In article , Charlie E. says...
>
>
>I am now of the opinion that SDCC is just too big, too bloated, and
>needs to massively reorganize in order to survive.  Whether they bread
>off the movie and TV stuff, and create an LA con, or go to some sort
>of reservation system for the panels, I don't know.  I do know that I
>won't be going back.  Not after wasting $40 on the memberships, and
>$300 in hotel and restaurant bills!
>
>Even the blood drive was a disappointment.  The goodie bag that I got
>only had a single True Blood tee shirt, and a couple of little things.
>No action figures, no custom blood drive tee shirt, no free comics or
>magazines, nothing of any value.  It seems that, dispite the sold out
>con, they economized all over.  They even had their first physical
>assault over a saved seat!
>
>No more!
>
>Charlie
>

Sorry it turned out that way for you, Charlie (Hi, Pam!).  Oddly enough, I think
Thursday and Friday were lighter in terms of crowds this year.  Jon mentioned
that somebody he spoke to theorized that since the con was selling out so early
this year, many people bought 4-day passes but didn't attend all the days.

Personally, I'm glad that the con doesn't clear rooms after each panel and I
think much could be relieved by A) lowering the number of memberships sold
balanced by B) adding an additional day to the con.

As for the 'first physical assault', that should be continued with '...that made
the news.  I've seen a number of scuffles.  The 'stabbing' was blown WAY out of
proportion by the news, naturally.

I do agree that some things seemed to be lacking this year.  Room signs were
recycled and not labeled corectly.  A banner even directed me where to get
*2010* memberships for next year.  I'd be surprised if the Blood Drive does more
than get donations for the goodie bags so perhaps the person/people in charge
weren't as dilligent in looking for donations.

I'm still pleased with the value that SDCC provides even if making sure I get
into the panels that really mean a lot to me takes some real planning.

Jan


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