Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update
Friday, May 1st, 2015 10:14PM CDT
Categories: Event News, Collector's Club NewsPosted by: LOST Cybertronian Views: 24,534
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The Transformers Collectors' Club sent out an email updating members on Botcon 2015 registration and Hotel availability. They are working on final issues before registration can go live which will not happen before next Thursday.
You can also check out the BotCon 2015 brochure while waiting for registration or check out our exclusive galleries for Cybertron's Most Wanted featuring Packrat, Battletrap, and Megatron with Scalpel, Boombox and Heavyweight. They are in the box set alongside Shattered Glass Stepper and Double Pretender Oilmaster.
You can also check out the BotCon 2015 brochure while waiting for registration or check out our exclusive galleries for Cybertron's Most Wanted featuring Packrat, Battletrap, and Megatron with Scalpel, Boombox and Heavyweight. They are in the box set alongside Shattered Glass Stepper and Double Pretender Oilmaster.
BotCon.com wrote:Hello Everyone!
We are still working on the final issues to get registration online. This will not happen before next Thursday. I will update you as we get the final issues completed.
The hotel is working on finding some more rooms for our block. I have not heard back from them yet. Currently they are searching for duplicate rooms so if you have a room you are not going to use, please release it so someone else can reserve it. Remember that you must put down a first nights deposit and if you don't cancel by the cut off you will lose the deposit.
If they don't find more rooms for us, we will get a block at a second hotel so, no worries. I'll let you know as soon as they figure out what they can do.
See you in St. Charles!
Brian
Credit(s): BotCon.com
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Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1683076)
Posted by Krapicon on May 7th, 2015 @ 10:46am CDT
Posted by Krapicon on May 7th, 2015 @ 10:46am CDT
Just receive an email from Fun Pub.
Hello Everyone!
We continue to work on the final issues to get registration online. This will not happen this week. I will update you next week. Now you don't have to worry about checking the site this week.
The hotel has told us that they are sold out and cannot add anymore rooms to our block. You will have to look for accommodations elsewhere if you don't have a room yet. We also cannot find a hotel in close proximity to the event to get a second block.
The good news is that the parking is free at the hotel for BotCon.
See you in St. Charles!
Brian
Hello Everyone!
We continue to work on the final issues to get registration online. This will not happen this week. I will update you next week. Now you don't have to worry about checking the site this week.
The hotel has told us that they are sold out and cannot add anymore rooms to our block. You will have to look for accommodations elsewhere if you don't have a room yet. We also cannot find a hotel in close proximity to the event to get a second block.
The good news is that the parking is free at the hotel for BotCon.
See you in St. Charles!
Brian
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1683131)
Posted by Va'al on May 7th, 2015 @ 1:39pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 7th, 2015 @ 1:39pm CDT
Received by many Seibertronians, we report an email from BotCon HQ concerning the sold out hotel bookings for the event, and some updates on the registration section of the site, which will go live next week. Read on below to find our what applies to you, and head here next week to register!
Hello Everyone!
We continue to work on the final issues to get registration online. This will not happen this week. I will update you next week. Now you don't have to worry about checking the site this week.
The hotel has told us that they are sold out and cannot add anymore rooms to our block. You will have to look for accommodations elsewhere if you don't have a room yet. We also cannot find a hotel in close proximity to the event to get a second block.
The good news is that the parking is free at the hotel for BotCon.
See you in St. Charles!
Brian
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1683934)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 10th, 2015 @ 9:35am CDT
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 10th, 2015 @ 9:35am CDT
Does anyone know if IDW goes to Botcon, or is it just something Botcon doesn't put on their website?
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1683979)
Posted by ScottyP on May 10th, 2015 @ 12:44pm CDT
There's typically a presence, at least there has been at each one I've been to. Might be one of those "assumed" things, but yeah I'd think they'd publicize some of the guests more.
Posted by ScottyP on May 10th, 2015 @ 12:44pm CDT
Sustain wrote:Does anyone know if IDW goes to Botcon, or is it just something Botcon doesn't put on their website?
There's typically a presence, at least there has been at each one I've been to. Might be one of those "assumed" things, but yeah I'd think they'd publicize some of the guests more.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1684024)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 10th, 2015 @ 3:44pm CDT
Thanks.
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 10th, 2015 @ 3:44pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:Sustain wrote:Does anyone know if IDW goes to Botcon, or is it just something Botcon doesn't put on their website?
There's typically a presence, at least there has been at each one I've been to. Might be one of those "assumed" things, but yeah I'd think they'd publicize some of the guests more.
Thanks.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1684134)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 10th, 2015 @ 9:21pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on May 10th, 2015 @ 9:21pm CDT
Yeah, there's usually a booth in the exhibitor room where they sell recent stuff and can talk to fans about stuff, and there's sometimes an IDW panel in the schedule. Oftentimes writers and/or artists are invited special guests that people can get autographs from or have their own panels like James Robert had last year.Sustain wrote:ScottyP wrote:Sustain wrote:Does anyone know if IDW goes to Botcon, or is it just something Botcon doesn't put on their website?
There's typically a presence, at least there has been at each one I've been to. Might be one of those "assumed" things, but yeah I'd think they'd publicize some of the guests more.
Thanks.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1688689)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:23pm CDT
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:23pm CDT
A small update to the BotCon 2015 website shows the designs for the hat and t-shirt this year. The hat features the typical BotCon 2015 logo while the t-shirt shows Battletrap, Shattered Glass Stepper, Packrat and Megatron wanted deactivated or funtioning.
The club also sent out an email regarding Botcon registration saying it should go live tomorrow.
The club also sent out an email regarding Botcon registration saying it should go live tomorrow.
Hello Everyone!
Barring any final issues, we are doing the final touches tonight and should have registration live tomorrow. I'll send out an email when it is up.
See you in St. Charles!
Brian
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1688690)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:28pm CDT
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:28pm CDT
Only 27 days or so before the show 
.
.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1688691)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:29pm CDT
I'm a little disappointed too, it's making it hard to plan for.
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:29pm CDT
LOST Cybertronian wrote:Only 27 days or so before the show
I'm a little disappointed too, it's making it hard to plan for.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1688693)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:31pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on May 21st, 2015 @ 10:31pm CDT
Having just paid the bills with this week's paycheck, I'm currently in no financial condition to be registering for BotCon. Does anyone know how long the window for registration might be open? I need at least another week to get paid again before I drop another few hundred dollars on this.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1688697)
Posted by Convoy on May 21st, 2015 @ 11:20pm CDT
Posted by Convoy on May 21st, 2015 @ 11:20pm CDT
Too late. Better luck next time. Hello, General Admission!
(Maybe.)
(Maybe.)
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1688835)
Posted by It Is Him on May 22nd, 2015 @ 6:52am CDT
Using some google-fu, Botcon 2014 registration lasted from May 9 to June 4, so you have time. On top of that, we're usually notified before reisgration closes.
Posted by It Is Him on May 22nd, 2015 @ 6:52am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Having just paid the bills with this week's paycheck, I'm currently in no financial condition to be registering for BotCon. Does anyone know how long the window for registration might be open? I need at least another week to get paid again before I drop another few hundred dollars on this.
Using some google-fu, Botcon 2014 registration lasted from May 9 to June 4, so you have time. On top of that, we're usually notified before reisgration closes.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1688917)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 22nd, 2015 @ 10:26am CDT
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 22nd, 2015 @ 10:26am CDT
Postponed a little longer...
Hello Everyone!
We have encountered a couple of errors in the final move to the production server. So, I'm going to call this off until Tuesday (holiday Monday) and we will try again. Meanwhile, we will be posting later today some instructions so you will know what to do in the new system.
For the Exhibitor's wanting multiple packages, please note that we will be extending the $25 discount for all multiple booth registrations.
I apologize for the delay and any inconvenience,
Brian
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1689012)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 22nd, 2015 @ 1:45pm CDT
The longer this takes, the more time I have to save up enough to register.
Posted by Sabrblade on May 22nd, 2015 @ 1:45pm CDT
Thank goodness!Sustain wrote:Postponed a little longer...Hello Everyone!
We have encountered a couple of errors in the final move to the production server. So, I'm going to call this off until Tuesday (holiday Monday) and we will try again. Meanwhile, we will be posting later today some instructions so you will know what to do in the new system.
For the Exhibitor's wanting multiple packages, please note that we will be extending the $25 discount for all multiple booth registrations.
I apologize for the delay and any inconvenience,
Brian
The longer this takes, the more time I have to save up enough to register.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1689013)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 22nd, 2015 @ 1:46pm CDT
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 22nd, 2015 @ 1:46pm CDT
My only issue is Air fare goes up every day, and this is making this trip almost too much just in transportation.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1689037)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 22nd, 2015 @ 2:43pm CDT
It's best to go ahead and book the flights ahead of time even before registration goes up, so long as you are fully committed to registering and going when D-Day comes.
Posted by Sabrblade on May 22nd, 2015 @ 2:43pm CDT
My flight's already been booked, so I got that covered.Sustain wrote:My only issue is Air fare goes up every day, and this is making this trip almost too much just in transportation.
It's best to go ahead and book the flights ahead of time even before registration goes up, so long as you are fully committed to registering and going when D-Day comes.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1689039)
Posted by Wheeljack808 on May 22nd, 2015 @ 2:48pm CDT
Posted by Wheeljack808 on May 22nd, 2015 @ 2:48pm CDT
Ugh oilmaster is so damn ugly. I would never want that shirt. The other stuff is cool.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690187)
Posted by Va'al on May 25th, 2015 @ 4:50am CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 25th, 2015 @ 4:50am CDT
The official BotCon website has been updated with two more guest announcements for the event, from the designing and artistic branches of the franchise: Takara Tomy/Hall of Fame designer Kojin Ono and Transformers Animated vision Derrick J Wyatt! Head here to find out more, and find a snippet below.
Also included are two videos showing the new registration system (opening this Tuesday!), which have been embedded below.
Also included are two videos showing the new registration system (opening this Tuesday!), which have been embedded below.
We are thrilled to welcome two design legends of Transformers brand history, Takara-Tomy designer and Hall of Fame honoree Kojin Ono and the Art Director for Transformers Animated, Derrick J Wyatt. Click the guests link along the left to read about our final two amazing guests!
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690740)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 2:45pm CDT
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 2:45pm CDT
It's a large load it seems.
As soon as it was up.....
It was down.
Hello Everyone!
BotCon registration is now open until June 5, for attending and non-attending. Please use the registration link at BotCon.com.
See you in St. Charles!
Brian
As soon as it was up.....
We apologize!
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.
We apologize for the issues,
Brian
It was down.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690745)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 26th, 2015 @ 2:48pm CDT
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 26th, 2015 @ 2:48pm CDT
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690755)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:10pm CDT
This is kinda what it looks like too. LOL
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:10pm CDT
This is kinda what it looks like too. LOL
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690760)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:21pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:21pm CDT
Good!
More delays = more time for me to save up.
More delays = more time for me to save up.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690768)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:39pm CDT
No idea how long that will take...
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:39pm CDT
Well to add insult to injury, we just learned that Authorize.net has gone down as well.
This is not because of our system, just a system wide issue.
We will try as soon as they come back up.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
No idea how long that will take...
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690773)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:49pm CDT
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:49pm CDT
Well those lucky like 5 tops who registered will be the few who attend at this rate XD. Oh Funpub.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690774)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:52pm CDT
Someone mentioned on facebook that it took AN seven hours to fix the issue last time..
trying again
And down again.
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 3:52pm CDT
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.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
Someone mentioned on facebook that it took AN seven hours to fix the issue last time..
trying again
We are trying again. The credit card processor Authorize.net is back up.
It may take 5 minutes for the servers to spool back up to handle the load but I have made the time out for the registration 20 minutes so that should solve that potential issue.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
And down again.
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!
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690795)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 26th, 2015 @ 4:49pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on May 26th, 2015 @ 4:49pm CDT
We are trying again. The credit card processor Authorize.net is back up.
It may take 5 minutes for the servers to spool back up to handle the load but I have made the time out for the registration 20 minutes so that should solve that potential issue.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690799)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 4:56pm CDT
Seems it's down for today.
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 26th, 2015 @ 4:56pm CDT
When the host extended the server capacity, somehow the package information in the application was lost
Seems it's down for today.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690815)
Posted by Va'al on May 26th, 2015 @ 5:56pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 26th, 2015 @ 5:56pm CDT
It appears that the team over at BotCon have been trying to finally open their registration pages for the 2015 event in St Charles, Illinois on June 18th-21st - but have encountered an endless run of bad luck and technical issues.
We were directed here to register, both attendee and non-attendee packages and were told that the link will be active until June 5th. What follows below is a series of updates, ending with the confirmation that registration will be attempted tomorrow.
Feel free to let us know what you make of this series of unfortunate events in the Seibertron Energon Pub, and we will keep you updated as soon as some news makes itself known about registration!
We were directed here to register, both attendee and non-attendee packages and were told that the link will be active until June 5th. What follows below is a series of updates, ending with the confirmation that registration will be attempted tomorrow.
Hello Everyone!
BotCon registration is now open until June 5, for attending and non-attending. Please use the registration link at BotCon.com.
See you in St. Charles!
Brian
We apologize!
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.
We apologize for the issues,
Brian
Well to add insult to injury, we just learned that Authorize.net has gone down as well.
This is not because of our system, just a system wide issue.
We will try as soon as they come back up.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
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.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
We are trying again. The credit card processor Authorize.net is back up.
It may take 5 minutes for the servers to spool back up to handle the load but I have made the time out for the registration 20 minutes so that should solve that potential issue.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
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!
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
We are trying again. The credit card processor Authorize.net is back up.
It may take 5 minutes for the servers to spool back up to handle the load but I have made the time out for the registration 20 minutes so that should solve that potential issue.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
In fixing the scaling (server load) 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!
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
Feel free to let us know what you make of this series of unfortunate events in the Seibertron Energon Pub, and we will keep you updated as soon as some news makes itself known about registration!
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690914)
Posted by Counterpunch on May 26th, 2015 @ 10:46pm CDT
What is there to say at this point?
I'm not being ugly about it, but there's no more shock, indignation, or disappointment for me to express.
This is what we have. This is what we have had. It doesn't change from year to year.
I've tried to contribute my voice to the whole ordeal, much like others have, to no effect.
So I just shrug.
Posted by Counterpunch on May 26th, 2015 @ 10:46pm CDT
Va'al wrote:Feel free to let us know what you make of this series of unfortunate events in the Seibertron Energon Pub, and we will keep you updated as soon as some news makes itself known about registration!
What is there to say at this point?
I'm not being ugly about it, but there's no more shock, indignation, or disappointment for me to express.
This is what we have. This is what we have had. It doesn't change from year to year.
I've tried to contribute my voice to the whole ordeal, much like others have, to no effect.
So I just shrug.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690917)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 26th, 2015 @ 10:50pm CDT
This is the best pot i've seen for awhile, it feels like something the Nihilist Arby's twitter would post
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 26th, 2015 @ 10:50pm CDT
Counterpunch wrote:Va'al wrote:Feel free to let us know what you make of this series of unfortunate events in the Seibertron Energon Pub, and we will keep you updated as soon as some news makes itself known about registration!
What is there to say at this point?
I'm not being ugly about it, but there's no more shock, indignation, or disappointment for me to express.
This is what we have. This is what we have had. It doesn't change from year to year.
I've tried to contribute my voice to the whole ordeal, much like others have, to no effect.
So I just shrug.
This is the best pot i've seen for awhile, it feels like something the Nihilist Arby's twitter would post
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690926)
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 26th, 2015 @ 11:05pm CDT
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 26th, 2015 @ 11:05pm CDT
I'm surprised there's not more bitching... it's rather deserved
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690942)
Posted by Autobot_Crossfire on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:14am CDT
Posted by Autobot_Crossfire on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:14am CDT
Poor Brian.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690955)
Posted by morphobots on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:35am CDT
Except it's like Counterpunch said; it's par for the course, every single stinkin' time. We're used to it.
Posted by morphobots on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:35am CDT
MartianSpyGirl1996 wrote:I'm surprised there's not more bitching... it's rather deserved
Except it's like Counterpunch said; it's par for the course, every single stinkin' time. We're used to it.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690957)
Posted by Henry921 on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:37am CDT
Well, don't just stand there, man. Roll one.
Posted by Henry921 on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:37am CDT
SW's SilverHammer wrote:This is the best pot i've seen for awhile
Well, don't just stand there, man. Roll one.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1690997)
Posted by Rated X on May 27th, 2015 @ 5:40am CDT
Posted by Rated X on May 27th, 2015 @ 5:40am CDT
I never got it and I still dont get it...
Why does only THEIR website have problems ? Maybe they should just contract the whole registration process to BBTS or someone with a website that never breaks...
F**k it, im not going anyways and dont even want the entire box set.
Why does only THEIR website have problems ? Maybe they should just contract the whole registration process to BBTS or someone with a website that never breaks...
F**k it, im not going anyways and dont even want the entire box set.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691039)
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 27th, 2015 @ 8:41am CDT
If anything that makes me more pissed off ya know. I can't believe they still have their license after a decade of this, when Glenn was canned after 2 Cons when he A.) had a full time job doing something else (so he was just a fan putting on a fan convention), B.) was a one man show (he was doing everything by himself verses FunPubs team), and C.) Hasbro took forever to approve Sentinal Maximus which is why it wan't at the show, and the plates weren't his fault either. FunPub in my eyes is a bigger trainwreck... if Glenn was given a few more years we would all be attending a MUCH better show than the ones we are now
That was wordier than I anticipated... guess I got on a roll!
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 27th, 2015 @ 8:41am CDT
morphobots wrote:MartianSpyGirl1996 wrote:I'm surprised there's not more bitching... it's rather deserved
Except it's like Counterpunch said; it's par for the course, every single stinkin' time. We're used to it.
If anything that makes me more pissed off ya know. I can't believe they still have their license after a decade of this, when Glenn was canned after 2 Cons when he A.) had a full time job doing something else (so he was just a fan putting on a fan convention), B.) was a one man show (he was doing everything by himself verses FunPubs team), and C.) Hasbro took forever to approve Sentinal Maximus which is why it wan't at the show, and the plates weren't his fault either. FunPub in my eyes is a bigger trainwreck... if Glenn was given a few more years we would all be attending a MUCH better show than the ones we are now
That was wordier than I anticipated... guess I got on a roll!
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691071)
Posted by Seibertron on May 27th, 2015 @ 9:44am CDT
Planned attendance at BotCon also puts a personal investment into this. People are who aren't attending aren't going to care as much. It's easier to just shrug when you aren't attending.
As a programmer who has developed and programmed hundreds of e-commerce/shopping cart, event module, and multimedia websites over the past 15 years, I can assure all of you that the 4 primary websites associated with Fun Publications (both Club websites and both event websites) are relatively easy to program. There is nothing overly complex going on with BotCon registration website. I'm sure other programmers out there would be happy to back this statement up.
Either the development company has fooled Fun Pub into thinking that this is complex, or Fun Pub believes it is complex (which is a fair statement to make for people who work outside of the world of programming) which the development company is flat-out taking advantage of.
If you're reading what I wrote and you're thinking, "No Ryan, it really is complex. You just don't understand how complex it is." then that is where the problem lies and there is no helping. However, I assure all of you and everyone at Fun Pub that this is not relatively complex.
Regardless, the "event registration" website for BotCon is ultimately just a customized shopping cart module with specialized rules. If "Item #1" is placed in the cart, the customer can also purchase Items #2, #3, #5, and #9 (for example). Item #11 can only be purchased if Items #2, #4, or #9 are placed in the cart. Setting up the rules is the only time-consuming part, but not from a programming stand point. The rules should all be easily managed from an admin tool that the client can control.
I'm offering to help them resolve these issues. I would be happy to provide consultation, point them in the right direction, and if no solution is available or affordable, then I might be willing to toss my hat into the ring to resolve their problems with their websites. I'm sure between my associates and other people in the Transformers and GI Joe fandoms that a solution can be found. They just need to reach out to the communities who are passionate about these brands and ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.
Albert Einstein said it best and, unfortunately, it really applies to these ongoing problems with Fun Pub's websites ...
Posted by Seibertron on May 27th, 2015 @ 9:44am CDT
Counterpunch wrote:Va'al wrote:Feel free to let us know what you make of this series of unfortunate events in the Seibertron Energon Pub, and we will keep you updated as soon as some news makes itself known about registration!
What is there to say at this point?
I'm not being ugly about it, but there's no more shock, indignation, or disappointment for me to express.
This is what we have. This is what we have had. It doesn't change from year to year.
I've tried to contribute my voice to the whole ordeal, much like others have, to no effect.
So I just shrug.
Planned attendance at BotCon also puts a personal investment into this. People are who aren't attending aren't going to care as much. It's easier to just shrug when you aren't attending.
As a programmer who has developed and programmed hundreds of e-commerce/shopping cart, event module, and multimedia websites over the past 15 years, I can assure all of you that the 4 primary websites associated with Fun Publications (both Club websites and both event websites) are relatively easy to program. There is nothing overly complex going on with BotCon registration website. I'm sure other programmers out there would be happy to back this statement up.
Either the development company has fooled Fun Pub into thinking that this is complex, or Fun Pub believes it is complex (which is a fair statement to make for people who work outside of the world of programming) which the development company is flat-out taking advantage of.
If you're reading what I wrote and you're thinking, "No Ryan, it really is complex. You just don't understand how complex it is." then that is where the problem lies and there is no helping. However, I assure all of you and everyone at Fun Pub that this is not relatively complex.
Regardless, the "event registration" website for BotCon is ultimately just a customized shopping cart module with specialized rules. If "Item #1" is placed in the cart, the customer can also purchase Items #2, #3, #5, and #9 (for example). Item #11 can only be purchased if Items #2, #4, or #9 are placed in the cart. Setting up the rules is the only time-consuming part, but not from a programming stand point. The rules should all be easily managed from an admin tool that the client can control.
I'm offering to help them resolve these issues. I would be happy to provide consultation, point them in the right direction, and if no solution is available or affordable, then I might be willing to toss my hat into the ring to resolve their problems with their websites. I'm sure between my associates and other people in the Transformers and GI Joe fandoms that a solution can be found. They just need to reach out to the communities who are passionate about these brands and ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.
Albert Einstein said it best and, unfortunately, it really applies to these ongoing problems with Fun Pub's websites ...
Albert Einstein wrote:The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691077)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 27th, 2015 @ 9:53am CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on May 27th, 2015 @ 9:53am CDT
Well, I don't know about any of us, but TFU.info is seemingly had enough with Fun Pub's shenanigans and is putting the hammer down.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php? ... 3997501476
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php? ... 3997501476
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691089)
Posted by Seibertron on May 27th, 2015 @ 10:07am CDT
Does anyone have a video of the GI Joe Collectors Club panel at this year's JoeCon? My post above is in specific response to a comment Brian made to a question at the end of the panel. He made a statement about how this isn't their fault, how the website is really unique and complicated, and that no one has ever stepped forward to offer to help them resolve these problems. I thought I had in the past (but maybe my offer to help was buried amongst criticism during heated moments), so now I want to take a different approach with this and let everyone else know that I'm offering to help. I want to be part of the solution to this. I'm sure there are other programmers out there who could also help and would be honored to help. We could make a lot of people happy and could potentially help Fun Pub make a lot more money. Both can and should go hand in hand. I want them to be successful so that we can continue to get really cool things out of all of this.
Posted by Seibertron on May 27th, 2015 @ 10:07am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Well, I don't know about any of us, but TFU.info is seemingly had enough with Fun Pub's shenanigans and is putting the hammer down.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php? ... 3997501476
Does anyone have a video of the GI Joe Collectors Club panel at this year's JoeCon? My post above is in specific response to a comment Brian made to a question at the end of the panel. He made a statement about how this isn't their fault, how the website is really unique and complicated, and that no one has ever stepped forward to offer to help them resolve these problems. I thought I had in the past (but maybe my offer to help was buried amongst criticism during heated moments), so now I want to take a different approach with this and let everyone else know that I'm offering to help. I want to be part of the solution to this. I'm sure there are other programmers out there who could also help and would be honored to help. We could make a lot of people happy and could potentially help Fun Pub make a lot more money. Both can and should go hand in hand. I want them to be successful so that we can continue to get really cool things out of all of this.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691102)
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 27th, 2015 @ 10:34am CDT
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 27th, 2015 @ 10:34am CDT
There have been plenty of programmers to offer fixes, FOR FREE, but they explicitly turn them down. I think FunPub has fun dry fucking their consumers. It's sick.
Registration went back up and back down again in a matter of minutes this morning. They're a terrible company. Could you imagine if Amazon did this? People would completely boycott.
Registration went back up and back down again in a matter of minutes this morning. They're a terrible company. Could you imagine if Amazon did this? People would completely boycott.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691123)
Posted by Delicon on May 27th, 2015 @ 11:08am CDT
Posted by Delicon on May 27th, 2015 @ 11:08am CDT
The application has crashed after no registrations have been processed. We will go back to the programming serving company. We are very upset as well and will be taking action.
We will have registration. I know you are worried and we understand.
I am sorry for any issues this has caused.
Brian
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691127)
Posted by morphobots on May 27th, 2015 @ 11:13am CDT
Unfortunately, that is what may (and usually does) have to happen to effect change. People have to vote with their wallets. Until the con is threatened financially there will be no incentive for change. The risk is Hasbro deciding to pull the plug altogether over that, which I think is what would happen, citing not enough return on the investment. But this hassle combined with the sticker shock has made me personally decide to stop attending. I am going this year because it is finally back within driving distance for me and I miss being able to attend, but it is no longer as much fun as it used to be. I don't care about area tours, I don't care about casino nights, I don't care about awards dinners. I care about my hobby and interacting with fellow fans, and FunPub is making that excruciatingly difficult.
Posted by morphobots on May 27th, 2015 @ 11:13am CDT
MartianSpyGirl1996 wrote:There have been plenty of programmers to offer fixes, FOR FREE, but they explicitly turn them down. I think FunPub has fun dry **** their consumers. It's sick.
Registration went back up and back down again in a matter of minutes this morning. They're a terrible company. Could you imagine if Amazon did this? People would completely boycott.
Unfortunately, that is what may (and usually does) have to happen to effect change. People have to vote with their wallets. Until the con is threatened financially there will be no incentive for change. The risk is Hasbro deciding to pull the plug altogether over that, which I think is what would happen, citing not enough return on the investment. But this hassle combined with the sticker shock has made me personally decide to stop attending. I am going this year because it is finally back within driving distance for me and I miss being able to attend, but it is no longer as much fun as it used to be. I don't care about area tours, I don't care about casino nights, I don't care about awards dinners. I care about my hobby and interacting with fellow fans, and FunPub is making that excruciatingly difficult.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691137)
Posted by Delicon on May 27th, 2015 @ 11:28am CDT
Posted by Delicon on May 27th, 2015 @ 11:28am CDT
Those who think there hasn't been outrage aren't reading the same posts I have. Now for me, a lot of it is coming from private FB groups but it is definitely there.
When it comes to people from Seibertron.com, I have been to more BotCons than all but a few people, especially consecutive BotCons having gone e every year since 2007.
So, to answer the criticism of "this happens every year" - well, no. The last time I remember them having a registration that was so late was quite a few years ago, whichever year it was that they went to online registration in the first place. Does that mean that FunPub hasn't had a bunch of other missteps along the way? Of course not, and a lot of it IS technology related. However, if you have gone to the show year after year as I have, you'll realize that these folks do put together a great overall event.
I definitely agree with Seibertron however that seeking some better technology help would be a great idea.
When it comes to people from Seibertron.com, I have been to more BotCons than all but a few people, especially consecutive BotCons having gone e every year since 2007.
So, to answer the criticism of "this happens every year" - well, no. The last time I remember them having a registration that was so late was quite a few years ago, whichever year it was that they went to online registration in the first place. Does that mean that FunPub hasn't had a bunch of other missteps along the way? Of course not, and a lot of it IS technology related. However, if you have gone to the show year after year as I have, you'll realize that these folks do put together a great overall event.
I definitely agree with Seibertron however that seeking some better technology help would be a great idea.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691159)
Posted by megatronus on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:39pm CDT
Posted by megatronus on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:39pm CDT
It's not just that this is expected (which, sadly, it is), but what really gets me is everything surrounding it. The already late registration. The lack of basic QA or testing before go-live. The continued deflection to their vendor, as if the vendor is at the heart of the problem.
Honestly, I'm embarrassed for the Club.
Honestly, I'm embarrassed for the Club.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691160)
Posted by megatronus on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:41pm CDT
Posted by megatronus on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:41pm CDT
@ 1:37pm EST:
It's a bit too late for that.
Brian wrote:They have spooled it up as fast as they can go. Hopefully this works or we will look at a totally different alternative. Last shot on this system.
Again I am sorry for any issues this has caused and this in no way should reflect on the brand,
Brian
It's a bit too late for that.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691161)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:49pm CDT
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on May 27th, 2015 @ 12:49pm CDT
Even though Seibertron is willing to help, I don't think the club wants any help. If they wanted help for an issue they couldn't fix or alternatively understand on their own, they would've sought it by now, and this would've been a non issue. Like literally a non issue, this conversation would not be happening. Granted the club's QC is moot at best. Yes I'm using that word right, moot means debatable.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691166)
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:07pm CDT
I've gone to BotCon consecutively since 2000, when 3H was in full swing. I witnessed Glenn's unfair downfall at the hands of a lackadaisical Hasbro, and I've seen FunPub fuck up since day one by not providing half the things they promised to do the first week in the entire first year. If it's not this, it's that. If it's not one thing, it's another. They took over in 2005... online registration should have been done straight off the bat. They are utterly incompetent.
Posted by MartianSpyGirl1996 on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:07pm CDT
Delicon wrote:Those who think there hasn't been outrage aren't reading the same posts I have. Now for me, a lot of it is coming from private FB groups but it is definitely there.
When it comes to people from Seibertron.com, I have been to more BotCons than all but a few people, especially consecutive BotCons having gone e every year since 2007.
So, to answer the criticism of "this happens every year" - well, no. The last time I remember them having a registration that was so late was quite a few years ago, whichever year it was that they went to online registration in the first place. Does that mean that FunPub hasn't had a bunch of other missteps along the way? Of course not, and a lot of it IS technology related. However, if you have gone to the show year after year as I have, you'll realize that these folks do put together a great overall event.
I definitely agree with Seibertron however that seeking some better technology help would be a great idea.
I've gone to BotCon consecutively since 2000, when 3H was in full swing. I witnessed Glenn's unfair downfall at the hands of a lackadaisical Hasbro, and I've seen FunPub fuck up since day one by not providing half the things they promised to do the first week in the entire first year. If it's not this, it's that. If it's not one thing, it's another. They took over in 2005... online registration should have been done straight off the bat. They are utterly incompetent.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691168)
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:07pm CDT
Posted by -Soundwave- on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:07pm CDT
I don't think it's up to Funpub. They're using Eventman, and you'd have to be in with Eventman.
Got my package.
Got my package.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691174)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:14pm CDT
So... yeah.
Posted by Sabrblade on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:14pm CDT
Eventman.com is owned by Brian Savage, and is the same domain through which all of the online registrations of prior years have been done.Sustain wrote:I don't think it's up to Funpub. They're using Eventman, and you'd have to be in with Eventman.
So... yeah.
Re: Botcon 2015 Registration and Hotel Update (1691176)
Posted by mooncake623 on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:19pm CDT
Wait so they're blaming their vendor who is actually his own company? what? wtf?
Posted by mooncake623 on May 27th, 2015 @ 1:19pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Eventman.com is owned by Brian Savage, and is the same domain through which all of the online registrations of prior years have been done.Sustain wrote:I don't think it's up to Funpub. They're using Eventman, and you'd have to be in with Eventman.
So... yeah.
Wait so they're blaming their vendor who is actually his own company? what? wtf?
