Botcon Online Registration Now Testing!

Posted by Bed Bugs May 1, 2010 at 3:41pm CDT 24,870 views

Events

View Discussion Sign in or Join to reply

Brian of the Transformers Collector's Club has sent out a mass email to club members regarding helping out test the new online registration system.

Here is the latest update. Even though we are in the middle of GIJoeCon right now, we have continued to work on the registration system.

In order to do the final testing, we need your help. We have posted a test event at http://www.eventman.com/testevent. Please go to this site and walk through the registration system. Feel free to try variation you find. It is very complicated code but the interface is very simple. If you get a cold fusion error and the Accufind screen comes up, you don't need to send in an email as that will generate an automatic email to the programer. If you have comments or suggestions please use the email link at the bottom of the page.

You can put anything in the credit card and note that it will throw a warning that your order is not finished. This is normal as it is not processing credit cards, so don't use a real one as the secure socket is not turned on.

Please note that IN NO WAY are you registering for BotCon with this test event.

It would also help if as many people as possible could try to register at the same time so, if you can, please try at 2pm Central Time on Sunday, we would appreciate it!

Next week we will make the final corrections and put the live site up IF there are no major issues. We will not be disclosing what time, date or the url until it is up. We will send out an email and a Tweet.

One thing we do know about the classes is currently this version will allow you to pick the class both days, which we don't allow. The final version should have this corrected.

Thanks for your patience!

Brian

In addition, this second email was sent out for clarification:

Couple of other notes. Use your regular log in. Some of the data in your file may be incorrect as it is a development database and has been beat on a lot. We will hook to the live database when the final version goes online.

Also, notice there is a timer that is set for 7 minutes. The system takes the items you are purchasing and puts them in your basket so that no one else can have them. If you don't finish in the 7 minutes, the system puts the items back in stock.

Stock status of the classes represents a real event and will stock out shortly. I'll put some more back in tomorrow. If the items has stocked out, you should see a grayed out notice.

Thanks!

Brian

More Bots. More News. More Awesome.

New Transformers Reveals at SDCC 2025 Include Titan AOE Grimlock, 2 Primes, Big Convoy and More

Jul 25, 2025 13,233 views

Masters of the Universe x Transformers Crossover Figures Revealed at SDCC

Jul 25, 2025 4,027 views

Transformers Armada Nemesis Prime with Star Saber Revealed at SDCC 2025

Jul 24, 2025 4,721 views

Walmart Opens Store Page For Retro G1-Inspired Seaspray, Plus Potential Brawn Leak

Jul 19, 2025 6,015 views

Recap of Shizuoka Hobby Show Reveals: Transformer Crossover Figures of Macross, Zoids, Evangelion + More

May 16, 2025 72,899 views

Takara to Release Another Transformers Evangelion Crossover Figure

May 9, 2025 51,297 views

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by HighPrime May 1, 2010

Already tested for 'non-attendee.' No problems on my side. I love the 7 minute countdown idea. Before anyone becomes alarmed at the "$10.00" processing fee, I'm betting that's a substitution for a shipping charge. There had better not be a processing fee... :lol:

Anyway, I plan on testing tomorrow at 2pm, also.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Novascream May 1, 2010

I just took the BOTCON online registration (beta) test & they have raised the prices! If you will take a look at the brochure it says that the customization class is $85 dollars, but on the online form they have raised it to $100! They have also added a $10 service fee for online registration! I have set aside money for Botcon for what I was told the price of my items would be, which according to the brochure was to be only $490.00. Now with all their add-ons it is $515.00! I can't actually register til I get more money now as I am sort on my credit card! This really pisses me off. They pick some far out-of-the-way place for the hotel, in one of the most expensive chains ever, deny us the ability to register and now they want to raise the prices at the last minute. Since they printed the price in the brochure, they legally cannot raise it at the last minute like this. So make sure you have printed out the brochure like I did, as it will actually stand up in court!

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Seibertron May 1, 2010

Novascream wrote:I just took the BOTCON online registration (beta) test & they have raised the prices! If you will take a look at the brochure it says that the customization class is $85 dollars, but on the online form they have raised it to $100! They have also added a $10 service fee for online registration! I have set aside money for Botcon for what I was told the price of my items would be, which according to the brochure was to be only $490.00. Now with all their add-ons it is $515.00! I can't actually register til I get more money now as I am sort on my credit card! This really pisses me off. They pick some far out-of-the-way place for the hotel, in one of the most expensive chains ever, deny us the ability to register and now they want to raise the prices at the last minute. Since they printed the price in the brochure, they legally cannot raise it at the last minute like this. So make sure you have printed out the brochure like I did, as it will actually stand up in court!

Seriously? Over $15 to $25? The BotCon folks have a right to raise a price if needed. I'm pretty sure that would stand up in court.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Seibertron May 1, 2010

Seibertron wrote:
Novascream wrote:I just took the BOTCON online registration (beta) test & they have raised the prices! If you will take a look at the brochure it says that the customization class is $85 dollars, but on the online form they have raised it to $100! They have also added a $10 service fee for online registration! I have set aside money for Botcon for what I was told the price of my items would be, which according to the brochure was to be only $490.00. Now with all their add-ons it is $515.00! I can't actually register til I get more money now as I am sort on my credit card! This really pisses me off. They pick some far out-of-the-way place for the hotel, in one of the most expensive chains ever, deny us the ability to register and now they want to raise the prices at the last minute. Since they printed the price in the brochure, they legally cannot raise it at the last minute like this. So make sure you have printed out the brochure like I did, as it will actually stand up in court!

Seriously? Over $15 to $25? The BotCon folks have a right to raise a price if needed. I'm pretty sure that would stand up in court.

It is also worth noting that this is a test system. It is possible that these prices are simply test prices. I wouldn't get worked up over this until it's finalized.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Seibertron May 1, 2010

RE: http://www.eventman.com/packageinfo.cfm

The "countdown" timer should reset itself every time you hit submit, refresh the page, or do something on the site. The session should only time out after X amount of inactivity.

Having a countdown timer that does not refresh is not friendly to the end consumer. Also, what happens if someone is running out of time, the timer strikes 0, and the user then clicks on the final submit button or payment button? This is why the timer should reset each time the user does something.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by HighPrime May 1, 2010

Seibertron wrote:The "countdown" timer should reset itself every time you hit submit, refresh the page, or do something on the site. The session should only time out after X amount of inactivity.

I think it's necessary if 'pre-allocating' inventory to a cart before purchase, otherwise, you'd have jokers refreshing pages constantly holding up inventory. Even though I like this idea, it's not practical. What's to stop the same person from opening up 20 browsers and finalizing those orders in the same amount of time? I'm probably thinking to hard about this, though. It may simply be a mechanism to prevent system resource exhaustion, or it's just part of the test

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Seibertron May 1, 2010

HighPrime wrote:
Seibertron wrote:The "countdown" timer should reset itself every time you hit submit, refresh the page, or do something on the site. The session should only time out after X amount of inactivity.

I think it's necessary, otherwise, you'd have jokers refreshing pages constantly holding up inventory. Even though I like this idea, it's not practical. What's to stop the same person from opening up 20 browsers and finalizing those orders in the same amount of time? I'm probably thinking to hard about this, though. It may simply be a mechanism to prevent system resource exhaustion, or it's just part of the test

Wow ... lost my whole order after sending them an email and posting this message. Timer ended right after I finished typing "4111111111111111" for my credit card, page automatically refreshed and gave me this error message:

Your timer has expired. Please start your registration again.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by HighPrime May 1, 2010

Seibertron wrote:
HighPrime wrote:
Seibertron wrote:The "countdown" timer should reset itself every time you hit submit, refresh the page, or do something on the site. The session should only time out after X amount of inactivity.

I think it's necessary, otherwise, you'd have jokers refreshing pages constantly holding up inventory. Even though I like this idea, it's not practical. What's to stop the same person from opening up 20 browsers and finalizing those orders in the same amount of time? I'm probably thinking to hard about this, though. It may simply be a mechanism to prevent system resource exhaustion, or it's just part of the test

Wow ... lost my whole order after sending them an email and posting this message. Timer ended right after I finished typing "4111111111111111" for my credit card, page automatically refreshed and gave me this error message:

Your timer has expired. Please start your registration again.

Well, that'll teach you

I finished my order in under 3 minutes. Sorry I snagged your box set :lol:

Seriously, though, the timer could be extended.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by LiKwid May 1, 2010

Well if this test site is a taste of the actual registration system I like it..Quick and to the point.. I'm sure the prices had to be adjusted because of the beta. So far me likes..

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Energon May 1, 2010

I think that their server will not be able to handle the load and will be rendered off line in the first 20 minutes of going online. I hope they e-mail a copy of the registration to members so they can fax it in if the site goes off-line.

EDIT: Just saw they are not using their own web server for the registration. Still am skeptical.

A lack of information for a convention that is next month really doesn't bode well. Why do they hold back information? What reason would they have for not setting a registration date and time?

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Delicon May 1, 2010

I tried their test system and it seems like it is working pretty well at the moment, other than the credit card error which they said would happen.

Black Bumblebee wrote:Sent an email about this to Botcon and got a reply:

My email:

Just thought I'd let you know that on the forums at Seibertron, a lot of people are saying that they are backing out of coming to your convention due to the lack of information / lack of registration. It's a front paged story right now. You might want to do some damage control... just saying...

Reply:

We have had full information.

Registration very soon I am in final testing while I am at the Joe Convention.

Brian

Please make note of my new email brian@funpubinc.com

So, according to the email, we already know all there is to know about Botcon this year--guests, exclusives, and all. (???)

Take from this what you will.

"We have had full information" probably refers to the fact that they are well aware that we ran a front page story on their delay.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Mkall May 1, 2010

Attempted to enter info as a non-member, entered it all correctly then got this error message:

ERROR: Sorry, the page that you are trying to access has resulted in an error.

All available information about this request / transaction has been sent to AccuFind Support, and we will make the necessary corrections as soon as possible.

If you feel it is necessary to contact us regarding this error, please call 1-888-932-3371.

Using Firefox 3.6.3

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Counterpunch May 1, 2010

Broke it on my first try.

Number/buffer flooding.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Tigertrack May 1, 2010

No problems minus the credit card thing.

That and what I signed up for cost me a grand...

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by LiKwid May 1, 2010

tigertracks 24 wrote:No problems minus the credit card thing.

That and what I signed up for cost me a grand...

it's wierd when i hit submit on the Cc thing it gave me the error but then the page refreshed and it accepted it.. Wierd..

Only a grand? LOL

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Skullcrunchberries May 2, 2010

Gee golly, that is whack yo. For sheezy.

That's right, I'm white.

Taking everything into account, I'm in agreement with those who think at this point they should revert to the tried-and-true fax system. What concerns me (on top of everything else) is that when the online system goes up and they get the huge influx of orders, they won't be able to properly process them by convention time. Our green/blue/whatever slips for pre-registrants might come just a week before the convention, or not at all, instead of the usual month or even longer. Even worse, it opens the door for a LOT of potential issues, miscommunications and organizational clusterf***s. Especially for those intending to buy multiple sets (luckily I'm aiming for one, but I know some people who're out for a little extra cash).

Hopefully they'll make good on their promise to have things up sometime next week. I have a feeling the TFCC Q&A discussion at the con is going to be both packed and volatile this year...

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Delicon May 2, 2010

It sounds like some people had a lot more luck than others - hopefully they get these bugs fixed quickly and then we can all get registered and happy.

That is, until we wait for 3-5 hrs in the Thursday lines.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Liftgate May 2, 2010

I almost forgot at 2 and was afew minutes late, like 2:05 I think. Didn't have any problem and finished the whole thing in about a minute flat. The time they give you is plenty, we all know what to expect by now and don't need to read every single line on each page. If you can't finish in that amount of time, either your connection is really slow or something is bogging down your computer.

Last night when I tried the registration, it hung up for over a minute on the first form that ask how many were attending, thought it was my odd browser (version of Seamonkey), but must have been the connection because it didn't repeat today.

Btw, did registration on a 10 year old laptop with a 700mhz pentium III, so there's no real excuses for not being able to complete the form in the alloted time.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Novascream May 2, 2010

Apparently I had a brain-fart, as I do have enough money on my card to register for Botcon. Even with all the price increases and/or online service fees. I thought my stuff would be over 500 bucks, but it's just over 400 bucks. $305 for the Primus Package, and then either $85 or $100 for the Class and another $10 for an online service fee. Bringing the grand total to either $400 or $415 depending on what they actually charge.

Re: Botcon Online Registration Now Testing! (view post)

Comment by Seibertron May 2, 2010

Liftgate wrote:Btw, did registration on a 10 year old laptop with a 700mhz pentium III, so there's no real excuses for not being able to complete the form in the alloted time.

There's plenty of reasons to not complete a form in 7 minutes. Got a baby? How about a parent trying to complete a form while dealing with an uncooperative child? What if you aren't sure of the choices and are reading the brochure while completing the form?

Of course you could make the argument that someone should try filling out a form until they're absolutely ready. I just feel that it isn't very customer friendly. I'd be more concerned about making it customer friendly for everyone else than trying to worry about how to accommodate 100 people for a customs class.

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

Charge Our Energon Reserves. Join the Seibertron Elite.

Support SEIBERTRON™