Great work again Mike (and crew).
As others have said, there will always be people trying to circumvent the system no matter what. Much like technology, all you can do is keep trying to come up with ways to hinder the trouble makers.
As for the line, I do have a suggestion. I know you guys bust your humps for this event and I don't want you thinking I am criticizing/bashing.
That said I really think you need to put someone on the line right away. I know, I know, you guys have a ton to do, but it seems clear that someone assoicated with the con should be monitoring the line from the beginning. Whether that is Midnight, or 1am. They can hand out numbers/wristbands and take information on the people in line. They can answer questions and make sure everyone in line understands what is required and expected. They can enforce the "be in line" policy and stop people from cutting. Then near the opening hour, double check everyone's number and placement in line. Honestly, from my previous experience with managing events the single most effective solution to line ups is an informed/authorized representative who can problem solve. Leaving a line to it's own devices for too long usually leads to trouble. Of course nothing is bulletproof and there is usually some unforseen problem that arises.
Personally I love the sets that include a vehicle. I'm not keen on figure only sets. I would be fine with a single figure/vehicle set if it drops the price and you can get more sets made. However there is no number big enough to keep scalpers away that is reasonable. It becomes a question of how much work you want to put into the set versus the "value" (intrinsic or otherwise).
No Joe Con staff should have to watch the line early like 1 am because people don't listen .
Bull.
This is their big event of the year. It sucks, but someone with authority should be watching/available. It is one time a year and should be expected. Sorry but a "volunteer" (not one of the 7-8 regulars) won't work unless they have the authority to make decisions and crowd control. Roshan is a nice guy, but if someone confronted him, or he claimed something that someone else claimed the opposite what happens? He doesn't have authority to speak for Mike.
It hurts the site and the convention when something happens that people in line "perceive" as unjust or poorly organized.
I run my own business and, again, I am not trying to put down Mike and the rest of the guys. They did a great job this year again. Let me repeat that so it is clear. Mike and the crew did another great job this year. I know that unfortunately when it comes down to the final 24-48 hours you sometimes sacrifice yourself. I have no doubt Mike and the rest of the guys did exactly that. I can't know all the stuff they had to do before opening at 9am. I worked straight from Saturday 10pm to Monday 12pm during the G20. I sure didn't want to, but it had to be done to get the service done right.
If the set issues this year need to be corrected I trust Mike to do what is best with his experience. My suggestion was just that, a suggestion, but again to have a line up unsupervised and then just go with the "line up at your own risk" leaves things open to problems like this year.
Sorry for sounding negative, but I have had too much experience dealing with people in lines for events and it sometimes clouds my view.
