pictures.
 DamnBlackHeart · Tue Apr 12, 2011 @ 04:49am · 0 Comments |
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