[identity profile] m-cubicle.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] dragoncon_lj_archive
EDIT: With the great response this post is getting, let's try and make something happen here. Send Dragon*con security any ideas you may have in ways to improve security for the 2011 show. Go to the contact security form through the D*Con web page. Get as many people as you can to do the same. Pass the word along. Select "security" from the drop down menu. The hotels and Dragon*con MUST agree to start checking badges or room keys at the hotel entrances  to keep the non-con goers out.  Why should we pay and others not?!

dragoncon.org/dc_contact.php

Since it doesn't seem like anyone has addressed this issue for D*Con 2011 recently, I will go ahead and put it on the table.

As I'm sure many others noticed, last year there were several security concerns during the convention. I remember reading all the different posts of women being accosted and "felt up" by individuals who had no badge and nothing to do with the convention itself. Letters were mailed to the hotel and complaints filed. Since then, it has all gone quiet.... Has anything been done by the hotel or Dragon*Con to alleviate this problem? Or, are the powers that be just hoping we would all forget about it and just deal for next year?

I have noticed every year the convention getting more and more filled with people who have come to the hotels thinking they would be getting a free "freaks on parade" show. Individuals include: Football fans, nearby college students, and random people off the street hoping to get a free good time at the expense of those who paid to be there. It's not the same convention it was 5 years ago, the con is changing and not for the good.

Before I go dumping more hard earned money on a convention that is already getting ridiculously priced, are any of these issues going to be addressed? What is to keep random grabby pervs away from my girlfriend or friends? With everything getting expensive these days, I need some re-assurances that this will be a safe convention and the money will be well spent. I wonder what the ratio is of people who just wander in off the streets is, to those who actually paid for a badge?

Date: 2011-05-25 11:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] littledrow.livejournal.com
I do too! I'm not holding my breath since no one in charge of that department seems to want to communicate with anyone.

I still say we all take a moment out of our con going time to find the security head and speak out peace in person this year.

Date: 2011-05-25 11:22 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] trybutez.livejournal.com
It's also probably worth noting that it's too late for any changes to take effect for 2011, but there's no reason not to start lobbying for change in 2012.

I'll confess, the reason I don't volunteer is because my time is too valuable for what they ask and what they give. I'd rather pay half the ticket price (bought on site the previous year) and enjoy myself. (Seriously, if memory serves, first time volunteers *still* have to buy a badge, just at a reduced rate. For reals???)

But a revamped system that either didn't ask for as much of a commitment, and/or offered some sort of compensation would be something I would seriously consider.

Date: 2011-05-25 11:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] littledrow.livejournal.com
My husband just said to me (after denying that he's intimidating PFFT!) that he'd be happy to do two four hour shifts, one Friday and one Saturday nights. But this wouldn't even be considered with how the requirements are in place. He doesn't even want compensation!

They turn away these suggestions then cry their excuse of "Don't think it's enough?! Then volunteer!" And yeah, why volunteer away 24 hours of your con if you aren't going to be compensated for missing that much of it?

Date: 2011-05-25 11:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] trybutez.livejournal.com
I didn't mean compensation in the monetary sense or anything. Just some sort of reward to offset giving up so much of a person's time. I mean, I do try and get at least an hour or two of sleep a night at D*C!

Someone once suggested reserving a section in each ballroom toward the front for "off duty" volunteers. So basically, if you want to see a star, and you did the right thing by volunteering, there's an added benefit to you by having a reserved section (maybe just a couple of rows, first come, first serve) available. Just something small like that might be enough (coupled with a smaller commitment) to get people to sign up who might not choose to, otherwise.

Date: 2011-05-25 11:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] littledrow.livejournal.com
I didn't mean to suggest monetary, other than taking a substantial amount off of the mem badge for the weekend.

Food vouchers at the hotel restaurants. Bar vouchers. A free D*C tshirt. What you suggested, or how about the meet and greet party that costs so much?

Anything!

Date: 2011-08-22 08:24 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] southernstyle.livejournal.com
You would be surprised who reads this...

As for talking to the director of Security /at/ the Show, no offense, but that's not a wise idea, unless there is a current problem going on. That individual is insanely busy.

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