There and back again...

[melcreada]

So we are returned from the wilds of Dallas. Thankfully, we had no problems or big issues with anything and the trip was as smooth as possible, given we were lugging five suitcases full of cels and panel equipment.


Bad
1. I am getting old because a lot of kids at the con were working my last nerve. I understand that it's exciting to be with your friends and steep yourself in the goodness that is anime for days on end. However, if you can't shut up for an hour while Ramen and Rice are performing, YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. Special shoutout to the young folk who were running around the lobby at 4am, screaming - thanks for being audible 11 stories up. You win at being really loud and obnoxious.

2. It's official - hardly anyone cares about cels anymore. We had another small turnout for the panel. I will say that those who were there were interested and polite and full of questions. That was nice.

Good
1. New anime! Unlike some other cons, Animefest has no problem playing fansubs, so I got to check out several episodes of Special A (looove), Minami-ke Okawari (cute), Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (still awesome), Clannad (interesting), and Hell Teacher Nube (an oldie but a goodie). We also got to preview the Ouran dub, which was very well done. I have seen the series in Japanese so I will always prefer it that way, but I can definitely enjoy the dub with JP, who got a kick out of the episodes we saw.

2. JP's cel panel. He really does a fantastic job with it. He is a good public speaker and came prepared with cel samples, a short video, and even freebies (provided by yours truly). It's a whole lot of work, though, so I don't know that we will be doing it again. If we do, it will probably be a truncated version.

3. The academic anime panels are love. I so enjoy listening to geeky professors talk about things like the hero's journey in anime. Anime is a cultural window and anyone who wants to talk about that is going to get my attention. ^____^

4. There was almost nobody at the charity auction on Monday, so there was no competition for stuff. There wasn't anything too exciting, but JP got three t-shirts for $25 (one of which was written in that pretty LotR script: If you can read this, I found your ring) and I got a piece of Lupin fan art that was made specifically for Monkey Punch's badge the year he had to cancel. I thought it was kinda neat.

Overall, a good trip. However, the old folk will have to think carefully about attending future cons. LOL...

And of course, work has been Hell ever since I've been back. In the past two days, I've been yelled at, told I am not doing my job, and accused of coming in late (I didn't but I think she was just pissed in general). So, joy! I can't even care a little bit. When someone you don't respect is getting on your case, it's very hard to take it seriously.

Comments

[tweedlekeys.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a generally good time, minus the screaming. I can't even stand that from 3 year olds, much less teens. I'm surprised the hotel staff/security didn't shut them down or kick them out.

Yay good panels :)

Also, boo for work crazy-lady.

[joseishijin.livejournal.com]

Ha, ha - it's funny because following that incident, I noticed the constant presence of hotel security and police on several floors...

Yay - AF almost always has a couple of nerdy panels. My fav...

Yes, my boss needs to back off already. :(

[ryoneko.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't worry too much about the panel turnout... my friends and I noted that in general several con goers this year just weren't going to panels or con events period. The only huge turnout I saw was for the Ouran dub (which was fantastic!).

I was rooming with Jace Moore, and hardly anyone came to her cosplay/mascot/mecha panel at all. Was per sad.

[joseishijin.livejournal.com]

Thanks - that's good to know. I will say that it sure didn't seem like there were over 5000 people there. At times, it just seemed so...empty.

The dub was good! I should pre-order it already...