Post MiniComi 2011 entry: We're sorry we're so late! There's been a minor...accident...

Mini: Waah....so much dust...

Komi: To think we barely been away for a week! *ACHOO!*

Ninja: Here here *hands masks* let's start dusting...*brings out vacuum*

*title screen drops in*

*Vacuum sound running*

Mini and Komi and Ninja discuss!

Thank you!!

MiniComi was a success this year!

(And we still haven't fixed the broken rainbow effect...)

*Vacuum turns off*

Mini: There! Much better!

Komi: How did the place become so desolate and dusty in such a short time?

Ninja: Probably because of that...

*Yvonne's ghost floating in corner*

Mini&Komi: AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!! ;A;

*Yvonne's ghost leaves, disinterested*

Mini: Should...shouldn't we be catching that thing and handing it over to the MiniComi staff?

Komi: Yeah! They kept on saying that they're messing up the revival spell, and kept on getting a zombie instead!

Ninja: Well, we'll tell them later. I heard it takes forever to catch her "ghost" because--

Mini&Komi: We don't want to hear the story, thanks.

Komi: We would like to take this chance and thank all the artist and attendees at MiniComi this year! Thanks for your support and we're glad that you have enjoyed MiniComi this year!

Mini: We would also like to especially thank the artist who donated towards the artist prize, and sorry we didn't mention your names. We will make sure to correct this next year!

Komi: Of course, we would also like to thank Final aNix for them hosting the after-market concert. It was very enjoyable!

Ninja: Also, thanks to all the staff and volunteers of the event for helping us with running the event. They have created a great experience, and we hope to enjoy the event again next year!

Yvonne: Yoooooouuuuuuu'rrrreeee weeeeeellllllcoooommmeeeeee.......

Mini: EEEK! TAT *Grabs Komi*

Ninja: Though we would have preferred that you didn't die on us, Yvonne...You and your low constitution...

Komi: Yeah, none of the other staff members died--

Mini: Komi, be quiet...she's glaring! ;A;

*Yvonne's ghost leaves, still glaring*

Mini: Anyhow, hope that Yvonne will be revived soon...

Komi: Yeah, we do kinda need to start planning for next years MiniComi.

Ninja: Many people's response so far have been positive, and the staff are very keen on expanding the event while keeping the same quality up. They are, of course, looking into improving things such as the application and payment process, advertisement strategies and many other things for next year.

Komi: We will, of course, be looking into also keeping the things that were good the same, or up to the next level!

Mini: Yep! We understand that everyone has high hopes for MiniComi next year, and we hope to be able to fulfill those wishes!

*Yvonne's ghost comes floating back*

Mini: This...is really becoming disturbing...==U

Komi: I know...

Ninja: It's not like we can force her to leave or something--

*Shouting outside the room is heard*

Mini: Huh?

Komi: Who's that?

Ninja: Em...I think it might be a good time to get out of here. 0_0

Mini: What why--

*Huge crowd of people in ghostbusters gear rush into the room*

???: She's over there! GET HER!

Mini: KYAH!

???: Wait wait wait! You've startled her! Now she's going to run...

Komi: What?! What's going on!

???: Where is she? Where did she go???

???: Over there! No wait! Over here! No--

Mini: KOMI I'M SCARED! ;A;

???: Someone get some cash out and wave it around! See if that works!

???: Or get a Quebey! That works as well!

???: Even better, remind her she has a concert VIP ticket! She needs to comeback to see it!

Ninja: Mini! You okay????? Where are you???

???: I think I got something!...No wait just her elf ears! False alarm!

*Yvonne ghost swoops are camera*

Komi: NONONONO MY EQUIPMENT!

*camera fizzes, connection goes dead*

The end?

Last minute preparations! MiniComi is tomorrow!

Mini: Eh...I'm finally done...so tired...

Komi: I can't believe you made all three of us pull an all nighter to do this...

Mini: Ehehehehe, sorry...^^;;; I'll buy you two lunch during MiniComi.

Ninja: ZZZZZzzzzzzzz......

Komi: Ninja-san's totally passed out...

Mini: So..should we do a run down again of MiniComi?

Komi: Sure! There has been some last minute changes, so we could mention that too.

Mini: Sure!

Getting to the market:
The directions for getting to the market maybe found at the following link: LINK
In short, we suggest people who drive to park at North Parkade, and people who come by bus to use the 99 B-line. Artists who drive who wish to use the loading bay of the SUB may find this by turning left at the SUB on Student Union Blvd.

MiniComi scheduling:
9:00 Artist check-in begin
10:00 Market opens
11:30 1st door prize draw
13:30 2nd door prize draw
15:30 3rd door prize draw
17:00 Market closes
18:30 Door opens for concert attendees
19:00 ~ 20:30 Final aNix concert

Market safety and security concerns:
Cosplay related concerns may be read at the following page: Cosplay rules of conduct
Security staff may be identified by their turquoise armbands. If you have any security concerns with regards to yourselves or anyone else, please mention it to one of them.
There will be prop/bag inspection at the door. Please adhere to the prop rules in the link above to prevent you from being bared from the market.
Security staff will only be present in the ballroom. Outside of the ballroom, we ask that you take care and keep an eye on your own belongings, thank you.

Coat check:
A small coat check area will be available near the entrance of the market.
This will also be open during the concert.
Coat check will be $2 each.

Door prize ticket sales:
Tickets are $2 each, and buy 5 get 1 free.
Each ticket get a chance in both the Artist Prize, and the MiniComi Prize.
For more details on the workings of the draw, please read the following page:  More about Door Prize Draw

Food/Snacks:
There will be limited numbers of restaurant open in the SUB. You may also head to the University village (Pass the bus loop along Wesbrook Mall, until you hit Shoppers. Walk east passed Regent College.) The University village has various food places in the underground cafeteria, on the ground floor, and on the 2nd floor.

Concert featuring Final aNix:
The doors will open at 18:30 for people to come in. Photographers/Video recorders who have spoken to the band before hand may come in earlier to find a good spot.
Coat check will be available at $2 each.
Cosplay and glow sticks encouraged. 50 glow sticks are available after noon at the raffle table at $2 each. They will also be sold before the concert if any are left.

Komi: That's pretty much everything right?

Mini: Yep yep! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the market!

Komi: Remember, cosplay encouraged, though not mandatory!

Ninja: zzzzzzz....

Mini: Ninja-san really is tired...^^;;;

Hoping to see everyone soon! Hope you all will enjoy the day!

Mini and Komi (and Ninja) discuss: Directions to MiniComi! (And also other stuff XD)

Mini: AAAAAHHHHHH!!!! KOMI!!! TAT *tackles*

Komi: Nani~~~~~~?????!!!!! ;A;

Mini: It's three days away!!!!!!

Komi: I know!!!!!!!

Ninja: Would you guys calm down? Please?...

*title screen drops in*

Mini and Komi discuss!

Directions!

Plus some other stuff XD

(Ah...the randow effect button is broken...*sadface*)

*Fads*

Komi: Things sure are going fast! MiniComi is this Saturday!

Ninja: Yep, and you can tell from Mini's reaction that it's soon...

Mini:Mustsewfastermustsewfastermustsewfaster...

Komi&Ninja: *thinks* Next time, don't procrastinate, again...

Ninja: Since Mini is busy sewing, I guess Komi and I will go over the directions for attendees and artist coming to MiniComi!

Komi: We understand that UBC is (in)famously large and maze like. Navigation is quite difficult especially when you are not familiar with the area.

Ninja: They say even alumni can get lost there...

Komi: First of, for people that are google map savvy, here is the SUB address.

6138 Student Union Boulevard Vancouver BC Canada V6T 1Z1

Komi: Just type this address in to google maps, and it'll show you the way to MiniComi quite quickly!

Ninja: For people who are driving, here is my suggestion.

Park at the North Parkade, which is just North of the SUB. It reduced the chance of you getting lost! For artists, if you wish to unload at the SUB and minimize carrying in your stuff, you may drive down to the loading bay area of the SUB. Here are some pictures to help! (Click for bigger picture!)

Map of general area (Thank you UBC for the map!)

1. 

What you'll see on Student Union Blvd (Courtesy of Google maps)

2. 

Slightly different angle of the abouve area (Also google maps provided)

3.

Ninja: There is a lift that you may use on the basement floor to get to the 2nd floor if you have any heavy items. Otherwise, just take the stairs to the 2nd floor and find the SUB ballroom!

That's the gist of driving to MiniComi. If I remember right, it will cost you a total of $12 for the parking for whole day. (This may have changed!)

Komi: For people coming by bus, it's really easy!

See? Really easy! (More google maps!)

Komi: Just cross the green field (aka Macinnes field) on either side, and enter the SUB! If you are taking the 14 or 4, the bus stop you get off at is a little further South of this bus loop. Just head North between the huge gym on the left and the grey building on the right, and you'll be at this bus loop!

Ninja: By the way, I recommend taking the 99 as the most efficient method of getting to UBC, since it is the most frequent, even on the weekends. It's also convenient as it connects to both the Canada line at Cambie/Broadway and the Millennium/Expo line at Commercial/Broadway.

Komi: Yep! Also, some buses that usually run to and from UBC are not available on weekends, or are really spaced out. So check translink or google maps if you are not sure!
Mini: Hey leave some for me!...Once you are inside the SUB, just head up to the very top floor. MiniComi will be held in the ballroom (see picture).

Komi: That's it about directions to MiniComi! If any of the artists have any questions, just email us. As for attendees, we will prefer you ask us over on the facebook group, or right here in the comments. (Though check back regularly for replies, we don't know why, but we can't seem to reply to comments TAT).

Mini: *rubs her fingers* My hands are sore....What other things do we have to talk about?

Ninja: Just some security reminders. As usual.

Komi: First off, the staff volunteering for security will be wearing turquoise armbands. They will some props/bags screening at the entrance, so adhere to the rules in the last two posts! If you have a security concern with regards to yourself or the market, please talk to one of them!

Ninja: Also, we'll like to remind attendees that MiniComi is strictly in the ballroom. As a result, we don't have any other volunteers patrolling outside of the room. Please take care of your belongings, and don't leave them lying around unless you have a good friend looking after them!

Komi: However, if you really really can't find a person to take care of it for you, you may use the coat check that will be set up close to the entrance of the ballroom. Coat check will be $2 per person.

Mini: Oh, and draw prize tickets will also be sold at the coat check station. Reminder, they are $2 each, and buy five, get one free!

Ninja: Think that's all there is to it at the moment?

Komi: Yep! If anyone has questions, ask away in the comments!

Ninja: We'll be happy to answer them!...Mini?

Mini: Musthemthismusthemthismusthemthis...

Komi&Ninja: Right back to work huh?...

MiniComi is three sleeps away! Go go go!!!! 8D

Mini and Komi discuss: Cosplay etiquette! (for general attendees)

Komi: Hi all, we're back!

Mini: This is a continuation of the last entry. If you haven't seen it, you can click here to go to it!

Komi: So here's the general attendees/photographers guidelines with regards to cosplay.

1. Please do not take up walkway areas within the the market space for pictures. We need to keep the walkways free of obstacles in the case of any emergency, thank you.

2. Please ask a cosplayer for permission before you take a picture of them. Taking a photo without asking first is often considered very rude for cosplayers. Also, refrain from taking pictures of cosplays if they are on a break (such as taking a drink of water, eating, sleeping/napping, etc).

3. Please do not force a cosplayer to take on poses they are not comfortable with.

4. Please be courteous towards cosplayers. Do not harass or pressure them in anyway for anything.

5. Any issues not addressed in the above rules will be decided at the discretion of the Minicomi staff and campus security

Mini: That was concise...

Komi: Well, a staff member said the last entry was too random and long...

Mini: But...but it's nice to explain the points....TAT

Komi: Just because people are in cosplay, it doesn't mean you can do anything you want. Remember, a no means a no! If a cosplayer asks you to not to take pictures or to leave them alone, don't bug them even more!

Mini: I'm pretty lucky in that I've never had any harassment or pressuring happen to me, but several of my friends have had the experience. It's a really horrible experience and ruins a lot of people's fun...

(Komi: That's actually because Ninja-san does so much to protect you when you're cosplaying Mini...Thank you so much Ninja-san...)

  

Komi: So yep, that's pretty much it. If anyone has questions, just ask in the comments!

Mini: Also, the staff would like to share the following information.

If you as an attendee feel uncomfortable due to actions and/or behaviors from anyone, please report it immediately to a security member or a staff member. We wish all our attendees to feel safe and sound and enjoy their experience at Minicomi.

Komi: Hm...how would we identify the security and staff though...

Mini: I believe the staff and security team are still in discussion over that, but the information will be out in due time!

Komi: So everyone keep an eye out on this blog! We will be announcing it here!

You may always review the guidelines here!

http://minicomivancouver.blogspot.com/p/cosplay-etiquette-and-rules-of-conduct.html

Have a question or a concern? Ask away in the comments!

Mini and Komi discuss: Cosplay etiquette! (for cosplayers)

Mini: *Sigh* Finally, we managed to get her permission...

Komi: Mini...she can hear us you know!

Mini:...Ah...SORRY! >.<|||

*title screen drops in*

Mini and Komi discuss!

Cosplay Ettiquette!

What are this dos and don'ts of cosplay??

*Fads*

 

Komi: Hello everyone! Once again, welcome to Mini and Komi discuss. I'm Komi~ Nice to see you all again!

Mini: Mini here! And today, our topic of discussion is

Mini&Komi: Cosplay Ettiquette!

Komi: That rainbow effect is still so amusing...^^;;;

 

Mini: Our fellow staff members have been a little bit worried about cosplay related conflicts that could arise. So they've asked us to post some guidelines and rules for both cosplayers and general attendees.

Komi: Given that it is MiniComi's first year, we hope that people won't get too carried away by taking things for granted, and result in any subsequent barring of cosplays of any kind... -_-|||

Mini: That'll make Mini very very sad indeed... ;;A;;

Komi: Well, Mini, can you give us the guidelines for cosplayers?

Mini: Sure! Let's see....

 

1. Please keep your cosplays family-friendly. Ensure that you are adequately covered and not overly exposing yourself and/or that your cosplay is not too inappropriate for the public.

 

Mini: We hope to open up MiniComi to people of all ages, as well as encourage the whole family to come along. So don't go too overboard! (Ah...I should bring my Grandma and Grandpa!)

 

2. Please do not bring real weapons or potentially dangerous props of any kind to the event, inclusive and not limited to blunt metal props and air soft weapons. Accurate replicas of weapons are also discouraged

 

Mini: We don't have peace bonding available at the con. So any props that looks sufficiently close to a real weapon will get deemed as such and you will be removed! >A<

3. Please keep an eye out of your surroundings should any part of your cosplay become an inconvenience to others. Sudden movements such as brandishing of props, or sudden changes in poses would not be recommended in crowded areas.

 

Mini: It will be crowded at the market, so keep an eye out of where you are going! No running too! You could either hurt yourself or someone else! (Like that one time I got my costume and my foot trampled when a bunch of teenagers ran across the hallway to their friend...TAT)

Komi: I had to chase after them because a part of your costume was lost when it got snagged in their cosplays too...==U

Mini: Yeah...was not a fun experience. T_T

4. Please do not loiter or pose in the middle of a walkway or stairway where there is heavy traffic. 

Mini: In case of an emergency evacuation, we need to have clear walkways and stairways in order to quickly and safely get everyone out. So try not to take pictures on a crowded hallway or a stairway!

Komi: That being said, there are plenty of stairs around UBC...You can always find another set of stairs that are empty enough to allow for posing! Photographers too should notice this and make the initiative to move away to another location!

5. Please do not exhibit behavior otherwise inappropriate in public within the market space, including and not limited to glomp circles, inappropriate posing, signage, language.

 

Mini: While we understand the love of glomp circles and "will something for something" signs, there will be people completely new to the ambiance. We ask that cosplayers restrain themselves and not give others the wrong impression with regards to anime/manga/gaming/comic/etc culture.

Komi: Of course, this applies to people not in cosplay too! >.<

Mini: Yep! (Though I think if people want to line up and dance like caramelldansen, that's okay...We'll probably consider it to be a flash mob. XD)

Komi: (As long as you guys don't break rule number 4!)

6. Please avoid dressing up in costumes that may get you mistaken for members of the public services such as the fire department, the police force, etc. We need to be able to differentiate the cosplay from the reality in case of an emergency.

 

Mini: Pretty self explanatory. This rule is also in effect at Comiket too.

 

7. Any issues not addressed in the above rules will be decided at the discretion of the Minicomi staff and campus security.

 

Mini: We can't cover everything, even if we wrote more guidelines. So if any disputes happen, please report it to the MiniComi Security staff or market staff member! Remember, you should have fun but don't go over the top to have your fun and disturb other attendees in the process! Be considerate of other people at the market too!

...

Mini: Eh? Komi? Where are you?!

Komi: Oh Mini, sorry, it's dinner time so I thought I should go heat up my bento...

Mini: Oh? I guess we'll take a dinner break then... We'll be right back everyone!

Questions? Ask away in the comments section!

Return later for the general attendees/photographers section on cosplay etiquette!

Mini and Komi (and Ninja) discuss: Room layout!

Mini: Hi everyone! Sorry that we haven't talked much over this weekend. We got a little carried away with celebrating Canada day on Friday, so we were all a little too tired to do much of any blogging...^^;;;

Komi: Next time, we make it a pot luck...I'm so tired after all the cooking...T_T

Ninja: I hope you like pizza then...I can't cook for my life......=_=U

Mini: Thanks Komi, though, for the fabulous dinner. The Canada Day cake was especially delicious!

Komi: Ehehehe, glad you like it.

Ninja: Oh guys? One of the staff of MiniComi asked us to put this up.

Mini: Huh? What's this???

Click for fullview!

Komi: Is...Is this the layout of the market? @_@

Mini: So many tables! 0A0

Ninja: Oh, and there's a note attached...

"Stage is at the top of the picture, main entrance is at the bottom left."
"Subjugated to slight changes for security concerns, but will stage roughly the same."

Komi: Well, I think it mostly has to do with the fact that some of the tables need to not be in the way of the safety exits right? Cleared exit ways are essential when you have a large group like this.

Mini: Yep yep...now imaging all the table filled up with art and crafts!

Ninja: I think I might have a slight agoraphobia attack...0_0

Komi: No worries, Ninja-san, just sneak out via the stage any time you feel like it. Ahahahaha...XD

Mini: ... That's not funny, Komi.

Komi: .....Sorry...==|||

Mini: Huh?...what's this sheet that came with it....

Komi: You mean this really written up one?....Wow....someone went through it with pencils, highlighters and markers all over the place...0_0

Ninja: Probably someone was planning where everyone was sitting and all...hence all the marks...

Mini: And you would know this because?

Ninja: Because I witnessed her screaming in frustration trying to figure out where everyone goes...It would have been entertaining if it weren't for the fact she's so scary...

Komi: Ahahahaha...let's not mention it in a way that reminds us of what has happened last night...==UUU

Mini: Thank goodness I had Honda-Kun will me...==U

Komi: So how are the artists organized then?

Ninja: Well, I think mostly by what's their main attraction? Like most of the original comic artists are kinda grouped in one area, and all the crafts are kinda grouped in one area and such. The rest are then mostly just randomized.

Mini: We'll probably also have to ask the attendees to be aware of where they are walking too, since walkways don't seem very well defined if you just look at the picture here. Hopefully a bit of nudging around will change the problem. ^^U

Komi: I do hope we don't get used as manual labour for doing the nudging or something...==|||

Ninja: The more you say that, the more likely it'll happen--

／人◕ ‿‿ ◕人＼: Excuse me.

Mini&Komi&Ninja: AAAAAHHHH!!!!

...............
Quebey: .....Why do humans react like that...oh well, I'm here to fetch a piece of paper for someone...Let's see....Ah, this one it is. *Takes the written up paper* I'll be leaving now! Bye!~
*leaves trotting out the door*
...............

Mini: What...how...Why would she send a Quebey over?! ;A; *scared*

Komi: It's scary! TAT *shaking*

Ninja: I think it's because she raise them as pets or something...

Mini&Komi:....WHAT?!?! ;A;

Ninja: Well, from what I heard, the logic behind it was like, money was the square root of evil, and something about all the stuff she has to handle, and then...*rambles on and on*

Here's the layout of the market! Ask the artists what their table number is, and you'll be able to find their table!