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Eurofurence 29 — "Space Expedition"
Sep 3 — 6, 2025
CCH — Congress Center Hamburg

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Author Topic: Honest Opinion of EF 16  (Read 128558 times)

Dhary Montecore

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #60 on: 09.09.2010, 18:50:59 »

Well I was saying that we felt like a zoo exibit when people went in there for a smoke, then the next day the sign appeared, it was awesome and raised a smile from everyone ^_^

I met so many awesome people in there, it better be back next year hehe.

Don't you worry, I will personally see that there'll be at least something like that again :3
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Onkel Kage

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #61 on: 09.09.2010, 18:53:33 »

I see a lot of people complaining that the "spirit" of the convention had somehow changed.  Please be reminded that it is not the hotel, the staff or the programming who make up the spirit of the convention.  It is the attendees themselves.  I don't think they changed at all, except for one thing:  this year I heard quite a lot of moaning about things that were either comically trivial, or were completely out of the control of the staff.

For a first-year-in-a-new-hotel convention I think that things went remarkably smoothly.  Not much happened that could not be attributed to "oh, so THAT'S how it works here" syndrome.  

I noticed that elevator etiquette has not really taken shape at EF since this is really the first year that it has been an issue.  There are a few things that everyone can do to alleviate the long wait-times:

1)  Do not push both elevator buttons, and likewise, do not get onto an up-moving elevator to move down, nor a down-moving elevator to move up.  It does not get you there any faster, and all it does is slow the entire process down.  If you push the down button and then ride the elevator up, the car is going to stop on your floor anyway on its way down, and that simply delays the trip.

2)  Figure out where the stairs are.  Yes, there was one set of stairs that could be accessed by key card at all levels (except, mysteriously, the 4th, which I think was an error on the hotel's part).  There were also stairs that went between the ground and "C" level, which brings me to another point:

3)  Do not get into an elevator to travel fewer than three floors away unless you are (a) elderly, (b) incapacitated, (c) burdened with heavy objects, or (d) American.

There was only one part of the convention that I really did not like.  I do not think that I shall be attending the feedback session next year.  Not that the staff did anything wrong -- I was instead angered by many of the complaints that I heard.

"The food was too expensive."  It was very cheap next door.  Take a walk.  It's not even raining.

"The hotel staff was rude."  Get the name of the staff member and then immediately tell the hotel manager.  He's in a much better position to do something about it five minutes after the fact than Cheetah is three days after the fact.

"The water temperature in my room did not work."  The last time I checked, Cheetah is not a plumber.  Nor is he an elevator repairman, an electrician, or a locksmith.  If you have an issue with the hotel, take it to the front desk.  Surprisingly enough, they have mechanisms in place to deal with such matters.

"How were we supposed to know about XXXX?"  Read the con book.  85% of the questions that begin with these words lie within those pages.

"The art auction was too long."  I'm sorry.  I tried my best.

"You should provide XXXX for us."  Please remember that XXXX does not grow on trees.  It must be purchased (or rented, or otherwise obtained) and once obtained, it must be stored, maintained and transported.  The return on investment must outweigh the cost of the item plus the cost of those three factors.

Running a convention is unimaginably hard work.  I can tell you that from experience.  These are people who are spending their own holiday time from work, putting in hundreds of hours of planning, suffering from stress that very often leads to nightmares, ulcers and elevated blood pressure (watch for blood vessels bursting in the sclera of the eyes), working themselves to the point of physical exhaustion and sometimes reduced to tears of frustration, and receiving no pay or substantial reward of any kind for the sole purpose of trying to make sure other people have a good time, who then must sit quietly and listen to "I don't think I'm coming back next year because the pillows here are too lumpy."  

So no, I will not be attending the feedback panel again, simply because it is getting too difficult to stop myself from leaping over the chairs and rearranging someone's face.

In my absence, please keep in mind this simple rule:  If you have a complaint, it is considered good form that it be followed immediately with suggestions for improvement.
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SouthPaw

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #62 on: 09.09.2010, 19:43:04 »

2)  Figure out where the stairs are.  Yes, there was one set of stairs that could be accessed by key card at all levels (except, mysteriously, the 4th, which I think was an error on the hotel's part).

Having done some investigation, it appears that the catch plate for the locking mechanism on the fourth floor was loose, so the door was catching against it.

And yeah, I forgot to mention that to the Front Desk...I fail.

Cheers,

Southie
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Cairyn

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #63 on: 09.09.2010, 20:25:30 »

"The art auction was too long."  I'm sorry.  I tried my best.

And we are very thankful for it. Who, if not you, would make the auction an evening event?

Most likely, we will go up to ten-bids-to-auction next year to lower the number of auction pieces, and make some restrictions on charity items to be auctioned off. It's just... too much.
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krakendwaggin

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #64 on: 09.09.2010, 21:07:10 »


2)  Figure out where the stairs are.  Yes, there was one set of stairs that could be accessed by key card at all levels (except, mysteriously, the 4th, which I think was an error on the hotel's part).  There were also stairs that went between the ground and "C" level, which brings me to another point:


With the exception of the stairs between Ground and 'C', finding the other stairs was a real challenge, I did go into a stairwell and ended up being unable to get anywhere, this was at the other end of the hotel, the 'main' staircase was tucked away in the corner and not signposted, but we did try to use them when we found them!.

Also Elevator Etiquette was absent, I don't care how long anyone has stood at the elevators for, if a 'suiter is waiting, let them in first, no matter what.

Setting off the weight alarm was quite funny though, rated for 13 people hrmm?, 8 furs and *BBZZZZT*, overloaded, that made me laugh!, stopping at floors "oh are you light enough?" *bbzzzt* "oh we're sorry try again next time!".
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Wawik

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #65 on: 09.09.2010, 21:11:04 »


2)  Figure out where the stairs are.  Yes, there was one set of stairs that could be accessed by key card at all levels (except, mysteriously, the 4th, which I think was an error on the hotel's part).  There were also stairs that went between the ground and "C" level, which brings me to another point:


With the exception of the stairs between Ground and 'C', finding the other stairs was a real challenge, I did go into a stairwell and ended up being unable to get anywhere, this was at the other end of the hotel, the 'main' staircase was tucked away in the corner and not signposted, but we did try to use them when we found them!.


"Zu den Hoteletagen"? :P
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I will accept other opinions as long as you all accept that those opinions are wrong.

krakendwaggin

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #66 on: 09.09.2010, 21:18:46 »

"Zu den Hoteletagen"? :P

I'm English!, yeah it says Germany that's cus I live here but meine deutsch ist kaput!
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Fangz

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #67 on: 09.09.2010, 21:46:23 »

Not overly much to say, really.

Some things I personally found a bit towards the negative side:
  • Lack of space for being simply social in.  Perhaps use one "function room" for that?  At least after the SIGs have ended.  The game rooms were brilliant in that sense.
...

And some more positive stuff:
  • Room keys.  Just lovely.  Even if I got a separate room key when I arrived, that was no problem changing it to my con badge.
...

I also did not have any troubles with the hotel staff.  Probably it was a bit of a shock for them in the beginning, but they relaxed as the days passed. :-)  The mundanes were fun too, some more than the others.  Like the bloke and his boss who were sat in the Piano Bar as I recorded his boss nodding lots to himself.  Mmm.. poor drunk boss.  :P

Anyway, see you all, well, most of you anyway, next year!  Maybe even in suit... *hopes*


I think I gotta agree one on point there, atlest thats what I think and all I talked too meant. They and me mainly complains about the lack of social space compare too at the ringberg, where there was a lobby with ALOT of seats and pawsome outdoor and bbq areas. I really hated the lobby area in this hotel, it does not seem suitable for sutch gatherings imo.

Also they keys was great, finnaly both of the roomies could have a kay! yay :P I forgot too mention it as I found the more funny method of juck  carefully hitting on the middle of the door that opened it without card :P

And the hotel staff seemed polite enough too me, didnt have any problems there either :) tho the rest of the city seemed too wanna set us on fire or something :P specialy ppl working in resturants nearby ^^ hehe[/list][/list]
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Drift

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #68 on: 09.09.2010, 22:07:17 »

Hm, I really liked the the lobby! The seats are sooooo confy! And watching: furries riding the elevator, getting stuck in it, suiters prouncing around the gallery, hotel staff expressions, artists working, people coming and going, no-furry-guests trying the best to blend in or to ignore, the reflection of the disco ball at the ceiling dancing around... Man, it was like sitting in a TV room watching 5 channels at the same time! 
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Xenofur

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #69 on: 09.09.2010, 22:17:33 »

So no, I will not be attending the feedback panel again, simply because it is getting too difficult to stop myself from leaping over the chairs and rearranging someone's face.
If that is the case then i will have to reconsider my attendance at the next EF.  >:(



Just kidding.  ;)

I was surprised they let the russian guy go on for so long in the first place and I'd like to say: Your presence was probably a big help to the staff up in front, precisely because you have a low bullshit threshold. Your action was the highlight there which showed what the overall opinion was, in contrast to the relatively few complaints of a few individuals.
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BluePaw

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #70 on: 09.09.2010, 22:59:59 »

2)  Figure out where the stairs are.  Yes, there was one set of stairs that could be accessed by key card at all levels (except, mysteriously, the 4th, which I think was an error on the hotel's part).  There were also stairs that went between the ground and "C" level, which brings me to another point:
as some has said
me and some friends did at some points realy try to use them when it was clearly vissible that the elevators would take way to long.
but for some reason we failed to open any door at all that wasn't on the compleatly wrong floor. a few was on lvl 2, i was on lvl 3, and some on lvl 4. we got out on lvl 5-6 tho, that would've needed the elevators anyway. and that at least was for the 2 staircases that we just found by accident.
probably the sollution to it would be to:
1. print out and put up some clearly marked out signs on were the stairs are, and what floor you're on (plz).
2. is to leave the doors open if possible. or ask the hotel (kindly) to do a maintinence-service of the locks a little bit before the con arrives?

allso, someone said earlier bout having to have their room-keys remade several times. and another said something bout "if you swipe them in the wrong door"? that might comply to the swipes in the staircases as well?
should be checked out.
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Onkel Kage

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #71 on: 10.09.2010, 02:36:35 »

I was surprised they let the russian guy go on for so long in the first place and I'd like to say: Your presence was probably a big help to the staff up in front, precisely because you have a low bullshit threshold. Your action was the highlight there which showed what the overall opinion was, in contrast to the relatively few complaints of a few individuals.

Actually, I really ought to apologize to the staff for butting in.  It really wasn't my place.  I blame the wine.
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Cheetah

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #72 on: 10.09.2010, 02:42:05 »

Actually, I really ought to apologize to the staff for butting in.  It really wasn't my place.  I blame the wine.

You can say all the things I sometimes can't say. Feel free to "butt in" with your opinion as much as you like :) And if you need something to blame, I'll get you as much wine as you need :)
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Korrok

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #73 on: 10.09.2010, 10:09:33 »


3)  Do not get into an elevator to travel fewer than three floors away unless you are (a) elderly, (b) incapacitated, (c) burdened with heavy objects, or (d) American.

Actually I got into a crowded elevator to travel 2 floors and heard grumbling about it. I'd like to point out, I have a (short-term I hope) severe back problem, which causes me a whole lot of pain while walking even a short distance, carrying etc. You generally cannot tell this just by looking at me, I am not technically incapacitated. So please, don't judge people on appearances and what you think they should be able to do.
« Last Edit: 10.09.2010, 10:11:33 by Korrok »
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Tungro

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Re: Honest Opinion of EF 16
« Reply #74 on: 10.09.2010, 12:26:01 »

The board of directors have overall say on pretty much everything. Their decision is not made based on who is in the clique (not click, it's from French) but based on the reasons behind it. The reasons were stated by Fairlight elsewhere in this thread and in other threads, and the decision made was made with lots of conditions such as the constant supervision of her. The fact the board knows Fairlight certainly helps, because they know that he is a dependable person who can be 100% trusted to take care of her and make sure she only sees what she should see. That's not being cliquey - that's evaluation of a person's abilities and responsibilities.

Nobody is doing this to demoralise anyone. You offered an opinion, you were told it was a board decision and it should be dropped, and you then accuse the board of bias and being cliquey. I'm sorry, but your comment was the first to turn it from genuine feedback into an attack.

In order to try and steer this back on track, here is some of my feedback.

* Hotel prices were ok, with the exception of the coke. People have mentioned it and laboured the point, but in essence, I would like to think that most people would prefer to pay the hotel for drinks than bring in their own, because they want the hotel to be pleased with the convention so that we can return. This would hold even if the hotel prices are more expensive. But if they are majorly more expensive, people won't pay for it. So no, I don't expect the hotel to charge supermarket prices. But I do expect a better balance between hotel markup and taking-the-mick prices.
* Hotel itself - I liked it. There were more nooks and crannies for people to hide in, which made socialising a little difficult if you were trying to track someone down. There are a number of people that have said to me post-EF that they never saw me once. But I do like the nearness of the SIG rooms to the foyer, as there was a decent amount of traffic flow as opposed to the Ringberg where it was all on a separate floor.
* Art show - all I want to say has been said elsewhere, so I won't mention it.
* Den - very crowded. Could the Fursuit Lounge be divided so that half of it is art show and half the fursuiters lounge, with suitable separated path so suiters don't have to walk through the art show to get past? Then the Den could move to where the art show was.
* Hotel rooms - nice and spacious. Not much to report other than spot on! Had some issues with the water flow in the shower causing it to be scalding one moment, freezing the next, but it was bearable. If I get that next year, I'll report it to the hotel so that something can be done about it. Own swipecards - a godsend! And the fact it was integrated with the EF badge was great too. If I wore a hat, I'd take it off to whoever came up with that idea.

All in all, I had a great time and am looking forward to next year's EF!
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