BABScon Drama

[)O( Scarlet )O( 1,259]

Someone linked this on facebook:

 

http://www.horse-news.net/2014/04/advice-for-babscon-delete-facebook-hit_22.html

 

Anyone know about that poser who tried to molest the little girl?

[Carbon Maestro 1,003]

Ah yes, Horse drama.

 

Someone linked this on facebook:

 

http://www.horse-news.net/2014/04/advice-for-babscon-delete-facebook-hit_22.html

 

Anyone know about that poser who tried to molest the little girl?

 

Keep in mind that Horse News isn't the most objective news site for bronies out there. Don't get caught up in in their yellow journalist headlines and fall for their agenda. It reminds me a lot of TMZ sensationalism to the point where you want to be really careful on the truth, and don't jump to conclusions.

 

Anyways, I just heard that one of the EFN crews just got kicked out of Babs. I don't know about the other situation or drama that some people conjure up, but considering that this has happened in the fandom before when Purple Tinker was booted, I'm guessing that it had to do with another political power squabble between some people.

 

Move on, you guys.

Edited April 27, 2014 by Carbon Maestro

[Diva Pony 345]

Someone linked this on facebook:

 

http://www.horse-news.net/2014/04/advice-for-babscon-delete-facebook-hit_22.html

 

Anyone know about that poser who tried to molest the little girl?

After reading the press release from Babscon about what Final Draft did, I would not be surprised if he set this up.  I would consider this a tad suspicious that NO ONE notified security or at least that is what it seems.  In addition, any 11 year old girl has to be at the Con with her mother or father.  I think that under 14 years old would have to be escorted by a parent.   Where were they when their daughter was being followed and why didn't they notify security?

 

Maybe this was a friendly Brony who just creeped the girl out.

 

Ah yes, Horse drama.

 

 

Keep in mind that Horse News isn't the most objective news site for bronies out there. Don't get caught up in in their yellow journalist headlines and fall for their agenda. It reminds me a lot of TMZ sensationalism to the point where you want to be really careful on the truth, and don't jump to conclusions.

 

Anyways, I just heard that one of the EFN crews just got kicked out of Babs. I don't know about the other situation or drama that some people conjure up, but considering that this has happened in the fandom before when Purple Tinker was booted, I'm guessing that it had to do with another political power squabble between some people.

 

Move on, you guys.

Good input.  Thank you.

Edited April 27, 2014 by Diva Pony

[Simon 4,557]

After reading the press release from Babscon about what Final Draft did, I would not be surprised if he set this up.  I would consider this a tad suspicious that NO ONE notified security or at least that is what it seems.  In addition, any 11 year old girl has to be at the Con with her mother or father.  I think that under 14 years old would have to be escorted by a parent.   Where were they when their daughter was being followed and why didn't they notify security?

From what I read on Obsidian Winter's tumblr, it was actually the Sac Anime booth that apparently had the 11 year old girl.  They ended up deciding to ban Sac Anime from having a booth at Babscon in the future since they either made the story about the 11 year old girl up, or it actually happened and they didn't notify the hotel or convention staff or call the police.  

 

Personally I don't think this actually happened, or if it did it was in a much smaller scale than the story would lead you to believe... something along the lines of an 11 year old running up to their booth, a brony looking at her for a moment, and then the parents coming up a minute or two later to get their daughter.  Regardless of whatever really happened, I'm glad they won't be at future conventions because if it was a big enough deal to stir up controversy with, it should have been a big enough deal to notify security, so they either endangered a kid by not involving security or are intentionally trying to hurt the reputation of the convention and bronies in general.

 

Edit:  Oh and here's the tumblr post: http://obsidian-winter.tumblr.com/post/83944140459/babscon-and-the-alleged-stalking-situation

Edited April 27, 2014 by Simon

[Diva Pony 345]

From what I read on Obsidian Winter's tumblr, it was actually the Sac Anime booth that apparently had the 11 year old girl.  They ended up deciding to ban Sac Anime from having a booth at Babscon in the future since they either made the story about the 11 year old girl up, or it actually happened and they didn't notify the hotel or convention staff or call the police.  

 

Personally I don't think this actually happened, or if it did it was in a much smaller scale than the story would lead you to believe... something along the lines of an 11 year old running up to their booth, a brony looking at her for a moment, and then the parents coming up a minute or two later to get their daughter.  Regardless of whatever really happened, I'm glad they won't be at future conventions because if it was a big enough deal to stir up controversy with, it should have been a big enough deal to notify security, so they either endangered a kid by not involving security or are intentionally trying to hurt the reputation of the convention and bronies in general.

 

Edit:  Oh and here's the tumblr post: http://obsidian-winter.tumblr.com/post/83944140459/babscon-and-the-alleged-stalking-situation

Every pony should read what Obsidian Winter said here, thank you Simon for the link.  Very well written and to the point.  Interesting that it wasn't a table in the foyer where the tables were set up?  Sounds really fishy to me.  Lots of holes in the story. 

 

And let's face it, how many times in a huge convention do you coincidentally run into someone several times?  Sometimes it happens.  Maybe there was a Brony who was friendly but she didn't like him.  Maybe she was just hiding because she didn't want to say hello to him again.  Maybe there was no stalking whatsoever even if this girl did exist.

 

And if she was truly being stalked then absolutely there should be no question that security be notified.  If it really was stalking, you hide a girl under your table?????

 

I'm really sad about the Sac Anime people.   I have a ticket to their con and I am now debating on whether or not to go.  Thankfully it didn't cost that much money. 

 

Between them and Final Draft I think some apologies are owed here. 

 

As for the headline on the Horse News post- shame on them.  I read it for a second time and it does seem to me like they are trying to write all the information yet they lead with a title like they did.  Their anti- Jew remark was a bit much to stomach as well.  That puts them on the same level as National Enquirer.  Do they really want to be considered tabloid trash?

Edited April 27, 2014 by Diva Pony

[11th Doctor Whooves 794]

Did anyone see bodypillows or sexual art of any kind?  I don't remember any of that, but I could be wrong.  If no one else remembers seeing any, then I'm definitely calling that whole thing fake.

[Duster Dawnhorse 248]

Did anyone see bodypillows or sexual art of any kind?  I don't remember any of that, but I could be wrong.  If no one else remembers seeing any, then I'm definitely calling that whole thing fake.

I was a vendor in the Artist Alley and also went into the Vendor hall repeatedly. Not only did I see zero inappropriate art or body pillows, but staff was patrolling constantly. You could throw a rock and hit two staffers. The alley also had a staff run help desk at the entrance.

 

The sexual art claim, in my opinion, is 100% bogus. Someone would've seen something and staff was everywhere.

[11th Doctor Whooves 794]

Thanks, thats what I thought.  I mean, I know the art is out there, but there is no way in hell that they're gonna allow it to be sold at a convention with tons of little kids running around.

 

And maybe I'm naive, but what's so bad about body pillows?

[)O( Scarlet )O( 1,259]

Do they really want to be considered tabloid trash?

I think they already are considered that, and it seems that they didn't learn the lesson that was in Gabby Gums.. and I was wondering why they didn't notify security, even if the girl didn't want them too, and one person saying "This is why I hate bronies" yet they're at an independent convention, started BY Bronies FOR Bronies, and they themselves were wearing Brony gear.. 

[Diva Pony 345]

Did anyone see bodypillows or sexual art of any kind?  I don't remember any of that, but I could be wrong.  If no one else remembers seeing any, then I'm definitely calling that whole thing fake.

I wonder if they were considering those life size plushies for $500 as body pillows.  I didn't see any sexual art whatsoever.  And being an old lady like I am, it would have popped out at me as inappropriate.

 

I really think someone was set up to fabricate this entire story.  I'm glad I know the laws of Karma.  That person clearly doesn't.

[)O( Scarlet )O( 1,259]

I wonder if they were considering those life size plushies for $500 as body pillows.  I didn't see any sexual art whatsoever.  And being an old lady like I am, it would have popped out at me as inappropriate.

 

I really think someone was set up to fabricate this entire story.  I'm glad I know the laws of Karma.  That person clearly doesn't.

I seriously doubt that any clop or anything like that would even be allowed to be sold or even brought into the convention. I went to Australia's first PonyCon last year, and the closest thing that was like that was my friend's IceCream Cats calendar (which I wanted by my ex wife would have killed me) and that was basically anthro cats in bikinis.. that's it.. and I also highly doubt that people would be able to freely talk about sexual things inside the convention center, let alone loudly, staff would have warned them, and if they kept it up, they would have ejected them from the convention.

[Diva Pony 345]

I seriously doubt that any clop or anything like that would even be allowed to be sold or even brought into the convention. I went to Australia's first PonyCon last year, and the closest thing that was like that was my friend's IceCream Cats calendar (which I wanted by my ex wife would have killed me) and that was basically anthro cats in bikinis.. that's it.. and I also highly doubt that people would be able to freely talk about sexual things inside the convention center, let alone loudly, staff would have warned them, and if they kept it up, they would have ejected them from the convention.

OK well now I have to be jealous -I mean curious- and ask how was the Con in Australia?  It would be very exciting to go there.

Thanks, thats what I thought.  I mean, I know the art is out there, but there is no way in hell that they're gonna allow it to be sold at a convention with tons of little kids running around.

 

And maybe I'm naive, but what's so bad about body pillows?

That is a good question.  I have always thought a body pillow was a very long pillow that you can lean against.  They sell them where normal pillows are sold.  They are particularly good with folks with back and hip problems I think.  So it would be interesting to actually know what a "bad" body pillow would be?

[)O( Scarlet )O( 1,259]

It was...meh

Okay I understand it was their first con ever but there were so many things wrong,

firstly was that the vendor's area was a tiny room and was always packed, and on the second day, the staff had to literally make it so that the foals that attended with their parents, got to go in first so they didn't miss out like they did on the first day. Vendors (the ones that made things like plushies etc) clearly didn't make enough for the convention and had to make a lot of pre-orders, so to speak. The laser show was constantly on, and the lasers constantly went into people's eyes. The music in the background was so loud, you could hear it clearly from two blocks away. People weren't exactly friendly either, the only people I hung out with were friends, and that wasn't until after the second half of the first day, the first half I was so lonely and depressed,  I well..I contemplated just walking away and not returning, if you know what I mean, if not for my friends, I would have done just that. 

 

Now other than that, it was awesome! I got to meet and become good friends with Evan McCardle (EvDog) and I can't quite complain as I am pretty good friends with one of the organizers/hosts Golden Mic and his girlfriend

[Carbon Maestro 1,003]

 

 

I really think someone was set up to fabricate this entire story. I'm glad I know the laws of Karma. That person clearly doesn't.

 

It seems that the people who spread the story are now isolated to two SacAnime vendor table holders who back each other's stories up. However, knowing that the convention security, the con-goers, the other vendors, weren't informed, it's getting harder to verify this thing nowadays.

 

It's sad to find that even it this were true, the SacAnime people didn't even consider talking to security about such a serious concern. Evil wins when good does nothing.

[Diva Pony 345]

It seems that the people who spread the story are now isolated to two SacAnime vendor table holders who back each other's stories up. However, knowing that the convention security, the con-goers, the other vendors, weren't informed, it's getting harder to verify this thing nowadays.

 

It's sad to find that even it this were true, the SacAnime people didn't even consider talking to security about such a serious concern. Evil wins when good does nothing.

That's a very good point.  Even Obsidian Winter says it in her statement- that if it was true that even if the guy wasn't a con goer that letting him continue is horrifying. 

 

I'm still pretty convinced this was one big lie.  It's also a little amazing that Sac Anime would bring a volunteer to a brony convention who hates bronies.  But they did.

It was...meh

Okay I understand it was their first con ever but there were so many things wrong,

firstly was that the vendor's area was a tiny room and was always packed, and on the second day, the staff had to literally make it so that the foals that attended with their parents, got to go in first so they didn't miss out like they did on the first day. Vendors (the ones that made things like plushies etc) clearly didn't make enough for the convention and had to make a lot of pre-orders, so to speak. The laser show was constantly on, and the lasers constantly went into people's eyes. The music in the background was so loud, you could hear it clearly from two blocks away. People weren't exactly friendly either, the only people I hung out with were friends, and that wasn't until after the second half of the first day, the first half I was so lonely and depressed,  I well..I contemplated just walking away and not returning, if you know what I mean, if not for my friends, I would have done just that. 

 

Now other than that, it was awesome! I got to meet and become good friends with Evan McCardle (EvDog) and I can't quite complain as I am pretty good friends with one of the organizers/hosts Golden Mic and his girlfriend

First time cons historically have issues so hopefully things will be different next year.  I'm sorry but the part you wrote about the lasers going into people's eyes made me laugh.  It's not funny but probably as you tell this story in years to come you will laugh too.

 

I'll have to check back for a report next year if you go.  Then if they have straightened out the problems maybe I will make an epic trip to visit Australia (which I have never done)  to include the con as well.

 

Thanks for the info.

[)O( Scarlet )O( 1,259]

First time cons historically have issues so hopefully things will be different next year.  I'm sorry but the part you wrote about the lasers going into people's eyes made me laugh.  It's not funny but probably as you tell this story in years to come you will laugh too.

 

I'll have to check back for a report next year if you go.  Then if they have straightened out the problems maybe I will make an epic trip to visit Australia (which I have never done)  to include the con as well.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

There was one in my home state in February, which i missed and one in Sydney later on I think... but Cons do tend to bore me quite a bit. 

[FoqueMe 44]

The SacAnime story is bogus on several levels, but most importantly - save for Thursday pre-reg night, when people had nothing better to do, that booth was dead.  I don't even think I would have gone there if I was being stalked.

 

Ironically enough, given the dislike for horse-news, two people working for them did help me during Babs with a legit stalker incident.

[Diva Pony 345]

The SacAnime story is bogus on several levels, but most importantly - save for Thursday pre-reg night, when people had nothing better to do, that booth was dead.  I don't even think I would have gone there if I was being stalked.

 

Ironically enough, given the dislike for horse-news, two people working for them did help me during Babs with a legit stalker incident.

I don't mean to open up a can of worms here but are you saying your help was from Sac Anime staff or Horse News?  I find it odd that there are only 2 witnesses to what seems to be a fabricated story about the 11 year old girl and here you are saying it is 2 people who helped you with a problem.  I do wish you had notified security but may I ask what day this happened?  I am getting an odd feeling that someone took your story and embellished big time to cause the big horrible story that Horse News published.  You just might be the 11 year old girl (who is probably not 11) that the Horse News story is talking about.

[FoqueMe 44]

I don't mean to open up a can of worms here but are you saying your help was from Sac Anime staff or Horse News?  I find it odd that there are only 2 witnesses to what seems to be a fabricated story about the 11 year old girl and here you are saying it is 2 people who helped you with a problem.  I do wish you had notified security but may I ask what day this happened?  I am getting an odd feeling that someone took your story and embellished big time to cause the big horrible story that Horse News published.  You just might be the 11 year old girl (who is probably not 11) that the Horse News story is talking about.

Horse News, but ha, it's nothing like that.  The incident happened between myself and someone I and two of the reporters were familiar with, from a previous meetup group who has a reputation for creeping on girls, and it really didn't get beyond warning the guy that if he tried anything else he would be kicked out of our meetup group and con security would be notified.

[Bolt the Super-Pony 62]

Babscon pulled off the unheard of for a first time Con.  My personal prediction is that next year's attend[a]nce will double and the year after it will be just as big as BronyCon.  And if the guests were treated well (and I believe they were) they will likely return.  If he has any brains at all, Final Draft will either apologize that just maybe he crossed the line or back off and let this be forgotten.

 

In fact, the directors of the con were taking about possibly blocking off the entire hotel's rooms for the con next year!

[Diva Pony 345]

In fact, the directors of the con were taking about possibly blocking off the entire hotel's rooms for the con next year!

That would be awesome.  I wonder if they still want to have it at the Hyatt.  I think they are going to outgrow the space that they have for the panels and the vendors.  I don't think the Hyatt is going to be big enough.

[Bolt the Super-Pony 62]

That would be awesome.  I wonder if they still want to have it at the Hyatt.  I think they are going to outgrow the space that they have for the panels and the vendors.  I don't think the Hyatt is going to be big enough.

 

I think they'll try to keep it at the Hyatt, as I'm pretty sure it was the hotel they were referring to when they suggested renting out the entire hotel (plus they already have ties with the staff, who have witnessed what a successful event it was). I don't remember seeing a larger hotel in the area that can accommodate such a large event.

[Diva Pony 345]

I think they'll try to keep it at the Hyatt, as I'm pretty sure it was the hotel they were referring to when they suggested renting out the entire hotel (plus they already have ties with the staff, who have witnessed what a successful event it was). I don't remember seeing a larger hotel in the area that can accommodate such a large event.

I suppose it is possible that the Hyatt has meeting rooms on other floors as well that could serve for panel discussions and the like.  If Babscon becomes as well attended as I think they will, they are going to have to find a bigger venue with multiple hotels surrounding- much like BronyCon.  But I guess for next year they can stay at the Hyatt.  I just can't imagine registration lines if the attendence doubles.  There is not enough space where registration was held this year to hold twice as many people.  I hope they at least have packets prepared for all pre-registered guests with a package of any sort.  That would save a lot of time.

[easymac 106]

Someone linked this on facebook:

 

http://www.horse-news.net/2014/04/advice-for-babscon-delete-facebook-hit_22.html

 

Anyone know about that poser who tried to molest the little girl?

I have wondered though the con taking pictures never saw anything like that, and if there had been even a hint of it someone would've definitely done something to stop it. 

[Teabee 59]

 

That is a good question.  I have always thought a body pillow was a very long pillow that you can lean against.  They sell them where normal pillows are sold.  They are particularly good with folks with back and hip problems I think.  So it would be interesting to actually know what a "bad" body pillow would be?

 

When people talk about "body pillows" in, err, "our" kind of fandom, they are typically referring to what the Japanese call "dakimakura" or dutch wives (I know a Dutch Wife is something completely different too), basically a full length body pillow with a picture of one's favorite character or waifu drawn in a sexualized pose that the owner could then cuddle with in their bed.  It's one of those things that has become stereotypically associated with the creepier side of anime and animation fandoms.  I am glad that I have never seen any daki's at this or any other horse con I've been to.

 

I find it interesting that SAC Anime came out with this thing considering that all the con advertisement tables were in the main foyer right next to the registration desk with tons of foot traffic throughout the weekend.  If something like this actually happened, I think I would have heard about it simply because rumors travel fast at cons, but I heard nothing about it until I got back home.