Botcon 2015 - Chicago June 18-21

[fatbot]

To all members: We have not put a link for the general public at BotCon.com yet so you will need to click this link: http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/

After this goes out to the members and they have first shot at the rooms we will roll it on the main site.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BotCon is headed back to the Midwest in 2015, show to be held in St. Charles/Chicago, Illinois June 18th – June 21st!

Fort Worth, TX – October 23rd, 2014 – Fun Publications, Inc., licensee for Hasbro’s official Transformers Collectors’ Convention BotCon, announced today that next year’s award-winning convention will take place at the Pheasant Run Resort June 18th thru June 21st in the great city of St. Charles, right outside of Chicago. In 2015, fans from the Midwest and across the world will be able to celebrate another exciting year of the Transformers brand at this amazing event! You can make your hotel reservations now at BotCon.com.

In the coming weeks, pop culture enthusiasts from around the world will be able to register for BotCon 2015 through the BotCon.com online registration system. Fans and collectors who register for BotCon as a Primus package holder will receive a five-figure convention set, admission to the Friday private sales room experience, priority seating at all panels and seminars throughout the weekend and admittance to the Saturday night Casino Night and Awards party. Finally, Primus package attendees will also receive a special bonus Transformers figure to go along with their convention box set. General Admission for non-registered guests will be available on Saturday and Sunday only.

For all the information regarding the BotCon show activities, hotel updates and the exclusive figure offerings, remember to stay tuned to BotCon.com. And for a sneak peek at this year’s convention set theme be sure to check out Transformers Timelines Issue 10, on comic book shelves this December!

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company's world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company's Hasbro Studios is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling around Hasbro brands across television, film, commercial productions and short-form. Through the Company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com. © 2014 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Fun Publications
For 20 years, Fun Publications, Inc. has been a Hasbro licensee offering fans and collectors of pop culture memorabilia news, exclusive product and family events through different print offerings, websites, collector clubs and brand specific conventions such as GIJoeCon and BotCon. Located in Fort Worth Texas, Fun Publications reaches a large audience, serving the United States and many other countries such as Japan, Great Britain, Brazil, Australia and Canada. For more information visit TransformersClub.com, GIJoeClub.com, GIJoeCon.com, and BotCon.com. BotCon is a registered trademark of Fun Publications, Inc. © 2014 Fun Publications, Inc. All rights reserved


thoughts? comments?

[Krayt]

Registrations soon?

He'll I haven saved up for another iacon pack this year!

[MayzaPrime]

As my wife just said 'if the planets align we will be going'

I have been hanging out for a Botcon in Chicago for a number of years. :D :D :D

[griffin]

Typical...

I don't get up until 11am this morning, and do cleaning around the house until about half an hour ago, then find that my phone had run out of power during the night so didn't get the 9am txt from UltraMarginal.

So seven hours after it was announced, I check the reservations site, and only two days are still available (15th & 16th - which means Wednesday onwards is already sold out).
And neither of the Resorts phone numbers are working to phone in a reservation (maybe too small to have a phone manned during the middle of the night).

Perfect, all the wrong things aligned in the universe again, for a second year in row. :mad:

(Did anyone here book a room, just in case you go... and would just cancel it if you didn't need it? It's a good thing to do, being too early to decide, and is why the rooms book out so fast.)


Looking it up, this resort is about 45kms west of Downtown Chicago.
According to google, it would take about 52 minutes by car to drive there (64 kms by road), or 2 hours by public transport (bus/train).
Also, the main airport (O'hare) is 40 minutes by car - due to being 50 Kms by road.

Okay, looking up google maps, it isn't as remote as I was expecting.
Across the road is a Hilton, and a block over to the west is a Country Inn. At least if this Pheasant Run stays booked out, there are two other options within 500 meters.
Also a block to the west is a Walmart and a Target... so two of the three main toy sources in America (TRU being the third).
Both stores will have an extensive grocery section, so "real" food won't be a problem... and as for "faster" food, at this retail precinct there is a McDonalds, IHOP (drool), Chili's (American franchise), Olive Garden (another franchise), Chipotle (Mexican themed franchise), On The Border (yet another Mexican themed restaurant - rather odd for a northern state).
A bit of a walk further (about a Km or two), is Panda Express (Chinese), Subway, Papa Johns Pizza and DeGeo's Burgers & Gyros.


I'll give them credit - they've given us an extra two months notice to recent years (usually it is a Christmas announcement)... but the location is very unusual and "remote" compared to previous years (not close to an Airport or a CBD). I think they are going to struggle to get a lot of people to attend, let alone get many walk-ins. They usually struggle to get Americans to travel more than a couple states, so a central state like Illinois may look like a great idea, but for some reason it puts off people in the most populous states of California and New York. (and people will weigh up the added cost and time getting to the Resort from the nearest airport, which is also referred to as the most expensive in America - higher fees mean it costs more to fly in or out of there)

(I haven't read comments on the global fansites yet, as I'm still investigating things from my end... and try to get a reservation.)

I'll try ringing up the Resort again in a few hours when it is dawn over there... and will book a room at the Hilton or Country Inn as backup.


If I go, I will probably try to get in there on Monday 15th and check out the two department stores before other fans start arriving... then spend the entire day in Downtown Chicago on Tuesday sightseeing/exploring (it will be 12 years since I was there last... and I can look for Movie locations used in TF3 & TF4), before the Convention activities begin on the Wednesday.
I also want to do something else before I get to Chicago... so might spend 2-3 days somewhere on the way, which could allow me to arrive early on the Monday and get to the stores first.

[griffin]

For those wanting more info about the Pheasant Run Resort, their website is here (http://www.pheasantrun.com/).

It doesn't look very big, with its main feature being a golf course, plus a Wellness/day-spa type thing and three pools.
It houses several themed restaurants (the New Orleans one sounds interesting, with All You Can Eat options), plus a couple of live theatres for entertainment.
Wireless Internet throughout the resort seems to be a key marketing element as well. (probably only to hotel guests though, so inconvenient if you have to stay elsewhere)

Their constant usage of the words "near" and "easy access" when referring to Downtown Chicago and O'Hare airport is misleading. They note that it is "less than an hour" into Chicago.... at 52 minutes in average traffic, I wouldn't be boasting that when they are also using the word "near".

Their FAQ and contacts page (http://www.pheasantrun.com/contact.php) for future reference for people.
It also mentions how to get to or from the airport or Downtown Chicago.

[MayzaPrime]

I plan to try to get in on Tuesday, and then check out on Sunday and head into downtown Chicago to stay a few nights with a friend.

If we can and if everyone wants to... I would like to try and organise all of the Aussies to stay in the same spot.

[griffin]

Staying in the same hotel would be nice. With the main Resort selling out, if they don't release more discount rooms, I'm likely to be at the Hilton across the road if it is cheap enough. It sucks that it isn't the adjoining hotel, but this year I was able to work with it, and it was a bigger distance than between these ones.

I'll go look at rates of the other two hotels in a minute, to see what prices they were. (and try to find out how much PR Resort was charging at the BotCon rate, and their normal rate)


I had a thought...
What if FunPub have chosen Chicago for next year, to put off people travelling to Chicago again a couple months later for TFCon. I was actually thinking about going to TFCon next year if BotCon wasn't nearby, but now I don't know if I'd want to go there twice in one year.
And the timing of the announcement is also to compete with TFCon, which is on this weekend from today... so if there is any announcement of a TFCon for 2015, FunPub have snuck in with their announcement to make it look like TFCon are copying them instead of the other way around.

[griffin]

The two nearby hotels, in case the Resort stays booked out, or one of these proves to be cheaper...
Hilton (http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/illinois/hilton-garden-inn-st-charles-CHISCGI/index.html) (north, across a major road though) - US$129 per night (plus tax)
Country Inn (http://www.countryinns.com/st-charles-hotel-il-60174/ilstchar) (west, a bit further away) - US$129 per night (plus tax)
Both have cheaper "advance purchase" rates, but they are non-refundable... so you'd want to make sure you go, and the dates are exactly what you want.
Looks like Pheasant Run's (http://www.pheasantrun.com/accommodations.php) cheapest rate (the Resort Rooms) is also US$129 (plus tax)... but this appears to be from a "three for the price of two" deal, making the regular rate (if you don't book in lots of three) as US$193 per night. (ouch)
I was able to work out the BotCon rate, which is US$114 per night. Heaps less than the regular rate, but only $15 less than the "deal" rate. (it all adds up, so I wouldn't say no to at least getting two of my nights at the BotCon rate if I can - which will require a phone call to book a room at two different rates)

Looks like Pheasant Run has a Resort Fee (like Disneyworld had, and I think the San Diego "resort" had). Looks like $11 per day, which would probably be covering the Internet access and maybe priority access to their on-site restaurants and shows... but I couldn't find any details of what it actually covers. The resort fee makes it the most expensive of the three hotels, at US$140 plus tax. And tax appears to be just a fraction over 10%.


I also just looked up some things to do in Chicago, for anyone else thinking of going...
Viator Tours website (http://www.viator.com/Chicago/d673-ttd) (I use this site often when travelling, as they have a good range of tours, and not just their own)
Chicago Trolly/Bus circuit tour (http://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/chicagos-best-tour/tour-map.asp) (hop on hop off type)
Chicago movie tour (http://www.viator.com/tours/Chicago/Chicago-Film-Tour/d673-5517FILM) - includes Transformers 3 locations (only AU$35) (or book direct from this site (http://www.chicagofilmtour.com/))



Hehehe...
I finally had a read of the TFW topic, and it is amusing to read some of the comments. (looks like I wasn't the only one who thought it was suspicious timing and location, now that TFCon is a fan-favourite rival to BotCon)


Looks like FunPub started with a tease 24 hours before the announcement, by revealing their 2015 logo on Twitter and Facebook. And I totally missed it - it wasn't on the TFW news page, and I didn't scroll down enough on the Ozformers twitter feed when tweeting some news last night to see their Tweets. :(
Damn... I had 24 hours to know about it before it was revealed. (not that anyone would have ever expected FunPub to actually release the info a day later... so I may not have been too vigilant on the TFW discussion topic to catch the announcement, but I would have logged in when I got up this morning to check out the comments to then see it 3 hours earlier than I did)
Now looking at the TFW topic, the BotCon rooms sold out by 11am Brisbane time, so I would have missed out anyway. It sounds like regular rooms might still be available, at $129 per night (which isn't too bad, as that's usually the BotCon rate at other hotels). Since the two phone numbers aren't being answered ATM, I might have to wait a few more hours until someone is awake to answer it.


Anyway, about 3am Friday Brisbane time the logo was released, and at about 1.30am Saturday Brisbane time the location was announced... with some suspicions already circulating at the timing (just before TFCon started today) and the location (TFCon's likely location next year).

First the Logo was released and people were guessing locations...

Find it funny they announce this the weekend of TFCon ???

One member appears to post a "benefit of the doubt" reply...

I see no issues there. Unless, perhaps, the location reveal turns out to be Chicago.

But later quotes himself, and adds...

Well... Uhhh... Look at that....

And then the sceptical comments started...


Forty-five minutes from TFCon... hmm...

Butthurt much, FunPub?


That sure is convenient timing.


Shots fired.

The location itself, ignoring the TFCon element, is being well received by those yet to be burnt by FunPub. After the last four years being California and Texas, this is a nice change in location... especially for long-distance travellers who are more inclined to do something else while in America.


In some respects I feel sorry for FunPub, in that they can't seem to maintain momentum when they finally do something good. Now they are going to be perceived as openly competing with the fan-run TFCon instead of just focusing on their own Convention as the "Official" one. If TFCon had ever tried to openly target BotCon by announcing the same city/location and a slightly earlier date, they'd be seen as underhanded and sneaky to under-cut BotCon's attendance. It sorta looks like FunPub have acknowledged that they can't compete for fan support, so now have to force people to choose between the two.
(I hope TFCon announces their attendance numbers for this weekend, just to see how much of a rival they now are.)

[griffin]

It took me 26 minutes on the phone to a Chicago phone number, but I finally got two linked reservations for the Resort. First two days at the BotCon rate US$114, and the last five days at the regular rate US$129. (all plus $70 resort fee and Tax)

One thing that doesn't make sense on their reservations site is the "buy 2 get 1 free" deal. If that means the standard rate of US$129 is free for every third day, that would equate to US$86 per night... but each time I tried adding days on the website, it would keep charging the full rate, and there was no option before filling out the payment details to add the free rooms on.

I might have to make another phone call, to find out how the 3 for 2 deal works, or if it is automatically adjusted when you check-out. They really should say something on their site about how it applies. If I can get a couple of the nights converted to free nights, that would save me US$258 plus tax.
(since only two nights are available at the BotCon rate, it will actually be cheaper to cancel those two nights and pay the full rate just to qualify for a second free night out of my seven)

EDIT - I did a new reservation, at the full rate for the seven days, and selected the "3rd day free" deal, and all it says in the email is "discount applied after second night".
So, it looks like you check-in, they put a hold on the full amount on your card when they swipe it, and then after the second paid night, your bill gets credited with a free night.
Why can't they just give you the discounted total in the email confirmation... so I have no idea how much it will all cost after tax, and after resort fees (which they'd still charge for the free days). In other words, I have no idea which reservation will work out cheaper, in order to make sure I cancel the right one.
:mad:

Always so much hassle with these things... it is so frustrating that it is never easy or straightforward or ever perfect. Always something to spoil the fun.
I hope other people have an easier time with their reservations.

[fatbot]

It took me 26 minutes on the phone to a Chicago phone number, but I finally got two linked reservations for the Resort. First two days at the BotCon rate US$114, and the last five days at the regular rate US$129. (all plus $70 resort fee and Tax.


Out of curiosity, do you want a roommate? I'm Calling up about flight costs tomorrow & trying to swap my holidays so i can work a budget and try to go

[Megatran]

I've always wondered how much these 'study' trips actually costed, flight tickets & all.

[griffin]

Out of curiosity, do you want a roommate? I'm Calling up about flight costs tomorrow & trying to swap my holidays so i can work a budget and try to go

Sounds like it could be fun.
But I'll have to get back to you a fair bit later, as two other interested people are yet to decide, and I've already promised to share with them if either go.

Just make sure you get your own accommodation reserved though, just in case one of them go and I share with them, or if I don't go at all.

I won't be deciding for sure until the Brochure comes out (probably in January), to know how long I will want to be in Chicago, and if I'm going somewhere else on the way (probably Vegas again, but for 3 or 4 nights this time).

[fatbot]

Sounds like it could be fun.
But I'll have to get back to you a fair bit later, as two other interested people are yet to decide, and I've already promised to share with them if either go.

Just make sure you get your own accommodation reserved though, just in case one of them go and I share with them, or if I don't go at all.

I won't be deciding for sure until the Brochure comes out (probably in January), to know how long I will want to be in Chicago, and if I'm going somewhere else on the way (probably Vegas again, but for 3 or 4 nights this time).

It's all good. I still don't know if I'll have the time off, I've put a swap in, but who knows if it'll be approved. Besides that, I'll have to hit smoking on the head if I'm to have the money to pay for it.

All up, I won't really know until late January if I can get there or not.

[griffin]

Tonight's episode of Man Finds Food featured Chicago... and notes were taken. ;) :D

One was a secret burger that the place only makes 5 per day, a place that does a multi-meat platter that the chef makes up based on the look of the person, and another place that makes a sub with shrimp/prawns, cheese and shoestring fries. (the cheese is regular cheddar cheese that they keep in a steamer to keep it spreadable)


They also referred to Chicago as "Chi-town". I've never heard it called that before, until this week when I saw people using it on two fansites in the BotCon 2015 topics. I thought it was just some lazy slang by a couple people... but it must be more mainstream than I thought. Or maybe it's like "Bris-Vegas", in that it is a trendy word that others use, but makes many of us in the city cringe.

[Paulbot]

From the club's Facebook page:


If you are having trouble getting the type of room you want at the BotCon hotel (double), please call hotel reservations as they have access to more room inventory than is showing in their online registration system. Please call 630-584-6300 and ask for reservations. Be sure to tell them you want the rate for BotCon.
Thank you.

[griffin]

It took me 26 minutes on the phone to a Chicago phone number, but I finally got two linked reservations for the Resort. First two days at the BotCon rate US$114, and the last five days at the regular rate US$129. (all plus $70 resort fee and Tax)

One thing that doesn't make sense on their reservations site is the "buy 2 get 1 free" deal. If that means the standard rate of US$129 is free for every third day, that would equate to US$86 per night... but each time I tried adding days on the website, it would keep charging the full rate, and there was no option before filling out the payment details to add the free rooms on.

EDIT - I did a new reservation, at the full rate for the seven days, and selected the "3rd day free" deal, and all it says in the email is "discount applied after second night".
So, it looks like you check-in, they put a hold on the full amount on your card when they swipe it, and then after the second paid night, your bill gets credited with a free night.
Why can't they just give you the discounted total in the email confirmation... so I have no idea how much it will all cost after tax, and after resort fees (which they'd still charge for the free days). In other words, I have no idea which reservation will work out cheaper, in order to make sure I cancel the right one.
:mad:


I emailed them to ask about it, and three days later I got a reply and two adjusted reservations.

The FIRST one they combined my first pair of reservations that had the BotCon rate for just two days and the full rate for five days - into a single reservation of seven days at the BotCon rate.
That might sound great, and now totals US$882.17 (with tax & fee), saving me about $100 from the previous reservations.

However, the SECOND reservation that I made was adjusted to include the two free days (under the deal of every third day free). That brought it down from US$1,079.68 to $771.15.
A saving of $300, plus ends up cheaper than the BotCon rate, at a daily rate of US$92 before tax and fee... or US$86 if I check out on the Sunday (which is 6 nights).

Later I'll call them up and see if the third day free deal can apply to the BotCon reservation, which would see two of those days free... and could get the room as low as US$76 per night before tax and fee.
And if I end up going and share with someone, it's a "huge" US$38 each per night before tax and fee.
And even if I can't get the BotCon reservation adjusted, I'll just go with the non-BotCon reservation... and pass off the BotCon one later to someone else if it is needed.

[griffin]

Looks like they fixed up the BotCon reservations page (https://bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=1319061&hotelID=2932), as I can now select Monday to Monday and it lets me continue to the next page.

HOWEVER - you can't select the "3rd day free" option, so 6 or 7 days at the $114 BotCon rate is still more expensive than the regular $129 rate that gives you every third day free (equating to $86 per night for each 3-night block).

If you are thinking of going, it will depend on the number of days you go, but look at making two reservations (one through the BotCon link at the top of this post, and one through the main resort webpage (http://www.pheasantrun.com/)) and see which one will be cheaper for you.
And maybe hold onto both in case they start applying the 3rd day free deal to the BotCon rate, just to make it cheaper than their regular rate.

[fatbot]

I've got the month off, I've just booked a room at the place, now I have to get the money together to pay for it all!

[UltraMarginal]

very nice!

time to kick the ciggies

[fatbot]

very nice!

time to kick the ciggies

easier said then done my friend

[millhouse]

easier said then done my friend

Been there, done that (twice).

Currently down to Stage 2 patches. Best of luck with the effort. Hardest thing (beyond two days of being an utter prick to everyone) was the habitual stuff, the routine of the day.

[UltraMarginal]

easier said then done my friend

I know, I've never had to myself but I've had a couple friends over the years who've tried and succeeded, not easy for sure but something that is definitely achievable.

[griffin]

Give yourself a couple of attempts before you go, because the last thing you want to do is leave it until the last minute, and then be forced to go cold-turkey for 7-10 days.


This week's episode of Chow Masters, featured Chicago, and a number of gourmet and extravagant hotdogs.... which have now been noted for next June ;)

(Although, I think more of New York when it comes to hotdogs, so the priority will still be for the Chicago-style pizza if I go to Chicago.)

[Paulbot]

Chicago is famous for their hotdogs with pickle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago-style_hot_dog). They're everywhere but I only tried one once, that was enough for me.

[griffin]

Chicago is famous for their hotdogs with pickle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago-style_hot_dog). They're everywhere but I only tried one once, that was enough for me.

Fascinating. I did not know there were so many hotdog outlets, or that there was a "Chicago style hotdog"... which has the meat being beef, and a refusal to have ketchup as a condiment.

I guess that explains the episodes of "Chow Masters" and "Man Finds Food", both recently featuring hotdogs in Chicago.
(one shown on Chow Masters had two types of wiener/sausage on the bun, topped with mac&cheese... drool :o ).

[griffin]

A recent email from FunPub noted that they are aiming to have pre-registration start in late January... so based on past estimates of theirs, it should be in March. :p

[griffin]

When there are full reveals of toys or artwork, I'll split it off to a separate news topic, but there are advance teases coming out first.

Based on a tweet by FunPub (https://twitter.com/The_TF_Club/status/545344670591877121) for the cover of #61 of their Club Magazine (saying that the "moustache" is returning - a Shattered Glass concept), as well as something apparently in the current issue of the Club Magazine - #60, there is speculation that the 2015 BotCon could be a return to Shattered Glass/Mirror-verse.
This is because, usually the Magazine and Convention stories are linked, and the Magazine heavily promotes the Convention for 3 or 4 of its 6 annual issues... but one of the FunPub people has dispelled that speculation with (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1013905-more-shattered-glass-coming-funpub-2015-a-post11947991.html)...


BotCon 2015 does NOT take place in Shattered Glass. Sorry. (snip) SG STILL is one of our best selling concepts though, so I am sure we will be visiting the concept again in toy form.But that only rules out a return to the Mirror Universe, it doesn't rule out Mirror-verse characters in the regular Universe, like the Invasion story in 2012.

Any guesses on who's face that is in the tweet?

Apparently the theme of next year's convention will be announced in the week of New Years Day.

[griffin]

From the BotCon twitter (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/546066584591433728)...



It will NOT be a con set theme we have done before NOR will it be set in a Universe that we have used for a con set before.

So.... it shouldn't be a theme that they've done at a previous BotCon (like Beast Wars, Machine Wars, Mirror-verse, etc), nor will it be a story set in an existing Universe used for a previous BotCon (like Wings Universe, Gen1/BW Universe, Mirror Universe). However, it should be noted that the tweet was a clarification, that now suggests that they have used this theme somewhere in their past toys or Club Comic, but NOT as a previous BotCon comic or box-set of toys.

Unfortunately, they have 10 years and over 150 toys to process to narrow down what that could mean. It would probably be quicker just waiting the two weeks and seeing the reveal.
But does anyone have any guesses as to what that might include? (a theme used by the Club, but not used as a BotCon theme)

[MayzaPrime]

From the BotCon twitter (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/546066584591433728)...



So.... it shouldn't be a theme that they've done at a previous BotCon (like Beast Wars, Machine Wars, Mirror-verse, etc), nor will it be a story set in an existing Universe used for a previous BotCon (like Wings Universe, Gen1/BW Universe, Mirror Universe). However, it should be noted that the tweet was a clarification, that now suggests that they have used this theme somewhere in their past toys or Club Comic, but NOT as a previous BotCon comic or box-set of toys.

Unfortunately, they have 10 years and over 150 toys to process to narrow down what that could mean. It would probably be quicker just waiting the two weeks and seeing the reveal.
But does anyone have any guesses as to what that might include? (a theme used by the Club, but not used as a BotCon theme)

Transtech?

[griffin]

A recent email from FunPub noted that they are aiming to have pre-registration start in late January... so based on past estimates of theirs, it should be in March. :p

Hehehe... and there I was being sarcastic, way back in Mid-December.
And we are still waiting three months later (in two days time).

[Krayt]

Shhhhhhh.... Don't remind them.... I haven't got my iacon money ready yet :p

[griffin]

As much as we complain about their Transformers convention not having more advance notice or earlier pre-registration, spare a thought for the fans wanting to go to their GIJoe convention (http://www.gijoecon.com/il2015/index.cfm)... which again this year, is looking at a pre-registration period that still hasn't started and it is now less than a month before the convention starts (April 9th).
The JoeCon is a lot smaller than BotCon, with a lot less guests and attendees, so I don't know what keeps holding up the pre-registration of that convention in recent years. (I think last year it was just a week or two before it started).

If it is because of their massive amount of toys holding up the process... then cut back on it. More people complain about too many (expensive) toys than complain about not enough, so who are they appeasing by slowing themselves down all the time with a massive workload of producing over 60 different toys every year between the two Clubs.


On the plus side, how cool is it that they are having a JoeCon in an actual city called Springfield. (for the non-Joefans out there, that was the name of the town that Cobra had as its base of operations in the original comic before Cobra Island was created)

[Zippo]

Now I get why there are these videos over YouTube about Springfield and Cobra ..

[griffin]

The dry-cleaners video?
I saw that one today and thought it was really clever, which then had me looking up the convention page and noticing how last minute their pre-registration is again this year.

That's Brian's fandom, so it surprises me that it isn't planned out better to generate more interest and hype... but if it has successive years of last-minute registrations, at a time when the toyline is virtually on hiatus, a lot of fans are going to move on and not come back when things do pick up (like with a third movie or another relaunch of the toyline).
(and it would seem that the members of the GIJoe club have had a lot of issues with FunPub (http://joebattlelines.com/2012/05/30/opinion-gi-joe-collectors-club-needs-immediately-disbanded/), especially the ignoring of problems instead of tackling them, which the Transformers club members go through as well)

[UltraMarginal]

as much as I love having a transformes club it surprises me that these guys have been able to keep their contract for as long as they have.

[fatbot]

I'm going this year. i'll be buying the airplane ticket late this week & arriving on the 15th to give me a couple days to explore Chicago.

unless someone wants a room mate, I'll be staying at the Super 8 motel, about 2 miles from the place & getting a taxi to & from each day.

[griffin]

I'm going this year. i'll be buying the airplane ticket late this week & arriving on the 15th to give me a couple days to explore Chicago.

unless someone wants a room mate, I'll be staying at the Super 8 motel, about 2 miles from the place & getting a taxi to & from each day.

I didn't get anyone to share with if you were still wanting to share at the convention hotel.... if you are on track with kicking the ciggies that you were aiming to do.

I am intending to stay at the hotel from Monday to Monday (in 15th, out 22nd), with at least a night in Indianapolis beforehand to check out the Transformers exhibit.

[fatbot]

I didn't get anyone to share with if you were still wanting to share at the convention hotel.... if you are on track with kicking the ciggies that you were aiming to do.

I am intending to stay at the hotel from Monday to Monday (in 15th, out 22nd

I'm not sure sure what you mean in regards to my attempts at quitting the fags, I'm definitely going this year, whether im still smoking or not.

I'll be leaving Sydney on the 11th, spending a few days in LA, then arriving in Chicago on the 15th around 1400.

[griffin]

I'm not sure sure what you mean in regards to my attempts at quitting the fags, I'm definitely going this year, whether im still smoking or not. .

There was a number of posts about it, after you mentioned the idea to help you save up for the trip.


It's all good. I still don't know if I'll have the time off, I've put a swap in, but who knows if it'll be approved. Besides that, I'll have to hit smoking on the head if I'm to have the money to pay for it.


So yeah, I misinterpreted it as being a target to quit by... rather than a way to save up for the trip. :o
I probably won't mind sharing, as most hotels these days don't allow smoking in or near the rooms... so there shouldn't be much smell to set off my sinuses.

[fatbot]

There was a number of posts about it, after you mentioned the idea to help you save up for the trip.



So yeah, I misinterpreted it as being a target to quit by... rather than a way to save up for the trip. :o
I probably won't mind sharing, as most hotels these days don't allow smoking in or near the rooms... so there shouldn't be much smell to set off my sinuses.

That's what I thought, but it's not a problem, I've got the money to pay for everything.

IF I am still smoking, I'll make damn sure, it's not around you & I can always change my shirt to keep the smell away from you as well

[fatbot]

it's confirmed! the fatman is going to Botcon! I get into Chicago at 1415 on the 15th, barring any flight delays of course.

[UltraMarginal]

it's confirmed! the fatman is going to Botcon! I get into Chicago at 1415 on the 15th, barring any flight delays of course.

Awesome!
I'm only a little jealous.:o

[fatbot]

Frank Welker has just been confirmed as the first guest at Botcon, I'm real glad im going now!

[UltraMarginal]

Frank Welker has just been confirmed as the first guest at Botcon, I'm real glad im going now!

That's his first Botcon, I'm now really jealous!
I just can't see how I can budget it, and I might have a Nephews 18th that same weekend, in which case I'll only be flying to Brisbane.

Here's hoping Mr Welker really enjoys his Botcon experience and comes back in a couple years!

[griffin]

Great news about Frank Welker finally being a BotCon guest (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/)... and you know who's going to be in the Hall of Fame this year.

There is mention of a VIP ticket (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/BotCon_release_Mar_2015.pdf), which I wonder if it will be separate to the Golden Ticket, or be replacing it this year. Something to look for in the brochure when it gets released.


(fans) will be able to register for BotCon 2015 and purchase the “Frank Welker VIP experience” package. This package will contain ONE autograph from Frank Welker, ONE professional picture with Frank Welker, an EXCLUSIVE MEGATRON art print, an EXCLUSIVE MEGATRON souvenir pin and VIP seating at his moderated panel on Saturday. This package will be available to anyone who purchases the BotCon Primus package.

Either way, it will probably sell out fast... so it will mean more early mornings for Australians wanting to go to BotCon this year who want this, on the days when pre-registration is expected to begin.


I wonder if this only happened because I tried to get Welker to attend last year as a surprise guest, which his agent said that he was keen to do if he wasn't busy that weekend.

The one thing that annoys me with FunPub is their lack of marketing ability... with lengthy periods of silence from them, when they should be having regular announcements and teases all year round to keep the momentum of interest going.
And then they make a big deal about it all being condensed within a short time frame as if it is the best strategy.


The next month is going to be packed with BotCon info, more guest announcements and figure reveals. This is THE Transformers event of the year! Don't miss out!!!

We've been waiting three-four months for some info to get excited about "THE Transformers event of the year"... and now during the month of April it will all be bombarded on us in rapid succession (because they would have to get pre-registration started very soon).

[fatbot]

They've stated on Twitter that the vip Welker ticket is separate to the golden ticket

[UltimateGalvatron]

I am unable to go :( :(

So jelly.

[griffin]

They've stated on Twitter that the vip Welker ticket is separate to the golden ticket

Sheesh... it's gonna be expensive this year then.
The Primus pack should be about $430 this year (*), plus the $300 Golden Ticket, plus a VIP ticket that is likely to be about $200.

Then convert that estimated $930 into AU$, and we could be looking at a record breaking AU$1200-1300 just to get the full experience (if you are spending thousands to go all the way there, you don't want to miss half of it).


*The prices for the FunPub years...
$265 (2005)
$249 (2006)
$279 (2007)
$285 (2008)
$295 (2009)
$305 (2010)
$315 (2011)
$340 (2012)
$365 (2013)
$395 (2014)

[griffin]

The coincidental timing of Frank Welker's appearance at BotCon just a year after I was emailing his agent about the idea for last year (suggesting a surprise quick visit to see what it would be like as a guest), has me wondering if I got the ball rolling.
I'm certainly not claiming any credit, but it is fun to dream.
(BotCon 2014 was on June 19-22, so this was a last-minute idea last year, linked to a query to get him to Australia... which they never actually answered.)

-------------------------

To: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 10 2014 2:49 PM
Subject: Frank Welker query

Hi there,

I administrate the largest Australian Toy collector community (Ozformers), and since many of our members attend various toy & anime conventions here, one Voice Actor that seems to be a “holy grail” to Transformers fans (here in Australia and America), is Frank Welker.

For me to encourage one of the Australian convention organisers to look at Mr Welker as a potential guests, does he do conventions, and if so, what would be required for his involvement?


Also, I’ve heard that the organisers of the Annual Transformers convention (BotCon, in America) have tried to secure his attendance in the past, but haven’t been successful yet, due to his busy schedule, and that he is said to be a fairly private person.
If both of those are true, this year it is in Pasadena (if he is currently in LA), and the Convention includes an exclusive, limited dinner (of about 60 people) with the main Voice Actor guests this year, on Saturday 21st of June.
I’m NOT associated with the Convention organisers, and do NOT speak for them in any way... I’m just a regular attendee that flies to America every year from Australia for the last 14 years, to see and hear the people who brought many of the famous and favourite child-hood cartoon characters to life.... and Mr Welker is one of the few from the 1980s Transformers cartoon (and other cartoons) that I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting.
Due to the convenient location and small private dinner, I’d be willing to pay an appearance fee (if it isn’t anything excessive for just 2 hours of his time) to have him show up for the dinner, just for the benefit of the other attendees, and for the reputation of the BotCon convention... to have the most elusive Transformers Voice Actor under its belt. (and maybe this short function could also be utilised by Mr Welker, to sample a Transformers convention without being committed to a whole weekend and thousands of people... to get a feel for the dedicated fans out there that would love to hear more from him, if he ever decided to come to a future BotCon as a starring Guest).
I hope you can at least ask him if this is something he’d be interested in doing, but if all that seems rather impractical, and too last-minute (I was told that he’s usually so busy that “last minute” is the only way the Organisers would be able to secure him), I’ll just stick with info on the requirements of an Australian Convention appearance, and hope that I can convince one of the Convention companies down here to go after him instead.

Thankyou for your time.

-griffin.

-------------------------

From: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 13 2014 3:16 AM

Hello Griffin,

Mr. Welker will not be in town during the Pasadena convention unfortunately. I will forward your email on to him however, in case there are any changes.

Best regards,

Cathey

-------------------------

From: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 17 2014 1:36 AM

Dear Griffin,

I spoke to Frank he wanted me to express to you his surprise and delight in your interest in him and all things "Bot." He will be out of town but wanted me to thank you for thinking of him. He still has not participated in any "cons" but has not totally ruled anything out so you can always check with us in the future.

Good luck and enjoy your event.

Sincerely,

Cathey

-------------------------

To: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 19 2014 22:54:56 +0800

Hi Cathey,

Thankyou SO much for talking to Frank about my request. I'm amazed that he was surprised at the interest in him from our fandom, as fans have been hoping to see him at the the annual BotCon convention ever since it started 20 years ago in 1994. He should be reassured that he will be treated like a rock star, and of course with great respect and admiration... not just for Transformers, but for his vast, long career and many many roles on TV and Movies.
If he is keen to try the BotCon experience in a future year, or to just sample it like in my suggestion (to just attend the short semi-formal, private Guest-Attendee function), the best people to speak to for advance warning on when and where it will be each year, are the Convention organizers - Brian & Pete...
"Brian Savage" <brian@funpubinc.com>
"Pete Sinclair" <pete@funpubinc.com>
http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/

(sorry for taking a little while to get back to you - I've been in Pasadena since Monday, and it has been non-stop tourist things... and limited access to my email server)

Thanks again, it has made my week to hear that there is hope for a future appearance of Frank Welker at the Annual Official Transformers Convention... and I think/hope he would like it too.

-griffin.

-------------------------

[fatbot]

Well, i've just done my visa waiver thinghy, my hotel for LA is booked, just got to sort out Chicago & wait for those nufties at TFCC to open registration & i'm all set!

I'm starting to get a little excited about all this!

[griffin]

If this had been five years ago, this news would have almost crashed the main global fansites and we would have a record number of Australians going this year despite the exchange rate... but I looked at the news postings at each site, there's barely 50-100 posts at each, and about half of those are by repeat people discussing the matter or asking about the special VIP ticket.
And how many Australians do we have that are planning to go... just 2 definites and a maybe. We had bigger turnouts back when the AU$ was a 50us cents. :(

Part of me... the old timer fan from the early days of BotCon... is surprised about the limited enthusiasm from the fandom over such a "holy grail" guest.
While another part of me... the more recent fan who has been burnt by FunPub and seen how it has treated others with legitimate issues... is beginning to realise that not even the most wanted guest since Peter Cullen in 1997, can get people to put aside their bad experiences to show their support or intention in going.
(I think the VIP ticket will still sell out as there is apparently a little over 200 of them... but factoring in the Golden Ticket expense as well that most VIP holders will also probably want, I'm having trouble estimating how quickly or how long the VIP or Boxsets will take to sell out this year.)


Personally I feel sad, because I miss the excitement of the fandom when a big name, first-time guest was announced 4-5 years ago... which used to get more local members wanting to go, and both of those things makes it even more exciting for me to look forward to it.

I do wish that FunPub didn't burn so many bridges in the fandom, acting as if there were plenty more fans out there to fill those spots... and maybe this lack of *public* enthusiasm is showing us that the reserves are now depleted.
To illustrate that point, 2011 was the last BotCon that they sold out their boxsets during pre-registration, despite the numbers of boxsets being reduced for the last two. It will be interesting to see how well they do this year with the Welker factor in play, or if they cut back the boxset numbers a lot just to make sure they sell out this time.

[UltraMarginal]

I'm a very unlikely, like 5% chance of going.

I'm hoping he gets a taste for it and keeps coming back so I can see him in a few years time

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I was hoping to go to a Botcon one day and was always sad that I hadn't gone to one before, but now, I really don't care.
When/if it changes to a new bunch of people running it, I'll reassess my feelings, but until then, I'm not giving a cent to Savage and his cronies. Sad to say, especially since Transformers seems to be doing well.

[Zippo]

I was hoping to go to a Botcon one day and was always sad that I hadn't gone to one before, but now, I really don't care.
When/if it changes to a new bunch of people running it, I'll reassess my feelings, but until then, I'm not giving a cent to Savage and his cronies. Sad to say, especially since Transformers seems to be doing well.

Exactly my feeling as well
Always wanted to go, but wouldn't go now until a new crew takes over the running of the club. My four years as a member continue to leave a very bitter feeling with me.

[griffin]

Problem is, I just don't see anyone else in the fandom located in America who is keen and would be capable of running the club and convention (the resources and money). Those who do have the resources and money are content with just running fansites or fan-conventions (which are easier to organise without the red-tape of Hasbro approval at every step when you are licensed).
FunPub have a 20 year business history for the GIJoe club and convention, which made them the best candidate to Hasbro... and they are still the only willing candidate, as I haven't heard anyone else saying that they would want to, or can, run the Club & Con.
And if someone did step up who has no business experience but a lot of enthusiasm, we could be left with a short-lived mess of failed promises and lost money.


(I remember getting two letters in the mail about 10 years ago, informing me of an upcoming bankruptcy hearing for 3H... because I was a paid member of their official club when it folded in 2004, and they must have been required to notify all "investors", no matter where they are. That was a sad but serious reminder of how a fanclub & convention must be treated like any money-making business if it is to survive.)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

. and they are still the only willing candidate, as I haven't heard anyone else saying that they would want to, or can, run the Club & Con.
Yeah, and that's why I'm sad.

I'd support them if they actually acted more professional. I understand treating it like a business, and I'm fine with that, but to me they are incredibly unprofessional in pretty much every aspect. Anyway, that's all the thread derailment I'm going to offer for now.

I still enjoy looking at the toys and activities that happen at the con

[Paulbot]

I'd love to go to BotCon again. It was a whole lot of fun both times I've been, but I too don't want to give FunPub any of my money. The guests though don't particularly bother me, even when I did go I didn't want to meet the famous people.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I'd just like to go for the atmosphere and nerding it out with my fellow TF geeks.

On a side note, have they announced toys and theme for the year?:confused:

Aarh, Yes the Guardians galaxy theme, but no toys yet. ?

[griffin]

Yeah, and that's why I'm sad.

I'd support them if they actually acted more professional. I understand treating it like a business, and I'm fine with that, but to me they are incredibly unprofessional in pretty much every aspect. Anyway, that's all the thread derailment I'm going to offer for now.

Yep, I'm certainly not saying they are a good business, but at the moment, it's them or nothing... so I'm not keen to prey for them to fail until we have an acceptable replacement. :(


On a side note, have they announced toys and theme for the year?:confused:

The news quoted in post #45 claims to have all the reveals in April... so fingers crossed on them actually meeting the schedule this time.

[fatbot]

I'd just like to go for the atmosphere and nerding it out with my fellow TF geeks.

On a side note, have they announced toys and theme for the year?:confused:

Aarh, Yes the Guardians galaxy theme, but no toys yet. ?

They've just revealed the first.....




Packrat, the thief from Generations rattrap

[Krayt]

Might just be the perspective, but those eggs look mostly the same size, and tiny! 4 deluxes and a basic?

[UltraMarginal]

For people into beasts, that's a great start. for me... not so much.

I do think it's an entertaining way of doing reveals.

[griffin]

Links please people... when posting news. Not just a comment or announcement without a source.

The BotCon boxset page is here (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/bc15exclusives.cfm).


(In previous years the boxset reveals and guests would be in their own topic... but since we are only likely to have 2 Australians going, and the ongoing drop of interest in FunPub products, it felt a bit selfish highlighting them in more than just one topic and unnecessarily pad out the news section)

[Krayt]

Drop in interest in products? What?? I still need them all!!! (is the Exspression of Interest at show thread up yet? i always find it late :()

[prjkt]

Hmmm Rattrap was a decent figure, but have no attachment to this guy... Reserving judgement until I see the rest

[Verno]

A blue rat came out of a blue egg. Coincidence? Could the colour of the eggs give a hint as to who the others are?

I'll go to BotCon one day. Maybe next year. BW 20th Anniversary!

[fatbot]

Links please people... when posting news. Not just a comment or announcement without a source.

The BotCon boxset page is here (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/bc15exclusives.cfm).


(In previous years the boxset reveals and guests would be in their own topic... but since we are only likely to have 2 Australians going, and the ongoing drop of interest in FunPub products, it felt a bit selfish highlighting them in more than just one topic and unnecessarily pad out the news section)

sorry boss, was on my phone & couldn't do the link

[griffin]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS!




Working from the accidental inclusion in a Podcast in January (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=454955#post454955) , the serial numbers on their mug-shot plates (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/bc15exclusives.cfm) have been noted by fans on various sites that they aren't just random numbers and letters, so I thought I'd have a go at working them as well.
Naturally, the five toys in the podcast may not just be boxset toys... some might be at-show toys, but it is a starting point. (a blue GEN DLX Rattrap - Packrat, an olive TFPrime VOY Breakdown - unknown, a blue GEN VOY Springer - thought to be Battletrap, a blue Classics Bumblebee - thought to be Glyph, and a red Classics Jazz - unknown)

Most of the numbers refer to dates with an allegiance letter, while the bit on the end is not yet clear but could refer to the original series the mould was from, or could be telling us if anything has been changed from the original mould (like a new head).
If it is the latter, it would suggest that the first one Gets Nothing new, while 2-4 get a new HeaD, and 5 is something completely reworked like Scorponok last year.


The Thief - BC2015 718-2197M? - AO: STGN
This was Packrat, and the serial number is - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 718-2197 (the almost exact dates of the 1997 BotCon - July 18-20, which was when the original Packrat was released), M (the allegiance), AO: STGN (could mean it was originally a Generations mould or Got Nothing new to the toy).

The Muscle - BC2015 591-9687D? - AO: STHD
This one is assumed to be Battletrap.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 591 (May 1991 - not sure why this date is chosen... it was the month of Issue 80 but wasn't the only issue with Battletrap), 96 (Battletrap was D-96 in Japan), 87 (the year it was released as a toy by Hasbro), D (Decepticon), AO: STHD (not sure... maybe means a new HeaD or the series it came from).

The Loose Cannon - BC2015 426-2912S? - AO: STHD
This one is unknown, but can be narrowed down to the BotCon 2012 characters or toys.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 426-2912 (dates of BotCon 2012 - April 26-29), S (Shattered Glass maybe), AO: STHD (again, not sure, but is the same as above).

The Boss - BC2015 62811-484? - AO: STHD
If the green Breakdown is Hound, this is the one I think he will be.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 628 (maybe May 28, which could be for the first issue of the comic in 1984, which was released somewhere from March to September), 114 (no idea), 84 (for 1984), AO: STHD (if this toy is the Breakdown/Hound toy, then this code can't refer to a series, as this mould was not part of Generations like Springer was... leading me to think that it relates to what has been Added On).

The Bounty Hunter - BC2015 712-1496D? - AO: GNOP
This could be Onyx Primal based on its Serial number.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 712-1496 (the dates of BotCon 96 - July 12-14), D (Decepticon... not a Predacon?), AO: GNOP (no idea)


So, that leaves Glyph and the red Jazz from the Podcast that is either one of these unknowns, or are at-show/attendee/custom class toys.


Yes... I'm over-thinking things again, but patterns and puzzles intrigue me, which is why I'm into Transformers. :o

[griffin]

Looks like "The Boss" has the date of the DOTM (June 28 2011), and the 84 still relates to a character from 1984 - Megatron, using the Breakdown mould to replicate the DOTM tanker truck Megatron.

And the "Bounty Hunter" apparently refers to the character Oilmaster (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Oilmaster), who is the character in the recent JP Generations Magnificus comic, which used the Prototype Pretender Shell that Hasbro had on display at BotCon 1996. If this is true, a brand new pretender shell would indeed outdo the Scorponok of last year, as promised by Pete.

An image of the expected boxset (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1038177-botcon-toy-announcement-hints-post12382652.html).

[griffin]

Looks like the second guest to be at BotCon this year is Sue Blu (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/sue-blu-to-attend-botcon-2015-182418/)... voice of Gen1 Arcee, and Voice Director of Beast Wars and Animated.

[fatbot]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBxnsLGUgAAPsQX.jpg

from the botcon twitter feed - https://mobile.twitter.com/BotCon/status/584456065523253251?p=p

looks like a repainted Chop Shop minicon from the Megatron legends 2 pack is coming

[reillyd]

Is this an April Fool? One of those giant eggs contains a minicon?
Must. Contain. Rage.

[griffin]

Some people on other sites are saying Vice-Grip (the 1998 BotCon toy)... but the colours are reversed (it had a blue body and grey limbs).

Others are suggesting Shattered Glass Chopshop.

While some are commenting that it has been a while since FunPub have produced their own unique character toy... as they keep homaging Hasbro characters, or producing mirrorverse versions of them, or as we saw lately, homaging a lot of their own BotCon characters. Are they unable to come up with anything original anymore, or did their last original effort (Landshark waaay back in 2009) get such negative response that they've decided it is safer to just produce toys of existing characters.
Or maybe those BotCon feedback forms keep getting more support for toys of existing characters than original ones.


Just having a look back at my archives of previous years, for my own amusement....

2015 (what we know so far)
13 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Krok, Gatoraider, G2 Starscream, Tarantulas, drone beetle, Serpentor, Kreo Blackrock, Afterburner, Marissa Fairborne, Lio Convoy, Nova Prime, Megatron*, Battletrap*)
3 - existing unreleased toy concepts (Nacelle, Carzap, Oilmaster*)
2 - existing BotCon/Club toys (Packrat, SG Riccochet*)
0 - original characters (none)
*speculated boxset toys


2014
20 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Ginrai, Scorponok, Devcon, Cannonball, Ferak, Brimstone, Pounce, Wingspan, Alpha Trizer/Alpha Trion/Cheetor, Primal Prime, Rampage, Transmutate, Barricade, Frenzy, Fisitron/Ironfist, Thrustinator, Treadshot, Chromedome, Rewind, Eject)
10 - existing BotCon/Club toys (Flamewar, Shokaract, Apelinq, Flare-Up, Kreon G2 Breakdown, Kreon Fractyl, Kreon Rattrap, Kreon Landshark, Kreon SG Rodimus, Kreon Gigatron)
0 - original characters (none)


2013
26 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Obsidian, Strika, Megaplex, Hoist, Skywarp, Starscream, Electron/Electro, Sandstorm, Mirage, Thundercracker, Hotlink, Sunstorm, Bitstream, Blastcharge, Kreon Hoist, Kreon Megaplex, Kreon Obsidian, Kreon Skywarp, Kreon Strika, Depthcharge, Scourge, Slipstream, Circuit, Breakdown, Jackpot, Ultra Mammoth/Ultra Magnus)
0 - original characters (none)


2012
18 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Gigatron/Overload, Tracks, Ultra Magnus, Metalhawk, SG Soundwave, SG Treadshot, SG Straxus, Octopunch, Spinister, Kick-Off, SG G2 Optimus Prime, SG Wreck Gar, SG Junkheap/Junkion, SG Scrap Iron/Junkion, Longarm/Shockwave, Runamuck, Over-Run/Runabout, SG Drift)
0 - original characters (none)


2011
15 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Motormaster, Wildrider, Brakedown, Drag Strip, Dead End, Fisitron/Ironfist, Sideswipe, SG Galvatron, Thundercracker, Autotrooper, Autotrooper, Autotrooper, Minerva, Sideburn, G2 Ramjet)
2 - existing unreleased toy concepts (Toxitron, Cheetor)
0 - original characters (none)


2010
16 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Spark, Clench, Skybyte, Slice(r), Doublepunch, Scorch, SG Ravage, Rapido, Cindersaur, Airshark/Sharkticon, Seashark/Sharkticon, Landshark/Sharkticon, G2 Sideswipe, Dion, SG Cyclonus, Punch)
1 - existing unreleased toy concepts (G2 Streetstar/Streetwise)
1 - existing BotCon/Club toys (G2 Breakdown)
0 - original characters (none)


2009
13 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Thunderclash, Kup, Scourge, Flak, Leozak, Banzai-Tron, Skyquake, Razorclaw, Elita-1, Sweep 2, Sweep 6, Sweep 7, SG Thunderclash.)
2 - original characters with original names (Landshark, Heatwave)


2008
21 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (SG Starscream, SG Optimus Prime, SG Grimlock, SG Goldbug, SG Jazz, SG Razorclaw, SG Ricochet/Stepper, SG Megatron, SG Rodimus, SG Divebomb, SG Whisper, SG Blurr, SG Rampage, SG Nightbeat, Snaptrap, Tentakil, Seawing, Skalor, Nautilator, Overbite, Nightbeat)
1 - existing unreleased toy concepts (SG Sideswipe/Drench)
1 - original characters with existing names (Topspin)


2007
11 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Dreadwind, Bugbite, Thundercracker, Dirge, Thrust, Mirage, Alpha Trion, Weirdwolf, Springer, Huffer, Overkill)
2 - original characters with original names (Beta Maxx, Breakaway)


2006
12 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Dinobot, Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Cheetor, Rattrap, Unit 2/Tigatron, Waspinator, Megatron, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Rumble, Inferno)
1 - original characters with existing names (Landquake)


2005
4 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Deathsaurus, Ironhide, Chromia, Fallback/Outback)
4 - original characters with existing names (Dirge, Buzzclaw, Ricochet, Skyfall)
4 - original characters with original names (Flamewar, Flareup, Virulent Clone, Virulent Clone)

(total for FunPub - 203)

Pre-FunPub era, to compare...
7 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (2001 Tigatron, 2001 Arcee, 2002 Cyclonus, 2003 Sunstreaker, 2003 Sideswipe, 2004 Sentinel Maximus/Primal Prime, 2004 Energon Ravage)
1 - existing unreleased toy concepts (1994 G2 Breakdown)
1 - existing BotCon/Club toys (2004 G2 Breakdown - unofficial, 2004 Hyperlinq/Apelinq)
4 - original characters with existing names (1999 Sandstorm, 1999 Windrazor, 2002 Rook, 2004 Megazarak)
14 - original characters with original names (1995 Nightracer, 1996 Onyx Primal, 1997 Packrat, 1997 Fractyl, 1998 Vice-Grip, 1998 Antagony, 2000 Apelinq, 2000 Shokaract, 2002 Tap Out, 2002 Glyph, 2002 CatSCAN, 2003 Roulette, 2003 Shadow Striker, 2004 Caliburn)

(total pre-FunPub - 27)

Over half (52%) of the pre-Funpub era were original characters with original names, and only 30% were using pre-existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters and concepts... compared to the FunPub era of just a mere 4% of original characters & names (8 of 203), and a massive 87% using pre-existing characters & concepts (176 of 203).

[Megatran]

Megatron (speculated boxset).

Interesting... Which mould?

[griffin]

A composite picture was posted here (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1038177-botcon-toy-announcement-hints-post12382652.html), with the serial number referring to the ROTF Movie and 1984.

[fatbot]

Is this an April Fool? One of those giant eggs contains a minicon?
Must. Contain. Rage.

other sites are saying that it goes with the attendee figure. TFCC aren't saying.

[griffin]

Yep. Seibertron claims that it was noted on the podcast as NOT being in the boxset so we are unlikely to know who it is before the convention.

[griffin]

Pete has posted this on TFW2005 (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1038543-botcon-legends-chopshop-recolor-possible-sg-chopshop-vicegrip-post12398381.html), to let us know, to not be too complacent if we want any of the BotCon toys this year...


We tweaked quantities on the souvies as well so don't expect to see extra's in the store.Which must mean that the toy numbers must have been reduced again, as they wouldn't tweak UP numbers after failing to sell out last year (a Pasadena year too, which is their best location). They also wouldn't warn us, unless they believe they have reduced the quantity significantly enough to guarantee selling out this year.
Probably 1500 or less of each, compared to 1600-2000 of each last year.

If this reduction is true, and the demand is the same or better than last year, keep an eye out for pre-registrations (attendee & non-attendee) AND the opening of the Club Store during the Convention. (that is, IF either of the Australian attendees this year offer to buy extras... otherwise, jump on ebay or BBTS as soon as you can)

[fatbot]

Pete has posted this on TFW2005 (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1038543-botcon-legends-chopshop-recolor-possible-sg-chopshop-vicegrip-post12398381.html), to let us know, to not be too complacent if we want any of the BotCon toys this year...

Which must mean that the toy numbers must have been reduced again, as they wouldn't tweak UP numbers after failing to sell out last year (a Pasadena year too, which is their best location). They also wouldn't warn us, unless they believe they have reduced the quantity significantly enough to guarantee selling out this year.
Probably 1500 or less of each, compared to 1600-2000 of each last year.

If this reduction is true, and the demand is the same or better than last year, keep an eye out for pre-registrations (attendee & non-attendee) AND the opening of the Club Store during the Convention. (that is, IF either of the Australian attendees this year offer to buy extras... otherwise, jump on ebay or BBTS as soon as you can)


I'll buy extras for whoever wants it, just US dollars up front

[prjkt]

I may let you know when they're all announced if there's anything I'm after

[CHILENO20]

I'll buy extras for whoever wants it, just US dollars up front

Very tempting :D:D:D

[Krayt]

Reveal 2 (youtube video) is up...

THE MUSCLE (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h9bwXOy1vv0) - Battletrap from Generations 2013 Voyager Springer
(https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h9bwXOy1vv0)

[CHILENO20]

Reveal 2 is up...

THE MUSCLE (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h9bwXOy1vv0)

very very tempting!

[Paulbot]

I wanted to get a Battletrap made from Springer (for those who can't watch YouTube at work, that's what it is) but now it's a BotCon toy so that aint gonna happen. Oh well. It's still a good idea.

[UltimateGalvatron]

I really wanna get that Botcon Pack but I can't really afford it :(

[Akky82]

I would grab battletrap straight up, but not interested in anything else at all. Didn't like springer, or cloud rodimus, had hasbro sandstorm but never opened him before passing it on, been meaning to get sandstorm since but this Battletrap looks ace. The original battletrap was one of the only transformers my older brother had so ofc it was always something i wanted and was just out of reach... Colours are good, head's good, weapon is good, all good imo

[griffin]

I wanted to get a Battletrap made from Springer (for those who can't watch YouTube at work, that's what it is) but now it's a BotCon toy so that aint gonna happen. Oh well. It's still a good idea.

At least not for at least 18-24 months... and while the focus is on Combiner Wars with that size class, the chances are slim after that. But never say never with Hasbro, TakaraTomy, or even Hasbro HK, when they have some creative ideas as an exclusive. (like the 2012 HK Generations and TakaraTomy Cloud toys)
But like the 2007 Seekers, it's best to jump on them just in case, and at the very least, the more popular BotCon toys like this one is likely to be, will be worth more than the purchase price, even if Hasbro/TT do one later.


I would grab battletrap straight up, but not interested in anything else at all.

That's the problem with FunPub BotCons - most years are a hit & miss set of toys, that have one or two high-demand toys being sold with low-demand or unwanted toys. As such, people wanting a particular figure often have to be stuck with buying other toys with it (four extra toys in the boxset, or one extra toy from the at-show sets) that they have to sell off cheap if no one else wants it either (making the one they keep really expensive). It's also a risk for people going, who want to help out fellow Australians, but don't want to be stuck with unsold toys.

At least with pre-FunPub BotCons, there were only one or two toys, which were sold separately, and it made it easier for people to get attached to each one (their attention was divided by two instead of 20).

[Lord_Zed]

Battletrap is one of those rare Botcon toys that interests me. Don't think I will be able to get him though.

Also, I like him but is it just me or does his head seem really small? Springer and Sandstorm's heads never looked that small did they?

[griffin]

Now would be a good time to book flights... even if pre-registration is still a month away and you aren't sure how long you will be in Chicago. Because some sales have just started from QANTAS and V-Australia.

I was just at the travel agent on Wednesday, asking how likely they thought there might be a sale on soon, because I saw on the airline website that there were heaps of seats still available for June. With the exchange rate stopping a lot of people going overseas at the moment, I figured that the airlines had to be looking at some discounts soon.
And sure enough, two days later... QANTAS knocks off $400 from their return tickets to Los Angeles, and V-Australia is apparently the same.

Two days ago I was looking at $1965 just for Brisbane to LA and back... but today it is $1564, and if I fly out two days earlier because of the peak/offpeak cut-off, I'm now paying $1205 for the international flight.
(the 12th June is the peak period, so flying before then is cheaper for both to and from America - if you look at the QANTAS site and change the "to" date, it changes the "from" prices, so that you can still fly back on the same date, but leaving a day or two earlier saves me $350... to spend on the extra two days of travelling and accommodation)

Also, if you book through Flight Centre (I always do my international travel through a travel agent, so that if anything goes wrong, they can help fix it, or will fix it if it was their error), look at the "Captain's Premium Value Package". It is a $99 add-on, that gives you a 30-day price-drop guarantee (you have to keep an eye on prices and sales, not them... but they will refund the difference if there is a sale within 30 days, like if I'd booked two days ago I would have been refunded $400), plus a $150 credit to accommodation if you spend $500 through them (so unfortunately if you are just going to BotCon and staying at the convention hotel, it won't apply).
It isn't for everyone, but something to consider if you buy outside of a sale, and spend over $500 on hotels (which I did, so the $99 add-on saved me $51).


I'll post up my plans in the meet topic, for fatbot and anyone else going this year, to coordinate where possible, if interested.

[griffin]

Since the GIJoe convention is currently on this weekend in America, I looked up how late they were for opening pre-registration... and it was just 13 days before the Convention events started. Pre-registration started Thursday 26th March, and the first events starting Wednesday 8th April.
That's the second time that's happened, and if it is Hasbro holding up things, they really need to look at dropping the license. They still get official toys and Hasbro involvement & presentations, without the red-tape approvals on every teeny tiny detail. And if it is not Hasbro holding things up, then they need to drop whatever element keeps slowing them up, as they should be so streamlined by now after 10-20 years of fan conventions, it should just take a couple months to prepare, and then promote for the rest of the year.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Battletrap as a triple changer. I like the idea and though I'd be keen for it, but after seeing that video the figure just looks SUPER plain. Not a super-plane.

Head sculpt seemed ok, but I thought it looked a bit small as well. Maybe they shrunk it a tad as it feels like a pretty close fit with Springer.

Good idea, but it falls flat somewhere.

[griffin]

More images of Packrat (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-gallery-botcon-2015-packrat-the-thief/32667/)... and looks like I was right in thinking that Pete might be using Seibertron now to promote Club stuff after abandoning the Q&A topic at TFW2005, as Seibertron has managed to post up exclusive galleries now for two of FunPub's upcoming toys, and one of the Packrat photo shows that Seibertron has photos ready for one more, or all of the Boxset toys.

[griffin]

Oh, and now that the GIJoe convention has now finished, I would expect to see more reveals, the Brochure and pre-registration within the next few weeks.... at least I hope.

[fatbot]

I'm on my phone so no link, the 3rd is " the loose cannon" Shattered Glass Stepper. An orange repaint of RTS Jazz with black flames down the side & a blue /purple repainted Nightstick as his targetmaster partner

[griffin]

Link to the Youtube reveal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP590NdqMwo).
Shattered Glass Stepper with Nebulon.

The orange reminds me of some Euro Gen1/Gen2 toys, but if the gold colourings work, they will pop out nicely.

So he says that it is a second chance at doing a Mirror Universe Stepper/Ricochet toy, because they ran out of time on the 2008 version (because they do too many toys each year), and so now this Stepper toy is being made out to be Ricochet's brother in the Mirror Universe.

Well that ought to confuse people... who try to follow the technicalities of Transformers, or cares about FunPub toys.
In the existing toy universe of Hasbro/TakaraTomy, Stepper IS Ricochet (like Convoy is Optimus, or Jaguar is Ravage... even TFWiki retconned Stepper into Ricochet so that they were on the one page (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ricochet_%28Headmasters%29) - - which IMO the character pages should be titled according to their first official name, otherwise they have to keep changing Character pages whenever an existing Japanese character gets a Hasbro version/name years later, but that's sidetracking a little).

But now in the Mirror Universe, they are separate characters, with Ricochet (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ricochet_%28SG%29) being a maroon toy for BotCon 2008, and Stepper (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Stepper_%28SG%29) being and orange toy for BotCon 2015.

So does that mean other Hasbro characters that have different Japanese names (like Convoy, Bumble, Jaguar, Lambor) will start showing up in the Mirror Universe as separate characters?

[BigTransformerTrev]

I must admit I'll be putting the shout out for anyone who can be good enough to grab me a Battletrap (giving the screen a pleading, wide-eyed puppy look right now) - the other two dont hold much appeal for me personally

Wonder if this means at some point we will get a redeco of Gen Blitzwing as Flywheels to complete the pair (hope hope hope!) :D

[Krayt]

Wonder if this means at some point we will get a redeco of Gen Blitzwing as Flywheels to complete the pair (hope hope hope!) :D

Did you miss this one Trev?

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/7/0/1/2/3/iN8f5fX_1426606631.jpg

[griffin]

Well, Trev did say Generations, which could pair nicely with the BotCon Battletrap. (two triple-changers as Duocons, so that they suit each other visually on display)

[UltraMarginal]

if fun pub were smart it would be one of the at show exclusives.

[griffin]

Official images of Battletrap are now on the BotCon website (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/bc15muscle.cfm), and once again Seibertron has gained exclusive access to the toy for their own photo gallery (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-gallery-botcon-2014-battletrap-the-muscle/32698/).

And it looks like they will also have a gallery up of Stepper as well, some time in the next few days.

[griffin]

if fun pub were smart it would be one of the at show exclusives.

If FunPub were smart, they'd be revealing the at-show toys as well, to get the fence-sitters signing up just to secure any popular at-show toys.
We've had years when at-show toys have sold out, or out-sold the boxsets, that could have helped FunPub with attendance numbers or helped sell out boxsets.
They only need the attendee and Custom Class toy to be a secret for the at-show surprise element of the show... as people don't sign up and spend several hundred dollars to be surprised by their toys, they will only spend hundreds of dollars if they know what they are getting.
I'm someone who loves the surprise reveal of toys, but not two-thirds of the toys I'm spending a couple thousand dollars on a trip to get... or for other people back home who only get about 24 hours to decide.

[CHILENO20]

Shout out for SG Stepper!!!!! Love Shattered Glass!!!! :D:D:D

[griffin]

The gallery of Packrat at Seibertron was of the pre-production sample that Pete has, but now comes a gallery from an Asian source that should be the factory version (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1039518-botcon-2015-packrat-thief-hand.html). Not too different, but to me the blue and gold look a little different (which could just be lighting).

I don't get why the rat's butt & tail is white though. The original Packrat toy (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/thumb/a/aa/BW-toy_Packrat.jpg/300px-BW-toy_Packrat.jpg) only had the tail white, and that was only because of gang-moulding requirements, so doing it by choice in this version doesn't look good. If they wanted to break up all that blue in rat mode, then maybe a lighter shading of blue air-brushed from one direction to give it more texture and shading.

[fatbot]

Number 4 is "the boss", Megatron using the TFPrime Breakdown Mold done in an army camo style pattern, a homage to DOTM Megs.

He comes with three microns, Scalpel, Boombox & Heavyweight.

The head is a combination of movie and G1 style. He looks bloody good!



https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/590620960245551104?lang=en

[UltraMarginal]

I think this figure is really nice, especially if you don't have the mould yet, which a lot of Americans wouldn't. If I was going I'd be happy to have it a third time.

There are 2 Voyager class figures in the set this year! massive. Apart from packrat, all the other moulds are excellent selections

[Sinnertwin]

Number 4 is "the boss", Megatron using the TFPrime Breakdown Mold done in an army camo style pattern, a homage to DOTM Megs.

He comes with three microns, Scalpel, Boombox & Heavyweight.

The head is a combination of movie and G1 style. He looks bloody good!


Sure does.
I want him.
And Stepper too.
Maybe Packrat. Nah, scratch that.

[griffin]

It's worth noting that Pete has mentioned on TFW that it is NOT the Silas Breakdown version of the mould... there is NO human in the chest.

It was in the better half of the TFPrime/Arms Micron moulds, and it was a shame that it didn't get released as a TFPrime toy... instead Hasbro released toys of characters or colours that weren't even in the cartoon.
(Breakdown was by far the heaviest of the Voyagers, so I think it just came down to cost - it cost more to manufacture each unit, and cost more per unit to ship around the world from the factory... and that extra cost was probably very small. :rolleyes: :mad:)


I think this figure is really nice, especially if you don't have the mould yet, which a lot of Americans wouldn't. If I was going I'd be happy to have it a third time.


A agree that they should be targeting moulds not released by Hasbro, if they can repurpose them and it make sense. The Hasbro Online Store when it first started, was doing direct imports for American collectors, but after a couple years, stopped... leaving it to the official club to pick up the slack.


There are 2 Voyager class figures in the set this year! massive.

Two Voyagers is indeed huge for a Boxset, but the fifth figure is supposed to be a Legends toy (with or without a "shell" that they might sell separately like the Soundwave bandanna in 2012), leaving us with two Voyagers, two Deluxe and one Legends.
But, compared to recent years...
2013 (Machine Wars) also had two Voyagers, but with three Deluxes.
2009 (Elite Guard) was the same with two Voyagers and three Deluxes.
2014 (Pirates) was about the same as this years set, by having an Ultra toy (between Voyager and Leader) with four Deluxes.
2012 (Invasion) had six figures, with one being a Voyager,
2010 (Gen2/Euro) was probably the biggest ever with a Voyager, Ultra and 3 Deluxes.
(2011 on the other hand, was the smallest since 2007 with just a Voyager and 4 Deluxes... and the 2006 Beast Wars year was the smallest ever with just a Voyager, 2 Deluxes and 2 Basic)

So at least their boxsets are not getting smaller... which would be hard to except when they keep raising the price by $20-30 each year.

[griffin]

FunPub have posted up a teaser from the comic (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/590656430400765954/photo/1), of Packrat and Megatron.

The comic this year is drawn by Matt Frank.

[fatbot]

Frank Welker VIP ticket is $200,


Gallery of Megatron http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/exclusives/megatron-the-boss/3656/1/

Frank Welker VIP details http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/bc15welker.cfm

vip deets:

• One (1) autograph signed in person by Frank Welker
• One (1) professional 5x7 photograph with Frank Welker (Saturday afternoon)
• Exclusive Megatron art print
• Exclusive Megatron Cloisonné Pin
• First seating at the Frank Welker Panel


Limited to 300 people, 150 each on Friday & Saturday

No conflicts between GT & VIP events

Photos on Saturday

they also reckon the brochure will be up in the next few days

[UltraMarginal]

Wow, that's pretty expensive, but it's also really awesome! such a rare opportunity to meet him face to face.

[griffin]

The price is what I had originally guessed, so I'll probably be okay with spending it... because... you know, Welker is pretty old now, and you never know when these aging actors will just suddenly drop off. So even if he becomes a regular at fan conventions and everyone gets bored of him, I still won't risk missing out on the chance to hear him in person.

I fear though, that based on the last time Peter Cullen was at BotCon, that these Friday and Saturday events are going to be during Convention hours and clash with panels.
Like, what if it is up against the Hasbro panel, or a Voice Actor panel... that is going to be a really difficult thing to have to sacrifice, after paying several hundred dollars to see all the panels (with the Golden Ticket to get unobstructed views of the people and slide-show).

Sounds like the Brochure is ready to go the moment the last video reveal is up, as I don't think that they'd do like a recent year and release the brochure (with all the boxset names) before revealing the entire boxset.... especially if their fifth toy is their "Scorponok" of this year's set (the one that they did the most work on, hoping that it will carry the set for anyone not yet sold on the other four).
And then Registration is likely to be a week later (at least I hope it is a week later, as I'll be out of the country next week, which will make registration difficult).

A pity that we've only had two guests announced so far, and if they don't announce more before Registration starts, they are going back to the usual formula of expecting people to hand over hundreds of dollars without knowing much of what they are getting. Hiding 2/3 of the toys and most of the guests until after you commit to the Convention, is not a way to convince people to spend several hundred dollars to get there and attend. They have so many fence-sitters each year, and detractors, who would commit to attend if they knew more than a third of what they were getting.

[Paulbot]

I fear though, that based on the last time Peter Cullen was at BotCon, that these Friday and Saturday events are going to be during Convention hours and clash with panels.

They are promising on Twitter that there will no clashes between the Welker specials and any Golden Ticket events

https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/591030201632555009

Not sure if that prevents any clashes with non Golden Ticket things like the panels.

[griffin]

They are promising on Twitter that there will no clashes between the Welker specials and any Golden Ticket events

https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/591030201632555009

Not sure if that prevents any clashes with non Golden Ticket things like the panels.

Yeah, I had expected that the $200 FW events wouldn't be allowed to clash with the $300 GT events. My main concern is the "cheaper" events that FunPub expects people to sacrifice... like the random draw, one-only autograph session with Peter Cullen a few years ago.

Friday would be okay, as they only have the Dealer Room running at the last three hours of the day... so if I was lucky enough to get in the Friday session, that would be okay. (IF I was lucky... :rolleyes: )
But Saturday they will have Panels right until closing at 5pm, and with an Awards dinner this year, that is likely to start at the usual 6.30pm, making me think that the Frank Welker session for Saturday would be on early enough to finish by 5pm.
:(

I think that if I am able to get there this year and attend these things, this could be a good year to be my last. (which I also said a lot in 2007, so you never know)
Frank Welker is the "grail" of Transformers guests, and I can't see FunPub being able to top that in future years (as they keep dying off) without getting in some of the live Movie stars (who would cost a fortune). With the demand dropping for the Convention now, and the toys being easier to obtain later at reasonable prices because they don't sell out, that is no longer one of the bigger reasons for me to go. (I missed BotCon 2006, and it cost me more to buy all the toys later than it would have cost me going over there... so that was always a big reason to not miss it since then)
The other big reasons I go were the guests, the people I know to meet up with, and the non-convention touristy things at the same time.
Now that I've met/seen most of the priority guests now, and since less people I know are going these years (especially from Australia), it leaves the touristy elements left... and BotCon in the last five years has been in boring locations (for tourists) or repeat locations, leaving me with less to do without going somewhere else first (which is added expense). :(

[UltraMarginal]

I think that if I am able to get there this year and attend these things, this could be a good year to be my last.

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/allthetropes/images/a/a4/Aladdin-disneyscreencaps.com-5032.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140704100449

[UltraMarginal]

but in all seriousness, if I were going my biggest concern would be missing out on a cracker panel to stand in line for an hour or two for a special event/opportunity I'd paid special money for. I could live without a Hasbro panel but I'd hate to miss the script reading if there was one, but then if they did a script reading panel and Mr Welker wasn't involved that would be the end of Fun Pub.

[griffin]

Yes... there MUST be a script reading this year, with the one true Megatron. :p

(and only Soundwave if they can get a device to digitise his voice, otherwise it would just be a guest appearance by Dr Claw ;) )

[fatbot]

The next guest is John Moschitta jnr, the voice of G1 & Animated Blurr

[griffin]

Hehehe... you keep beating me to all the good BotCon news, which is understandable since you are going, so don't stop. :D

So, the voice of Blurr will be there this year.... now I can die happy. :)
(it is one voice actor I've been hoping would return after his appearance 15 years ago (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=466689#post466689))

[UltraMarginal]

This is a line up we could have had last year, when I was actually attending Botcon! :(:rolleyes: even though I really did have a great time at last years con.

I'm more jealous now.

[griffin]

Yes, and if they get Peter Cullen as well*, it feels like these people are either a year too late (for the 30th Anniversary of Transformers), or a year too early (for the first Movie's 30th anniversary).

Maybe FunPub have already got plans for a Beast Wars theme next year, and were aiming to have mostly BW guests like they did 10 years ago for the 10th anniversary.
(I guess if Hasbro doesn't do much, or anything for the BW anniversary, FunPub probably will.)


So are we still just at two Australians going this year?

Any more on the fence or thinking about it?
There were a few airfare sales last week, so might still be on at the moment.

*It's been three years since Peter Cullen was at a BotCon, so odds are good for him to be there this year as well... and it would make for the perfect pairing.

[fatbot]

Hehehe... you keep beating me to all the good BotCon news, which is understandable since you are going, so don't stop. :D


I'm only able to do it because I'm either on my way home from work or on the way in when they reveal the info on Twitter. As soon as they reveal it, I'm posting it here, which is why I don't always put a link to the source

[fatbot]

Last reveal...


Oilmaster... With pretender shell.

Oilmaster is a repainted of Swerve

I'm at work using my phone, so I can't do a picture at the moment, I'll try to do one asap
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/E3287E69-C38F-4882-AA55-E02826889305.png_zpsex8sa5uf.jpeg (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/E3287E69-C38F-4882-AA55-E02826889305.png_zpsex8sa5uf.jpeg.html)
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/67586483-3B14-49C7-87A0-136014FB0D26.png_zpsfcxkm0fo.jpeg (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/67586483-3B14-49C7-87A0-136014FB0D26.png_zpsfcxkm0fo.jpeg.html)
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/CBC4DAEC-BED8-4A97-BD99-D1DA966ADB5B_zpsinwy51in.png (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/CBC4DAEC-BED8-4A97-BD99-D1DA966ADB5B_zpsinwy51in.png.html)

[Sharky]

that is one hell of a backpack on the shell!

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

More pics up at tformers.com (http://tformers.com/botcon-2015-final-boxset-figure-reveal-the-bounty-hunter/26416/news.html).

It looks so ridiculous that I want it.

[griffin]

I like the idea of it, and would have loved this if it were done by 3H... but being in the hands of FunPub, it's tainting the excitement a little for me.
But I accept that it is a necessary evil, as they are the only people who would get approval to produce these sorts of things officially.

Just noting that Boss Fight Studio (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=697395450388308&id=305261242935066) were responsible for the Pretender shell. They are the ones producing the various new heads for FunPub, and they've been doing full figures of non-Transformers characters in the past (http://news.toyark.com/2014/08/18/new-boss-fight-studios-vitruvian-h-c-k-s-summer-njcc-2014-135998)... and this is a fairly simple design (a solid piece of plastic with a hinge on the back and moving arms and head).

So with Hasbro approving this pretender shell, it opens up the door for more non-convertible items that are done by a third party - like more pretender shells and even Actionmasters.

[SuspectimusPrime]

It's more of a Targetmaster Pretender than a Double Pretender :p Guess it beats two crappy legends scale figures.

[Krayt]

Hmmmm.....

I just thought.... doesn't the TFSS have a secret Legend sized figure in it.... Alot to splash out on for a Legend... but another of these....

[SuspectimusPrime]

Hmmmm.....

I just thought.... doesn't the TFSS have a secret Legend sized figure in it.... Alot to splash out on for a Legend... but another of these....

Good point, there does seem to be a lot of room in there (http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=view&album=26416&pic=02.jpg&dispsize=600&start=0&sl=botcon-2015-final-boxset-figure-reveal-the-bounty-hunter).

[UltraMarginal]

This is a pretty big deal I think. last year a Headmaster re-tool, this year a whole new pretender shell, I've never really had a great love for pretenders but I think they've done really well with this. I hope the final model clips shut, but otherwise I think it's great.

[Lord_Zed]

That is kind of cool, being the only new pretender toy with a shell since the 80's .

[reillyd]

That is kind of cool, being the only new pretender toy with a shell since the 80's .

And what's better than a new toy design? An UNRELEASED design!

[fatbot]

the brochure is up, a total of $us1009, for the boxset, golden ticket & Frank Welker VIP ticket

http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/StCharles2015.pdf

$us120 for custonising class.

may have airport shuttle bus

[UltraMarginal]

wow, the golden ticket has gone up $100 from last year!
but it does include some Frank Welker extras that make it less appealing to get the Frank Welker Package as well. It's good of them to provide the two options.

it's pretty exciting, wish I was going.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

The inclusion of the Pretender shell has piqued my interest, but much like Scorponok last year, I feel that it should have been a general release for the anniversary or something.

Hats off to funpub for pulling that off though, although it still isn't enough for me to want to give them my money ever again. If I were still a club member, I'd probably be pretty happy with this box set. Aside from that super lazy SG Stepper/ricochet/boredom character.

[Zippo]

Wow, look at those prices!

[griffin]

I wonder if they will rush out the Registration for this weekend... or give people a week to digest the brochure.
I'm hoping it is next week, so that I'm back to be able to more easily register.

They said that they would be trimming back on toy numbers this year, but maybe they only meant the at-show toys, as the boxset figures have double the amount of loose sets to last year, which would mean a LOT less boxsets than last year if the total number was indeed reduced.
Last year had 1600 boxsets and 250 loose sets.
This year has 500 loose sets, which would mean about 1350 boxsets if they have the same total number as last year.

The boxset price is lower than I had predicted, but not by much.

The two pre-con tours are pretty much what I expected, as there isn't too much for tourists in Chicago.

The increase in Golden Ticket price AND an additional 10 tickets available, is a lot of extra money for them... which I hope is helping pay for the guests like Welker.

Seeing that you get an autograph and photo with Welker for the GT, plus close to the front seating at his panel (just a couple rows back from the front for the VIP pass holders), I'm not sure if I might get the VIP pass now.
The exclusive pin and print isn't that desirable as they will probably just end up in a box somewhere as worthless trinkets... but the personal signing of something is really the only thing I'd want, but maybe not for $200 (which is the only thing extra I would be getting for the $200). The Golden Ticket holders get an autograph card with his signature on it, which is all I care about when it comes to autographs.

I wonder if the Custom Class will have the alternate colour Pretender Shell with a small inner toy... just to get a little more usage from the mould.

The Saturday night dinner is a more formal event this year, which I like having something mature/serious at the convention.

[fatbot]

I wonder if they will rush out the Registration for this weekend... or give people a week to digest the brochure.
I'm hoping it is next week, so that I'm back to be able to more easily register.


The two pre-con tours are pretty much what I expected, as there isn't too much for tourists in Chicago.



I wonder if the Custom Class will have the alternate colour Pretender Shell with a small inner toy... just to get a little more usage from the mould.

The Saturday night dinner is a more formal event this year, which I like having something mature/serious at the convention.

As much as I'd like to get the VIP ticket, I won't be, I don't think its worth it.

with regards to registration, why not ask a family member or friend to do it for you if you're still in Hong Kong?

[griffin]

If they start Registration at their usual time of around 7am EAST on Saturday, I should be okay to do it from here, as I'm likely to spend the day in Macau, and can leave as late as I want... but with the VIP pass no longer having the same appeal, while the GT is US$100 more, I just want more time than a couple days to decide what to do.
You just never want to find out later, that the VIP people were treated to something spontaneous and unplanned with Welker that you would have considered worth the $200 if you'd known about it happening.


When you take into account the exchange rate, the US$809 for just the Boxset and GT, is over a Grand in AU$. :(
Plus the cost of a pre-con tour and custom class, AND a set of the 7+ at-show toys... that's going to be another US$550-600 (or about AU$800), before a dollar is even spent in the dealer room.
I can imagine people with dealer tables are making less profit-after-expenses these days, as less people go to BotCon, and less people who do go are having as much money left to spend on non-Convention purchases.


(BTW fatbot, don't txt me if it does start this weekend while I'm away, but if I see it first, I'll send you a txt... just don't reply to it, as it will cost us both money.)

[griffin]

Some interesting bits about this year's BotCon.

Hasbro/FunPub are again prohibiting unlicensed/unauthorised toys based on Transformers characters (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/report-3rd-party-transformers-products-banned-from-botcon-2015-182593/)... which they did a few years ago, but then went back to not caring in the last couple years.

Plus, Jon and Karl Hartman have decided to sell of the rest of their collection (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/jon-and-karl-hartman-sell-their-collection-at-botcon-2015-182590/) at this BotCon, covering 1998 to 2006 when they stopped collecting. It was also the year that they sold off half of their collection of pre-1998 toys, and a lot of good prices were had by many.
I'm surprised that they sat on over a thousand toys for the last nine years, and it is sad that it is them finally done with Transformers, after being such iconic collectors in the fandom, who set the bar in terms of sheer numbers and rarities.

The last of the Boxset toys (Oilmaster) has had its official pre-production images added to the BotCon website (http://www.botcon.com/botcon2015/bc15bountyhunter.cfm).

[TAAUBlaster]

Wow, I would love to go shopping at the Hartman's booth.

[UltraMarginal]

Well you fellas better take out a loan so you can shop at the Hartmans booth. That is certainly going to be an interesting aspect of the dealer room this year.

[jazzcomp]

Oh man, wish I could see that sale.

[griffin]

I imagine that at the end of the Sunday, anything unsold will be auctioned off like in 2006. There might not be a lot left that is of high demand, but it could still yield a bargain if it is something you personally really want.

[reillyd]

This sounds like its going to be an amazing experience for those going.
Can I ask though, how hard is it to get to St. Charles, IL?
I can see flights to direct to Chicago, but not from Brisbane to St Charles.

I'm a complete newbie traveler and don't want a stressful "Amazing Race" style trip, but these convention toys, the customising class, and the dealer room sound really really cool. I'm also thinking that if I don't make up my mind quick-smart, then I'd miss out on the opportunity to book a customising class.

[griffin]

St Charles is like Ipswich to Brisbane... it is about an hour from the CBD of Chicago, and doesn't have a major airport.
To get there, you need to fly to Chicago, and find your way by road/rail to the Hotel - either by taxi, shuttle bus or trains.

[fatbot]

This sounds like its going to be an amazing experience for those going.
Can I ask though, how hard is it to get to St. Charles, IL?
I can see flights to direct to Chicago, but not from Brisbane to St Charles.

I'm a complete newbie traveler and don't want a stressful "Amazing Race" style trip, but these convention toys, the customising class, and the dealer room sound really really cool. I'm also thinking that if I don't make up my mind quick-smart, then I'd miss out on the opportunity to book a customising class.

Use Google maps. Search for ohare airport to st Charles & click on public transport. From memory, it's a train, then bus, then train, then taxi for travel time of 2.5 - 3 hours

[reillyd]

Thanks guys, good advice. I found a taxi finder service that estimates it at around 75-80 usd by taxi, but I'm guessing there would be cheaper shuttle runs to hotels than that.

From your experiences is it worth getting a golden ticket? 400 is a huge amount, and could buy an extra boxed set. While it would certainly be nice to buy extra souvenirs, I think two boxed sets is going to take up most of my luggage room anyway, unless there's some type of shipping service you all usually use to get your booty back home? Also do the panels run out of room pretty quick and that's why people get the VIP ticket for the first few rows?

Argh so many questions, lol. Also the day long customising does it run in conflict with the panels, or is it on an earlier day? Or multiple days?

[Krayt]

Botcon emailed/tweeted/fb'ed that regstration will not be before thursday

[fatbot]

Thanks guys, good advice. I found a taxi finder service that estimates it at around 75-80 usd by taxi, but I'm guessing there would be cheaper shuttle runs to hotels than that.

From your experiences is it worth getting a golden ticket? 400 is a huge amount, and could buy an extra boxed set. While it would certainly be nice to buy extra souvenirs, I think two boxed sets is going to take up most of my luggage room anyway, unless there's some type of shipping service you all usually use to get your booty back home? Also do the panels run out of room pretty quick and that's why people get the VIP ticket for the first few rows?

Argh so many questions, lol. Also the day long customising does it run in conflict with the panels, or is it on an earlier day? Or multiple days?

I'm not the best to answer, this will be my first.

[Demonac]

I can answer a few of your questions.
-Try to fly in a few days early (maybe spend a few days in LA).
-The panels don't generally fill out, unless there is an in-demand guest, or it is the Hasbro panel.
-Get used to waiting in queues.
-For getting to the airport & back, consider hiring a limo (this works well if you are not travelling alone).
-When you get into the dealer room Friday afternoon, try not to hyper-ventilate. If something is reasonably priced, grab it...if it's expensive wait till Sunday to haggle with cash.
-You can get items shipped back, but if you are creative with your packing you might be able to bring it all with you.

[Megatran]

This is new to me. How do I get my hands on:
The Boss (Megatron)
Stepper

[UltraMarginal]

The convention box set is sold as a box set, those who buy the box set generally have the option to buy a loose bagged set while stocks last. The only way you can cherry pick from the set is if someone else offers the individual figures on the aftermarket.

These are the only figures revealed before the convention.

At the convention they reveal the exclusive attendee freebie figure and convention souvenir figures. there are normally 3 different souvenir sets sold in bags. they usually average out to $100US per bag.

the initial visit to the convention store only allows an attendee to pick up one of everything, which unless they don't want it themselves is all going to be for them. Golden ticket holders can get 3 or each of the exclusives, but they are paying an extra US$400 for the privilege so if you are buying these from someone be prepared to help cover the convenience tax.

I recommend reading through some of Griffins previous Botcon trip reports and botcon preparation posts.

here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20043&highlight=botcon+2014&page=2)
here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=18813&highlight=botcon+2014)
here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=15564&highlight=botcon+advice)and
here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11145&highlight=botcon+report).

There are only a couple people going to the convention and shopping at the club store during the convention weekend is a time consuming thing that will generally use up valuable time that could be used going to panels, getting guest signatures, meeting artists or checking out the art competition entries or any of the other displays around the convention. Keep in mind that if someone does offer to pick something up for you, they will need to travel with it as well.

Having said that, people here tend to be happy to go out of their way for others, if someone offers to pick stuff up for you, it's not guaranteed till they do get hold of it, they might get sidetracked with convention events, or the item might even sell out. Either way it's nice to make sure you make it clear how appreciative you are of their efforts, even if you end up with nothing to show for it.

Alternate avenues are through retailers like BBTS, the chosen prime, Tf source or maybe Robotkingdom.




@reillyd, if you do go, I recommend packing one big bag lightly and buying a box there for your second bag on the way home. packing and storage companies tend to sell boxes that exactly meet the maximum dimension requirements for international travel. you just need to make sure any connecting 'domestic' flights you have will accept the same bags. this is usually the case but worth making sure with your travel agent before you leave.

Keep in mind you should be able to bring your convention box set on board as your personal item as well as a small piece of carry on luggage(backpack). in the past I've taken either bubble wrap or Styrofoam sheet to wrap it in and put inside a large paper shopping bag to then carry on. a great way of protecting it during international travel.

[reillyd]

I'm still on the fence about going, but will stop off at the travel centre this afternoon and see if I can get hotel bookings. I know registration will go up soon, but am worried that the customising class will sell out while I'm asleep.
If I can't enroll I think I'll just order a non attending package and ebay the attendee figure
Does it usually go quickly? I know Griffin you went last time - any idea how long it lasted before selling out?

[UltraMarginal]

back in 2011, the custom class sold out in less than an hour, but since then it is more than double the number of seats and Funpub have made the figure available as a pre-assembled unpainted figure which reduces the demand for the class. it still sells out, but I think it takes at lest a few hours now.

in past years I've shared my number with those planning on going and we've sms's each other as soon as we've seen that rego is open, it has allowed people to get on and register early.

I actively follow the club and Botcon on Twitter so if you like you can PM me your number and when I see it's live I can sms you to make sure you're up. it usually happens between about 7 and 9 am here. and might happen tomorrow, or it might happen next week, or some time later:rolleyes:

the brochure has been out for pretty much a week now so they are likely to pull the trigger on registration sooner rather than later.

[griffin]

My feeling is Saturday morning (our time), as they often like to open it up on Friday afternoon (their time)... so that their office isn't inundated with phone-calls for help.

They did say recently that it wouldn't be before Thursday (their time), so it is possible that they might open it up during their Thursday... which means any time from now really. But they had so many problems with their JoeCon registration last month, this one could be delayed for any number of weeks as well.

So keep checking their twitter, as last year they gave us about 8 hours notice before it started. And have your credit card ready with plenty of available credit.

BTW, if you are planning on going or getting a non-attendee set, make sure your membership is bought and activated before Registration begins.

[reillyd]

Thank you for the kind offer UltraMarginal, that would be awesome. I'll send you a PM now.

I'm paying for my plane tickets on Saturday, and decided to go regardless. But it would be cool to get into the custom class nonetheless :)

[fatbot]

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/8DE7E2EE-08D1-4914-BD39-0A71375E5424.png_zpsiiedzymu.jpeg (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/8DE7E2EE-08D1-4914-BD39-0A71375E5424.png_zpsiiedzymu.jpeg.html)

No need to worry this week


Thank you for the kind offer UltraMarginal, that would be awesome. I'll send you a PM now.

I'm paying for my plane tickets on Saturday, and decided to go regardless. But it would be cool to get into the custom class nonetheless :)



are you going straight to Chicago or stopping off in LA first?
Either way, it's great news, one more Ozformer!

[CHILENO20]

Thank you for the kind offer UltraMarginal, that would be awesome. I'll send you a PM now.

I'm paying for my plane tickets on Saturday, and decided to go regardless. But it would be cool to get into the custom class nonetheless :)

Highly recommended the custom class if you can get in. I did it with UltraMarginal in 2011, lots of fun!

[reillyd]

are you going straight to Chicago or stopping off in LA first?
Either way, it's great news, one more Ozformer!

Straight to Chicago a few days before, and then a four day stop-over in LA to see Universal Studio's Transformers ride, and Disneyland's Star Wars one.

My travel agent is trying to get me some accomodation close to the the convention, as Pheasant and the surrounding hotels are booked out. I should have booked earlier, but it was a spontaneous decision.

[griffin]

Fatbot has a reservation at a nearby hotel, so maybe he can put your name on the registration, and if he ends up sharing with me you'd have it all to yourself... and if he doesn't share with me (or if something prevents me from going), he still has a room to fall back on that he could share with you.
That way he doesn't need to cancel the registration - having your name added to it means you both could use it if you need to, or just one of you without needing the other to check-in under their name.

But that's up to him, so maybe talk to him about it.

[fatbot]

Fatbot has a reservation at a nearby hotel, so maybe he can put your name on the registration, and if he ends up sharing with me you'd have it all to yourself... and if he doesn't share with me (or if something prevents me from going), he still has a room to fall back on that he could share with you.
That way he doesn't need to cancel the registration - having your name added to it means you both could use it if you need to, or just one of you without needing the other to check-in under their name.

But that's up to him, so maybe talk to him about it.

I have no problems with that scenario.

Also, you may want to get prices for going to LA first, when I got my flights, it worked out to be over $400 cheaper to fly out of Sydney on the 11th & stay visit LA for 4 nights before going to Chicago

[griffin]

Also, you may want to get prices for going to LA first, when I got my flights, it worked out to be over $400 cheaper to fly out of Sydney on the 11th & stay visit LA for 4 nights before going to Chicago

YES... be aware that the peak/off-peak season starts on or near the 12th of June, so if you are looking to spend 4-5 days in LA, do it before Chicago, as you can save $400-800 on your flights by sneaking in before the peak season starts.

Ask your travel agent when the peak season cut-off is, and if you can adjust your travel plans around it.
Also, always do a bit of reconnaissance on one or two major airlines website first before you go into a travel agent... so that you know what to expect, and if they are giving you a good deal.
I usually check QANTAS and V-Australia websites and write down the different pricing options for different date scenarios, and work out my travel plans around any date/price options are significantly cheaper.
Then when I go to the travel agent, I already have preferred dates and expected prices ready, and see if they can do better.

Think of it being like going to buy a second hand car for a couple thousand dollars from a car yard - don't just walk in and tell them some rough ideas of what you want and they give you the options that work best for their commissions... do your homework first so that you don't get shafted, and you get the best/cheapest deal possible for your required dates.

The first one is always the scariest, and nerve-wracking, but at least you are old enough to be aware of what you need, and what options are best for you if presented with several options. I was only a few years past 20 when I went on my first International trip to Botcon, which I organised all myself without any help or tips from others... but the trips (and international travel in general) gets easier and easier to do. :)

[fatbot]

I asked them last night if/when they will post prices for at show toys, they reckon some time this week


Box picture
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/5A553FF3-A4AB-46A1-A24A-CAAC1B2DCF9E.png_zpsmlbfmnnr.jpeg (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/5A553FF3-A4AB-46A1-A24A-CAAC1B2DCF9E.png_zpsmlbfmnnr.jpeg.html)

[reillyd]

I've been fortunate to find accommodation at a Best Western on Main Street, only five minute taxi from the Pheasant Run Resort. But thanks for the suggestions, and it would be nice to meet up at Botcon. I think it's going to be a blast :)

[griffin]

The title on the box bugs me for being bad grammar.
I thought it was "Cybertron's Most Wanted", but now it sounds wrong in my head when I say "Cybertron: Most Wanted".
It doesn't even make sense to me. It's almost like it is copying a TV show title, but I don't recognise it.

[jazzcomp]

TV show is America's Most Wanted

[Paulbot]

Logo looks closer to the Muppets Most Wanted logo...

[fatbot]

I've been fortunate to find accommodation at a Best Western on Main Street, only five minute taxi from the Pheasant Run Resort. But thanks for the suggestions, and it would be nice to meet up at Botcon. I think it's going to be a blast :)

Sweet!

When you getting into Chicago?

[griffin]

An update on the Hartman's collection sale...

They expect to have 4 tables, to sell at least 1200 toys, from the following lines (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-conventions-get-togethers/1040595-jon-karl-hartmans-big-collection-sell-off-botcon-part-2-a-post12500794.html)...

123 Transformers
20th Anniversary
Alternators
Animorphs
Armada
Beast Machines
Beast Wars (1998-2001)
Beast Wars 10th Anniversary
Big Adventures (Gobots)
Built to Rule
Commemoratives (Series 1-9)
Cybertron
Cybertron Micro
Energon
Go-Bots (2003)
Heroes of Cybertron
Robots in Disguise (2001-2003)
Universe (2003-2005)
Generation 2 UK (4 items)
Beast Wars UK (8 items)


And just like in 2006 (which was the year I missed), they won't be taking anything home, so they will be priced to clear, and to come by at the end of the Sunday, which should mean another auction of all unsold items (like in 2006).
(hopefully FunPub don't have any good panels at the end of Sunday, so that I can at least witness the clearing out of unsold items at the end of the day)

Karl Hartman has noted that almost everything is retail versions, but there are variants... so I'd expect that some variants are rarer than others.
They don't yet think there will be anything super rare, but if they do, it will be added here (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-conventions-get-togethers/1040595-jon-karl-hartmans-big-collection-sell-off-botcon-part-2-a-2.html).


I'm excited that they have the Playskool Gobots and Big Adventures toys, which I'm missing a few from the last year... so hopefully I don't have any competition.
(another benefit of the Golden Ticket is first-in-line for the Dealer Room... so at least I should be able to get in first if I get a GT)

[UltraMarginal]

that's pretty insane, I don't think I'd know where to start with my shopping list. though a lot of this that I would be interested in I might have especially compared to when they sold off all their G1 stuff.

Other sellers are going to be a bit frustrated I imagine, as word gets out about this they will for sure be most peoples first port of call in the dealer room and a lot of people will be holding out till the sunday afternoon with their cash to grab a bargain on whatever they have left.

based on the thread you posted a link to, Jon already has nearly 2000 transformers he's planning on bringing to sell.

[griffin]

Yes... for most people, between the $400-ish cost of FunPub at-show toys and Hartmans toys, there will be even less money left in people's pockets than usual for the other dealers in the Dealer Room. I certainly don't open the wallet much in the Dealer Room anymore after spending a heap of money at the Club Store, and getting as much of the Retail items as possible before the Convention.

The Hartmans tables will be my first port of call on the Friday for the Playskool toys, and then Sunday will be the spectacle worth watching.

[griffin]

This year's Registration is now officially the shortest period before the Convention starts... and there has been no hint at it starting in the next few days. :(

I feel bad for those who will be going for their first this year, because it is so much more of a panic organising your travel plans before Registration has started, because you don't know what you are in for before you have to lock in your expensive travel & accommodation.

I remember how bad it felt in 2010 when it felt like last-minute for me, but I didn't realise it was still 6 weeks before the convention. Back then I would wait until Registration before booking flights, so that I didn't spend more time than I needed (or not enough time), which means missing out on cheap seats or whole flights when it is that close.
Now that I tend to plan and book before Registration (and look for options to fill in time if needed), I don't get as stressed out... but I'd be a nervous wreck this year if I had waited.

[fatbot]

It's really starting to shit me that these fools can't get their act together & get registration started. Surely Hasbro needs to do something about how inept Funpub is.

[prjkt]

this just came through the emails

Hello Everyone!

We are in final testing for the registration system now. So I'm gong to say it won't be up this week. I'll give you an update at the first of next week. Thanks for your patience!

See you in St. Charles!

Brian

[fatbot]

What a crock, if I haven't already paid the airfares, I'd tell em to piss off

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

The title on the box bugs me for being bad grammar.
I thought it was "Cybertron's Most Wanted", but now it sounds wrong in my head when I say "Cybertron: Most Wanted".
It doesn't even make sense to me. It's almost like it is copying a TV show title, but I don't recognise it.
The only way it would work is if that person's desk had mulptiple planets with most wanted lists.
Betelgeuse 5:
Mostwanted
Alpha Centaur:
Most wanted

I guess.

Mind you, fun pub, has never, really, had a grip on, grammar.

[fatbot]

There may be a 4th ozformer coming along, still early days so no names no pack drills.

[griffin]

Ooo... mystery. :p


So, another week wait... and that's IF it is ready by next weekend.
Monday is 30 days before the start of the convention (which I count as Wednesday, as there are events and package pickup on that day), so if it is next Weekend, that will be just 25 days... or a little more than 3 weeks for most people to head off to America for the convention. :mad:

[UltraMarginal]

it boggles the mind how they seem to get less organised year after year.

[griffin]

it boggles the mind how they seem to get less organised year after year.

I know... it just doesn't make sense.

They started the online registration in 2010, so they've had 10 Conventions use it, and yet each one gets later and later before they can "get it working".
So where has all that money (online processing fee) gone? They never charged a fee when you had to fax in the forms, so after 10 conventions of at least 1000 orders each time (probably a lot more than that), with at least $5 processing fee... that's well over US$50,000 raised just from the fee that was supposed to be one-off in 2010. I'm sure that could have paid for a really good website by now.


At least with the manual registration method before 2010, it was out fairly early... usually 3 months before the Convention started, so it was enough time to know what you are signed up for (or if you got a boxset to be worth going), and still get the cheaper airfares or wait a 2-3 weeks for a sale.
So maybe FunPub should consider falling back to the old manual method (allowing for emailing in copies as well as faxing), if the online Registration website isn't working before a set date (like 2 months before the convention).

[griffin]

A prelude to this year's BotCon comic has been posted up on twitter (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-packrat-mini-comic-182717/). It isn't in the BotCon comic, and just gives us a little look at Packrat.

[Paulbot]

Do you think FunPub have ever heard about Eventbrite? Or one of the other off the shelf event management software tools out there? Hell you could do it with Surveymonkey.

[Sinnertwin]

Do you think FunPub have ever heard about Eventbrite? Or one of the other off the shelf event management software tools out there? Hell you could do it with Surveymonkey.

is that a trick question, hmmm? O_o

[reillyd]

May 13 update says not this week. Looks like we can sleep well this weekend without missing it. We'll probably be screwed though if they don't give advance notice though, or the credit card processor rejects us.

UltraMarginal kindly offered to send me a text. Is anyone else doing a SMS-chain?

[fatbot]

May 13 update says not this week. Looks like we can sleep well this weekend without missing it. We'll probably be screwed though if they don't give advance notice though, or the credit card processor rejects us.

UltraMarginal kindly offered to send me a text. Is anyone else doing a SMS-chain?

I'm doing a phone call/text to both Griffin & Paul Agnew, PM me if you want me to add you to the list

[CHILENO20]

May 13 update says not this week. Looks like we can sleep well this weekend without missing it. We'll probably be screwed though if they don't give advance notice though, or the credit card processor rejects us.

UltraMarginal kindly offered to send me a text. Is anyone else doing a SMS-chain?

SMS chain works wonders, definately helped me when registration came up back in 2011. Good luck to all & I hope you all get what you're after :)

[Megatran]

Is Botcon predominantly male attendees or is there a healthy presence of female fans as well?

[griffin]

Many of the females are in costumes... but if you've looked through my reports and photos (http://toycollectors.com.au/botcon.html), you probably see about 5-10% of people being females (with some of them just being partners of fans who are dragged along to the event, or being used by their partners to buy extras of exclusives for reselling).

[griffin]

30 days until the start of the convention (our time) and still no registration. :(

For those going, CHECK your passport to make sure it is currently valid and has 6 months past your time in America, as they may not let you into the country. If you still need a passport, you might still have time if you pay extra for a rush on it.

Also, CHECK your US Visa Waiver registration as well if you already have one (they only last for 2 years), or get it done now (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?language=en) if you don't have one. It is about US$10-14 for 2-years of unlimited usage, which prevents the need to fill out a paper form when entering America. (I'd prefer the free paper forms... but the fee came in a couple years after it went automated, purely for revenue raising.)


Some updates...

A fourth feature guest has been hinted (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/599315659546185728), but not yet revealed... so maybe has something to do with the Hall of Fame and won't be doing much else at the convention.
After being spoiled in the last two years of heaps of guests (due to BotCon being in California where many live or work), this scaling back to just three or four feature guests feels more significant because of the remoteness of the location being a negative factor this year as well.

For those still weighing up their options for getting between the airport and the Resort, FunPub are still promising (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/600449903790301184) to provide details or a discount.

A third page of the Comic prelude has been released (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/600448916149112832), featuring Thrustinator, Packrat and Heinrad, which sets up the Convention Comic and confirms its setting within the FunPub multi-verse of Axiom Nexus.
There will be a three page preview of the actual Convention Comic later this week (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/600449128729042944).

And for those going, the Saturday night auction is regular cash, not "Casino Dollars", as there doesn't appear to be a Casino night this year... and they will take credit cards (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/599316201433538561), so go nuts. :p
(actually, I think since it is regular cash, there is less chance for a good win, as some years when there are a lot of items, a lot go cheap)
I wonder if there will be some sort of credit voucher for Golden Ticket holders in place of the bonus Casino Dollars in previous years. When there is a Casino night, Golden Ticket holders get $1100 Casino dollars in their Primus Pack for the auction, compared to just $100 Casino dollars for regular Primus pack people. Since the GT is $100 more this year, I would hope that we aren't getting less out of it by not having something for the auction.

[griffin]

Also, CHECK your US Visa Waiver registration as well if you already have one (they only last for 2 years), or get it done now (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?language=en) if you don't have one. It is about US$10-14 for 2-years of unlimited usage, which prevents the need to fill out a paper form when entering America. (I'd prefer the free paper forms... but the fee came in a couple years after it went automated, purely for revenue raising.)


Give yourself 20-30 minutes for this, as I just did mine and they are asking a lot of information now. A lot more than the previous three times I applied (and the first one was free before the tax was added in 2010).

It makes me concerned that they are demanding so much information now, in place of that one small piece of paper you used to have to fill out and hand in. There is so much information being asked that is just for them to create a massive database of interlinked information of people for intercepting or tracking down terrorists... which feels like a massive invasion of privacy for those of us who are law-abiding citizens just visiting for a toy convention.
At least a number of options allow for "Unknown" to be added in the "required fields"... so click on the blue question-marks to see what you can fill out with "unknown" if you don't want to give them so many details.


To help you a little with the filling out of the location details, as there is a time limit for completing the application form...

Pheasant Run Resort
4051 East Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois 60174
(0011 1) 630 584 6300

[griffin]

Looks like we might have some more at-show toys revealed (to go with the black DLX Skids and army camo VOY Roadbuster)... four different decos of the GEN DLX Waspinator toy (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1042203-possible-generations-waspinator-redecoes.html).

Three are likely to be the three pack, while the fourth could be in a 2-pack with something else if these four have a major role in their comic story. (like the Scourge and Sweeps in 2009)

The left one looks to be based on the Foxkids Transmetal Waspinator (which FunPub had as its , while the one on the right has similar colours to the 2005 BotCon Virulent Clone (if true, the last two years have had a lot of BotCon homage toys).

The middle two have very familiar colours, but I can't quite put my finger on what they are trying to look like.

Some speculation on other sites include Beeline (BotCon Doublepunch's bee) or BW Inferno for the one on the right... Bugbite or Bugly for the white/pink one... unreleased Halloween Horrorcon Waspinator for the dark purple/black one.

[griffin]

I can't shake the feeling that the purple/black one looks like something from the JP Beast Wars era... or RID-2010/Car Robots Megatron.

[UltraMarginal]

are there seekers that these colour palettes approximate? waspinator carried Starscreams ghost for a while...

[fatbot]

They've stated on Twitter that registration, when it finally goes up, will be in business hours. I'm guessing 9am local time, which works out to be midnight Sydney time

[griffin]

That's not unusual, as they usually start at the end of their business day, which is early morning for us. Most years it seems to start at about 7-11am our time... which would be in the afternoon in Texas.

So it certainly isn't much help them "narrowing it down" to their business hours, as that's still a third of the day.

[CHILENO20]

Looks like we might have some more at-show toys revealed (to go with the black DLX Skids and army camo VOY Roadbuster)... four different decos of the GEN DLX Waspinator toy (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1042203-possible-generations-waspinator-redecoes.html).

Three are likely to be the three pack, while the fourth could be in a 2-pack with something else if these four have a major role in their comic story. (like the Scourge and Sweeps in 2009)

The left one looks to be based on the Foxkids Transmetal Waspinator (which FunPub had as its , while the one on the right has similar colours to the 2005 BotCon Virulent Clone (if true, the last two years have had a lot of BotCon homage toys).

The middle two have very familiar colours, but I can't quite put my finger on what they are trying to look like.

Some speculation on other sites include Beeline (BotCon Doublepunch's bee) or BW Inferno for the one on the right... Bugbite or Bugly for the white/pink one... unreleased Halloween Horrorcon Waspinator for the dark purple/black one.

I'm pretty sure the one on the left is meant to represent SG Waspinator, definately want that one. Hmmm, does that mean that maybe SG Megatron may be made?

[griffin]

The three page preview of the Convention Comic has been released, and even though it has a heap of characters running around, there is only one being blacked out... so you can probably guess that none of the others that aren't already toys, will be toys this year.

Page 1 (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/images15/botcon_2015_page_1.jpg)

Page 2 (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/images15/botcon_2015_page_2.jpg)

Page 3 (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2015/images15/botcon_2015_page_3.jpg)

[griffin]

Apparently the blacked out character on the third page was originally just a silhouette, but was quickly changed to be a bigger black block, because people were identifying it as the GEN DLX Scoop mould... which would confirm the rumour of a "Gen2 Hound" being done to partner with the "Gen2 Optimus" Roadbuster toy that was leaked a few weeks back.

So that's 7 so far leaked... plus the blue/grey Chopshop targetmaster (which would be paired with someone). And if Flywheels is included, that's another at-show toy, leaving just two left unknown (there are usually 9 at-show toys - two 2-packs, a 3-pack, the attendee figure, and Custom Class toy).

27 days till the start (according to the countdown clock on the BotCon site)... and still no registration.
Between this last-minute registration (for dealers and attendees), the ban on 3rd party products creating a backlash after two years of allowing it, having no rooms at the hotel or in the ones across the road, and being in the middle of no where (impacting on walkin numbers)... I can see this BotCon being very quiet this year, and a much smaller dealer room (because dealers need time to organise themselves, and if registration is too last minute, some will just not bother).

[griffin]

26 days to go, and still no word on if registration will be soon, or even this week.

Todays update (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2015-shirt-and-hat-revealed-and-a-group-shot-of-convetion-exclusive-toys-182799/) is for the hat and t-shirt for this year, plus a group shot of the boxset toys.

[fatbot]

26 days to go, and still no word on if registration will be soon, or even this week.

Todays update (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2015-shirt-and-hat-revealed-and-a-group-shot-of-convetion-exclusive-toys-182799/) is for the hat and t-shirt for this year, plus a group shot of the boxset toys.


https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/601516866583007232

the claim is tomorrow, if true, I reckon about 6am Sydney time
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/85515AA4-342E-4649-87F3-2FB8BE836A42.png_zpsc5gqsu1q.jpeg (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/85515AA4-342E-4649-87F3-2FB8BE836A42.png_zpsc5gqsu1q.jpeg.html)

[Trent]

i was going to type a big post among why they seem to not be able organize certain things, but I realized the answer is obvious...

Funpub is quite simply run by incompetent morons.

Is it true that there is still no shuttle to the venue??? So if you don't have a car you basically can't get there??

[UltraMarginal]

I was pretty easily able to find a shuttle service that would get you there. I posted about it right back at the start of the thread, so there is one, they just haven't' announced organising a discount with them or anyone else yet, through they did tweet at one point that they were going to announce something, eventually.

[griffin]

Well, it's about 7.50pm in Texas at the moment, so even if they manage to get it operational when they open at around 9-10am, that is from around midnight (East Australia) until mid-morning tomorrow.

Hmmm... it is probably best for me to stay up all night tonight, and contact others when it starts, like last year.

[fatbot]

Well, it's about 7.50pm in Texas at the moment, so even if they manage to get it operational when they open at around 9-10am, that is from around midnight (East Australia) until mid-morning tomorrow.

Hmmm... it is probably best for me to stay up all night tonight, and contact others when it starts, like last year.


I'm busy until 0230, then I'll be right to takeover the watch until 0900

[UltraMarginal]

i'll keep an eye out on Twitter and let you know if I see anything.

[fatbot]

i'll keep an eye out on Twitter and let you know if I see anything.

Don't worry too much, I'm working tonight, I'll have Twitter updating every few minutes from midnight

[griffin]

It's about 8.30am in Texas right now... so now the fun, uh wait, begins.

We could probably make a game out of how long it takes them to open up Registration today... if at all. :p


Okay... I'll keep this free of commentary posts, so that people don't see new posts and get excited.

[Krayt]

Okay... I'll keep this free of commentary posts, so that people don't see new posts and get excited.

TOO LATE!!!

But are there any updates about non-attending go live? Other years it's been a few days later, but with this lateness, who knows if it's both.... (Any joe club members know what happened there?)

[griffin]

TOO LATE!!!

But are there any updates about non-attending go live? Other years it's been a few days later, but with this lateness, who knows if it's both.... (Any joe club members know what happened there?)

Last year attendees were 10th of May, and non-attendees were 16th of May.... but being so late this year, the delay could be shorter.

The JoeCon this year had attendee registration open March 25th, and non-attendees from March 31st - so the same 6 day delay of BotCon last year.

I think it will be about the same this year for non-attendees.

[griffin]

Looks like it won't be for another 3-4 days as it is apparently a long weekend over there this weekend. (so it won't be until about Wednesday morning our time)

From their twitter feed...


We tested final Registration system yesterday. Couple minor issues need to be addressed, but no way to have ready by this afternoon.

Hopefully things should be ready to roll right after the Holiday.I don't like the sound of their "hopefully"... as it is not very inspiring coming from them.

That's going to bring it down to about 20 days before it starts... and little over 2 weeks before flying over there for most of us going.

[griffin]

At least they gave us early warning today, so people don't have to wait all day (or all night over here) to hear that it won't be starting today.


Now I'm off to see the fan rage on other fansites before I go to bed... :p

[fatbot]

The final guest ...

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/2C39D171-2366-4BBF-97A1-5699F6E2CC4D_zpskxtlxen6.png (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/2C39D171-2366-4BBF-97A1-5699F6E2CC4D_zpskxtlxen6.png.html)

Now if they would open registration, we'd be laughing

[griffin]

That's disappointing.
He's been a guest before and is already in the Hall of Fame... so why the need to keep him secret for so long. It's not like he's much of a talker to be able to do/say much at the convention, nor does he have a huge following as he is more of a hardcore-fan guest (he was a novelty to hear about his stories, but didn't have a huge audience).

[griffin]

That's disappointing.
He's been a guest before and is already in the Hall of Fame... so why the need to keep him secret for so long. It's not like he's much of a talker to be able to do/say much at the convention, nor does he have a huge following as he is more of a hardcore-fan guest (he was a novelty to hear about his stories, but didn't have a huge audience).

Apparently he hasn't been a guest at BotCon... but I'm sure he's been before. :confused:
Maybe he was just an attendee in the past then, or I'm thinking about the other Takara Designers who have been there (there have been a few).

Now I'm gonna have to go back through my BotCon reports to find out for sure which designers have been there before...

[griffin]

Instructional video for filling out this year's registration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KIStNv88h0)... which is good of them to have done, and suggests that it is ready to go.
(narrated by Brian)

For those planning to go, it is something to watch once or twice before they open up registration in a few days time.
It is also worth watching by those planning to get the non-attendee boxset, as that should be very similar.

ALSO - people planning to go, test out your log-in to the Club website and Store, as you don't want to be wasting time figuring it out when Registration opens up, as you need to log in to that first to get the member pricing.

[reillyd]

So is Memorial Day a public holiday (no business trading, therefore not available for registration that day) or do you think Monday (their time) it will go live?

[griffin]

They mentioned a long weekend, so I guess they aren't open Monday.
Keep an eye out though, but I don't think it will be started until Tuesday (Wednesday morning our time).

[TAAUBlaster]

I don't generally keep tabs on Botcon stuff, but is this normal behavior for their registration process? I mean it's only like 3 weeks away, and still they haven't opened up for registration yet.

[griffin]

I don't generally keep tabs on Botcon stuff, but is this normal behavior for their registration process? I mean it's only like 3 weeks away, and still they haven't opened up for registration yet.

It is getting normal for them, as each year is getting later and later ever since they set up this online version. The last two years have been terrible for the JoeCon, and this year it has affected BotCon as well.
They have all year to set up the order site, with generic items for all the things that don't change every year (it rarely changes)... items that they can then just re-title when the items are known at the time of the Brochure's release and open up the Registration.
It seems that they wait until they know what they are offering before they then update and test the system.

Before 2010 it was a fax in registration only, which was frustrating for different reasons (our different time-zone meant missing things that sold out fast like Custom Classes, if you had to go to the Post Office to fax in your form).
I think that they should have a back-up option of emailing and faxing in the old format forms, if they can't get the online system ready by a certain date before the convention (like 60 days). That way attendees (and dealers) can be reassured that they will be able to organise and plan properly with a minimum amount of time. Especially us long-distance attendees.

[griffin]

Looks like it might actually be today folks.

The FAQ says it should be today, and someone on TFW claims that they were told over the phone that it should be around 4pm Texas time (it's currently 2pm there)... and just a few minutes ago, a BotCon tweet was warning us that we really should watch the instructional video if we haven't already.

My credit card and phone are ready... but if it is anything like last year, the "soon" warning was still several hours before it started.

[griffin]

The link is up for registration (http://www.botcon.com/botcon2015/bc15register.cfm), but isn't working for me yet.

[griffin]

Other people seem to be experiencing a really huge lag on the system... I'm still waiting for the second screen to appear. :(

[jop]

Facebook post states: "We are turning the system off to address the issue and we will restart."

[griffin]

yeah... false alarm people. :(

After just half an hour and most people stuck on the second screen (I couldn't get past the registration screen), the system just seemed to fail under the weight of all the Americans trying to register... including non-attendees.

So if it comes back online today or soon, be aware that non-attendees might be able to order boxsets as well. (they might remove that option until later though, as a way of lightening the load on the system... but I don't think too many non-attendees would have been on there because they've always had a delay in the past)

[griffin]

Their facebook post (https://www.facebook.com/BotConOfficial/posts/981332658573860?comment_id=981345568572569&offset=0&total_comments=4&comment_tracking={%22tn%22%3A%22R%22}) that Jop quoted.

And now their twitter post (https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/603280948738686976)... and they never ended up tweeting that it was online.

From their email as well, which gives a little more detail on how bad it was...


We have temporarily turned off the 2015 BotCon Registration due to the load issue.
We are working with the service company to correct this problem.

Everyone is in the same situation, only a couple went through,
so it will basically it will be a re-start when turned back on.

Sounds like only two people managed to complete their registrations... so maybe the server is only able to process one person at a time. :p

[reillyd]

Very frustrating having it time out.... I'm going to wait for a few hours in case it comes up

[griffin]

Soooo tired.... and still another two hours before FunPub closes for the day, so it could be anytime until then for an announcement either way.

[griffin]

Hehehe... this is so sad because people were joking about it actually happening.

When you reload the eventman link (https://www.eventman.com/2015-BotCon) it has the official closure notice that FunPub must have set up for the actual closure of Registrations on June 5th... but the notice is now ominous, yet humorous.



Registration is now closed.

Late registration is available on-site at the Pheasant Run Resort.

Please come by the registration booth Friday, June 19, 9:30 am.

Available packages and booths will be sold on a first-come, first-served, basis.


With only two getting through, I think there should be a few spare boxsets available at the Convention... :p

[griffin]

Apparently they restarted it about 10 minutes ago, but had to shut it down again due to someone else this time...


The credit card company (Authorize.net) is experiencing an outage system wide which is causing a delay in the restart of BotCon registration. This is their issue and unrelated to our registration system.

Either they are really unlucky, or they are getting what they paid for if they went the cheap route.

[griffin]

It's now 4pm in Texas, and the credit card processor is still suffering a "major outage (https://status.authorize.net/)".

Email from FunPub...


We are watching AN's (credit card processor) status feed to see when they resolve their system wide outage. If they are not back online by 4:30 central time today. We will wait until tomorrow to start registration.

I'll advise when we have a status change.
That's in half an hour... if AuthorizeNet isn't back online by then, it's back to it tomorrow. And if that happens, hopefully it means first thing in the morning for them (which is midnight for us, and an "early" night).

No word on them splitting registration, so anyone wanting a non-attendee set, you'd better hop on as well when it starts.

[griffin]

AuthorizeNet is back online... dare they flick the switch to turn back on registration, or go home and just do it tomorrow?

[griffin]

Registration is back (https://www.eventman.com/2015-BotCon)... but very slow again. :(

And AuthorizeNet is downgraded its status to limited... so the plug might be pulled again.

People wanting a boxset or attending should try anyway.

[griffin]

Sigh... crashed properly this time.
People are either ending up on the JoeCon registration page after filling out their details, or forwarded to an error page (like I did).


Resource ID : 1. The request limit for the database is 180 and has been reached. See 'http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=267637' for assistance.
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.

[griffin]

Okay... they've called it a day.


In fixing the scaling issue, the programmer broke the packages for the event so we have to try again tomorrow. We are very frustrated with the programming company too!

Back again this time tomorrow then... :p

I'll post up a new News topic to get the attention of the non-attendees.

[UltraMarginal]

I'm sorry your being jerked around like this guy's. Hopefully tomorrow it goes smoothly at a reasonable time.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I'm sorry your being jerked around like this guy's. Hopefully tomorrow it goes smoothly at a reasonable time.

Agreed. With all the hassle I think this is the first time I'm not really lamenting not being able to attend (yet again)

[Sinnertwin]

is FunPub an actual registered business wanting to make money or a pet project that they run for shiggles?

[Trent]

What a bunch of incompetent tools. There is no excuse for this level of stupidity. I feel sorry for the people like Griffin that pretty much sat up the whole night getting jerked around.

And no, I do not consider this bad luck. A string of events like this reeks of people either not knowing what they are doing or trying to do it as cheaply as possible.

[reillyd]

I haven't had much sleep (every hour and then stayed awake at five onwards) and not relishing going without another night of sleep as I'm teaching. Grrrr.... A couple of people have offered to SMS, but I'd probably sleep through it if I weren't awake at that time. I'm just desperate to get into the customising class, but looks like it's only on for two sessions

That error message you posted is pretty ominous. A maximum load of 180 database connections is not a very good number, and won't stand up to the load. That's not just a bad programmer, it's a bad client who doesn't understand how much traffic he's going to get. I wish they'd put it up after business hours when the load will be lighter. Like our Timezone, lol

[MayzaPrime]

Didnt a similar issue happen with registrations last year... You would think that they would have learned their lesson. :rolleyes:

[Raptormesh]

I run an IT consultancy and teach it in a uni and their level of service is probably something i would use as a case study for students just to scare them. It's 2015 there are so many solutions out there, and if my guys could fix up a server that could handle 4k concurrent users without a sweat within a few days I wonder what sort of people are they using?

Are they using sickly hamsters?

[griffin]

Maybe they are using the server host I use for this site... no wait, at least you can eventually get on here. :p

[Demonac]

I have it from a very reliable source that this is the head of their IT dept.

http://i1355.photobucket.com/albums/q718/Demonac1/istock-18586699-monkey-computer-4b8653fa14a7eb233c2e91f27206eaa0798e21a3_zpsegitpp n0.jpg

[UltraMarginal]

I have it from a very reliable source that this is the head of their IT dept.

http://i1355.photobucket.com/albums/q718/Demonac1/istock-18586699-monkey-computer-4b8653fa14a7eb233c2e91f27206eaa0798e21a3_zpsegitpp n0.jpg

but this guy can use a laptop to register for Bing insurance while parachuting out of a plane with one arm tied behind his back, register the insurance, activate his parachute and then beat the laptop to the ground without breaking a sweat.

he's a pretty skilled chimp.

[griffin]

It's just about the start of the Texas work day, with it almost being 9am there right now.

The registration page (https://www.eventman.com/2015-BotCon) seems to be allowing for logging in, but won't go any further than that at this stage.

It could be a good sign.

Just like last night, get yourself ready by logging into the club store first and making sure that you've watched the instructional video.

[Krayt]

It was allowing that all day.... Kept getting my hopes up when the refresh took nearly a minute some times, but no sneaky registration so far!

[griffin]

It's live again... but for how long.

[griffin]

So much for fixing it. It's slower than it was yesterday, and we wouldn't have as many Americans trying yet, as the West Cost states are only just waking up.

[Sinnertwin]

i don't know how you kids do it, seriously, A+ for patience and commitment.

[griffin]

I just got a "runtime error"...


Runtime Error

Description: An application error occurred on the server. The current custom error settings for this application prevent the details of the application error from being viewed remotely (for security reasons). It could, however, be viewed by browsers running on the local server machine.

Details: To enable the details of this specific error message to be viewable on remote machines, please create a <customErrors> tag within a "web.config" configuration file located in the root directory of the current web application. This <customErrors> tag should then have its "mode" attribute set to "Off".