By now, you're wondering how did 2008 compare to 2007? Did Chaz follow up on his apology for 2007? For starters, security was fine and dandy. No one to my knowledge was harassed or stalked about whether or not they had a badge. This created a better environment knowing that cosplayers could do photo shoots and gatherings without having to be asked to have their badge visible 24/7.

There are things that cannot be helped such as the rain and overcrowding. We wanted to line up for masquerade, but the amount of people in a small space to line up was overwhelming. I heard it was a full house this year with standing room only. Even if handfuls of people left during technical difficulties, they still did not allow more people in. Hopefully, next year will allow more room for people who wish to view the masquerade.

I didn't see the masquerade, but heard technical difficulties was a huge let down. On our end, we tried watching the simulcast. Yet, it had its own technical difficulties. The screen was very unclear. It looked like a huge, pixelated mess on the flat screens. Audio was working on and off. I can see staff was trying hard to correct this, but for those of us who wanted to even get a taste of what was going on were better off watching masquerade coverage on youtube. That does defeat the purpose of seeing a live performance. We apologize for not having a complete masquerade coverage this time, but do enjoy other cosplay / convention coverage websites for masquerade coverage.

Another implementation is the Fairy Godfather system. Maybe because I was sick on Friday and moving around from place to place on Saturday, but I didn't really get to see them do their thing on those days. I only saw their presence on Sunday and it was easy to spot them then - mafia outfits and fairy wings. Some have argued that the title "Fairy Godfather" sounds like it's more appropriate for Yaoi Con. At the time it was conceived, I remember it was a working title, but who knows, maybe Anime Los Angeles can reinvent the label?

I didn't collect many ribbons this year. In fact, we forgot to bring the Traveling Valentine ribbons. No huge loss, but hopefully we'll have more in time for the rest of 2008.

Many thanks to the friends I saw at Anime Los Angeles. I wish I wasn't sick on Friday, we could have spent more time together. I know we all got crazy schedules, but it was still worth it to see many of you that I don't get to see very often or at a con. Lots of thanks to those of you guys who wanted to do Ouran Host Club cosplay with us. I think we should do that more often, if for the snackage the Ouran Host Club gatherings provide. Many thanks to Tom for putting up with me. No thanks to Diana because she retired the Thing in Pink.

Yet, bad news in the Bay Area. Our good friend Sue is having her last Sac Anime as Programming Director. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend Sac Anime January this year. Suffice to say, she has been the best Programming Director that we have known in the many years of attending anime conventions. After ALA Tom also learned of a credit card issue Yaoi Con had with him. Yaoi Con has recently processed their registration payments now (despite the con being over months ago). Tom canceled that credit card a while back after reporting it stolen. Calling Tom about the credit card issue upon discovery instead of threatening to call in a collections agency would have been more tactful.

The 2008 starts off on a bitter and sweet note. Sweet that Anime Los Angeles resurrected itself in a way. Bitter in a sense that Traveling Valentine are pretty much stiffing Yaoi-Con this year after their actions against Tom.

All I can say is that Tom and I are registered for Anime Los Angeles 2009. We look forward to a great 2008!

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