…

In fact, this was the first convention I broke even on. if it hadn’t been for me not being able to find anyone to split a room with (I asked and asked!) I’d have made a profit.

I like the open convention floor, but the environs of the hotel do suck hard.

Certainly, communication about mixers and events could have been better at this location, but I still had a blast. Food was a big issue… I definitely like the choices and convenience at the old location better, but I do appreciate the folks that were passing around the dining guide… very helpful.

Expensive? Yes. If it weren’t for the fact that I was staying at my aunt’s house and having Kevin Freeman drive me back and forth, it would have been more. I felt I did well sales-wise, but I still only covered table, not plane fare. If I had to also get a room, I’d have been way under water. I can only do these conventions occasionally until I’m making enough to cover more. It’s expensive to travel in from Denver.

1) your “A beautiful object, it makes many statements” comment on Ninja is spot on. It was the SPX equivalent of walking a puppy in the park (although it drew more geeks coming up to me than hot women in halter tops). Anyway, it is a great, great book!!! I was a bit reluctant to buy it based on my “where the hell will I store this” phobia, but I’m glad I did, and it fits just perfectly lying flat on top of my DVD player.

2) I would disagree with your “don’t expand” assessment. If what someone mentioned on tcj is true and there is a sliding wall on one side of the current hall, I say “expand away”!!! Expansion would not only eleviate the narrow aisle issue that people seem to be bringing up, but it would also bring in more exhibitors.

3) The hotel is top notch. I almost felt like it was too good for me! Seriously. Maybe the new location will serve to “raise the bar”, and draw even more top talent next year.

Anyway, I am looking forward to next year. I had probably my best time since 2000 this year. Thanks to all involved.

Take Care,

Trevor

And, yes, the electronic signs did change a lot. Really slow. I thought the same thing when I read the first post.

Still, the new venue ain’t so bad. They just need to suck up more of it! MORE MORE MORE!!! RARGH!!!

I agree with Brady that the exhibits area should be expanded. My company was not able to get a table at the con because they sold out, and I don’t think we are “not ready for prime time.” Of course, you may disagree. Any one curious can check out our website.

Also, I reread my post and you could read it as saying I didn’t want the TOP SHELF’s to be there. I do. I love them. I just want the tiny guys, too.

I also meant to say that a lot of the stuff in comix that I see as crap other people like. For example, you have to use computers pretty effing amazingly for me to like it. If I smell even a whiff of computer, I put down most (not all, but most) books. This is not true for many, many people.

My point is that just because you and I see a lot of junk on the tables, that doesn’t mean those folks can’t find an audience.
I’m not likely to buy a slasher comic. They find audiences though, right?

I have to say, I really dig the creators you highlighted. Especially Drew Weing. BLAR is like the greatest little mini ever. AMAZING. So funny. A little clean for my taste, but he uses his draughting powers well.

THE TABLE PRICE AT SPX IS PRETTY HIGH!

This sort of sucks. It’s the price of success. But I think we need to have another group of rooms at this new venue that cost less to get into… a mini-comix ghetto (as it would inevitably get known) so that new creators can sit down there and begin to start to get an inkling of if they can build an audience or not.

If SPX doesn’t expand it’s floor size then, if comix grow in popularity, and awesome new places like Ad House and Partyka (which impressed the HELL out of me) grow (as they deservedly should), table prices will go up, they will need more space, and there will be even fewer $1 or $2 books.

SPX will become a place where you already have to have some sort of an audience to get in the door, which totally sucks. That’s not the point of the show (I don’t think).

It’s true, the organization has to change and grow, but the DIY movement got it off the ground and I think continuing to cultivate the DIY movement is a part of SPX’s obligation.

Everyone wants a book deal. Of course. Of course. No one can be Dave Sim forever. Of course. He’s crazy. That’s how he did it. That said, the DIY movement is how we find the Megan Kelso’s and the Scott Mills and all those folks.

I would probably quit going to SPX if I wasn’t meeting these random dudes who are staying late at work and stealing time on the office copier to get their books out. That’s the heart of the matter.