WARNING – There are spoilers for the film “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” in this post.  If you don’t want to be spoiled, come back after you’ve seen it to read.  I’m sure there won’t be much else here to read for a few days anyway, as I travel back to L.A. from Illinois…

In April, I was lucky enough to get grabbed by one of those random chances on the street – outside the Arclight theater my sister and I were asked if we’d like to see a film far in advance of its release.  This happens often in this town, of course, but this time we were amazed it was a film we actually were excited to see.  That is how I saw Scott Pilgrim the first time.

It was probably 80-85% done.  A lot of the effects were there but not all, and certainly there hadn’t been a lot of the final touchups in place.  It was still a work in progress, even if it was mostly finished.  I enjoyed that viewing thoroughly.  It’s interesting because at that point in my life I was identifying with the character Scott Pilgrim.

Last warning about spoilers…

So in April I felt I was Scott Pilgrim.  I had, in the last year, broken up with someone I got along with very well, but wasn’t quite right for me in other ways and was lured to a relationship with someone else.  That second relationship seemed to be full of spark and life, and I felt, finally, like I had found the right person to be with.

No, I didn’t have to fight seven evil exes, but the relationship was short-lived, and I was dumped.  It hurt a lot.  I am still very fond of him, and I know he is a really good guy, but as with most things, it was not meant to be.  So, when Scott Pilgrim was screened in April, it made perfect sense that he wouldn’t get Ramona and would end up with the person who he was best suited for, Knives, the girl he dumped to pursue Ramona.

This didn’t mean I was compelled to restart the older of the two relationships – I felt I had damaged it beyond repair anyway, but it did give me some hope, that perhaps the “right one” was still out there for me.  I really liked this ending and left the theater completely satisfied by the experience.

The next four months were pretty brutal for me personally.  I still wasn’t coping well with the loss of that dynamic relationship, the one I thought would be THE ONE.  I started the year ready to tackle the world, and within two weeks, the world had tackled and pinned me to the ground.  From January to August I flailed, occasionally getting up off the mat and walking away from the fight, only to find myself drawn back to it and landing flat on my back once more.

It was while I was struggling to move on with my life and embrace the opportunities in front of me, that I saw Scott Pilgrim a second time, this time at Grauman’s Chinese Theater for the premiere.  Again I enjoyed the film, but I noticed a strange shift in my perspective as I watched the film.  Instead of identifying with Scott, I suddenly found myself identifying with Knives.  Scott seemed like an ass, using, then throwing away various girls until Ramona, who he pursued while still dating Knives.  And then he dumped Knives, which, though the right thing to do, felt incredibly harsh.  I had, after all, been a girl recently dumped and still hoped against hope that he, my version of Scott, would come back to me.  This change in perspective had me anticipating the ending all the more, as I knew Scott would go back to Knives and the two of them would end up at the arcade happily playing video games together once more.

But that isn’t what happened.

As the final reel of the film unspooled, I started to realize that it was not the ending I had seen before.  Confused, I watched as Knives gave her blessing to Scott for him to go after Ramona and try their relationship again.  No!  This wasn’t the right ending!  Knives was supposed to get Scott!  And I’m Knives, which means I get the guy!  And Ramona hasn’t shown an ounce of love for Scott, where Knives very clearly was infatuated.  This was messing up everything!

I left the theater, upset about the change, certain that stupid test audience notes were responsible for this egregious mangling of the story.  It tainted my experience of the premiere somewhat, though I still had enormous fun at the party, I couldn’t quite shake the nagging thought from my mind: Knives got screwed.

In the week or two following the film I felt even more determined to try to get back what I had lost in that relationship, so I pursued harder, and found that I was pushing him further away.  The realization was devastating and I suffered a complete meltdown.  It was probably what needed to happen.  I needed to not just be pinned to the mat but punched in the face to get the point – THIS ISN’T GOING TO HAPPEN.  My brain finally registered the reality.  Once I was told that my feelings were not reciprocated, and most likely wouldn’t be, there was no hope left.  Maybe I could finally move on.

The morning after that brutal yet honest assessment of things, I had a revelation.  I thought back to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World once more, pondering how this film could hold so much meaning for me.  I then realized that the new ending was the right one after all.  Knives was too young for Scott, and honestly deserved better than to be the afterthought girlfriend post-Ramona.  Scott did deserve a second chance with Ramona, without dealing with seven evil exes and Knives deserved to find someone who would treat her as the best thing in the world rather than a ‘good enough’ friend to pass time with.  Finally I was at peace with this ending, understanding that we don’t always get what we want (except Scott Pilgrim apparently).

It’s all very silly, I realize, but then, this is why we go to movies in the first place.  We watch them to be entertained, yes, but also to identify with characters, analyze the decisions they make and how those decisions would affect our own lives.  I will never blow up the Death Star, but like Luke Skywalker, I left my home to seek out a different sort of life than the one that stretched before me like the Tatooine desert.  We watch films to cheer us up, make us sad, provoke thought and shut off our brains.  The joy is in the discovery of what kind of film a new one will be for us, and whether we will return to it as a remedy in the future.  My sister and I watch “Sense and Sensibility” repeatedly, because it soothes us and brings us some comfort when we are feeling down about our lives.  We need only look to the Dashwood sisters to remind ourselves how much better positioned we are in our lives than they are in theirs, and that our futures are wide open to our own actions, and we are not limited in our options as the Dashwood women are based on the standards of the day.

So here I am, brushing myself off, rising steadily off the mat once more and walking away from this fight.  I’m not looking back anymore.  Sometimes it’s best to know when you are defeated and move on to the next challenge.  And the next challenge, while not a relationship, is something I will tackle with every ounce of my determination.

And someday I’ll find my own Scott Pilgrim, or Ramona, depending on the point of view.  Or maybe I won’t.  But that will be okay too.

I’m new to Comic Con & 2010 will be my first one. The panel I want to see is going to exhibit in Hall H midday on Thurs. What’s the bathroom policy in Hall H, can I get my exact seat back in the Hall.  I heard about a pass, does it allow me my seat back? THX!

There are bathrooms INSIDE Hall H, which makes this whole gambit a little easier.  If you aren’t in Hall H, there is a bathroom pass you can get to leave and re-enter the room, but it won’t guarantee you keep your same seat. If you have a friend with you, take turns using the bathroom pass. If you are going by yourself, make friends with the person seated next to you in the Hall. I always believe it’s best to make new friends anyway – offer your seat neighbor a snack or to return the favor if they’ll watch your stuff. Usually people know what you went through to get that seat in the first place, and will help you out. If no one seems to want to help, change seats while you can and find someone who will.

Ask me anything

Usually the parking structure at the convention center opens 1-2 hours before events begin for the day (so around 8 AM). I have posted the question to @SDCCPark on Twitter to get an official answer, however. Stay tuned. (And no, I don’t believe they sold online permits for every spot).

Ask me anything

Today Comic Con released their newsletter/magazine.  Contained within were several changes from last year.  So let’s start with those.  To read all of the changes in detail, go get the Comic Con Spring/Summer Magazine NOW.

If you have an iPhone or iPad Touch, download the Comic Con app.  It’s free and from what I can see, it will be even more useful this year.  GET IT.

Hotels

They’ve added some more hotels for the con.  That means a few more are offering special rates if you book through Travel Partners on the Comic Con website.  The first thing you’ll notice is that the new hotels are all out away from the convention center, but that may not be a bad thing, because…

Shuttles

…they’ve expanded the shuttle offerings to these hotels!  That means not having to park downtown every day!  Usually you have to add the daily cost of parking to your hotel costs, but with the expanded shuttle services, you can now book a cheaper room further away and still have the ability to get around on the shuttles.  This is a HUGE change and will be a very interesting development this year.  Note:  “To provide faster service, the shuttle route for Mission Valley will run from 7:00am to 8:00pm from a location near the Omni Hotel (at the foot of L Street in downtown San Diego). Using this drop point during heavy daytime traffic periods will increase the frequency of shuttles. After 8:00pm this shuttle route will originate from the Convention Center front driveway.”

Parking

You’ll want to get the details in the magazine or on the Comic Con blog, but there is now a way to pre-pay for your parking.  This can be a big advantage if you’d rather charge it all on a card before you arrive, rather than having cash on hand every day for the lots.  There are some instructions and rules around this, so if this interests you, read up on it.  You can purchase your parking pass here.

Off-Site Registration

They’ve added a location for picking up your badge (only for Attendees — not press, professional or other badge holders) in Mission Valley.  This should help anyone who is arriving on Wednesday but does NOT have the Preview Night pass.  Will also help those of you that arrive the night before your first day at the Con.  You can now pick up badges at the California section of the Atlas Ballroom at the Town & Country Hotel Convention Center.  Hours for this badge pick up: Wed 7/21 3-8:30 PM   Thurs 7/22 8:30 AM – 12 Noon.

So, there’s one other interesting note I’ll reprint here in full from the Comic Con blog:

“You can take the Comic-Con shuttle to the Town & Country; however, you will need to have a Shuttle Pass.

Please note that Shuttle Passes are available ONLY when booking online with official Comic-Con hotels. Shuttle Passes will be available at the front desk upon check in. One pass for each person listed on reservation.”

So, you need a shuttle pass this year.  Keep that in mind, kids.

Bag Check – Expanded Services

Let me cut/paste from the blog once again:

“In addition to the expanded shuttle route, Comic-Con is expanding Bag Check services at the Convention Center.

The Bag Check station is located near Hall A and underneath the escalator in the lobby of Hall E, on the ground floor level of the Convention Center. The charge is $2.00 per bag.

So feel free to check your bags before heading out to dinner or catching an evening program. Finally you won’t have to make a special trip back to your hotel or be stuck lugging your stuff around at night. Simply check your stuff and head out for an evening of fun. But remember, you need to return to the Bag Check before they close as items cannot be left overnight.”

Bag Check Hours:

Wed. 7/21 2 pm – 9 pm

Thurs – Sat 7/22-7/24  7 am – 2 am

Sun 7/25 7 am – 5 pm

Okay, on to some questions…

“I don’t have a badge for Comic Con – they sold out!  Is there any way I can still get one?”

Keep an eye on the Comic Con Twitter Account ( @Comic_Con) Last year tickets which were returned for various reasons were put up on eBay for sale.  You never know when and what kind of ticket it will be, so you’ll have to stay frosty to get what you want!  Happy hunting.

“I didn’t get the hotel I wanted…”

Yeah, me neither.  Them’s the breaks.  You can always check closer to the Con as some people will cancel rooms at the last minute.  I only recommend this course of action if you have a room booked SOMEWHERE.  Otherwise, you might end up sleeping in your car, or in line with the Twihards for Hall H…

Speaking of Hall H, here’s a question from formspring :

What’s the best way to prepare for Hall H madness? Since “Twilight” obsessives camp out? BTW I’m not a fan, lol.

As I said last year, it’s all about strategy.  If you want to avoid the masses of Hall H…don’t go there.  Seriously.  I went to Hall H for ONE event last year, and I know a lot of people who never set foot in that room once.  If you are going to panels that are important to you and they are in Hall H, you’re going to deal with some madness.  Keep in mind that’s exactly what the “Twilight” fans are doing – planning for the one thing they are there to really see.  Call them crazy, but they are committed.  You have to be too, if you are going to be successful.  I will refer you to last year’s guide in the discussion of strategy:

Do be selective, but keep your options open!  Once you have the schedule in hand, you will want to go through it, marking every panel, session or activity of interest.  Here’s the thing: there are many ways to enjoy the Con.  I know people who don’t set foot in a room for a panel/seminar/session etc.  I know those (and have been one) who wait in a line to get into a room early in the day and stay in that same room ALL DAY.  You may wish to wander around in costume all day.  That’s fine too!  But don’t try to do everything.  You’ll only end up frustrated and disappointed.  Also don’t try to go from one large panel room (like Hall H or Ballroom 20 or any of the upstairs rooms in the hallway of DOOM) immediately to another.

Another formspring question:

Are most of the parties I am hearing about post-con (EW, Wrath of Con etc) media only? If so what do most people do on con nights?

I do mention some strategies for finding out about evening activities in last year’s guide.  Let me also direct you to another valuable resource: The Unofficial SDCC Blog.  That link will take you directly to their page detailing off-site events taking place through the con weekend.  This looks like a good place to find parties, special events, movie screenings, etc that you might be interested in attending.  As for some of the “big” parties – they are usually for media and professionals, but there are some chances to win passes to some of these parties through participating websites, most notably those who sponsor the “Masters of the Web” panel — they give away tickets to the Wrath of Con party every year to attendees of the panel.  You may find more chances for these kind of opportunities on their websites also.

One more from formspring:

I’m coming from abroad for Comic Con. Sales tax. I understand it on most things, but taxing old comics at market value (which traders will charge) means a lack of competitiveness V Internet. Am I going to pay 8% above market because I am in California?

The competitive pricing at the convention comes from multiple vendors who will be trying to get your business.  Most of these booths will include tax in the sticker price, so as to alleviate time consuming calculations (after all, there are usually a lot of people trying to buy things.  It makes it easier if they set the price ahead of time).  However, you will find that you can haggle with some of the retailers, particularly as you get close to the end of the convention on Sunday.  For some mint or hard to find items, you may not be able to get a lower price, but it never hurts to ask.  You don’t always have that luxury on the internet either.  I do want to leave this open to anyone who has more knowledge of the tax situation who might be able to provide a better answer than this, so if anyone out there does have something to add, please do so in the comments.

2009 Guide to San Diego Comic Con

So, here we are about a month out from the Con.  You may be thinking that there’s nothing to do until you arrive in San Diego, but you would be wrong.  Yes, panels are entertaining and there are lots of awesome things to see and buy (and lots of free stuff too!)…but the best part about Comic Con is bonding with others who share your interest or passion in all things comics/geeky/cool.

If this is your first time going to Comic Con, I encourage you to start finding others who will be going, through facebook, twitter, websites, etc.  I always find that having a few new folks to meet up with at the Con from all over the country makes the experience a lot more fun.  AND you’ll have people to plan out your Con activities with — share ideas of what to do, where to go, who to see.  Some Con veterans will be able to direct you to the best restaurants and ’secret’ Con activities (ooh, secret activities? Okay, maybe less publicized events, some affiliated, some not affiliated with the Con).

What to Take With You to the Con Every Day

Unless you are dying to carry around 25 pounds on your back, try to pack light.  I’m one of the unfortunates who is there as press and must lug my laptop around to blog/tweet/write all day, so take pity on me when you see me.  The rest of you should use your backpacks to carry around some of the following:

Food. You may THINK that you’ll grab a bite at the convention center, but unless you are addicted to Mrs. Fields cookies and Starbucks coffee (and don’t mind waiting in long lines for it), bring some snacks to sustain you throughout the day.  You may find yourself in Hall H (the biggest room) all day for the various film panels, and trust me, once you are in one of those rooms, you may be stuck there (more on that in a minute).  So, pack some snacks…if you are flying in from out of town, check the area around your hotel to see if there is a drugstore or supermarket close by.  I’d also advise that you try to stick to healthy stuff — fruit, carrot sticks, granola bars — just for your overall health (you’ll be eating poorly enough probably anyway), but that’s just me trying to look out for you.  Take what you like that will keep you going for a few hours.  If that means candy bars and energy drinks, so be it.

Pen and paper. Yes, I know — you have a smartphone, you can jot down notes or phone numbers or what have you on that…ah, but what if you run into Stan Lee in the hallway?  I’m not a huge autograph hound, but you don’t want to lose out on an opportunity.  Also, smartphones die or lose power.  You might want to have paper to write phone numbers, information on panels, etc as a backup.  Yes, I know this sounds silly, but don’t come crying to me when you are in the middle of the vast Exhibitor Hall, trying to remember where you saw the awesome T-shirt you wanted to buy.  If you had written down the booth number or given yourself some direction back to said awesome T-shirt, you wouldn’t be crying when you can’t find it again.  Trust me.  I’ve been there.

Business cards. If you are an aspiring artist/writer/actor/rocket scientist, bring business cards.  You’ll meet a lot of people, and passing them out is the easiest way to network (and yes, Comic Con is a fantastic networking opportunity).  Don’t have business cards?  There are many inexpensive options to get some made and you still have time to get them ordered and delivered!  What to put on the card: Your name.  Your email.  Your phone number.  Perhaps something that describes who you are/want to be…I try to write on the back of cards i receive something about the person so I remember who the heck they are later when I’m sorting through cards.  Now that there are personal addresses available on Facebook, that could also be a good addition to the card.  If you want to keep in contact with new folks you meet, try to add them on Facebook as soon as possible so you don’t forget who they are!

Comic Con Program. They’ll give you a bag o’ stuff when you register and get your badge.  The most important thing you’ll get when you check in is the Comic Con Program.  It is large, but is your bible to the whole shindig.  I usually take a highlighter to it as soon as I receive it so I can mark panels I am interested in seeing and their locations.  Learn the map, love the map.

Daily Comic Con ‘Newsletter’. Every day the Con puts out a newsletter of schedule changes (and there are ALWAYS changes).  You’ll find them on your way into the exhibit hall or in a few other locations throughout the convention center.  It also has the daily ‘grid’ schedule of the events happening that day, but if you need the details, check the program (that’s why you are carrying it around).

Personal hygiene products. Okay, I know that seems either a) rude or b) insane, but trust me on this…and I mean this for EVERYBODY.  You are going to be spending many hours hiking around inside and outside a convention center, perhaps even on the sidewalks of the Gaslamp quarter.  It will be HOT.  So, bring a small bottle of sunblock for when you are wrapped around in the line outside the building trying to get into Hall H.  Bring wet naps for when you are munching on your snacks between events.  Bring your deodorant to refresh yourself (wet naps are good for wiping down too).  Last year a friend of mine invested in mini-bottles of Axe body spray.  Anytime someone with a…smell issue…came into our general proximity, he sprayed it toward them.  It was a lifesaver.  So, if you can’t keep others smelling decent, at least keep yourself that way!

Camera, batteries, etc. The closest place you can buy batteries that won’t cost you a small business loan is a pharmacy several blocks away.  So, make sure you have spare stuff with you, if possible.  Trust me, I’ve made that walk.  If it weren’t for the Sci-Fi ‘Eureka’ ice cream truck I encountered on my hike back to the con in the middle of the day, I might not be here today.

General Dos and Don’ts

Do talk to people around you.  If that isn’t normally your thing, make it your thing!  You never know who you might meet.  There are lots of opportunities to strike up conversations.  You’ll be standing in lines for just about everything.

Don’t panic.  Yes, the Con is HUGE.  Yes it is sold out and there are tens of thousands of people there.  You may not get into the panel you want.  Actually, you are very likely not to get into a panel  you want unless you are willing to wait in long lines for it.  This leads to the next item:

Do be selective, but keep your options open!  Once you have the schedule in hand, you will want to go through it, marking every panel, session or activity of interest.  Here’s the thing: there are many ways to enjoy the Con.  I know people who don’t set foot in a room for a panel/seminar/session etc.  I know those (and have been one) who wait in a line to get into a room early in the day and stay in that same room ALL DAY.  You may wish to wander around in costume all day.  That’s fine too!  But don’t try to do everything.  You’ll only end up frustrated and disappointed.  Also don’t try to go from one large panel room (like Hall H or Ballroom 20 or any of the upstairs rooms in the hallway of DOOM) immediately to another.  See, here’s what happens:

It’s 9 AM.  The doors open, people flood into the convention center and start filtering toward rooms.  Each room has a line designated.  Very often (as in, ALWAYS) those lines get long.  I don’t care what it’s for.  Yes, you expect a huge long wait to get in to hear about Iron Man 2, but there’s a long wait to get in to hear about Supernatural too.  Last year I got in line an hour before a panel was set to begin and never made it into the room for that panel.  People are let into the room as seats become available, which means the rooms DO NOT EMPTY between sessions!  The good news: You get into a room early, you can get a good seat and keep it.  The bad news: If you leave, you may not get back in (exception is for the bathroom passes that get handed out between panels.  This allows you to dart out for a couple of minutes and back into the room again without losing your seat).  For very very popular panels, expect to wait in line at least 2-3 hours before the panel even starts.  This will not even guarantee you get in, though.  So, in that case…

Do have a backup plan!  Okay, so you couldn’t get into the Iron Man 2 panel.  There are lots of smaller events going on at the same time, and often those smaller rooms don’t fill up.  Last year I went to a really cool session about the Science of Watchmen.  A scientist did a presentation about the scientific plausibility of Dr. Manhattan, the Owlship, and other fun stuff.  Very entertaining.

Don’t forget the exhibit hall!  You’ll probably be in and out of that place a lot.  Many booths have giveaways, autograph sessions and demonstrations throughout the con, so if you can, check out the hall early on your first day to get a schedule of events for some of these booths.

Don’t throw away any tickets you get!  So, you are walking into a room for a panel.  Someone hands you a little ticket — don’t lose it!  It is probably so you can get some free stuff for being in that panel (last year I got a ticket at the True Blood panel that I was able to cash in for a bag o’ goodies, including a t-shirt, a copy of the first Sookie Stackhouse novel and other fun stuff).  There is now a room designated to pick up your free stuff, but the room closes about an hour before the end of each day.  So, avoid going RIGHT after a panel is over (everybody else will be running to get their stuff) but try to get in there before the end of the day, so you can still claim your stuff.

Q & A Okay.  I want you to hear me now and believe me later.  Perhaps one of the most PAINFUL thing about these panels is when they open up questions to the audience.  If you want people to like you, try to keep your questions short and sweet.  We don’t need to hear your life story, how you got to the Con, your career aspirations, your costume details, etc.  Yes we KNOW you love their work/their show/their writing, etc.  Don’t waste time with the accolades.  It gets annoying.  Oh, and could you please make sure it is a QUESTION and not some general comment you just must make known to the other thousand(s) of people sitting in the room?  Please, be interesting.  Ask a good question.  This is your one chance to ask your favorite comic writer/artist/actor/director/important person on a panel a burning question.  Do you really want to be known as the guy/gal who asked them something stupid?  And if you aren’t sure if your question is stupid…well, it probably is.  Part of the reason people disparage fanboys is because of the Q & A.  Seen the William Shatner SNL sketch?  Yeah, learn it and love it.  Try to be a good fanboy/girl.  Okay, off my soapbox about that now.

When in a panel, try to be considerate of those around you.  That means, no standing in front of your seat to take pictures or video, talking on the phone, spreading out all your crap in the aisle or taking up multiple chairs.  We all want to see/hear/enjoy the panel.  I’ll never understand why some people choose to remain so ignorant of how their actions affect those around them.  Try not to be one of those people.  Yes, it’s hot, it’s stuffy and you are tired.  We all are.  The Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you) has never been so important.

The Exhibit Hall That place can be a jungle.  Mobs of people moving through the booths, some trying to pick up every bit of free stuff, others trying to take pictures…the worst thing you can do, seriously, is block a walkway.  If you must stop and adjust your bag or costume, try to step out of the flow of traffic.  Stopping abruptly to ogle the ginormous props or posters isn’t always avoidable, but do try to get out of the way as you do it.  If you are chatting with someone at a meet and greet or autograph session, don’t take all day.  You are not the only person in that line, and I’m sorry, you are not the most important person in that line.  Yes, it’s kind of an assembly line.  Say your piece (I like your work, etc), get the autograph and MOVE ON.  HAVE YOUR CAMERA READY.  You will be hated if you get up to take a picture and your camera is not on/ready/etc.  Remember that there are a lot of kids at the Con.  As a grown up, you have a responsibility not to step on children.

It’s hard sometimes…you’ll be having a great time at the Con and then something happens, and your mood does a 180.  Last year I was in the worst mood most of the time — I didn’t get into panels I wanted to see, or I got battered like a pinball in the exhibit hall, and so on.  Take a few moments for yourself — find a quiet corner, remind yourself why you are there.  If you aren’t having fun, stop what you are doing and take a step back.  No it isn’t going to be fun every second of every day, but if you aren’t enjoying yourself at all, perhaps you are trying to do too much.

Spend time in Artist’s Row and the Small Press Tables. Not only will you see really great independent art and comics, but you’ll meet some great people (yup, I’m big on meeting people).  I’m always sad to see these areas neglected because they aren’t giving out some free piece of crap that you will probably throw out anyway.

Want to feel good about yourself?  Donate Blood. Every year the Con holds a blood drive, and they even give you some cool free thing for your trouble (and blood).  Sign up early though, because the blood drive does tend to fill up quickly, which, in my mind, is a very Good Thing.

What to do when the Con ends each day. You’ll hear about film screenings, parties, and other events throughout your day.  Check to see if you need to RSVP for an event before you show up there.  I always have a few friends I like to meet up with for dinner one night of the Con, just to trade freebies, catch up on events, dish the dirt.  If your hotel is close enough, you may want to grab a nap before going back out at night.  Comic Con can be an endurance test, but don’t feel like you need to keep up with everyone.  Go at your own pace.  If you are not usually very active, you might want to take the next few weeks to do a little walking.  I know it seems silly, but a little ‘training’ doesn’t hurt!  You could be walking up to 10 miles a day at the con.  If you aren’t used to that, it can be extremely exhausting.

Why don’t they look?

The San Diego trolley barrels it’s way through Harbor Blvd. approx. every blink of an eye so time your street crossing appropriately.  The traffic cops will stop you right on the tracks to allow the car cross traffic to snail by the convention center, so be careful that you aren’t ON the tracks or swung onto the tracks by some dudes ginormous swag bag.  The tracks have also become an inappropriate place for promoters to hand out freebies.  Avoid these at all costs as they’re usually just a postcard or flier promoting some horrible local San Diego nightclub or the like.  Also, you will be pummelled by the rest of the conventioneers in their feeble attempt to grab said freebie, so do yourself a favor and plan your route around these roadblocks to make your way even faster to the restaurants and hotels in the Gaslamp district.

Backpacks = more swag room, but also more personal girth

You might be the smallest/thinnest person tiptoeing your way around the exhibit floor, but once you put on that massive Hello Kitty backpack complete with water bottle side panels and an extension zipper compartment, you have now become a stomping Gamera who’s attention is distracted by the ADD-ness of the posters and flashing lights on the floor causing you and your Hello Kitty to swing like a wrecking ball at passersby.  Add an extra foot to your personal radius to avoid unknowingly hitting someone (me) in the face.

Bathrooms rule at SDCC

Yes, you heard me right – ladies, you have little to no lines at Comic Con….do the math.  And from what I’ve heard, the guys don’t need to stress either, the lines are short and fast as most of us take care of business quickly to race back to those panels and events (Wash Your Hands!).  That being said, you costumers (and you know who you are) that take up a bathroom stall for what seems like hours on end while you readjust your Wonder Women tights – do us a favor and CARRY ON!! That’s right, you have EVERY RIGHT to take forever in order to get your costume in tip top adjustment.  It’s Comic Con for goodness sake!

There’s chairs in the Sails

The Sails Pavilion, although busy with registration, autograph sessions, freebie table, blood drives, and artist portfolio reviews is actually one of the quietest and brightest locations in the convention center.  There’s tables AND CHAIRS in this room so it’s a great spot to meet up with your friends and family for a quick picnic lunch, dividing the swag, and planning the rest of the days events.

Autograph ticket distribution sucks

Not since we were 12 have Shawna and I devoted our precious comic con time to obtaining autographs, but on the few times I bothered to do so, I found the experience exasperating.  You now have to plan time in your schedule to line up for a ticket (only a certain number are handed out) which guarantees you a spot in line for someone’s autograph, but doesn’t necessarily guarantee you an autograph.  Yes, you read that correctly.  So if you REALLY want someones autograph, don’t miss the ticket distribution time (which is sometimes a different day completely) and just show up in the autograph line – you will be disappointed.  Shawna and I, however, will sign anything at anytime ticket stub or not.  So you’ve got that going for you…

Walking in groups

There’s nothing more intimidating or annoying than a group of half a dozen friends walking in a HORIZONTAL LINE like a group of Chorus girls throughout the hallways (not to mention the exhibit floor).  You’re rudely taking up space and this is not the opening sequence to West Side story.  Single or double file should suffice.  Really nothing more to say about that, but be on the lookout – happens all the time.

Let’s address some questions:

Bentoboxx June 19, 2009 4:09 pm

hand sanitiser is also great to have. I dunno how many peeps got “Con Crud”. So many people there…someone is gonna show up sick! protect yourself before ya wreck yourself! Word!

Okay, not so much a question as an astute comment.  Yes, by all means, bring anything that you feel will get you through the con!  Hand sanitizer, Advil/aspirin/Aleve, tums…whatever it takes.  If you are unfortunate enough to come down with a cold just before or during the event, I know you’ll try your best not to pass around your germs.  You don’t need to wear a mask *coughswineflucough* but do remind yourself occasionally to wash your hands.  Last year, there was an estimated 126,000 people at Comic Con.  Try to take home only swag and memories…rather than any nasty bugs.

mm June 19, 2009 4:21 pm

i would add to carry a water bottle at all times & you can fill them in big halls. any advice on how to learn more about the super secret events, esp movie screenings?

Again, another great piece of advice — water bottle. That is one of the great ‘free’ things at the Con — water in the convention rooms! If you don’t want to pack a water bottle to bring, at least refill a bottle you purchase on the first day, and keep it filled. Some enterprising young people made a killing selling water outside the convention center for $2 a bottle while we were trapped in line for Hall H and it was 80+ degrees outside.

As for the question posed here…keep reading. This will be addressed shortly.

Coraline June 19, 2009 5:15 pm

Would really love to see some suggestions about avoiding Con waste! Every attendee should try to keep their con print as small as possible. Take only the flyers and swag that you know you’ll use. Pack out what you bring in. Don’t just grab items because they are free and shiny. ComicCon and DragonCon have huge environmental footprints, and it would be great to see the geeks lead the way in “greening” the Cons.

This is so very true.  When you enter the exhibit hall, there is an alternate state of mind that most attendees slip into.  It involves picking up every single piece of paper or trinket offered in the hall.  It never fails — I go every year saying ‘not this time — I’m gonna be picky about what I take.  Inevitably, I end up each day with a bag full of postcards/stickers/fliers/mangas/catalogs that I will never look at again.  While the freebie table can be a fun place in the Sails Pavilion (as Julie mentioned in her post), usually there isn’t a whole of great value to be found there.  Does that mean you shouldn’t take anything?  Of course not!  If you want that shiny postcard at the WB booth, take it!  But don’t think you need to join every mob of people with arms outstretched grasping for anything.  Yes, you may be excited about the 300 life size shield you score, but how will you get it home (and what will you use it for?  Note: I actually got one of these 2 years ago.  It sat in my bedroom for months until I finally threw it out.  Why I grabbed it, I’ll never know.)

tezero June 19, 2009 7:39 pm

We are signed up as volunteers as well. Anyone have any advice for THAT?

First off, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the organization of the con.  While it may seem scary and overwhelming to you, don’t panic.  The con will instruct you on what you need to do as a volunteer.  My only additional piece of advice is, try not to let the idiots and negative people ruin your volunteer experience.  I haven’t volunteered at Comic Con before, but having volunteered to work other types of events similar to this, it can be very challenging to deal with difficult people all day.  Remember that some people are just lost and frustrated, and are not directing any hostility they may have toward you specifically.  As attendees, we should also remember that the people directing us into and out of places and barking instructions are doing their best.  Even if a volunteer gets frazzled, try to be a pleasant convention guest.  What I’m trying to say is, courtesy in all things, whether you are working at the Con or just attending.  Can’t we all just get along?

Jon Reeves June 19, 2009 11:25 pm

- Charge your batteries every night, even if they aren’t dead yet. Laptop, camera, cell phone, etc. Then again, you probably won’t be taking 1000 photos a day, so this may not be as important as it was for me…
- If you need some quiet down time (and you don’t have a Pro or Press badge), two words: Con suite. Admittedly, SDCC’s con suite is a big disappointment to people who are familiar with SF conventions, and it’s inconveniently located, but that just means it’s really quiet and laid back. And still stocked with free sodas and light munchies.

I’m really grateful to all of you who added such great suggestions in the comments!  As an addendum to the second item, the con suite is usually located in the Marriott hotel adjacent to the convention center.  Again, when you receive the convention guide at check-in, you’ll find all of this information with maps and directions.

Krys June 20, 2009 2:23 am

- Under your ‘General Dos and Don’ts’, you said that the convention hall doors open at 9AM. I’m particularly paranoid about going to one panel (my initial and biggest reason for buying a pass this year), so I’m planning on waking up extra, extra early. My question (and I’m sorry if this sounds incredibly dense – good thing I’m not planning on trying to ask a question at any Q&A sessions!) is: if you get there early, is there just a mob of people waiting outside the convention hall doors? Or is there some semblance of organization and lines are formed? I’d hate to get there early, only to get stampeded on my way (once the doors open) to whatever room is holding the panel I’m interested in. Thank you so much if you can answer this! I really appreciate it!

I’m really excited about the number of first timers who have commented! I think you will all have a fantastic time, so don’t be too scared by what I’m telling you. It is all a matter of priorities. If you are going for something very specific (say, the ‘New Moon’ panel, which I know has brought a lot of people to Comic Con who have never attended before), make that your priority. If that means camping in line for a few hours before that one panel, so be it — that’s why you came to the Con, right? Why risk missing the one thing you really want to see and do? Now, more specifically about the lines…

Yes, there is a line for everything, which can seem really daunting, but is far better than a mob of people rushing through the doors.  When the doors open, the line moves in an orderly fashion — no stampede.  If you aren’t sure what the line is for, ask.  You don’t want to find yourself in line for the wrong room for several hours.  Even if it feels like you are too far back in the line, remember that the largest room, Hall H, holds a lot of people… A LOT.  You can be snaked around the back of the building outside and still get a good seat in there (provided this is before the Con opens for the day.  All bets are off at any time during the middle of the day if you find yourself in that same place in line).  When in doubt, ask the volunteers.  They may not have all the answers (remember, some of them are newbies too!) but there’s a good chance you’ll find one or two vets who can advise you on where to go.  It is not unheard of for people to line up at 5 or 6 AM for a 9 AM panel.  In fact, you’ll find people camped out (literally) all night for Hall H.  That doesn’t mean you have to be one of those people, just know that no matter how determined you are to see something, I bet you’ll find someone else even more committed to it.

(Whew, are you still reading? I think I’m getting long-winded.  I’ll try to shorten up my answers going forward.  Of course, if you print this out, it’ll take up lots of time to read while waiting in line!)

Gillian June 20, 2009 4:20 pm

Overall good tips. As a female that has attended for over 12 years, I wanted to add that as a grown up you should not only try to avoid stepping on children, but short people as well. As a 5′2” female I spend most of my time on the convention floor being mowed over by tall guys. By Friday I’m ready to hit back. By Sunday they may find bodies stuffed under unused booth tables during teardown.  IF YOU HAVE A BACKPACK, please try to mentally add it to your perception of the space you take up. You are now a cloth turtle, please don’t go around whacking everyone with your shell when you move. Hardback books HURT. After 4 days of this people start looking at my boyfriend like he beats me.

Bathe, every day, more if needed. It used to be Saturday or Sunday before people started smelling like an open sewer. In the past few years the strong scent of convention hygiene has been overpowering during preview night.

Take a few extra minutes each day for common courtesy. Letting someone cross an aisle that intersects yours when they’ve been trying to for 5 minutes, answering a question you overhear when you know the answer, giving someone directions, leaving the front seats open on the shuttle for someone less mobile, not shoving your way past people, etc. 99% of the time you won’t be missing out of a vital part of the convention experience and one act of decency per attendee would make this a whole diferent ballgame. The Convention Center is packed to capacity and hell really can be other people.

Awesome advice.  Reprinted your comment in full because I agree 100%.  I was sitting at my usual cafe yesterday and I noticed a family at another table, who looked very confused.  At this particular cafe, you order at the counter and they give you a number so the food gets delivered to your table.  The family was sitting at a table with menus, as if waiting for someone to take their order.  I got their attention and instructed them on what they needed to do.  Did I save the world?  No, but I did save them many minutes of confusion and frustration (I actually wish I had noticed them a few minutes earlier!)  Be generous with others.  It’s amazing how much positive energy you can create if you go through your day seeking opportunities to be helpful rather than trying to shut out the rest of the world around you.  I’m gonna say it again — TALK TO PEOPLE!  A convention is by nature a way to meet other people like yourself.  There are 126,000 other people at this convention for you to meet.  In my opinion, it would be tragic to attend the event for 4 days and NOT meet anyone new!

While working on this, I thought of a few other things to mention:

Parking. There are lots of parking structures.  They are NOT created equal.  The closer you get to the convention center, the more expensive the parking.  Take note of the operating hours of the parking structure or lot.  Some are flat fees for all day, others are by the hour.  It is common to park 7-8 or more blocks away and walk toward the convention center.  The structures next to the con fill up very early and very quickly.  If you are staying at a hotel on the bus route, I encourage you to take advantage.  If you are staying further away, make use of mass transit if you can (just add lots of extra time to get to and from the convention center).  Last year I stayed many miles away from the convention center and found it easier to drive in and pay the parking than deal with the trolley.  Consider all of your options and then make a plan.

Parties and Evening Activities. Okay, you’ve heard there are all kinds of events after the con ends each day…and there are!  Some are well publicized in the Convention guide – screenings, the masquerade party, and official SDCC events, for example.  Others take a little more research to find.

First, check the Exhibitor list on the SDCC site.  Large and small you’ll see a myriad of companies will be represented at the Con.  Also, check your favorite fansites and or news sources ( G4, Cinematical, etc) for upcoming contests or promotions.  Last year there was a panel for several different websites.  If you attended the panel, you had a chance to recieveaticket to an exclusive party sponsored by those sites/publications!  Very often the way into special events is about being in the right place at the right time.  If trying to attend these kinds of sponsored events is a priority for you, have some patience and be methodical.  Keep your eyes and ears open — watch Twitter feeds for contests and special invites.

Many fansites will also plan meetups.  They may not be lavish affairs, but they are usually well attended and a lot of fun.

If all else fails, make your own party!  You’d be amazed how many other people will join you to watch Torchwood in your hotel. (Just follow the rules of your hotel of course.)  Also, I’ve been banging the drum to meet lots of people.  You never know who you might meet and what they might be doing.  Last year a friend of mine was hanging out in the hotel bar at the Hyatt (a popular evening hangout) chatting with someone he had met earlier in the day.  As they were talking, friends of this new acquaintance joined them in the bar.  Turned out they were a bunch of comic artists and writers!  Not only did he get his own private time with people he had seen at Q&As earlier in the day, but he was able to get invited to a party with them!  It can happen (usually when you aren’t looking for it, of course).  The key is to be open to opportunities.  Some events will fall in your lap.  Others you’ll have to search for.  The larger your network of contacts at the convention, the more likely you are to hear about some cool evening event.

Since writing part one, I discovered other EXCELLENT guides online to the Con.  It would be silly of me not to point them out to you, as they contain their own insights and fantastic tips.

The Comics Reporter 100 tips to surviving Comic Con!

All Things Fangirl (I think this blog writer and I may have been separated at birth — eerie similarities in tips and prose!)

POVOnline – a good general guide to convention going.

Wikipedia – lots of good history and general information about the con too! (Just don’t live by all it says…it is Wikipedia after all).

Feel free to add links to any other guides you may find useful in the comments.

I hope that this information has been useful to you.  Thanks to all who have read it, passed it on and provided their feedback!  Now, let’s all go to San Diego and have a fantastic time!

Obviously, this is an experiment…but if there’s enough interest in using this method, I’ll open it up to any questions about writing, tv, boll weevils…

Here are links to the the shows we did last year, Part 1 and Part 2:

2. I will be following up the insanely popular comic con guide ( part one and part two) from last year with NEW insights and advice.  I’ll be publishing the updated guide between June 20-22 (T-minus one month until the Con).  Please use this post to ask questions in advance or send me an email!  Details are on this page somewhere…

I’m covering Comic Con for http://seat42f.com this year! Let’s hope the TV panel schedule isn’t a complete nightmare.

You can read it here: LIE TO ME Summer Preview Review

The Walking Dead

Warning: Not for the weak of heart (or stomach).
 
(Atlanta, June 2) — Production begins today in Atlanta for AMC’s adaptation of the Robert Kirkman comic The Walking Dead. The six-episode first season — written, produced and directed by three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) and executive produced by Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk) — follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, traveling in search of a safe and secure home after a zombie apocalypse.
To whet your appetite for this tale of the living and the undead, AMC is pleased to present this exclusive first look photo of “The Walkers” — the series’ titular flesh-eating creatures.
For full photo gallery and interviews with Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd, log onto www.amctv.com.
Photo Credit: David Tattersall, Director of Photography

Of course, we all know there’s that infernal “personal statement” to be written, and your resume to be updated too.

So, guess what — a couple of changes are coming to the Disney-ABC Fellowship.  I happened to attend an information session about the annual program this weekend, and learned the following:

1. It’s no longer a fellowship.  At least, in name.  The official name is now Disney-ABC Writers Program.  This only applies to the writing, not the directing or production, which I believe are still called fellowships.

2. Yes, it’s $50k for one year working in the program.  Because there’s a salary involved here a very strong word of warning: Writing partnerships stand a very slim chance of being accepted.  The reason for this is primarily that due to the fact that they pay you in this program, they can’t split that pay between 2 people, so you are treated for the sake of the program, as 2 individuals, even if you submit together (which they still encourage you to do).  Trouble is, that means 2 writing partners, if they got accepted, take 2 slots in the program.  The word of caution delivered at the info session was that the writing sample has to be AMAZING for a writing team to be considered.  So, keep that in mind, because clearly WB and NBC do not have this restriction and seem to actually like getting 2-for-1 in a writing partnership.

3. NO MORE NOTARY!! This was greated with loud applause.  If you’ve ever applied to the program before, you know what a pain it can be trying to get your application notarized in time for the deadline.  So, this year they are moving to submissions on CD.  You’ll be asked to send your script, resume, statement and other materials on a CD-ROM (saving trees!)  You will need to print out the application so it can be signed, and they ask that you scan it back in as a .PDF with your signature and put that with the other materials to submit on CD.  Still, small price to pay (meaning, none) to now submit in a much more logical manner.

4. They still don’t accept pilots.  Do not even put them as a supplemental work (if requested).  You must submit either a half-hour or hourlong spec of an existing show (does NOT have to be an ABC show).

The application and instructions will go live on June 1st, which is the first day submissions will be accepted.  The deadline is July 1st.  You can go to their website here.

Finally, thanks to Screenplaylab.com for holding the information session!

*New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET

MONDAY

8-9 p.m. -  “Chuck”                     

9-10 p.m. –  “THE EVENT”       

10-11 p.m. -  “CHASE”      

TUESDAY

8-10 p.m. – “The Biggest Loser”

10-11 p.m. – “Parenthood”  

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. – “UNDERCOVERS”

9-10 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”               

10-11 p.m. – “LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES”  

THURSDAY

8- 8:30 p.m. – “Community”              

8:30-9 p.m. – “30 Rock”

9-9:30 p.m. -  “The Office”    

9:30-10 p.m. -  “OUTSOURCED”     

10-11 p.m. -   “LOVE BITES”      

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. – “Who Do You Think You Are?”/”SCHOOL PRIDE”    

9-10 p.m. – “Dateline NBC”            

10-11 p.m. – “OUTLAW”  

SATURDAY

Repeats  

SUNDAY      

7- 8:15 p.m. — “Football Night in America”      

8:15-11:30 p.m. — “NBC Sunday Night Football”  

SUNDAY (beginning March 2011)

7-8 p.m. – “Dateline NBC”

8-9 p.m. – “Minute to Win It”

9-11 p.m. – “The Celebrity Apprentice”