i keep having the feeling lines & wrist bands are a huge topic at cci -- It wouldn't surprise me if WB would be moving to an online format. [member=1060]DRWHO42[/member] thoughts?First reaction - not a fan of online lotteries.
As [member=314]Transmute Jun[/member] said, will they do the same thing for Hall H? I wonder if this nugget of info is part of a much bigger plan? After the fiasco last summer I have to think they are working on addressing the Hall H line issue(s). Finally.I do not touch or commit to Hall H b/c of my con objectives for autographs. I have come to terms with it and I never have an issue missing Hall H. If they employ a lottery for Hall H while I can certainly see the benefit in reducing the line commitment I can see many might not be as happy if that is their main focus and now they are faced with a lottery. Let’s say I enter into every drawing but I only really want one then that opportunity is taken away from someone else. That is my main problem.
OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE make it an online lottery!
Would make me a happy happy boy!
If they do this new process, i wonder when they will send emails or post a notice about it before the con comes around in july? that way u can adjust plans any to make sure to try for any and know u not gotta waste time in line at the con and can focus on something else while u roaming around and still enjoy the con the days u able to go and all.
How about a lottery to have a chance to wait in a line?
Similar process to how we get our CCI tickets including allowing two other people to join you...
Lego line doesn't have the draw of Funko's.When was the last time you tried for a LEGO minifig? That line typically stretches down the marina past the hotels alone! WAY longer than any funko line I have ever seen....but probably because the funko line is sold out / capped much quicker.
When was the last time you tried for a LEGO minifig? That line typically stretches down the marina past the hotels alone! WAY longer than any funko line I have ever seen....but probably because the funko line is sold out / capped much quicker.
When was the last time you tried for a LEGO minifig? That line typically stretches down the marina past the hotels alone! WAY longer than any funko line I have ever seen....but probably because the funko line is sold out / capped much quicker.
How about a lottery to have a chance to wait in a line?Yeah, like what Funko did for Preview Night. Maybe they can do an online lotto the week before SDCCI (after CCI has released the panel schedule), and then only wrist-banded people can wait in line. Maybe do it ala movie sneak preview pass distribution, where they overbook a little bit so that way you have to dedicate some time to guarantee a place in line? That way it takes a lot of congestion from huge lines, lets people better plan their days/be able to see more of the Con, but might also slightly counter/preempt additional swells of lines elsewhere by still having line-ups (albeit significantly smaller) for autographs.
Similar process to how we get our CCI tickets including allowing two other people to join you...
Yeah, like what Funko did for Preview Night. Maybe they can do an online lotto the week before SDCCI (after CCI has released the panel schedule), and then only wrist-banded people can wait in line. Maybe do it ala movie sneak preview pass distribution, where they overbook a little bit so that way you have to dedicate some time to guarantee a place in line? (Lots of control.. the amount of people that will wait in a line at any given time)
Yes and everything will of course be tie to your RFID!
Viola! Problem solved!
What if there were a charge for entering the autograph lottery? For example, make a $10 donation to charity just to enter. I know I've seen charity raffles like this before. The $10 would not deter people who really wanted to autographs, but would cause people who are doing it 'just because they can' to think twice.No
What if there were a charge for entering the autograph lottery? For example, make a $10 donation to charity just to enter. I know I've seen charity raffles like this before. The $10 would not deter people who really wanted to autographs, but would cause people who are doing it 'just because they can' to think twice.
What if there were a charge for entering the autograph lottery? For example, make a $10 donation to charity just to enter. I know I've seen charity raffles like this before. The $10 would not deter people who really wanted to autographs, but would cause people who are doing it 'just because they can' to think twice.
Why not make Hall H online lottery as well to clear up the people camping out etc
What if there were a charge for entering the autograph lottery? For example, make a $10 donation to charity just to enter. I know I've seen charity raffles like this before. The $10 would not deter people who really wanted to autographs, but would cause people who are doing it 'just because they can' to think twice.I agree. Added bonus is supporting a good cause or charity.
If they go the online lottery route, they might be doing this to stop the fake Ada people.I would agree to a limit but I would say two. Anyone with four or five clearly have taken advantage.
I hate the fake Ada but I hate the online lottery as well.
Why not make Hall H online lottery as well to clear up the people camping out etc
Not sure if there is space but WB should have chutes like Wondercon not just one line.
And as I've said multiple times one wristband per person per day for WB signings.
An online lottery can help quantify interest. Once the line gets dispersed, after all the WB ticket draws and wristbands, you don't know how many actualy were in the queue.IMO - for the reason I stated earlier online lotteries would not really help quantify the demographic as it would open up interest to everyone. The folks who choose to line up can be counted much easily by swiping their badge as they enter into the line. This is where the RFID chip technology can be leveraged.
I'm sure groups get in line (and online) sometimes to help the odds for a small number in their group. That's viable since WB allowed you to give your winning wristband to someone else, they just have to be present at placement. Not sure how they would limit that, if they haven't done so prior years.
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Online lotteries drastically decreases success odds because now you are going against the other 100k plus attendees and your destiny is based on an algorithm - not your hand in a bag.
This I tend to agree with as far as overall line logistics. I think SDCCI is continually striving to make the experience most beneficial and enjoyable for its attendees and it seems a lot of the issues with lines is because of lax/improperly trained independent contractors (non-CCI employed security).
You have to get your hand in the bag and CCI poor job with line management the last years have shown an inability or unwillingness to improve that.
First CCI should actually use the RFiD tech as when I was in line for Funko we were led into the building (tapped), led through thr building to the back and exited down the stairs and then went into our respective lines. To get to all drawa you had to tap again to reach Sails - but when we headed outside we found a crap ton of people already inline who never lined up nor went through thr building. Security told us that "yeah people got through. We are aware of it and no more can get through'. But the Funko line was already massive and soon after all spots were taken.
When speaking to security they 1) did not clear out the back to make sure people didn't head into line who shouldn't be there. 2) Did not use the RFID tech to ensure that everyone coming up the stairs into Sails had the punches from the front and the exit - technically the only people outside of ADA that should be there. 3) proceeded to blame Funko and exclusive companies for the line cutters and not their inability to do their job.
Despite this - I think an online aystem is a wrong idea. The tools are there for a better system already they just need to use them. Getting competent people running the lines and using RFID properly would do wonders for line management.
Online will result in more people trying for things they aren't willing to invest time into - making it harder for folks who feel that whatever is their #1 draw of the show.
Also a charitable donation could price people out who scraped by to attend. Putting a paygate for free parts of the show is a no go IMO.
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I hate to say this but I seriously think wristbands are needed for the front line to control the jumping in line at the back of Sails.
You have to get your hand in the bag and CCI poor job with line management the last years have shown an inability or unwillingness to improve that.
First CCI should actually use the RFiD tech as when I was in line for Funko we were led into the building (tapped), led through thr building to the back and exited down the stairs and then went into our respective lines. To get to all drawa you had to tap again to reach Sails - but when we headed outside we found a crap ton of people already inline who never lined up nor went through thr building. Security told us that "yeah people got through. We are aware of it and no more can get through'. But the Funko line was already massive and soon after all spots were taken.
When speaking to security they 1) did not clear out the back to make sure people didn't head into line who shouldn't be there. 2) Did not use the RFID tech to ensure that everyone coming up the stairs into Sails had the punches from the front and the exit - technically the only people outside of ADA that should be there. 3) proceeded to blame Funko and exclusive companies for the line cutters and not their inability to do their job.
Despite this - I think an online aystem is a wrong idea. The tools are there for a better system already they just need to use them. Getting competent people running the lines and using RFID properly would do wonders for line management.
Online will result in more people trying for things they aren't willing to invest time into - making it harder for folks who feel that whatever is their #1 draw of the show.
Also a charitable donation could price people out who scraped by to attend. Putting a paygate for free parts of the show is a no go IMO.
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I hate to say this but I seriously think wristbands are needed for the front line to control the jumping in line at the back of Sails.
Yes people may not be pleased about that but the back of Sails has morphed into a potential problem area.
Make everyone go through the front and Sails before going to the back. Especially the first 1-2k attendees.
I prefer Hall H over getting autographs because I have been unlucky when I tried for signings...including the 2015 Legendary booth fiasco where I was right by the elevators and somehow the line was capped by the time I got there. At least you know if you're getting in to Hall H. I personally think they should do a lottery for 2/3 of the signing tickets and let the other third go to people willing to camp. You could get in if you're devoted. But I also know that lotteries breed a black market. I went to SLCC when they had Chris Evans and people were selling their panel seat (won through a lottery) on craigslist/Facebook.
If they go the online lottery route, they might be doing this to stop the fake Ada people.
I hate the fake Ada but I hate the online lottery as well.
Why not make Hall H online lottery as well to clear up the people camping out etc
Not sure if there is space but WB should have chutes like Wondercon not just one line.
And as I've said multiple times one wristband per person per day for WB signings.
Please note that the WonderCon online Exclusives Portal will launch on February 28th and at that time WonderCon Anaheim badge holders can log-in and create a list of exclusive signings they’d be interested in attending. On March 19th, WonderCon attendees will be selected at random and receive an email confirmation with more details.Fingers crossed as I don't know anyone who has ever been able to land actual Marvel signing tickets. Closest I have got was the Premier tickets to Captain America which had Chris Evans in the room (though no signing).
I think on line lottery is going to happen because:This slash dealers.
4.people are abusing ADA because its helps you get in faster
It makes no sense for Wondercon. It was well organized with space to line up with the different chutes for each signing.
They may be using it as a test run for SDCC.SDCCblog did this just now
Can someone with access to the exclusives lottery post screen shots of the process? Pretty please?
They may be using it as a test run for SDCC.
Can someone with access to the exclusives lottery post screen shots of the process? Pretty please?
I’m all for doing this to be used at comic con, no more waiting/camping out overnight. We’ll be sleeping in bed I paid for heck maybe we don’t even need to get a hotel room downtown. What are odds to get a winning ticket at sdcc if they use a lotto. Say 200 tixs for each signing
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I personally am against it and hope they don't bring it in for SDCC.
A lot of this has already been mentioned, but my reasons against it:
1) If it is a lottery, so many more people will enter than are currently willing to line up, so it will significantly reduce the chances of hardcore fans who are willing to line up overnight. Particularly if you can enter for every autograph signing - the attitude will be, "why not - may as well try for everything to increase my chances of getting something". EG. at the moment, I NEVER try for the funko line because I know how insane it is, but if that went to a lottery, I would enter.
2) Will people who win the lotteries actually show up if it is for a show they aren't really that interested in? If people don't, it will mean either the signing finishes early and people who really wanted it and would have turned up have missed out, or they go to standby lines which would just be even worse. Masses of people all trying to line up just in case there is some time at the end of the signing.
That's the same reason I don't think a Hall H lottery will work (another thing I don't attempt at the moment but would try for if it was a lottery system). If you put 100% of hall H passes in a lottery, you are going to end up with bunches of empty seats, and if you then have a standby line, it kinda defeats the purpose of doing a lottery to get rid of the lines. If you say do 50% of the tickets as a lottery, you are still going to have a mass line for the other 50% of the seats.
3) You eliminate a line for one thing, you just increase other lines. You usually always camp for autos but know this year you don't have to? Then maybe you'll camp for Hall H, or maybe you'll still camp for sails to try to get exclusives or the other signings that aren't lotteries etc.
I completely agree the current autograph line process needs work. Last year I lined up on Friday at 2pm for the Saturday signings (i wasn't even go to try for justice league but really wanted Flash). When I went down to the lines area, it seemed that some people had basically reserved spots by putting out sleeping bags etc but were no where to be seen. That obviously shouldn't be allowed. They need to control how many people 1 person can save a spot for. Friday afternoon I was probably about the 30th person in line (but we were all spread out). By the time Saturday morning came there were hundreds of people in front of me. By the time we got to Sails the line was all the way down the stairs to the marina, so obviously the 'back entry' issue has to be addressed as well.
Will be watching with interest to see what happens after Wondercon, but personally I'm not a fan... would prefer they fixed the line issues and then tried by luck with a few thousand other fans rather than the 10s and 10s of thousands who will enter the lottery.
Better odds than the ZERO I get now. Lined up for autographs once, and told myself never again.
Hope they take into account that the folks not in the lines will have to go somewhere. Exhibit hall and downtown are going to be packed.
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Lets try a specific line, is any one opposed to a lottery for Marvel signings?
This is signings I would always kill for, but seems impossible due to it being on the floor and some how capped before fans get in.
Lets try a specific line, is any one opposed to a lottery for Marvel signings?
This is signings I would always kill for, but seems impossible due to it being on the floor and some how capped before fans get in.
Here is an interesting suggestion. Make each autograph item personalized (naming a person not ‘to the greatest fan’). WB started limiting personalization and that adds to the resale market. I try to request personalizations anyway because I keep my items.
It’s only takes an additional few seconds for one to be added and therefore it will reduce the resalers from entering the pool - doesn’t eliminate but limits.
You understand that the line for autographs is very early in the morning and done before the exhibit hall opens. The only thing it could lead to is maybe more people running the Gaslamp at night instead of camping and even then not too much. They don't have a ratio for that line and you will see a single person holding spots for what ends up being 50 by the morning. People play pretty fast and loose with that line.
Lets try a specific line, is any one opposed to a lottery for Marvel signings?
This is signings I would always kill for, but seems impossible due to it being on the floor and some how capped before fans get in.
I wouldn't be opposed to a lottery for Marvel, I have never known of anyone who has even gotten to the booth before the line was capped to even try to draw a ticket. (However, I'm aware this may come across as: "Well I'm not against a lottery for marvel because I personally haven't had luck with it before" ... so if anyone on a regular attendee ticket has gotten to draw for a marvel signing (even if you were unsuccessful) please chime in!
With a lottery, you can cap/allot a certain number of winners to each badge group (exhibitor/professional/attendee) and potentially solve a few problems, and create others. CCI relies on lines for crowd management. You can't fit 110K people into the exhibit hall.the drawings they are illuminating by having lotteries are all lines that are hours before the floor opens. This has no impact on people on the sales floor.
Here is an interesting suggestion. Make each autograph item personalized (naming a person not ‘to the greatest fan’). WB started limiting personalization and that adds to the resale market. I try to request personalizations anyway because I keep my items.
It’s only takes an additional few seconds for one to be added and therefore it will reduce the resalers from entering the pool - doesn’t eliminate but limits.
the drawings they are illuminating by having lotteries are all lines that are hours before the floor opens. This has no impact on people on the sales floor.
Whatever they choose to do, I will go with the flow and change my game plan, but my personal choice would be to not do online lottery and instead get a hold of the line situation in the back of the convention center and stop people from going up there.
If this is the way CCI is going to for SDCC, I suggest we set up a trading forum for the various online lotteries.
If this is the way CCI is going to for SDCC, I suggest we set up a trading forum for the various online lotteries.
they can add Funko to the list of online lotteries, that would make me happy, you could even add Hasbro and mattle
time to go big or go home
add all auto no both drawing on the floor, people always find a way to cheat, its human nature
With the RFID badges though, if you win the lottery, they can load it onto your badge to tap at the autograph booth, so you can’t transfer. That’s how NYCC does it.
If this is the way CCI is going to for SDCC, I suggest we set up a trading forum for the various online lotteries.
Except the wristbands for Wondercon are non-transferable, and I would assume it would be the same for SDCC.
With the RFID badges though, if you win the lottery, they can load it onto your badge to tap at the autograph booth, so you can’t transfer. That’s how NYCC does it.
Yeah, either loading it to your badge or the printout has a barcode that needs to be scanned. The barcode thing wouldn't prevent people from selling winners, but it would prevent people from just printing a bunch and selling them b/c once the barcode is through once, the rest won't work. And if someone does print a bunch and blackmarket sell them, I don't care that the people buying them will get screwed when they show up and the barcode has already been used. Don't buy crap on the black market!Wondercon requires you go to your Member ID to confirm that you've won and get the respective signing's printout. No mention of any RFID tapping for the wristbands.
I'm guessing the WC will be in our badges since the whole thing is done through the Member ID account as are the badges. SDCC still doesn't have the Member ID account and badges connected b/c while you can see your badge for WC in your Member ID account, you can't see your badge for SDCC in there, which bugs me.
After the random selection process is complete, a notification will be sent to the email address associated with your Comic-Con Member ID account.
At that time, you must log in to the Exclusives Portal using your Member ID and navigate to the "Confirmed" tab to see if you were selected to participate. If selected, you will be required to download and print your selection confirmation. Bring your printed selection confirmation and a valid photo ID onsite to claim your entrance into the exclusive signing.
Transmute Jun wrote a great article on the FoCC Blog about the WonderCon lotteries. I recommend giving it a read.
Thanks for the plug, DrWho! ;)It is a great article!
If anyone is interested, you can read the article here.
https://www.friendsofcc.com/2018/03/06/online-lotteries-at-wondercon-and-sdcc/
Yes, nice article about the lottery overall. sometimes at one con does not mean it will go right or fit right at another con. i guess it can be a test run or try one year to see how it goes, but then it can go back to how things was before...
The "taking away one line, adds to the other lines" issue is interesting. Sure, some may go to another line, but it, again probably won't be 100%.
(When did these lines exist anyway? Were they first thing in the morning?)
I want to say your 65,000 estimate sounds high, but the lottery wili encourage people to enter just to sell on eBay.Yeah I think it's high too....but figured it was better to aim high than low.
I was thinking that for the signings it might be as high as 100,000 people out of the official 130,000 attendees. Most people would not give up an easy chance to meet some of those A-List stars.
I was thinking that for the signings it might be as high as 100,000 people out of the official 130,000 attendees. Most people would not give up an easy chance to meet some of those A-List stars.Again just guessing numbers. But say there are 130,000 people going that includes volunteers and children that won't be able to enter the lottery (if done like wonder con). There is also people that just show up and don't plan (me the first year I went). There are kind people that won't enter if they aren't interested. That all being said sure it is possible there could be 100,000 enterents, I just don't think it will be that high.
Again just guessing numbers. But say there are 130,000 people going that includes volunteers and children that won't be able to enter the lottery (if done like wonder con). There is also people that just show up and don't plan (me the first year I went). There are kind people that won't enter if they aren't interested. That all being said sure it is possible there could be 100,000 enterents, I just don't think it will be that high.
130,000 is the capacity of the convention center/surrounding venues. That includes all general attendees, as well as exhibitors, press, professionals and (presumably) volunteers and staff. You are right that the volunteers/staff have not been able to participate in the WonderCon lotteries, and that might be the same for SDCC, if they implement it there. I don't know about exhibitors. Has anyone heard whether or not exhibitors can enter the lotteries? I do know that press and professionals have been able to enter.Yeah once you remove that type of people I think it would come down to 100,000 people that could enter, and again all those that are eligible won't enter.
Children are not 'badged' attendees, so they are not counted in that sense. Juniors (teens) have paid badges and can enter the lotteries.
I think for every day of the con you can have like 3 entries to lotteries of your choice (funko,WB, hall H etc) so that the playing field was a lot more equal for everyone especially the families.
"I'm not interested in autographs. Switching to an online system isn't going to entice me to do something I'm not interested in. So, if you fear everything single attendee is going to now participate, I offer up myself an example of someone who won't. My friend won't either."
So you are really saying if you have a chance to get an autograph from either Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Margot Robbie, Robert Downey Jr,Sandra Bullock,Harrison Ford with just a few simple click you would not go for it.... Just want to double check...and neither will any of your friends...Did I mention Margot Robbie....
This reminds me of how the ATX TV Festival does their Fast Passes for panels. They ask you to pick your eight most desired panels and ultimately, after the lottery, you get the top 4 that are available at the time your turn comes up. It works quite well.See that makes a ton of sense. The cons purpose should always be so that everyone has a fair shot to experience as much of possible
This isn't the way to handle panels in rooms. The autograph thing was random before anyways, it's just you were deciding your fate with reaching in a bag instead.Security does not do a good job of enforcing the place-holding. This is a big problem on both lines. Some folks do follow the rules or are respectful however that is not the majority from what I have seen personally.
There's a lot of people that fly to SDCC from different states and countries that line up for these panels on a yearly basis along with California natives. Switching to online based is really going to lower some of their spirits knowing they can't go to a panel regardless. If sdcc switched to this I'm sure it'll lessen their international and out of state revenue a bit.
What they need to do for lines in general is allow a person to only hold a spot for one or two people max. Not 6 or 7.
The early bird gets the worm has been my motto for being there and every year it gets tougher but i keep on trying. I know there are people who cannot get to lines or have access like everyone else and I hope that situation can be remedied for a better experience. I remember a time when the autograph lines were first come on the convention floor and people were making mad dashes to the booths. Then it started changing to the sails pavilion. Trying to make it better each year is the point. As for fair, I don't think it will ever be fair as we have seen with badge sales and hotel sales. There is always gonna be argument that its not fair and will never be. We all go for a chance to see people or to get an exclusive and know thats its not guaranteed and thats the fair part. Its just a chance. The badge doesn't grant you anything extra, just entry to the convention and after that what you do is up to you. I'm on the fence about switching to an online lottery system.1. I think an online lotto for autographs is about as fair as it gets where everyone has an equal chance of landing their favorite show/upcoming movie autograph tix.
It's a good article.
I just want to comment on the issue addressed of online lotteries decreasing your odds of winning because more people will participate. Surely, they will, but *how many* is the question.
I'm not interested in autographs. Switching to an online system isn't going to entice me to do something I'm not interested in. So, if you fear everything single attendee is going to now participate, I offer up myself an example of someone who won't. My friend won't either.
I get the points to limiting the entries....but also that is like saying hey you can only like so many things.I agree with you, and this thought is the center of why panels would be VERY difficult to have lotto's for.
I LIKE A LOT OF STUFF!
And I have found completely new stuff I liked simply by going to new panels or signings that I knew nothing about previously.
#TeamNoLimit #TeamLottery
you know something we have done this to ourselves, signing are just the start, because people find ways to cheat, when i first went in 2013 going at 4am it was good, I was one the 1st 100 for so people, 2017 i would have to line up at 8pm or earlier the day before, look at hall H were there not line forming 48 hours before the panel, whats next starting the sunday panel line on thursdayI slightly disagree. We did not do this to ourselves. The process evolved without adequate controls manage abuses and manage logistical ineffienciesThe studios shifted the draws to occur early in the morning. When I first attended in 2012 and then in 2013 the drawings were held throughout the day 1 to 3 hours before the signing. There was no overnight camping except for the exhibit hall exclusive hunters and the studio booth draws for signings like Marvel.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both systems, but I still prefer the existing system. I have spent the night in line and pulled losing tickets, but it's still better to me than entering alongside 40,000 other people where my chances are less than 1%.Do you just/mainly go to Comic-Con for autographs?
The benefit to the random drawings:
a) It will eliminate the people who bring their kids and have them pull over and over again.
b) It will eliminate people skipping in line.
c) It will eliminate massive lines and the logistical nightmare they have every morning with the drawings.
Both a) and b) are big deals for me - last year someone let 17 people in the Marvel line in front of me and when I complained to them one of them threatened me (his exact words: 'there are 15 of us, and 1 of you. What are you going to do?'). When I told the Marvel people (and the line people at Marvel are awesome, btw - they probably have the hardest job on the con floor because that booth is a non-stop madhouse) they couldn't remove them because they didn't see it happen.
So the random drawings would eliminate me seeing the same 10 people who somehow are first in line and pull the winning Game of Thrones tickets every year, the exhibitors who win the big Marvel signings by being over there before the floor ever opens, or the people who run from the bay and get into the Funko line and I like that. But I also don't like the idea that my con experience is determined by a random draw a month before I ever get there. If I want to put the effort in to wait and pull for autographs, that is my con experience. I get that my con itself is already determined by random chance as to whether or not I even get tickets or a hotel, and I get the people who say there is so much going on and autographs are a small part of the overall experience, but I go there primarily to get famous people to sign their names and with this change I would be lucky to win one or two things a year and that ends SDCC for me.
I am close to 'retiring' anyway - I am about to have a new mortgage so I need to find places to save money, I have a bad hip, the people I go with are tired of going after 17 years - so this would just speed up the inevitable anyway. But that's my rambling 2¢.
Do you just/mainly go to Comic-Con for autographs?
I've mostly been pretty 'meh' about autographs, and Bruce Campbell solidified that with his thoughts about fans in "If Chins Could Kill." It's not like you really get have quality time, or even really talk to celebrities when signing. If you're a huge fan of a property I can see getting, say, a poster of a favorite movie by the director or stars or something (I got a rad Mike Mignola INCREDIBLES poster signed by he and Brad Bird after the Incredibles panel one year a long time ago), or a favorite comic signed by a writer or illustrated or something like that. But I've never really had a huge interest in that stuff (meaning, I will definitely not be a 'well I didn't want to wait in line but maybe now I'll jump in the lotto and try my luck" guy).
If all of the booths charged for autographs what would you all think? Like if, say, Marvel had the INFINITY WAR cast signing posters and charged $100 would you be into that? That seems like it would cut down on a lot of superfluous casual collectors. I always think with lottos there should be a happy medium: like, maybe half of the autograph 'slots' go randomly in a lotto while others can try their luck and camp out still. That way people who feel like they have the legit advantage and desire camping out for hours on end for autographs can still do that, and randos can try their luck in the lotto. Maybe those of you avid collectors can bring this up at the Talk-Back on Sunday if you're not happy with the lotto.
Just my mostly casual thoughts: I don't really care either way and I'm not really impacted at all.
My one comment on the article is it doesn't really mention the counter plus side to the lottery at all. AKA it says people who were used to the old ways had worse odds and didn't always win, but no comment about people who had never been able to get signings before now getting this new opportunity.
That's a fair point, but I talked to perhaps 100 people and there was no one who said that they weren't interested in signings but had won anyway. I simply did not find any attendees in that category.Sorry that's not quiet what I meant. I mean people who were interested in signings, but previously not been able to wait in the lines to get them, but now thanks to the new system had an opportunity (whether or not they won.)
Sorry that's not quiet what I meant. I mean people who were interested in signings, but previously not been able to wait in the lines to get them, but now thanks to the new system had an opportunity (whether or not they won.)I will say from first hand knowledge that the line camp does not shut folks out who casually want to try for an autograph draw. My roommates were able to win draws without having to wait in line - this is legit with no line cutting or space holding. All they did was show up after the crowd died down and they got on the Fox line, for example, and won their drawings. This happened last year and the year before.
Sorry that's not quiet what I meant. I mean people who were interested in signings, but previously not been able to wait in the lines to get them, but now thanks to the new system had an opportunity (whether or not they won.)
Sorry that's not quiet what I meant. I mean people who were interested in signings, but previously not been able to wait in the lines to get them, but now thanks to the new system had an opportunity (whether or not they won.)Indeed, everyone now has a shot at a signing by doing a lottery, but that shot is actually far worse than before. I get the “stop camping” or “stop the line cutters” arguments, but with everyone entering, you’re back to square one. You save time, sure, but you’re actually far away from your goal, which is to win something. People do want to win something or have that feeling in being successful.
At SDCC all wristbands were handed out. That’s because the lottery took place then and there, and the winners immediately got their wristbands.
As for standby, I think if the signing is on the floor, some places let in standby, but many of the signings are in secret rooms, so people wouldn’t even know where to go for standby.
This is my assessment of how the online lotteries worked at WonderCon, as well as some suggestions for SDCC.
https://www.friendsofcc.com/2018/03/27/online-lotteries-in-action-at-wondercon-2018/
One thing I have seen on twitter - it sounded like some people who had won signings didn't pick up their wristbands but just showed the confirmation on their phone at the actual signing?
Did you see this happening at all?
That in itself has problems - obviously potential for misuse unless they are very carefully checking names etc (having multiple people show the same 'confirmation'); and also if they do ever try to have a more 'official' standby process and need an idea of how many wristbands are left before the signing, it would throw out those numbers.
Omraged9, I agree with what you're saying. But the reality is that there will always be more people interested in signings than there are places. At SDCC, this is exponentially more true. IF there is any kind of standby line to give away extra wristbands, it will be overwhelmed with a line and all of the ugly behaviors we have seen in the past.That would also clear out some folks in Ballroom 20 or Hall H to make way for people still waiting in line for the next panel(s). That'd be a fun change, IMO, but would require a lot of logistics flip-flop since the signings are usually before the panels I think. For comic artists/writers it would be awesome because it would 'reward' people who attend, say, Jim Lee's spotlight panel instead of just the casual fan of his work (hello, me: I LOVE his work but I tend to not go to the Spotlight panels)
Giving away extra wristbands to fans is a good thing, but using a standby line will not help with the line situation. That's why I suggested giving away extra wristbands at the panel. That way, the only line would be for the panel, and that already exists, plus the wristbands would be more likely to go to people who truly want to be at the signing.
the true fan is nothing more the a Fanatic , it is a way to justify what what is right and what is wrongSounds like an elitist / entitled way to pick out who is a "real fan"
WTF is up with the "True Fans" do you have to really pass some kind of test to justify if you like something or not.
Omraged9, I agree with what you're saying. But the reality is that there will always be more people interested in signings than there are places. At SDCC, this is exponentially more true. IF there is any kind of standby line to give away extra wristbands, it will be overwhelmed with a line and all of the ugly behaviors we have seen in the past.
Giving away extra wristbands to fans is a good thing, but using a standby line will not help with the line situation. That's why I suggested giving away extra wristbands at the panel. That way, the only line would be for the panel, and that already exists, plus the wristbands would be more likely to go to people who truly want to be at the signing.
But no matter what there will always be people trying to make "unofficial" standby lines, in current or possible future system scenarios.
Do we really think more than say 10% of winners aren't going to show up for big signings?
At WonderCon, there was approximately a 20% no-show for the two 'hottest' signings: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Ready Player One.Do you think Agents of Shield would be even close to the top of the list for SDCC though?
This. This is the real problem, and the one CCI is the most reluctant to confront. They HAVE to be willing to shut down and disperse unofficial lines (for everything), or the rest of their policy is a joke.I mostly agree, but I think from a practical & logistics standpoint that's nearly impossible. It's extremely difficult to get people to move off of public property (sidewalks downtown), and remember, the last time CCI tried to strictly enforce the "no unofficial lines" stuff a CCI attendee was killed sprinting across Harbor so she could move her stuff into the 'proper' line w/out losing her place.
[member=380]perc2100[/member] I think it's a bit specious to connect that woman's death with CCI's line enforcement policy. She was racing back to join her group because the line was being moved - and it's not like the "official" lines are not also sometimes moved/condensed/etc.
I understand that line enforcement is a deeply intractable problem, but the fact remains that CCI has attempted basically zero solutions to it besides updating their official policy and then not following it. There are many things they have not tried, including: moving all lines to private property, such as inside Sails Pavilion or the Marriott Marina parking garage or a ballroom at MGH; being willing to revoke badges of people who refuse to comply with line policy (even easier now that they can just deactivate RFID); hiring enough security to actually police the lines and line policies.
Note: I am not claiming that any of these solutions would be the one true solution to solving the line problem. But CCI hasn't tried ANY of them. Instead they prefer to waive their hands and pretend the problem is the attendees, instead of their own total lack of enforcement.
Do you think Agents of Shield would be even close to the top of the list for SDCC though?
But even if we went with 20%, that means the lottery worked nice and smoothly for 80% winners. Not a bad percentage for the first trial.
[member=380]perc2100[/member] I think it's a bit specious to connect that woman's death with CCI's line enforcement policy. She was racing back to join her group because the line was being moved - and it's not like the "official" lines are not also sometimes moved/condensed/etc.This is true, and I didn't intend to correlate the two explicitly (though I made that correlation in my post).
I understand that line enforcement is a deeply intractable problem, but the fact remains that CCI has attempted basically zero solutions to it besides updating their official policy and then not following it. There are many things they have not tried, including: moving all lines to private property, such as inside Sails Pavilion or the Marriott Marina parking garage or a ballroom at MGH; being willing to revoke badges of people who refuse to comply with line policy (even easier now that they can just deactivate RFID); hiring enough security to actually police the lines and line policies.
Note: I am not claiming that any of these solutions would be the one true solution to solving the line problem. But CCI hasn't tried ANY of them. Instead they prefer to waive their hands and pretend the problem is the attendees, instead of their own total lack of enforcement.
To be fair, they have broken up lines before and discouraged them but attendees are insistent and just kept reforming unofficial lines. They did that the first wristband year and they eventually gave up instead of fulfilling their warning they'd take away badges. They did break up and discourage lines at Wondercon but the crowds were much less.I was soooo pissed off about that too! That was the one year I slept overnight and I was really not happy about that breach of protocol. I'm a punk rocker at heart: a rebellion who frequently tends to lean against hard authority. But when it comes to SDCCI I'm a weird rule-follower and that change up like that really didn't sit well. It all worked out for me, of course, but still upsetting! Changing rules in the middle of the game at SDCCI is never an easy thing for me to accept.
I gotta be honest and I may be in the minority but my experience is CCI does a pretty great job with lines.
Each year I've followed the rules in the EE line and once we've gone through SAILS hundreds/thousands of people have magically gotten in front of us and basically blocked us out of FUNKO/Hasbro.
The problem with lines at SDCC is that so many different people are in charge of them. There are the security people, who are even from different companies, so they are not all on the same page. Then you have the CCI "staff" line control, which I know for a FACT are mostly people hired in from a temp service every year and get about a 30 minute training and are just Joe Schmoes that need some money and a job, but have no experience in line control or how to even handle or deal with problems. And THEN, you have the volunteers who they put on lines and they are even less trained (like not at all) on how to deal with people and line control and are just sent there and told to hold a sign.This is true, and true about most things in life: policy is pretty great but if the people implementing said policy fail then there are problems. I agree that it's not uncommon for the security guys to not know what's going on (and to be the LAST ones who know about any changes, or even of policy in general). Like tsnyder I've also had pretty good/better-than-average experience with CCI lines. I have the mindset that the security guys are the least informed most of the time and I cut them slack. I have a pretty laid back attitude about SDCCI nowadays so I think if you're generally pretty chill that helps too. Last year in line for Hall H for there some issues at one point during the night/initial lineup for Saturday; I heard the group in front of us complain seemingly allllll day/evening about it. That's no way to live through Comic-Con, IMO.
They never hold to their rules once things get out of control and so no one obeys the rules anymore b/c they have learned that when you believe line control and disperse, you will in fact lose b/c soon after they will fold and let a line form or let people in......so, no one relents. And also, security is never on the same page. Some are incredibly lax and don't care while others are over the top ready to take people down. It's quite a mess and I think simply become too hard to control, there is literally not one single place with enough staff to handle this so everyone is well-trained and on the same page. As it is, all the different security companies bus people in from LA and surrounding areas and put them up in the dorms at SDSU to staff the con. It is a massive effort.
Alot of mixed comments and seeing how tech has advanced so much with flaws at anytime that wish they had way to use a scanner or scan gun to check everyone who in line to make sure no one cuts. cause it can be set to give a green for scanned or red for no scan to say the person cut in line sometime after they scanned everyone first round. i not sure exact what year they started allowing to have lines form and let anyone camp over nite in lines but seems it can all go right till they cause a hiccup and do things with out saying why in the first place. im sure everyone has their limits to how much bs they will take till they learn of how they can see panels on youtube or other later and how the swag can be bought as i have read or get later from others as a trade. so im guessing the whole line topic gonna be a major issue till they find a way to fix all the hassles at some point any year. the lottery thing might be the answer or maybe it wont. cause it will still be a mix of those who flip what they get and those who value and really keep what they get ea year.I'll say this:
3) waiting in super long lines and camping out in Hall H or Ballroom 20 all day is a legit fun experience IMO. Meeting new people, catching up with people from a year or two ago, etc. is never a negative for me personallyI would just say this is the thing. Some people like standing in line all day....other people don't want to. This is why I have only been in Hall H on Sunday when there is no line. I would LOVE to check out more panels, but I am not going to waste a day I have a badge for just sitting outside in line. That all being said, I don't see the lotteries being for panels any time soon.
I definitely agree that CCI tries, and I haven't had any problems while actually in the lines.
It's more that their non-enforcement of policy has allowed (and somewhat incentivized) the line formation to get to absurd levels. It kind of comes down to whether you think multiple-day lines are a problem in and of themselves - which, obviously, I do. But not everyone agrees.
I would just say this is the thing. Some people like standing in line all day....other people don't want to. This is why I have only been in Hall H on Sunday when there is no line. I would LOVE to check out more panels, but I am not going to waste a day I have a badge for just sitting outside in line. That all being said, I don't see the lotteries being for panels any time soon.Yeah, I TOTALLY get that. I found a system in past years that is kind of the best of both worlds.
I'll say this:
1) the footage isn't always on youtube after. Marvel notoriously withholds their footage. I still have not see the Spider-Man Homecoming teaser they showed a few years back that was set up like a John Hughes HS comedy; or the Ant-Man & The Wasp footage from last year that was Michael Pena, in character as Luis for the most part, recapping the MCU history to Michelle Pfeiffer.
2) it's incredibly hard to describe the vibe/atmosphere of Hall H and Ballroom 20 if one hasn't experienced it. The excitement is ELECTRIC in that room: some people can do w/out it, but some love that thrill.
3) waiting in super long lines and camping out in Hall H or Ballroom 20 all day is a legit fun experience IMO. Meeting new people, catching up with people from a year or two ago, etc. is never a negative for me personally
The problem with lines at SDCC is that so many different people are in charge of them. There are the security people, who are even from different companies, so they are not all on the same page. Then you have the CCI "staff" line control, which I know for a FACT are mostly people hired in from a temp service every year and get about a 30 minute training and are just Joe Schmoes that need some money and a job, but have no experience in line control or how to even handle or deal with problems. And THEN, you have the volunteers who they put on lines and they are even less trained (like not at all) on how to deal with people and line control and are just sent there and told to hold a sign.
They never hold to their rules once things get out of control and so no one obeys the rules anymore b/c they have learned that when you believe line control and disperse, you will in fact lose b/c soon after they will fold and let a line form or let people in......so, no one relents. And also, security is never on the same page. Some are incredibly lax and don't care while others are over the top ready to take people down. It's quite a mess and I think simply become too hard to control, there is literally not one single place with enough staff to handle this so everyone is well-trained and on the same page. As it is, all the different security companies bus people in from LA and surrounding areas and put them up in the dorms at SDSU to staff the con. It is a massive effort.
Now for Hall H... I dont think they can truly ever move to an online lottery unless they begin clearing the room OR do a lottery for an entire day's attendance.
Yea, with how things happend last year with fake bands and all, they discovered some was desparate enough to get in and found way to make bands look legit some how till those who had real ones saw or noticed some how they was fake and it stopped the whole train kinda and left many waiting and missed alot. lucky sdcc was told right away and not delayed that those who had been screwed over had i guess badges scanned to be comped or given free badge for pn and and rest of week free do to what the baddies did and got caught.
Atleast the staff told the higher ups right away and didnt take forever to get it sorted. so i can see that sdcc got hi ratiings for fixing the problem and telling those who was affected what they was gonna get for the headaches and not go hating on the con cause of baddies caused all the crap to ruin the fun.
We're fake bands ever really confirmed? All I've seen are rumors, hearsay, and a grainy video of someone holding bands that someone filming claimed were fake.
We're fake bands ever really confirmed? All I've seen are rumors, hearsay, and a grainy video of someone holding bands that someone filming claimed were fake.I personally saw a person with a fake wristband. My group was half A and half B as we were at that exact point. In the morning in the chutes a person tried to squeeze by to "meet his group". We asked to see his band which he was very hesitant then he showed us his B band which was an off color and not the same as ours. I just thought maybe it got washed or something and we wouldn't let him by because it was impossible he was meeting his group as there were no more B people in front of us. He admitted he was lying and took off behind us. Then inside when we heard about the fakes and saw the videos realized his was one of the fakes.
We're fake bands ever really confirmed? All I've seen are rumors, hearsay, and a grainy video of someone holding bands that someone filming claimed were fake.
Woohoo... Too bad Marvel is not included in this...
Woohoo... Too bad Marvel is not included in this...
Are you sure Marvel isn't part of this? Wasn't Agents of SHIELD part of the Wondercon raffle?
We had already decided to stop SDCC after this year, but this would really do it for me. I spend too much money there to come home without any autographs, and this system ensures that will happen.
Woohoo... Too bad Marvel is not included in this...Doesn't say they aren't...I would say its pretty likely it will be.
Doesn't say they aren't...I would say its pretty likely it will be.
But only time will tell.
I'm so excited!
I think if they do it properly maybe it could work. Like giving you a limit on how many autographs you can try for so hat people don’t just try for them all just because they can.They could assign you 10 entries or so, and you could decide how to 'spend' them. You could use all on one or one on ten different signings.
I think if they do it properly maybe it could work. Like giving you a limit on how many autographs you can try for so hat people don’t just try for them all just because they can.Not a bad idea. I wonder if there will be other limits to the algorithm, although it'd hurt if being picked for one essentially strikes you out for another you may have wanted to win. Or perhaps there's a lucky chance you can win all of your entries... Either way, I'm down for anything that strikes the "why not" entries.
My changes just increased from 0 to 1/130,00, so I am happy with this.
Does anyone know if these are transferable? Is it something we can set up a trading post for? Like, "I got Gotham, but really would prefer the Flash. Who wants to trade?" Are member IDs checked in the autograph line? Or are wristbands given out that can somehow be swapped?
Accessible the same way as the WonderCon portal, through member ID? Not seeing it through member ID, noticed and taken down?
("Access Denied" wall from original instructions link https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/08-exclusive-signings-wondercon-anaheim-2018 )
No they were not trasferable
They could assign you 10 entries or so, and you could decide how to 'spend' them. You could use all on one or one on ten different signings.
No they were not trasferable
My guess is that this will include anything that you drew for in the morning in Sails so WB, Fox, DC, Lego, Funko, Bandai, Hasbro
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As I've never wanted to sacrifice the panels I have no idea if FX and HBO are part of this. Anyone know?
I hope CCI has taken note of the issues that cropped up at WonderCon and has addressed them.
For those interested in how the online lotteries played out at WonderCon, see this article.
https://www.friendsofcc.com/2018/03/27/online-lotteries-in-action-at-wondercon-2018/
Good! Not Transferable Means not "Ebayable".. Is that a word? ???
As I've never wanted to sacrifice the panels I have no idea if FX and HBO are part of this. Anyone know?FX shows are Fox. The HBO shows are always at WB. I warn, doing autograph or panel will still usually need to be a choice. Most autograph are either right before or right after the panel. So if it's before you can't do both, if it's after you can try to book it to autograph, but you give up your panel room. I don't feel there is time to do it on a bathroom pass
I wonder if they'll find a better solution to the unclaimed bands/standby issue in particular. Seems a little counter-intuitive.
So where is this mysterious lottery portal? I tried to check my online member ID account and it's closed for maintenance.
I warn, doing autograph or panel will still usually need to be a choice. Most autograph are either right before or right after the panel.
My guess is that this will include anything that you drew for in the morning in Sails so WB, Fox, DC, Lego, Funko, Bandai, Hasbro
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Also what’s the rules with autographs is it whatever you want? Or specific items only. I ask because having my legion MONDo poster signed would be dope as heckThey usually provide the poster, and don't allow outside items for show/movie sessions. Sessions like Jim Lee and other comic artist signings allowed outside items.
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Also what’s the rules with autographs is it whatever you want? Or specific items only. I ask because having my legion MONDo poster signed would be dope as heck
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They usually provide the poster, and don't allow outside items for show/movie sessions. Sessions like Jim Lee and other comic artist signings allowed outside items.
Well hopefully someone from the comic con organization reads thinbfgs posted online and stuff and takes the suggestions I also emailed CC as well haha
It looks like from what sdcc blog screen shots showed it’s strictly autographs and merchandise. Merch as in SDCC branded stuff. I’d bet in future years you are right but they’re taking baby steps.
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At WonderCon it was strictly WonderCon merch, but WonderCon doesn't have exclusive madness like SDCC. What screenshot made you think they would not include things like Funko or Lego? Was it the one with the old verbiage leftover from WonderCon that hasn't been updated?yeah to me the screenshots I saw very much made it look like there would be some merchandise vendors going this route. As much as Funko has been asking for it and using it at other cons, I can't see them not using it the first chance they got.
yeah to me the screenshots I saw very much made it look like there would be some merchandise vendors going this route. As much as Funko has been asking for it and using it at other cons, I can't see them not using it the first chance they got.
Does anyone know how this will work for children? They don't technically have a badge.
I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea of a lottery either but the lines have become unmanageable and that's spilling into the neighborhood. Last year was the first time I went to the con in a while and I had noticed a big difference in the lines. Before, overnight was if you just wanted a good seat. Saturday Hall H had gotten to the point where you had to start camping out on Tuesday to even get in. I get that things should go to those who want them most but I also get that nobody wants a situation to devolve where the Hall H line spills over to Little Italy for the entire week.
I think the best system would be to have an Epic room where people can choose what they want, being limited to 3 or 4 choices for the ENTIRE con.
In the past, CCI has used an online portal for their own merch. We think that's what this is again. We really don't think they'd try out a new system for both exclusives AND autographs in the same year. Better to do one, make sure it doesn't break Comic-Con, and then expand.Why do you keep saying WE? It sounds very regal. Or Borg-ish.
Why do you keep saying WE? It sounds very regal. Or Borg-ish.
i think if CCI added Hasbro, funko to the loto system they could better use there staff in hall H or elsewhere, i think staff allocation is the most important factor, CCi may not have the staff to deal with mega lines
I can't stand the people that keep saying well it was always a lottery.I agree.
It makes zero sense to compare me pulling a ticket in the morning at WB then also getting to pull at Fox where I'd have above a 50/50 chance of getting a autograph signing each day. To me having probably less than 1 percent chance now.
Make the huge Hall H line which has people camping for days, a lottery, that's the worst of all the lines anyway.
Last year I was late trying to get from my hotel the Hilton Bayfront to the Sails pavilion, I was walking quickly along the boardwalk but there were people camped out everywhere, and this was around noon. Some guy shouted not to walk through their camp, I didn't know that was a no go camp area I'm just seeing a mess of stuff and people and I'm just trying to walk.
Make everything a lottery then it's fair. But I see some people are happy as long as their favorite thing is not a lottery.
"We" = SDCCBlog.com. When it's my opinion, I (Kerry) say I. When it's the blog's stance, I say we. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯OK, just not sure how we (lower case we representing all members who don't know you) are suppose to know that! That being said I know keeping rack of which pronouns people prefer to use these days is getting trickier and trickier!
"We" = SDCCBlog.com. When it's my opinion, I (Kerry) say I. When it's the blog's stance, I say we. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Don't mess with lawboysam.. He is the bread and butter to lots of intel at Comic Con hehe :P
Can we get back to complaining about autographs though?!Complaining?! I'm rejoicing!
I wonder if this is actually SDCC's way of reducing lines so they don't have to deal with the onsite demands this always entails. They're pretty bad keeping things in order with the normal Everything Else line. By doing the online lottery, they eliminate so many of the small autograph/exclusive lines that fill up the Sails in the early part of the morning. By eliminating the need to staff these, they can put more of their staff, security and other resources to maintaining the Hall H and Everything Else lines.
Just a thought anyways.
I don't do the autograph lotteries at SDCC, because I prioritize my time elsewhere. But sure, I'll be entering the lotteries online, to see if I win anything. So my chances of getting an autograph have improved.
But am I happy about this? No. Because SDCC is a line culture. If people aren't lined up for the Sails in the morning, they're going to be lined up elsewhere. The Hall H lines will get longer, the offsite lines will get longer. Lines for everything else are going to go nuts.
And those are the lines in which I will be stuck. Whee. :-\
This is a darn good point and now I'm a little worried. The only plus side for me personally is that I don't currently have plans for Hall H this year since there's no Marvel so I may get to skip that beast. But if this effects B20 line I'm screwed. If they put Legion in B20 again (which would make sense) I know I'll be in B20 line for at least one day. UGH.
I know I'm a broken record about Legion and I apologize lmao.
OK, just not sure how we (lower case we representing all members who don't know you) are suppose to know that! That being said I know keeping rack of which pronouns people prefer to use these days is getting trickier and trickier!
I can't stand the people that keep saying well it was always a lottery.
It makes zero sense to compare me pulling a ticket in the morning at WB then also getting to pull at Fox where I'd have above a 50/50 chance of getting a autograph signing each day. To me having probably less than 1 percent chance now.
Make the huge Hall H line which has people camping for days, a lottery, that's the worst of all the lines anyway.
Last year I was late trying to get from my hotel the Hilton Bayfront to the Sails pavilion, I was walking quickly along the boardwalk but there were people camped out everywhere, and this was around noon. Some guy shouted not to walk through their camp, I didn't know that was a no go camp area I'm just seeing a mess of stuff and people and I'm just trying to walk.
Make everything a lottery then it's fair. But I see some people are happy as long as their favorite thing is not a lottery.
Even if you think it was a 50/50 chance, it was always zero for me. I've never won that drawing. After hours in line, I think I should more of a guarantee of something. If it's hours in line to get nothing versus online lottery, I'll take the lottery.WB was above 50/50 chance not sure about Fox.
I don't do the autograph lotteries at SDCC, because I prioritize my time elsewhere. But sure, I'll be entering the lotteries online, to see if I win anything. So my chances of getting an autograph have improved.
But am I happy about this? No. Because SDCC is a line culture. If people aren't lined up for the Sails in the morning, they're going to be lined up elsewhere. The Hall H lines will get longer, the offsite lines will get longer. Lines for everything else are going to go nuts.
And those are the lines in which I will be stuck. Whee. :-\
At WonderCon it was strictly WonderCon merch, but WonderCon doesn't have exclusive madness like SDCC. What screenshot made you think they would not include things like Funko or Lego? Was it the one with the old verbiage leftover from WonderCon that hasn't been updated?
NYCC had a system where people were limited to 2 major events and 2 minor events a day and half of the spots at panels were still first come first serve. It wasn't perfect by any means but I got almost everything I really wanted eventually (even the lego exclusive).
From a business standpoint-- a lot of the same people go for signings, while tens of thousands of people either do not know about it or do not want to deal with the headache. This is bad business as your not marketing to your full potential audience. All of these signings and even panels are marketing ploys by an organization or television/movie studio. If the same people continue to receive the benefit (i.e. signing or viewing) then the marketing is ineffective as no new consumers are being reached. Hence, by creating the online lottery new individuals are able to receive the benefit thus potentially broadening the audience for the company.
For example, I would never have gone for the Black Lightning signing at WonderCon normally. However, I did and was unsuccessful. Even though I was unsuccessful I wanted to know more about the show and am now watching it. If I won the lottery and got the benefit of the signing-- I probably would be an even bigger fan.
I recognize that the online lottery system flat out sucks for the people that know how to do signings and have been doing it for years. However, it does present a better opportunity for others. I would not be surprised that this is just a trial run for what is to come for Hall H.
What made you think it would include Lego or Funko? That logic cuts both ways. You say “updated language” I say the language is already updated since the portal shouldn’t have been open at all. It also didn’t say wondercon. It said comic con 2018. 🤷♂️ only the terms and conditions weren’t updated. There’s nothing indicating all exclusives will be going lotto.What makes me think it is because they call it the "exclusives" portal and they never called it that when all they sold was their preorder merch did they? Also, because none of these companies enjoy having to staff Sails distribution and come up with ticketing solutions and have been asking CCI for lottery for years. These companies have been handling their business at the other big Cons with lotteries for a couple years now.
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As an aside, I don't think this necessarily increases Hall H lines. You pretty much have to choose autograph or panel since the autograph sessions are either immediately before or immediately after a panel and take long enough that I wouldn't personally feel comfy risking it with a bathroom pass as they can often be delayed making you late or they get cut off and people who show up late don't get in even with a wristband.
I think people mean it will just increase the overnight Hall H lines, since previously you had to choose between the "Hall H" and "Everything Else" lines to camp in. So all the people who were only in the EE line for autograph drawings will now be somewhere else, and some of them will be in the H line.
What makes me think it is because they call it the "exclusives" portal and they never called it that when all they sold was their preorder merch did they? Also, because none of these companies enjoy having to staff Sails distribution and come up with ticketing solutions and have been asking CCI for lottery for years. These companies have been handling their business at the other big Cons with lotteries for a couple years now.
As an aside, I don't think this necessarily increases Hall H lines. You pretty much have to choose autograph or panel since the autograph sessions are either immediately before or immediately after a panel and take long enough that I wouldn't personally feel comfy risking it with a bathroom pass as they can often be delayed making you late or they get cut off and people who show up late don't get in even with a wristband.
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I believe that’s exactly what they called it at wondercon “exclusives” that is. I don’t think their personal wants really factor into what SDCC decides as they’ve shown previously they march to the beat of their own drum. Ultimately it’s speculation but I’m defering to SDCC blog here and their history is pretty good on this stuff 🤷♂️I defer to no one because this is all speculation and as I said, there are no big exclusives at WonderCon, ever, you can't go by how they used it there and apply it to SDCC. Also, a great deal of whatever the blog posts is stuff I saw here first. There is no magical connection over there that is privvy to anything we don't know and they have often been wrong. Last year's hotel sale date comes immediately to mind.
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I defer to no one because this is all speculation and as I said, there are no big exclusives at WonderCon, ever, you can't go by how they used it there and apply it to SDCC. Also, a great deal of whatever the blog posts is stuff I saw here first. There is no magical connection over there that is privvy to anything we don't know and they have often been wrong. Last year's hotel sale date comes immediately to mind.
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You realize lawboysam cross posts some stuff right because she runs sdcc blog? And they do have some sources we don’t have here. They break news all the time; case in point the bait booth pop.I've been around here a long time. I know who she is. She was a modertor here first and she's here reading every day. Things we say here end up there. Which is fine, I'm just saying it's not a special source on anything when it comes to what is going on inside CCI.
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I've been around here a long time. I know who she is. She was a modertor here first and she's here reading every day. Things we say here end up there. Which is fine, I'm just saying it's not a special source on anything when it comes to what is going on inside CCI.
Also, CCI absolutely DOES care what their vendors think and want. Especially the big ones.
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You have equally valid reasons. Well know in 60 Days or less 🧐
Hopefully less. Come on CCI, we are obsessive planners. Let us plan.
ATX Badgeholders,
Be on the lookout! Badge codes are coming tomorrow, TUESDAY, MAY 22. You will receive an email copy of your Badge Receipt that will include your Fast Pass Lottery Badge Code and instructions on entering your top eight (8) panel and screening preferences.
Here’s what it will look like:
<image that says each badge has a unique code and how to enter it>
Three things to remember:
1) Enter your preferences in order of HIGHEST (1) to LOWEST (8) priority. Fast Passes will be assigned based on availability!
2) Select a TOTAL of eight (8) different screenings and panels. If you submit LESS than eight different selections, you are NOT guaranteed four (4) Fast Passes. Entering a single piece of programming more than once will NOT increase your odds of securing a Fast Pass to that event.
3) All Fast Pass Preferences must be submitted by Friday, May 25 at 11:59 PM CT for your submission to be valid. Please email [email protected] with any questions during the process.
Lastly...
You will be notified of your confirmed Fast Passes by 12 PM CT on Monday, May 28.
After that, you can log into our ONLINE GUIDE using your same badge code, and add, drop, or switch out Fast Passes for events with open Fast Pass availability. And please remember, even if an event is indicated as “full”, that just means that all the available Fast Passes have been reserved, not that the event is closed. Fast Passes only account for ⅓ of the venue -- so you’ll still have ample opportunity to attend via the General Badgeholder line!
they excluded vendors and pro's this was very interesting, what will they do for auto's
I feel for pros because they really had no advantages to exploit and as far as I know, were never restricted in such a way beforehand. Also, while some vendors did exploit their early access to the hall for things like exclusives and some autographs, I have to believe most vendors never did that.
Even for autos in the past, vendors only had an advantage for booths like Marvel that are on the floor. They didn't get early access to Sails so had no advantage for Fox/WB etc.You know this brings up an interesting point. I wonder if volunteers would drop because they aren't eligible for exclusives now. Maybe/maybe not?
I feel sorry for volunteers as well who can't enter, and hope not all the exclusive drawings are restricted like the Mondo print is.
You know this brings up an interesting point. I wonder if volunteers would drop because they aren't eligible for exclusives now. Maybe/maybe not?
You know this brings up an interesting point. I wonder if volunteers would drop because they aren't eligible for exclusives now. Maybe/maybe not?
Even for autos in the past, vendors only had an advantage for booths like Marvel that are on the floor. They didn't get early access to Sails so had no advantage for Fox/WB etc.
I feel sorry for volunteers as well who can't enter, and hope not all the exclusive drawings are restricted like the Mondo print is.
The cast and producers of all three series will be signing autographs – and for an opportunity to participate, you’ll need to sign up through CCI’s Exclusives Portal beginning ...
https://sdccblog.com/2018/06/legion-returns-to-mess-with-your-head-at-san-diego-comic-con-2018/So, where is that info coming from? Did I miss something? I have seen it mentioned a couple of times, but don't know where the actual date came from. Was it on CCI's site? I am no doubting it, just wondering where it was officially announced.QuoteThe cast and producers of all three series will be signing autographs – and for an opportunity to participate, you’ll need to sign up through CCI’s Exclusives Portal beginning ...
So, where is that info coming from? Did I miss something? I have seen it mentioned a couple of times, but don't know where the actual date came from. Was it on CCI's site? I am no doubting it, just wondering where it was officially announced.
So, where is that info coming from? Did I miss something? I have seen it mentioned a couple of times, but don't know where the actual date came from. Was it on CCI's site? I am no doubting it, just wondering where it was officially announced.
If you login to the exclusives portal is has this line: Comic-Con 2018 exclusive merchandise purchasing time slots and exclusive signings will be added at a later date.
Mine does not. But I'm press. Is press not allowed to do autos either, I wonder? I never try for them usually, but this is going to kill a lot of my friends who can't anymore. (RIP Kevin)
As a pro, I'm still not allowed to enter the portal either...but the exclusives tab specifies the following when I click on it:Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
So hopefully, the portal will open for us at a later point since this only specifies the Mondo print? At least, I'm praying to the con gods that that will be the case... :-\
Mine does not. But I'm press. Is press not allowed to do autos either, I wonder? I never try for them usually, but this is going to kill a lot of my friends who can't anymore. (RIP Kevin)I will reserve my thoughts, observations, and reactions until we know for certain.
I will reserve my thoughts, observations, and reactions until we know for certain.
7 more days before this opens up for entry.
Hopefully it will be a fair process for all. That is all I will say for now.
Does anyone think he or she has a better chance with the lottery system?
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Yes. My odds have increased from ZERO to 1/130,000.
I would say that your odds will be far better than 1/130,000. Not everyone will enter the lottery. Believe it or not (gasp), some people don't care about autographs and many people may not be familiar with the shows/actors who are giving them out.Also there will be more than one winner for the signings. I would say at minimum 100 winners per signing which brings the odds down to 1/1,300.
I would say that your odds will be far better than 1/130,000. Not everyone will enter the lottery. Believe it or not (gasp), some people don't care about autographs and many people may not be familiar with the shows/actors who are giving them out.
Does anyone think he or she has a better chance with the lottery system?
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Quite the opposite for me. There was always a certain level of assurance as long as I was able to put in whatever effort was required, which sometimes wasn't that much.. but now? No chance.Agreed.
Quite the opposite for me. There was always a certain level of assurance as long as I was able to put in whatever effort was required, which sometimes wasn't that much.. but now? No chance.
I do wonder if the lottery system will impact other panels now. If people don't have to wait in line for an autograph, what will they do? Of course people attend SDCC for a variety of reasons but it could impact other areas.
I'm expecting this personally. I don't expect the EE line to shrink. Instead, people who would have rushed off to the autographs or exclusives lines, will now either go to the exhibit hall or line up for the panel rooms when they let the line inside.
Also, unless CCI has a stated policy for how they will deal with standbys, people will line up in the EE line to get standby autograph wristbands. At WonderCon, there were a number of no-show winners for each autograph, even for the most popular signings. It was a mess distributing the extras.
Thoughts on why they can't just give out standby the same way they distribute the original winners? Meaning tell people through the exclusives site if a spot opens up for them. That means no standby line required. Is it just because it's too last minute?
Yes. My odds have increased from ZERO to 1/130,000.
I would say that your odds will be far better than 1/130,000. Not everyone will enter the lottery. Believe it or not (gasp), some people don't care about autographs and many people may not be familiar with the shows/actors who are giving them out.
I would assume because people will only pick up wristbands the day of the signing, so there would be limited time between pick up and the signing time - not enough time to do a redraw, notify people etc.
Also, I imagine some people would pick up the wristbands and then not turn up to the signing (which I suspect will happen in greater numbers than at WonderCon because of the sheer number of things going on/offsides etc). You might win a signing, have every intention of going, then end up getting caught up with something else.
Also, unless CCI has a stated policy for how they will deal with standbys, people will line up in the EE line to get standby autograph wristbands. At WonderCon, there were a number of no-show winners for each autograph, even for the most popular signings. It was a mess distributing the extras.
Thoughts on why they can't just give out standby the same way they distribute the original winners? Meaning tell people through the exclusives site if a spot opens up for them. That means no standby line required. Is it just because it's too last minute?
And seeing the panel lineup so far for Hall H.. I worry that all of those will simply feed into to the other areas moreso than usual. It just means more less distribution on where those crowds are going. Just a guess, but I'll expect to see more people on the floor and among other panels
Yea I am 100% against this idea of a online lottery for autographs. I feel like lines weeded out the people who didn't want it enough. Now you will have everyone trying because it is just a click of a button. People may just buy to resell since they don't have to put in any work to get it.
Also what about people who do this and get it, and then day of, something better came up so they do something else. Is that spot just wasted now? And yea...less lines means more people in other areas. People thought inside the convention was packed before....it's about to get crazy.
The only positive is for people who weren't dedicated enough and for the flippers who were too lazy to get in line.
The real problem at this point (for CCI anyway) is definitely what to do about no-show winners. Allowing any sort of standby line wholly defeats the purpose of the lottery IMO. But "overselling" is obviously dangerous too, if more than they calculated decide to show up. Maybe oversell by ~5% and let any more slots go to waste?
Although, this is CCI we're talking about so they will probably 1) declare there is absolutely no standby line, 2) watch passively as an unofficial standby line forms anyway, 3) give up and allow the extra spots to be filled by the standby line. Ugh.
Yea I am 100% against this idea of a online lottery for autographs. I feel like lines weeded out the people who didn't want it enough. Now you will have everyone trying because it is just a click of a button. People may just buy to resell since they don't have to put in any work to get it.
Also what about people who do this and get it, and then day of, something better came up so they do something else. Is that spot just wasted now? And yea...less lines means more people in other areas. People thought inside the convention was packed before....it's about to get crazy.
The only positive is for people who weren't dedicated enough and for the flippers who were too lazy to get in line.
This argument doesn't work though. CCI doesn't care if people feel they are more deserving because they waited in line. They care about the line and the chaos it is causing at their con and the safety hazards it causes. It honestly is the most fair way they can do it. No one has an advantage and they are treating everyone fair. So while I get everyone is upset about it if people want to argue for CCI to change it we are going to need to step up our game.
Flippers are willing to do the time so it actually hurts them more and maybe creates a few casual flippers. Over all though I don't think the ebay factor is really valid with or without lotto this stuff ends up on ebay.
I think these are valid points specifically because I've never tried for autos before, but I will if I'm eligible for the lottery. SO.... I'm the one being talked about here lol oops.
People flip autographs? I don’t get it. Spend all that time in line for a CHANCE to make a few bucks. Are signed items even authenticated?
Although, this is CCI we're talking about so they will probably 1) declare there is absolutely no standby line, 2) watch passively as an unofficial standby line forms anyway, 3) give up and allow the extra spots to be filled by the standby line. Ugh.
Although, this is CCI we're talking about so they will probably 1) declare there is absolutely no standby line, 2) watch passively as an unofficial standby line forms anyway, 3) give up and allow the extra spots to be filled by the standby line. Ugh.
What may more likely happen is SDCC will punt this to the booths running the autographs. So after Comic Con announces the winners, any leftover will be given back and redistributed at the discretion of the booths.
People flip autographs? I don’t get it. Spend all that time in line for a CHANCE to make a few bucks. Are signed items even authenticated?
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I would argue you have a right also and why should you have to sleep out to get a chance to enjoy it? I say you deserve a chance also, unless you are pro or press >:D (please don't beat me up for the joke at the end)
They could give out x-amount (100?) of winning wristbands and y-amount (35?) of standby wristbands for each autograph session. Then they could call it a day.
All of the stand-bys would have been given out already, so there wouldn't be any lines forming.
Amazingly simple, except I can imagine the standby people jostling for position in line.
thems fighten words ;)
If we are going to fight can we hire professionals to fight for us? Our faces are too pretty.
Yes we can call on champions, game of thrones style ;D
NCDS’ face is too pretty to fight, but mine is beat up enough already that it wouldn’t matter. ;)
I love the idea of passing out standby wristbands through the lottery, and having those standby wristbands numbered! That’s such a simple and elegant solution! I hope that CCI does something like that.
Is someone offering to be my champion? I can't allow it, your face is also too pretty! you can't tell you took all the punches you speak of.
Well, I'm definitely not too pretty, and I will fight for both of you.
This is Awesome. Finally I have a fair chance to get an autograph ticket. Years of being pushed, people cutting lines, rude workers who are just hot and tired of standing in the sun, people slipping off their bands and selling them saying they just wanted extra cash and never intended to go and all that wasted time. I stopped doing it last year because it was another bust so I had 0% chance of getting anything. Not that I EVER got anything, but this year I at least feel I have a better chance. Even a 1% to to get one autograph band is better than zero. This is just my opinion so please no destroying me..... 8)
In the past, CCI has used an online portal for their own merch. We think that's what this is again. We really don't think they'd try out a new system for both exclusives AND autographs in the same year. Better to do one, make sure it doesn't break Comic-Con, and then expand."we" were wrong.....
So far only Fox has officially confirmed but WB is extremely likely.
Not everything will be lotteries, and at this point we only know it will be Fox. And since Fox's iPad coin flip last year was trash, good for them.
From the blog:
"[T]he Van Helsing cast will be signing autographs for fans on Thursday, July 19th from 3PM-3:30PM in the Autograph
Area in the Sails Pavilion. A drawing for line tickets will be held Thursday at 9AM am in the
Autograph Area."
STAR VS Comic-Con Autograph Session *Limited Signings* – 7/19 @ 11:45a, Sails Pavilion AA03 Must be in line for a wristband before 8:30a on 7/19, outside Ballroom 20. See Comic-Con Program Schedule for full info!
FYI: Big Hero 6 The Series Comic-Con Autograph Session *Limited Signings* – 7/21 @ 2:30p, Sails Pavilion AA02 Must be in line for a wristband before 8:30a on 7/21, outside Ballroom 20. See Comic-Con Program Schedule for more info!
"Outside Ballroom 20" is that a new spot for this sort of thing?
They probably just mean Sails, which is right by Ballroom 20.
"Outside Ballroom 20" is that a new spot for this sort of thing?Yeah, I am wondering where that is (Okay, I know where it is in general lol).
They probably just mean Sails, which is right by Ballroom 20.Technically the line for this will be right on the corner just outside of BR20. They will hold you there until the actual drawing at which time you will be escorted to the chute(s) for the drawing in Sails.
It looks like autograph lottery slots are up on the Exclusives page for Comic Con.. They are scattered by Date/Time along with the exclusive merchandise slots.
DC Comics, Fox, and WBTV.Global moderators-can one of you put a calendar link? I'd like to capture the deadline and have it as a reminder with this thread.
For emphasis!
https://www.comic-con.org/cci/2018/exclusive-signings
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Global moderators-can one of you put a calendar link? I'd like to capture the deadline and have it as a reminder with this thread.