jitterbugjive:

theclockworkpony:

Recently, a friend of mine whom I worked with during the last three BronyCons, 2013-15, reblogged a post a post from a department head of staff in regards to nightguardmod‘s own open letter. Upon reading it, I felt strongly to write my own to speak my own piece about my feelings towards the con.

Let us start with the explanation for rising costs for the tables, in that unions were requiring certain payment, the decorator was offering the cheapest option, etc. Now, let me start with saying being a customer service representative for a bank, I know there is a world of different between what we know it could cost and what it does cost. When comparing the two, the lesser may seem rational because, well, it’s the best option you have. However, you need to understand that the vendor staff, and the people helping them, see only one thing. What the cost is.

These infamous $175 chairs, to start. While I realize this was the best option available to you, there comes a point where you have to look back and see that no chair is worth $175. $175 is just as unreasonable a price as $200 or more.

Now, onto the tables. The corner table I was helping with cost about $500. CiderFest cost $300 with extra tables and electricity. While I understand that certain areas are going to be harder to work with due to having their own rules, there has to be a justification to the increase in prices. If the prices increase, what you get in return should also increase. I’ve helped for three years and… well, I haven’t seen any difference. This applies to you, the people running the con as well! If the fees for the convention center go up, then you too need to throw your weight around to get what is best for the people paying you.

My second point is the comment about attendees not being as important as vendors. Well, your vendors are just as important as your attendees, actually more along the lines of your sponsors than anything else! Consistently, I have seen the line for the vendors hall reach outside. These vendors aren’t just like the general merchandise vendors that sold items catering to all fandoms, Those vendors go to every convention. If they lose money on one, they’ll make it back at another, while brony vendors have a very niche market.

The Brony vendors aren’t just that. They’re artists, musicians, sculptors, etc. They all have names in the fandom, and they all contribute to bringing in more attendees! The Vendors Hall is just as much a part of the con experience as the panels or guests, and to treat them as less than is just insulting.

If the staff of bronycon would heed any advice, it is to realize when you are getting played, and that the rolling over and doing nothing about it is hurting the very people that help bring you your paycheck. If the unions are bleeding you dry, then a solution needs to be found. If an interior decorator is forcing someone to pay for nearly half a freakin’ booth for a single chair, it might be wise to invest in your own chairs for the con. Then you yourself could charge a much more reasonable price and you have your own assets to profit from each year! If it really is Baltimore bleeding you dry and not allowing you to do what is best for the people of your con, it might be time to consider a new venue.

one chair costing almost the same as a booth is so BS though like

if I’m going to spend that much on a chair, I better get to KEEP that chair

Also the chair better be solid gold