{"id":13091,"date":"2018-06-01T15:51:32","date_gmt":"2018-06-01T15:51:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scarlet-rhapsody.com\/?p=13091"},"modified":"2019-01-13T20:20:40","modified_gmt":"2019-01-13T20:20:40","slug":"fanime-18-i-want-it-that-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scarlet-rhapsody.com\/?p=13091","title":{"rendered":"[Fanime ’18] I Want It That Way"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019ve had a mix set of experiences at Fanime. \u00a0It\u2019s never been wholly bad or good, but in my mind I tend to think of Fanime as a \u2018not fun\u2019 event. \u00a0This was my return and I wanted to attend with an open mind as the convention has changed while I was away. \u00a0It is always interesting to see how an event evolves or falls apart as time passes. Due to that I was excited about flying back to San Jose. \u00a0This year I had a complicated trip, but it all worked out and I arrived ready to explore the convention on the morning of day one.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The convention was held at the San Jose Convention Center as it had been for over a decade. \u00a0The big difference for me was that the expansion was complete, but despite that things essentially looked the same to me. \u00a0The panels were located in the Fairmont and most other events were held in the convention center and the connected hotels. The biggest problem that I faced during the event was crowding in the convention center and the immediate outside area. \u00a0Things could get overwhelming and outside of capping attendance there isn\u2019t much that can be done about that. Despite the foot traffic it was still possible to get around it just took a little clever maneuvering.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The panel line up was pretty good this year. \u00a0There were plenty of technical panels connected to building computers and advanced crafting of costumes. \u00a0However, there were plenty of discussion panels ranging from video games to anime to general pop culture. Our panels went really well and it reminded me why I like running panels at Fanime. \u00a0There was always something to do between all the panels, Stage Zero, and the sheer amount of other events. The big problem is that you will have to either stick with panels at the Fairmont or run about all over the convention area trying to hit as many different events as possible. \u00a0You will see more if stick with panels, but not exploring ruins some of the fun of going to a convention. However, with four days your options expand significantly and you will likely find more than enough to populate each day of your convention.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The convention center housed the artist alley and dealer hall both of whom were up to the standards I expect from Fanime. \u00a0The dealer hall had large aisles and plenty of booths with a good variety of merchandise. They also had a few really good food booths that had long lines most of the time. \u00a0The artist alley had much smaller aisles making it difficult to navigate at times. However, this packed area had plenty of great booths with more than just the usual art prints. \u00a0The biggest bummer of shopping was that the swap meet was stuffed behind the convention center and not easy to reach. Due to this we skipped on checking out the deals offered by our fellow nerds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The vibe of Fanime is a bit hard to place. \u00a0There were so many people and the crowding could get a little overwhelming making many people very irritated. \u00a0However, most attendees had a very friendly attitude and it wasn\u2019t difficult to feel at ease around the convention space. \u00a0The abundance of street dog venders ensures that a rancid stink will fill the whole convention area and they tend to block valuable walking space. \u00a0This is not an attitude heavy event, but there is more than enough to put you in a bad mood or just give you a disgusting feeling. This is a convention of ups and downs so just bear that in mind when you attend Fanime.<\/span><\/p>\n

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After taking a long break from Fanime I feel that I can come in with a more clear mind when it comes to this event. \u00a0There are plenty of things to like, but there is also quite a bit that needs work and sadly some things the convention cannot change. \u00a0Overall, I am glad that I went as I enjoyed running panels and exploring the convention area. Next year, I may aim for the Fairmont that way I can do more late night panels and not have to worry about the walk back in the dark or losing my way due to being too tired. \u00a0I can\u2019t give this event my full recommendation as there are plenty of problems and it might not be a fun experience for all who attend. If you are willing to take the risk or if you live close enough to San Jose then give Fanime a chance, but unless you really need to meet a specific guest I don\u2019t recommend those further out hitting this event. \u00a0Until next time I will leave you with my list and remind you to give my love to Stage Zero.<\/span><\/p>\n

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THE LIST:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Back again<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Crowds<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. See Dub Eff!!<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. 3 panels<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. No babysitting<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Crowds\u2026<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Elevators worked this time<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Good to see my friends again<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. So much walking<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Crowds, crowds, crowds<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. So much to see<\/span><\/li>\n
  12. Oh yeah I did go to the game room<\/span><\/li>\n
  13. That smell<\/span><\/li>\n
  14. Next cosplay: something for summer<\/span><\/li>\n
  15. RE: 14- I say that every year, it never happens<\/span><\/li>\n
  16. Well, that\u2019s the joke<\/span><\/li>\n
  17. Almost bought something, but didn\u2019t<\/span><\/li>\n
  18. The swap meet is where?<\/span><\/li>\n
  19. Up late, good times<\/span><\/li>\n
  20. 5 cosplays this time<\/span><\/li>\n
  21. Didn\u2019t run into the people I wanted to avoid<\/span><\/li>\n
  22. I wanted to do more<\/span><\/li>\n
  23. Rush, rush, rush<\/span><\/li>\n
  24. So many ideas for next year<\/span><\/li>\n
  25. Note to self: packing food was a great idea<\/span><\/li>\n
  26. Not sure what I was looking for\u2026<\/span><\/li>\n
  27. Press corps coming through<\/span><\/li>\n
  28. I need to bring back my press hat<\/span><\/li>\n
  29. Takoyaki!!!!<\/span><\/li>\n
  30. Donuts!!!<\/span><\/li>\n
  31. I\u2019ll admit it, I\u2019m glad I went<\/span><\/li>\n
  32. Foot pain<\/span><\/li>\n
  33. This is the beginning of something new<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    Written by Jared The Greek | Twitter: @JaredTheGreek | IG: @JaredTheGreek<\/p><\/div>\n