Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales

Posted by GetRightRobot Apr 5, 2012 at 9:35pm CDT 48,689 views

View Discussion Sign in or Join to reply

With Botcon only 21 days away, we have another policy change for 2012. This time, it is the reversal of the fan art sales ban in 'Artist Alley'. According to a post by tfw2005.com user, Shibamura Prime, we have this message from the folks at Botcon:

We're pleased to announce, per Hasbro, that artist tables will be allowed at BotCon 2012 as we have allowed it in the past, and will be permissible as part of the show. Hasbro sympathizes and understands fans' discouragement with the previous statements concerning fan art, and while remaining steadfast in the right to protect its IP in regards to unlicensed merchandise, wants to ensure fans can continue to enjoy the BotCon experience which they know is made so great in large part by the fan community.

This means artist will be able to sell their unlicensed artwork for all to enjoy. Will this lifted ban remain the standard for Botcons to come? Only time will tell.

More Bots. More News. More Awesome.

Hasbro Asia is Offering Special Optimus Prime and Megatron 2 pack, Superion and Devastator Box Sets

Oct 21, 2025 5,960 views

Takara Tomy Displays Evangelion Crossover, Overgear Line, MPG, ML, MPMN and Others at Model Show

Oct 20, 2025 3,999 views

The New Transformers Themed Zuru Gumi Yum Eggs Have Some Sweet Mini Toys

Oct 7, 2025 2,289 views

Hot Wheels Transformers Optimus Prime will be Rereleased in 2026

Oct 6, 2025 2,542 views

Japan Gets New Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Themed Apparel and Other Items From Games Glorious

Sep 30, 2025 4,696 views

NYCC 2025- Hasbro Transformer's Panel Announced

Sep 24, 2025 13,631 views

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by joevill Apr 5, 2012

Hasbro has become Nazis

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Beericade Apr 5, 2012

Day late and a dollar short. I've already made my decision about Botcon. There are too many others out there that are NOT being arsehats.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by AutobotCliffjumper Apr 5, 2012

lol....shooting themselves in the foot much?! They've put their foot in the s**t and realizes that they don't like the f****n' smell. Done with Botcon. :BANG_HEAD:

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by 1111111222233333 Apr 5, 2012

Come on guys, I think Hasbro deserves some slack for this one. This decision means they are listening. (at least somewhat)

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by City Commander Apr 5, 2012

Reads to me like they're testing the water, seeing how much bullshit they can throw the fans' way before most jump ship.

I mean, no fan art at a fan convention, seriously, who makes a decision like that in the first place?

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Che Apr 5, 2012

Hope this also show all us that, yes, sometimes it is GOOD to complain...
(hate apathy...)

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by vaporretarder Apr 5, 2012

couldn't someone sell a 3rd party figure there now,...and then if hasbro tries to confiscate the item,...that person could now sue Harbro because they said that fan ART was allowed at the convention?

and in a certain perspective a figure could be concieved as a work of art....just throwing that out there...

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Rated X Apr 5, 2012

Im curious...

This whole 3rd party ban thing is only being distrubuted by fan websites. I checked the Botcon 2012 official website and there is no mention of any of these "alleged" 3rd party bans. And I get all Botcon update e-mails from Funpub and have never recieved one regarding a 3rd party ban. Wasnt Hasbro supposed to put out an official statement on their website ? Or did only people who bought a dealers admission recieve these e-mails about this ? Right now it seems that if you dont read fan websites, you would never know about this whole thing. Can somebody please post a link regarding the 3rd party ban that doesnt originate from a fan website or a known fan website member ???

By the way, the art sales ban was f**kin retarded to begin with. When you pay to visit a museum and view art, the museum profits from the admission fee. So Funpub is technically making money from unsanctioned artwork even if it is for display only. So if Funpub can make profit from the art, the artists should be able to make profit too.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Gauntlet101010 Apr 5, 2012

Good. Hasbro has seen reason. I can totally see why they'd ban 3rd party stuff and KOs, but banning fan artists just hurts fans and Hasbro's rep, regardless of whether or not they're legally okay in doing so.

Of course I think a;; this last minute rule changing might have poisoned their reputation already, but it's nice that they listened to the massive outcry over this.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Lord Onixprime Apr 5, 2012

It was only a matter of time before Hasbro and Takara lashed back at unlicensed products. There was a time when third party was innocent. A limited little add on for a figure her and there, but it has become exceedingly mainstream, and infringing in recent years.

Sure, they took it a step too far banning the sale and commissioning of fan made Transformers art, but they realized that and that is why they backed down.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by 5150 Cruiser Apr 5, 2012

AutobotCliffjumper wrote:lol....shooting themselves in the foot much?! They've put their foot in the s**t and realizes that they don't like the f****n' smell. Done with Botcon.

Beericade wrote:Day late and a dollar short. I've already made my decision about Botcon. There are too many others out there that are NOT being arsehats.

joevill wrote:Hasbro has become Nazis

Babies. You guys are nothing but babies. If anything this should prove that Hasbro does listen. But i guess its just easier to keep the hate going than to just attend the convention and enjoy yourself. (something tells me thoses that are saying "Fuck botcon and Hasbro!" will be the first in line to get in.)

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Beericade Apr 5, 2012

5150 Cruiser wrote: Babies. You guys are nothing but babies. If anything this should prove that Hasbro does listen. But i guess its just easier to keep the hate going than to just attend the convention and enjoy yourself. (something tells me thoses that are saying **** botcon and Hasbro!" will be the first in line to get in.)

Nope. Won't see me in line in front or out back. The fans in my household have decided to spend our money at Cons that actually don't ostracize a good portion of the fan base. If Hasbro really listened to the fans as you implied they would have done something regarding the FunPub matter. Instead, they washed their hands and passed the buck. If they had their ears open they would at least attempt to recognize their adult fans and customers and do what the third party guys offer. But, no, they instead throw a temper tantrum because what they had to offer was shown up last year at their own Con. Sorry, but I don't do stockholders meetings disguised as a Con. A fan base shouldn't be relegated to slinking in the back shadows to get the things Hasbro and Takara can't pull off.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Rated X Apr 5, 2012

5150 Cruiser wrote:
AutobotCliffjumper wrote:lol....shooting themselves in the foot much?! They've put their foot in the s**t and realizes that they don't like the f****n' smell. Done with Botcon.
Beericade wrote:Day late and a dollar short. I've already made my decision about Botcon. There are too many others out there that are NOT being arsehats.
joevill wrote:Hasbro has become Nazis

Babies. You guys are nothing but babies. If anything this should prove that Hasbro does listen. But i guess its just easier to keep the hate going than to just attend the convention and enjoy yourself. (something tells me thoses that are saying **** botcon and Hasbro!" will be the first in line to get in.)

Did it ever occur to you that the 3 guys youre quoting dont care about fan art ??? This minor "change of heart" on fan art is nothing but a PR stunt. The fans want no bans at all, not republican style flip flopping.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Anonymous Apr 5, 2012

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Burn Apr 5, 2012

Beericade wrote:
5150 Cruiser wrote: Babies. You guys are nothing but babies. If anything this should prove that Hasbro does listen. But i guess its just easier to keep the hate going than to just attend the convention and enjoy yourself. (something tells me thoses that are saying **** botcon and Hasbro!" will be the first in line to get in.)

Nope. Won't see me in line in front or out back. The fans in my household have decided to spend our money at Cons that actually don't ostracize a good portion of the fan base. If Hasbro really listened to the fans as you implied they would have done something regarding the FunPub matter. Instead, they washed their hands and passed the buck. If they had their ears open they would at least attempt to recognize their adult fans and customers and do what the third party guys offer. But, no, they instead throw a temper tantrum because what they had to offer was shown up last year at their own Con. Sorry, but I don't do stockholders meetings disguised as a Con. A fan base shouldn't be relegated to slinking in the back shadows to get the things Hasbro and Takara can't pull off.

I some how don't think these bans or not-bans will affect too many under 10 year olds.

Oh wait ... you're one of those who think Transformers is more of an adult thing. My bad.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by 5150 Cruiser Apr 5, 2012

Beericade wrote: If they had their ears open they would at least attempt to recognize their adult fans and customers and do what the third party guys offer. But, no, they instead throw a temper tantrum because what they had to offer was shown up last year at their own Con. Sorry, but I don't do stockholders meetings disguised as a Con. A fan base shouldn't be relegated to slinking in the back shadows to get the things Hasbro and Takara can't pull off.

So because they don't offer the same things 3rd party compaines offer they don't care about adult fans? That damn Hasbro. Only caring about making toys for the kids!

But one thing i will give you credit. If you truly aren't happy with what hasbro is doing and will not be parcicipating, then good for you. I'm not one to protest, but if you do believe in something then stand by it.

Rated X wrote:
Did it ever occur to you that the 3 guys youre quoting dont care about fan art ??? This minor "change of heart" on fan art is nothing but a PR stunt. The fans want no bans at all, not republican style flip flopping.

Doesn't matter wheather they care about fan art or not. There pissed becasue there was a ban, but part of that ban is being lifted and they still want to cry like babies. NO, 100% of the bans may not have been lifted, (i still think Hasbro was in the right with their orignal decision) but at least they were listening. But to them Hasbro will always just be the big bad corperation that's out to ruin their fun.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Heckfire Apr 5, 2012

At least they recognized that there is a major difference between a company, even a small one, selling what is, essentially, bootleg TF toys and an artist selling pictures. It's essentially a matter of scale: a single artist may make a few bucks here and there on what is essentially free advertising, while the third-party companies are actually competing with Hasbro while still profiting from the Transformers' brand by making toys based on TF characters or concepts. Hasbro and Takara are TOY companies after all.

...and yes, it DOES smack of the giant corporation stomping on the "little guy." However, BotCon IS Hasbro's home turf, there are dozens of other TF conventions where the third-party companies can still show their stuff.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Vicalliose Apr 6, 2012

Burn wrote:I some how don't think these bans or not-bans will affect too many under 10 year olds.

Oh wait ... you're one of those who think Transformers is more of an adult thing. My bad.

As expensive as the whole trip is I'd be surprised that any kids and their (most likely bored out of their minds) parents turn up. If their parents are collectors themselves of course your statement is kinda irrelevant. We're talking about BotCon and how Hasbro's collectors offerings just suck in quality and price, at this point we could honestly do without the official club as far as I'm concerned, we get more info from Toy Fair and other non-Transformers conventions anyway.

Seriously I want to know now. How many kids can bee seen at BotCon on average? :???:

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by kirbenvost Apr 6, 2012

Good news. I'm glad they're listening, even if it doesn't necessarily mean the same exception will apply in future years.

Re: Botcon Reverse Ban on Fan Art Sales (view post)

Comment by Rated X Apr 6, 2012

Everybody has seemed to ignore my first post requesting for a link to an "OFFICIAL" statement on an "OFFICIAL" Hasbro or Funpub website addressing the ban. Im tired of the rumor mill from "trusted sources" or tweets from TFW2005 members. Show me a god damn link from a Hasbro or Funpub website. Or show us a photo of the actual e-mail coming from Brian Savage's address. Their websites dont even aknowledge the bans existance. Every source of information about this ban originates from a fan site or those directly affiliated with a fan site.

Im beginning to think this whole 3rd party ban is just a fan hoax created by insiders that wish to abuse their credibility to push their agenda. If thats the truth then of course Hasbro and Funpub will not aknowledge it "officially" and just stay quiet and reap the benefits. Maybe Im imagining things, but this "ban" crap has been going on for 2 weeks with no official statement aknowledgeing it's existance.

Im calling out whoever reported this ban on the fan sites...

Screw the tweets, and secret sources. Prove the 3rd party ban is really "official".

Click here to view additional comments about this topic ...

Charge Our Energon Reserves. Join the Seibertron Elite.

Support SEIBERTRON™