Okay, mostly gonna mention what others have, either in response to them, or adding to them, or to echo them. Apologies for length and any rambling. I can tend to more or less just type as things think sometimes.
Auction/charity%
Agreed, and I’ll note I saw the comment on why it seemed so high a ratio this year. I’d echo the suggestion of possibly a minimal percentage, even if it’s just 5% (I recognise that some of the artists’ artwork is their living, so I understand why certainly low percentages may be necessary) or maybe a minimum amount for something to qualify for the auction? The numbering idea I agree could be an idea too.
Regarding bidding amounts, maybe set incriments kind of on-the-fly? For something that’s got maybe 15-20 on it, I can kind of understand the £1 bidding, but on things of over or even remotely around £100, it is a bit silly, just setting a minimum increment scale as and when should fix that. Also, maybe something on the chairs for people to hold up to bid for those who aren’t comfortable shouting? Maybe arrows facing down on sticks? (though just spit-balling at this point).
Actually, one thought… would perhaps an intermission in the auction be a nice idea? (for both those attending, even if to just enjoy the shenanigans, but also for the two hosting it, you had mics, but still, your throats must’ve been sore after... I imagine a rest in the middle might’ve been nice).
Also, I for one think mut’s idea for the Sunday evening collection option for non-auctioned items might be a good idea.
Dances
On the smoke at the dances. Might one idea be to simply have the smoke machine in a position away from the beginning area of the floor? (maybe by the tables/decks on the left of the room?) that way, those concerned by it can stay out of it without having to turn it down for those who enjoy it.
The Food.
I did somewhat notice that; I ordered the sausage and mash on 2 days (didn’t fancy the Indian and not keen on Chinese). First it had onions and plenty of gravy and was amazing, but on Monday, there were no onions and hardly any gravy. Was still nice, but was slightly disappointed.
Also, SlyCat, you could get free water at the bars and 98.7% of the people around would be happy to assist you with a straw if you’d need such (heck, most wouldn’t mind going and getting a glass for you. I know I wouldn’t have). Agree on the extra day thought too.
And now otherwise stuff
Could maybe better signage for things like the gaming area be made? They were easy enough to get to and I’ve no qualms with their location (though the fursuit kinekt in a dark room upstairs where there was no lift was maybe an oversight), but it was kind of easy to forget about them and for those who didn’t have the day before to explore, might have been awkward to find. (heck, I didn’t know where the hansom suite was until Tuesday – though that’s largely my own fault). But I do agree, the layout is fantastic. The entire venue was, and I agree fully with the great plaudits for the staff, they were really supportive. Noticed one of the girls at the piazza on I think Monday even had paws painted on her nails.
The food was really very good. I had the Mexican on Thursday and whilst any hotter and it’d have been getting to too hot for me, it was gorgeous. I’ll admit, last year kind of put me off of the BBQ, so I cant comment there, but generally anything I put in my mouth was delicious.
The event scheduling, I must say was better spread than it looked on the web page (which btw, didn’t seem to be linked on the main site. No idea if that was intentional or not, or if I was being blind not being able to find it without going to the posted link on UKFur) so well done indeed for that.
The location was really nice too, out of the way enough to be fairly quiet, but easily accessible. And closer for me
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One thing that would be really, really handy if such a thing could be set up would be a few screens showing current or upcoming events and where they are – maybe include the cfzlive twitterfeed even on there?
The Rotunda seemed quite underutilised… On the one hand, I can appreciate it for the sake of noise levels and those in rooms close to it, but at the same time, it was such a nice space, and the seating on the different floors etc… just struck me as being slightly wasted potential; though not sure what could be done there, and I guess just is up to people to make use of.
Oh, one thing for breakfast… no idea if con-staff have any say or sway here, but any chance of porridge being available? (oh, and on the food note, I do apologise again for my intrusion into the staff conservatory on Monday evening, if it was specifically noticed anyplace, I missed it and I hadn’t wanted to go in there on Thursday ‘cause it was hot and the main restaurant area was empty anyways . I Just saw furries in there and non-furries in most of the rest of the restaurant, so yeah, sorry.
)
Pawpets show was epic. Funny, moved at a good pace, well voiced/acted and quite moving and touching. Was my first one and I still felt sad for the poor bunny.
Pub Quiz was also pretty awesome. Was so close on a lot of the questions that had been garnered from the documentary about David Croft that was on a few days before the con (I watched it too. Suffice, I knew all the theme tunes and the last question, even down to that David Croft had created the others). Could’ve been a bit more theme based, but no biggie, just I would’ve more likely known more answers
Fursuit Fiasco was epic fun. It nigh on killed my camera’s battery, but then that’s why I took the cable along, so I could charge it again
I missed the balloon stomp, but I do appreciate the logistical issue of blowing up and tying that many balloons to that many fursuiters, so not a complaint really that (though I do wish youtube’d upload this blasted video of the great escape round. 3 failed attempts so far today)
Was the fursuit parade a bit short maybe due to the heat, or was it just that there were so many suiters that it felt shorter? I video’d from the main doors and they were going to the rotunda before they’d all gone past me.
Anyways, overall it was an absolutely awesome con in a great hotel with very friendly staff and so thank you very, very much to everyone, con-staff and fellow attendees alike for an awesome time. Already started saving to register for next year’s CF.
