Arisia needs an attitude adjustment.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

I am sure this will offend many people, and if it does I apologize, but I feel it has to be said.

I am disgusted and appalled at the rudeness and sense of entitlement I encountered from many of this year's staff members. And I am not the only person who noticed this.


An example...
I got up early on Sunday and went down to the staff den, I was there about 15 minutes before it was supposed to open, but the lovely staff den ladies let me in anyway. I told them I needed food so I could take some meds, but I could see they weren't quite ready yet and asked what I could do to help them get stuff put out. They gave me a couple things to do (and a danish so I could take my meds) and I went off to help. At 8:02AM a person walked in, I was just plugging in the kettle to heat water, sie wanted tea so I told hir it would be a few minutes while the water heated that I had just plugged it in. Hir response was very snobbishly "What do you mean the water is not hot yet?" I looked at hir and said well, you weren't here 10 minutes ago to plug it in. You want it faster, then feel free to come in early and help. These ladies were up just as late as the rest of us, they are doing their best." and I walked away.
Sure sie hadn't had hir morning caffiene yet, but that was no excuse to jump all over me because the kettle isn't hot. Sie had a coffee maker in hir room, there was nothing preventing hir from using it. This is just one instance I personally encountered in the den, I witnessed many more acts of rudeness directed at the ladies running the den and other staff members in the den, during my visits there. (I was not den staff, I was just helping out while waiting for the food to be ready.)

In general many staff members were surly, rude, and just basically snappish, many came across with the "I'm staff, I'm better than you" or the I'm staff therefore I'm entitled to [...] ahead of you" attitude.

In my opinion, If you want to be involved in Arisia, and deal with hundreds of fans and random people all weekend and can't keep a pleasant attitude, no matter how stressed you get, or how tired or overworked you are, perhaps you shouldn't be doing that job. It's like any job that involves dealing with the customer, you have to keep it all to yourself so as to not take it out on the unsuspecting and not offend. I was personally offended by many of the attitudes I encountered during the weekend by staff members I did not know and who didn't know me. There are places to let it all out, you shouldn't be snapping and rude to the attendees or they will stop coming and we cant have an Arisia without them.

I have a whole essay/rant about Arisia and it's changing dynamic as of late, How I feel it's strayed from it's original mission to be all inclusive and such, how it's more of a fannish lifestyle and polyamory based con now instead of Science Fiction and Fantasy based as originally intended, and how it really needs to be able to encompass all things equally*, but I will likely not subject people to it.

Personally with the next Arisia being the 20th, I would love to see the theme be "Back to Basics" or "Back to our Roots." But since I am just a lowly staff member, costumer and artist (who BTW has worked at every Arisia in some capacity to the point of never having to purchase a membership to Arisia yet) and really do not want any other responsibility right now, who am I to say what should happen?


*Of the panels offered pre-con, 47 "fannish lifestyle" panels this year and only 12 art, 12 filk, and 8 costume panels is not treating all things equally.

Comments

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm.

I'd been holding back a bit on judgement. I don't feel tremendously qualified, since my Barfleet commitments kept me from seeing large swaths of the con as a whole. Part of me can't help wonder how much of this is problems with the con in 2008, and how much of this are issues coming to the surface that have been developing over the last decade or so.

First off, I'm going to say something terribly impolitic: There are people up in the ConCom who probably should think long and hard about whether they should continue on in their positions. Some individuals who may be in over their heads, and that issues, significant ones, have arisen from their inability to deal with the responsibilities properly. It would be unfair, not to mention petty, to name names. Those people know who they are, and I hope they understand the message isn't deliverd with malice, but merely with concern and frank honesty.

However, there were people in the ConCom who are composed purely of Awesome, who worked hard to resolve any stumbling blocks, and who continued to make themselves available and visable throughout the Con. Thus, I am uncomfortable with taring TPTB with a wide brush.

Transition always creates frisson. Whether it be the unexpected and relatively unpopular transition to the Hyatt (which, while the Park Plaza will always hold a place in my heart of hearts, has begun to grow on me with certain advantages of its own) which TPTB were as much a victim of as much as any congoer to the "changing of the old guard". I don't say this to discount the complaints of the original poster, or those who have chimed in. Certainly, I was tremendously disappointed by what little I saw of the Con Suite. Having taken to providing my own food in the hotel room the last two or three years, it didn't affect me very much, but I can imagine the impact it might have had on others. Not to mention the lack of easily accessable restaurants in the new area, and the highway robbery of the vendors in the lobby. I feel staff did make concrete attempts to address problems and be reactive to peoples complaints, like the elevator and stairs situation from last year. Didn't seem to be nearly as bad as last year, at least not until Sunday.

Part of me is also wondering how much of this is just a continuation of people expecting Arisia to be one thing, and then become frozen in time for them. There are people who are complaining that Arisia is becoming too "kink/poly/lifestyle" oriented...the funny thing is, I've heard just as many complaints from the kink/poly/lifestyle circles complaining that Arisia is becoming "old and stodgy" and "isn't nearly as positive and supportive as it was 10 years ago."

Having been at Arisia since 1996, it HAS changed. But I think it's in no small part to the fact that fandom itself has changed. The 20somethings from ten years ago are now the married 30somethings with kids. A friend of mine who teaches school tells me that in the "teen community", Arisia is considered to be "for old people", and that Teh Gnu Hawtness is Anime Boston.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are some issues here, far more complex, than what those who are running Arisia on any particular year are doing. There are issues that are multifaceted, and what is a "problem" for one side, is considered "not a problem" for the other. And then there's the god damn stupid crap that shouldn't be happening, and yeah, ConCom's gonna need to address that for next year.

Thank goodness we have this fancy new technology now. It's definitely been a positive change, in terms of communication between the "Con Body", since 1996.

[thepinnacle.livejournal.com]

This really ought to be a seperate post!

You have definitely captured a lot of what my friends and I have been feeling about the Con in this comment. I may very well link to this when I post my Arisia summary in the next few days.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

There are people up in the ConCom who probably should think long and hard about whether they should continue on in their positions.

Agreed, but if nobody is willing to step up and assume that position...

However, there were people in the ConCom who are composed purely of Awesome,

Agreed!

I've heard just as many complaints from the kink/poly/lifestyle circles complaining that Arisia is becoming "old and stodgy" and "isn't nearly as positive and supportive as it was 10 years ago."

I find this complaint interesting because I see Arisia as having become just the opposite. Arisia is far more open to the alternative lifestyles than any other con I have ever been to. At conventions like Boskone, Philcon, Balticon, Lunacon etc. you don't find 47 panels on Fannish lifestyles, you find one or two. The other cons focus far more on the SF/F genre, there are more panels about films, specific books, science topics etc.

Like someone above said, Arisia is not so much about being a fan of the genre now, it's more about being a fan of being a fan.

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

Agreed, but if nobody is willing to step up and assume that position...

Recently, I've seen a situation where a SMOFy position of power was essentially thrust upon someone who had little desire for it, but took full responsibility all the same. Once again proving the truism that those most fit to lead are those who are least desirous of leadership positions.

I find this complaint interesting because I see Arisia as having become just the opposite. Arisia is far more open to the alternative lifestyles than any other con I have ever been to. At conventions like Boskone, Philcon, Balticon, Lunacon etc. you don't find 47 panels on Fannish lifestyles, you find one or two. The other cons focus far more on the SF/F genre, there are more panels about films, specific books, science topics etc.

Again, I think it all has to do with peoples perceptions. Ten years ago, I do think Arisia used to be a little "wilder" on the kink side of things, at the very least. There used to be out and out private "play parties", the kind of private parties that were big, and you could usually find them if you looked. Those are totally gone now, at least as far as mine eyes can see. In the last few years, the vibe seemed to be be getting a bit more restrained. Perhaps the fact that there now appear to be more "fannish/lifestyle" panels represents a shift in the pendulum swinging.

One thing that I will say is that what has DEFINITELY changed is the hands on stuff. In 1997, I went to no less than three panels that taught me, hands on, how to do things like leatherwork, chainmail, and ropework. Maybe I'm not looking anymore, but I haven't seen anything like it in the last 6 or 8 years. I know I've made mention of this in the past. I know there are the kids kamakazi costume panels, but it's just not quite the same thing.

One argument that could be made is that perhaps Arisia is now more focused on "lifestyles" than the other "Big Cons" because...all of the other big cons AREN'T as focused, so the balance has to be redistributed somewhere.

Again, I agree with you, I find it weird that Arisia seems to have both a "too out there" and "not out there enough" reputation. It all depends on who you talk to.

[thepinnacle.livejournal.com]

The people who trhrew those parties now go to the Fetish Flea Market.

They definitely took some of Arisia's "edge" with them.

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

The people who trhrew those parties now go to the Fetish Flea Market.

True, but I don't think it's just because Flea came into existence only in the last 10 years. It was around longer than that. I think. I could be wrong.

[liamstliam.livejournal.com]

The Flea does not conflict. (Not this year anyway)

Those folks are still there in force, and they have their parties at another hotel, because ti works for them.

[dda.livejournal.com]

...they have their parties at another hotel, because ti works for them.

One thing to keep in mind is that Arisia staff and guests completely fill the Hyatt; in fact we have an overflow hotel. This means that if a group wanted to have a large party, there would be no place to put it. In addition, the Hyatt's atrium layout means that even an entire floor couldn't be devoted to such a party because it would be visible to everyone else in the hotel; the only floor not visible is Charles View Ballroom and that is (currently) the only place into which the Art Show will fit.

Disclaimer: I wasn't involved in either Hotel or Parties this year so I could be way off base; this is based on my observations of the hotel itself.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

The 20somethings from ten years ago are now the married 30somethings with kids.

Tangentially related: I was very happy that the zigguratlabs party was family-friendly for the first few hours on Friday night. It's great to see people including the kids. This is the next generation of fandom - be cool to them! This was the first Arisia party my twelve-year-old daughter got to go to, and she had a wonderful time, with a special highlight being when a few toddlers brought her a book and asked her to read to them.

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

Oh, I don't think there's anything at all wrong about having "family friendly elements" at Arisia. I encourage it. However, in the last three or four years, I've heard random people grumbling about "those damn kinky people, why don't they get a con of their own, I've got kids!" while passing through the halls or browsing in a dealers room. And it wasn't in reguards to anyone behaving or dressing inappropriately at the time it was said.

I think there definitely needs to be a balance between the two, and for the most part, I think the balance has been fairly well maintained, but it's something you have to keep at, certainly.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

"those damn kinky people, why don't they get a con of their own,

Well, there's the Flea! :)

I've got kids!"

See, I don't see those things as mutually exclusive. I'm thoroughly kinky, and I've got a kid. As long as people aren't getting suspended or flogged in public con spaces where kids could just happen upon them, I don't see a problem there.

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

Well, there's the Flea! :)

Yeah, but their video room and panel focus is oddly berefit of Sci-Fi and fantasy. ;-)

As long as people aren't getting suspended or flogged in public con spaces where kids could just happen upon them, I don't see a problem there.

Precisely! This particular woman whom I happened to overhear two or three years ago (and I couldn't help BUT overhear, she was being loudly crabby about it) seemed to be offended by the very EXISTENCE of poly and kink at Arisia.

I almost thought about confronting her about it. But it was Sunday, and I was working on four hours of sleep, a head cold, and I imagine that something shiny probably distracted me.

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

To me, it's not that surprising that at least one person I worked on at Massage Den was exhausted and stressed because this was the second weekend in a row that he'd staffed a con. . . board member at the Flea, div head at Arisia. . .

[archangelbeth]

Heh. I'm pretty much of that opinion, too. (Heck, I made the kid a ribbon cat-o'seven-tails for her to wave around in the open costumery Fast Track time on Monday...) Our almost-8-year-old looks forward SO MUCH to Arisia.

(She also goes to bed relatively early, which makes it even easier to avoid the costumes which would require long, drawn-out explanations that would strain my poor con-exhausted brain. Whew.)

[juniperthewise.livejournal.com]

I brought my 12 year old niece to her first Arisia this year, and I was grateful for the fact that there were panels on polyamory that I could take her to so she could expand her understanding of adult relationships and know more about the variety of options among which she may find a fit. I think the openness of non-mainstream ways of being and relating which can be found in fandom and is apparent at Arisia is refreshing and a gift to those of us who are trying to help raise kids without blinders to the reality of human diversity.

Also, I suspect that some of what may make some of us more mainstream adults feel uncomfortable when it is expressed or apparent near the youngsters in our charge may very well not even register on those youngsters until it's time to talk about it, whatever it is.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

I think it's great that you are exposing your niece to alternative lifestyles. And I have no problems with alternative lifestyles. But Arisia is a Science Fiction convention, not a poly con. And when the Alternative lifestyles panels outnumber the Art, Filk and Costume panels combined, I think that is excessive. There is a place for alternative lifestyles discussions at Arisia, (at any sf/f convention) they just should not be the focus.

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

Also, I suspect that some of what may make some of us more mainstream adults feel uncomfortable when it is expressed or apparent near the youngsters in our charge may very well not even register on those youngsters until it's time to talk about it, whatever it is.

The problem with kids is that they often don't know when they're supposed to be shocked and offended. ;-)

That's a great story to hear about though. I think honesty and openness are the best policy with child rearing. I say, having none of my own yet.

[mangosteen]

I was very happy that the zigguratlabs party was family-friendly for the first few hours on Friday night.

I'm glad you and your daughter enjoyed it so much! It was really important to us to include the next generation in some way, and I'm glad it worked out well. Suffice it to say that we have received a very large amount of positive feedback about the family-friendly portion of the Friday night pajama party.

-- Just another member of the zigguratlabs crew. :)

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

Suffice it to say that we have received a very large amount of positive feedback about the family-friendly portion of the Friday night pajama party.

Then it'll happen again next year? *hopeful look* :)

[miekec]

Yes, pretty please? We may actually even make it then. Was sad to have missed it this time.

[londo.livejournal.com]

There are people up in the ConCom who probably should think long and hard about whether they should continue on in their positions. Some individuals who may be in over their heads, and that issues, significant ones, have arisen from their inability to deal with the responsibilities properly. It would be unfair, not to mention petty, to name names. Those people know who they are, and I hope they understand the message isn't deliverd with malice, but merely with concern and frank honesty.

Sure, I guess this is impolitic, but what it mostly comes across as is completely unhelpful. You're expecting people who you've already decided are incompetent and/or irresponsible to be competent enough to pick up that you're talking about *them*, and subsequently responsible enough to step down of their own free will. This seems unlikely at best.

The list of a given year's Committee can be found in the back of the Souvenir Book (http://2008.arisia.org/sites/arisia.d5.stonekeep.com/files/A08_SouvenirBook.pdf). If someone does a bad job, informing the person a step above them on the chain isn't a bad idea. Email aliases for various '08 Divisions can be found here (http://2008.arisia.org/contacts). Dropping in on a gripe session also isn't a bad idea. If you're talking about someone at the Division Head level, try sending email to conchair@arisia.org, which goes to the Chairwoman and her Assistant Chairs. If the people you're talking about are on that list, contact the Corporate President at president@arisia.org.

Last, but best of all - if you have a better way, please, join the ConCom, or the Corporation, and show it to us. I am in favor of a more awesome Arisia, and I am not the only one. Come help us.

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

Sure, I guess this is impolitic, but what it mostly comes across as is completely unhelpful. You're expecting people who you've already decided are incompetent and/or irresponsible to be competent enough to pick up that you're talking about *them*, and subsequently responsible enough to step down of their own free will. This seems unlikely at best.

I'm going to sound like a douche for saying this to you, I'm sure, but it's the truth: There is more to this particular situation behind the scenes than you are personally aware of. Trust me, the message is clear, and I believe that the person (or persons) it was intended for got the message loud and clear. I would not have made that particular statement in that particular fashion, were I not sure it would be more than mere grandstanding for it's own sake.

But other than that, normally yes, I would agree with you completely. :)

Last, but best of all - if you have a better way, please, join the ConCom, or the Corporation, and show it to us. I am in favor of a more awesome Arisia, and I am not the only one. Come help us.

Simply, I do not have the time, and I am not confident I would be able to give the task it's proper attention. To ignore the mindfulness of my own abilities, or lack of free time to devote to the cause properly, and simply join for it's own sake would be highly irresponsible and do just as much of a disservice to the Con and it's membership.

I do hope that you're not trying to simply dismiss peoples valid criticisms with a straightforward "Put up or shut up." Not everyone has the time or the desire to be in ConCom, but their opinions should not be discounted because of that fact. If that was not your intention, then you have my apologies.

[londo.livejournal.com]

This is all fair stuff, I guess. But I'll add this - I've been floating around the ConCom and Corporation for about five years now, albeit at low levels, and I don't have any idea who, or what, you're talking about. (See your earlier comment about me not being aware of everything going on, which I believe to be true.) But you seem to be confident that your message got across, so, hey, mission accomplished?

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

I believe I've given the issue as much public explanation as is appropriate. It wasn't something I was wanting to become "a thing" as it were.

If you would care to continue to discuss it in more detail privately, I would be very happy to do so. Please feel free to contact me at minjocat (at) gmail (dot) com, and I will be more forthcoming with details, if you so wish.

[dda.livejournal.com]

If you're talking about someone at the Division Head level, try sending email to conchair@arisia.org, which goes to the Chairwoman and her Assistant Chairs. If the people you're talking about are on that list, contact the Corporate President at president@arisia.org.

It is highly unlikely that most con-goers would even know who is on what list; most don't know what the ribbons really mean or which department or division a person works for.

Perhaps more appropriately at this point is to send email to the '09 conChair; then the info can be put to use.