Repost:Icon 30 Review

Posted  on Friday, April 29, 2011

This is in no way negative its just my experience from this Years Icon : In previous years anything that was done that we couldnt understand or questioned or Guy in marketing Did not want to answer resulted in us being banned for 2 yrs, mostly cause When we asked questions we were told shut up and just pay.

First We checked in Early Because we were always stuck in long lines whether we went on friday, Saturday or Sunday and usually got there 1-2 hours prior to 9am opening to get thru fast since first panels were at 9am.

This year there was no long lines except for friday night which was extremely Long and we managed to get into the press line and check in for our press packet of badge and guidelines which like all other Conventions was just a Badge. Then we went to check out our press room which was disappointing but we didnt spend much time there, specially since it was just a room and tables, No computer and no staff which we understand they didnt have to be able to man it like other conventions do…Altho we did make use of it Sunday for a nice interview with Game Designer Brandon Osario.

We were off into the con.

We did find it funny that alot of people know us now coming here for 10 yrs…

The Only 2 “hiccups” we came across was a very bad volunteer? at Julie Benz First Autograph signing that actually put 20 of us in a corner and left us there despite what the trackleader or her handler had said…
First Julie Gave a great Q & A and Gave Icon much love and props for the convention and we went to the autograph signing and while on line as i was getting my autograph i asked the Person in charge of her if I was allowed to take a photo of her while she signs my autograph she didnt need to stand or pose cause she was busy and i was told sure. The Volunteer came up to me when i took out my camera and told me i wasn’t allowed to take any pictures I had to go  wait on the line in corner for photos After all autographs were signed. We were then left there for 30 mins with no communication, no mind you while we waited the 35 of us on line say 23 people walked up get autograpghs and take a picture of Julie Smiling for them before they moved on Then I contacted Press Liason who forwarded my issue to info booth, no idea if they got any information or not but  i spotted a Security member who was able to get me someone in staff shirt. I explained what happened and he apologized profusely and walked me over to get the picture for the 3 mins it took me and we were moving again, total time waiting on line for autograph 2 hours 23 mins

Then we went to a few panels met some great people and then their was a incident in game room i witnessed but wasnt part of so I only know what I was told by the Game Participants, In a nutshell there wasn’t any communication between staff in that room which caused a game to start late. Apparently Board games assumed 2 tables were open and let gamers set up there where the rpg table knew the tables were assigned to a gaming company.

We missed the Medievil stuff out front on physics lawn but understand how some weren’t available due to their schedules, and the wind made the superhero auditions tough. The Few times I checked in at info desk they had no news other than what was on the board. I couldnt even cover the award dinner because we had no info about how to get there until 2 hours later but also found out that that info was in the schedule which we didnt know, (see press packet below)

The Lolita Fashion Show and Gamer Girls Panel was Awesome so was Actors Gil Gerard and Julie Benz. I wanted to Thank everyone who participated for making it an Excellent Icon Guestwise altho im sure everyone would have loved to see more guests. We understand The initial guest list isnt released early since things change but it should be released early for people to get an initial idea of when they can come specially since Icon plasters the disclaimer everywhere that things can change at a moments notice.

I did feel bad for the Actors and Panelists because even tho there was Microphones in each room they were not allowed to use the audio which made some Panels very hard to here being in back of a crowded room.

Dealers room was subdued whether it was the recession or not we dont know but there was Alot less vendors then we normally see. Also starting at 10am in my opinion was a bad idea, in years past Icon would open at 9am and first panel was at 9, this year everything started on weekend at 10am due to spring break we are told, so back an hour and less time.

All in all it was a Great Convention and only one of 4 Left in New York as Conventions are Fading away due to the economy and other problems. We were sad our good friends Actress’ Debbie Rochon and Alexia Anastasio which were Icon staples for 6 yrs and brought in over 1000 memberships werent there.

Already waiting for Icon 31….
One Idea i noticed which was awesome, Guest Celebrities Did panels and autographs on all 3 days rather than normal 1 day as in past which meant everyone has 3 chances to catch panels/guests. !

Now each convention we goto is a new experience for us but mostly all of them give us a press pass, guidelines, convention schedule or booklet, any cancellations or press conference schedules, a room with a computer and water , and press did get a little bit of first priority treatment, for example in dealers rooms before open to public, or press pictures we did NOT have to pay for since we were covering the event especially if that celebrity Publicist spoke to us prior to the event and approved it.
Now we did miss the hentai and adult anime which we wanted to cover because the members made those so awesome mostly by creating the dialogue on the ones that werent in english…(like brentwood icon).

We went to the World of Warcraft Panel and while it wasnt as packed as recent years we heard the guy running it who was pulled out of a LARP he wanted to be involved in because there was nobody to run the wow Panel. Then we hit the Rift Panel Sunday and left after there was only 3 members there after 30 mins….We hit The Harry Potter Panel which i was surprised wasnt packed or mightve filled after we left 15 mins later. We hit the Lolita Fashion show and got great pictures and 2 interviews with 2 models, I thought it was a great event and hope it returns next year.

We caught alot of Photos of people in Cosplay but not as many as we are used to seeing for some reason. Photos can be seen on our facebook page.

Signage going to Icon was bad that person needed to be whipped, 1 sign off exit 61 of LIE showing to get off exit 62 and no other signs at all. If i didnt know where i was going I wouldve been lost.
We also Noticed ALOT of Blank time slots in schedule which we werent sure of, but all in all it was a Great Time.
I just think there needs to be better communication , icon went from -43 communication rating during past icons up to about a +60 which is an impressive almost 120% improvement.

GREAT JOB ICON !

Repost: Interview with Nicole Fashionista

Posted  on Tuesday, May 17, 2011

We Managed to Sit down with Icon 30 Fashion Mogul and Long Island  Fashionista Nicole Fashionista. Now of Course thats not her last name but you don’t need to know that. We first want to thank Nicole for a great interview with us and taking the time to meet us on this rainy May Day and spending 40 minutes discussing Lolita Fashion and Cosplay with us.
The Full Interview Will Air Wed May 18th in Either its entirety depending on Time Allowance otherwise it will air in two parts over the next two show’s. We will of course be updating the Links on our new interview page we put up with our guests listed on it. So we hope you enjoy this interview we will be airing on our show, as always feel free to comment in our feedback section. For all things Lolita Fashion or Cosplay Check out the Links we will be putting up on Nicoles Interview Page over next few days..

Repost: Gaming & TwitchTwitch

Posted  on Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Tonight on InsanityAfterDark (IAD) we discuss all things gaming. With E3 finally over we discuss some of what we have seen and heard including some disappointments. We talk about Coverage, We talk about Booth Babes, we even review the much anticipated D&D Release of Daggerdale for the PC, lets just say Id prefer a root Canal…

We also did a mini interview with TwitchTwitchProductions and have a little info about LivingDeadMafia and Broke the news about LI Horror Convention Returning to the NY Area which is a Huge Deal for East Coast people.

Repost: In Memorium

Posted  on Monday, August 22, 2011

This Post is a Memorium to a Dearly Departed Friend, who we lost to Cancer Aug 16, 2011 @ 2am.
My Childhood friend, A Girl I group up with, A Girl who was my first Crush, My First Kiss on the Cheek, My First True Friend, The First Girl Who never Judged, Lost her 6 yr battle with Cancer Dying Early in the Morning.
We grew up down the Block from each other and went to grade school together and a few years of High School before we lost touch until 2000. A few of us in Class of ’81 Gathered for a Grade school reunion where me and Jennifer Reconnected, exchanging numbers but playing phone tag for a large part of the year before we caught up again in 2001 at another reunion. Reconnecting we all laughed and Enjoyed the times and She caught me up on what was going on, I told her she could always count on me if she ever needed anything I would be there for her. Shortly Afterwards her phone was disconnected, I never heard from my friend again.

Then Almost 10 yrs later, Via Her little Sister who I myself haven’t seen in 20+ yrs and by way of another friend found out that for the past 6 yrs she was battling Cancer and was loosing the battle. She would be going home to God with the next week or so. Two weeks and a Day later She passed, peacefully in her sleep into God’s arms. Leaving Behind a Family, 3 Sisters, her mother and Father  and Many friends and relatives who are all grieving at the lost of this Beautifully Vibrant Girl.

My friend Jennifer  Passed at the age of 44, the same age as myself, a victim of Cancer. This has forever altered many lives but we were all blessed to have her in our lives.

*** RIP JENNIFER *** Forever in my Heart and Soul – Forever a part of our lives.

Repost: NYCC Review Oct 15-16 2011

Posted  on Sunday, October 16, 2011

Well We went and covered NY ComicCon Oct 14-15 and Let me tell you what a fun filled exciting day it was. I can not stress enough that this is a Convention in NY that is not only here to stay but Also One Fans Will Love. Nobody should Miss this at all. We saw a variety of panels that were thrilling and exciting and saw some great Stars and Celebrities alike, Including Eliza Dusku (Go Celtics!) Who Signed an autograph for me, Lloyd Kaufman the Genius behind Troma also was present signing Autographs, Blair Herter From G4 Tv was there signing and happy to see His fans and G4 Fans and also Showed that the East Coast isnt forgotten by the West. We also Received great artwork from Chris Burnham over at DC Comics. But we also Ran around like a nut because we couldnt bring our cameraman and other reporter along, so it was a bit stressful.
We were treated to A preview of Once upon a Time coming Oct 23rd which I suggest everyone should watch. Also Coming Nov 11, 2011 is premiere of Green Lantern animated Series which every fan will want to see, I wont tell you what happens but Don’t Miss it. Then After waiting online for almost 4 hours and missing Ghost Rider 2 and Walking Dead we made it into The Avengers. OMG what an exciting Panel that was with 4 castmembers present and G4tv’s Own Chris Hardwick (from the Nerdist Podcast) Moderating. Totally Fun, Exciting and makes you WANT to see The Avengers Now.
All in All Comic-con is a must for any pop culture Fan, Did I mention Batman:Arkham City Panel? Get that Game even if your not a gamer you’ll love it.
My only problems where behind the Curtain so to speak. I spoke with 500 angry upset Fans at 3:30pm-6:30 who like myself were stuck waiting on one line for IGN Theater with no communication as to what was going on. Some fans who came to See Ghost rider 2 or walking dead or avengers were all mixed on same like so many missed out on them due to lack of communication and putting everyone into a cattle pit. One Young lady drove 3 hrs from albany,ny to come to the convention to spend her entire day sitting online for a panel (walking dead) that she wanted to see and missed it only to leave and start heading back to albany, claiming she won’t be back. People If you have suggestions or constructive criticism write to the Con and tell them nicely, maybe they can fix these issues. I know 400 people who were ready to riot due to VIP’s Getting to bypass the line soon as they entered at 5pm over those waiting since 2pm.But watch for our full review on This next weeks Show. No negativity just an honest Fan’s review. We Will be back next year..Visit our Facebook.com/mysteryradio for the photo’s and find if your one of em. If so Contact us

Repost: Wow Doomed?

Posted on Saturday, October 22, 2011

So Blizzcon Kicked off this friday and they announced their next BIG Expansion for Wow – Mists of Pandaria a small expansion, a new race Pandaren with 1 new class Monk and a small continent with no other content. Stating this will fix the problems they made in Cataclysim it poses the Question – Is Wow Doomed? They started out with World of Warcraft which became a hit announcing a new expansion Every Year (trying to be Everquest?)
Yes it was a Hit, but then came The Burning Legion, Wrath of Lich King, Cataclysim. In that Time we have seen Shaman, Worgen, Goblin and 1 hero class death Knights.
We have seen Content that was available to all casual and hardcore gamers tailored to the Hardcore Raiders by making it harder for casual’s to play. We have Seen Content so limited that even tho some Japanese and Chinese players would finish and expansion within  2 days, people would get bored and leave the game due to lack of content. Not to mention development of other blizzard games seeming to take a priority.
Im a gamer and im disappointed, Im not at blizzcon but have already read at leave 50 people comment they will try the panda monk neutral class playable by horde or alliance before they quit wow altogether. Notice Class Adds like other Rpg’s yet? Well They already lost thousands before Cataclysm came out so could this bee the end for Wow? How fast will people complete this next expansion before they get bored and quit? Think of this Alot of games come and go, PC is a dying Breed and only good for RPG’s now, But Look at Sony’s Everquest 14 expansions tons of content and still going strong…Whats Next? Your thoughts?

Repost: Icon 31 Review w/ foto’s

Posted  on Monday, April 2, 2012

Icon 31 is Done and Gone as we now wait for Icon 32 News a few weeks before Next Years Con we have posted Photo’s up on our Facebook page if you click Icon 31 Album https://www.facebook.com/mysteryradio
Also for Alot More Videos Check our Official Youtube Channel : http://www.youtube.com/shadytavern

As for our Review this is Just a fun filled weekend with a few pitfalls…This is what we planned to see and the outcomes. The Con had very little communication between the info desk and staff, I picked up my tickets friday Evening at 4:30 and chatted with people on the line who were impressed how fast it was moving. (this was before I had my booklet with times) I then went down to Vendor room that was scheduled to open at 5:30 but didnt open until 6 which coincidentally was the time of the con actually opening and panels (just like its been for past 12 yrs) Rush across campus to Sac 311 for Evolution of Gaming Market which was mostly about EA and console gaming nothing that was listed in schedule, stayed 26 mins before running to Javits 102 for how to raise money on low budget film, very quiet and uninteresting i left after 15 mins, off to vendor room which definitely was surprisingly empty and alot of vendors that were there for years not around. But apparently items were marked up more then in their own retail stores. Off to Sac 311 for so you want to be a game designer which was interesting (15 mins of video almost posted)  Then the problem began I ran to Javits 100 for the 9pm Cosplay Burlesque show which started late at 9:30pm, After it starts they announce there is no media allowed except for their own photographer and icon staff press was barred which when I spoke to someone told me since they are a 3rd party they requested that and I felt its something press shouldve known at beginning of the con specially when Icon Staff confirmed that and apologized (it wasnt even their fault it was the company).
Saturday Began Late due to a family birthday I arrived from bayshore to stonybrook in 15 mins to attend Javits 100 Cosplay Competition and arrived at 7pm to be told there was so many people they rushed thru it in 1 hr and cancelled the rest of it (9-11pm) So I was angry since this was the main thing we HAD to cover. Nobody on staff at all knew what happened and wouldnt comment on it. I also sat in on Icons Got Talent and saw great voice of Nicole (see video) The one good thing is I managed to get to see Voltaire that night and it was an EXCELLENT Performance (see special video he did for Stonybrook)

Sunday Last night Hit the Time Travel Panel which was really great and informative then ran to the Everquest Panel which sadly for the 2 guys running panel I was the only one to show up. I went back and forth to the vendor room photographing people and attending the penguin party by physics (see photos and videos)
Then the moment 30 people waited on Icon 2013 to find out what was happening next year to find out it was cancelled the active word Circulating was Staff couldnt be bothered because they didnt even know what to do but concensus was Hofstra next year and holiday Inn in ronkonkoma (no comment from me) Off to the Icon Fashion show where only 10 people showed up the first 15 mins and nobody in the show I left (but more came later). We also managed to see Dr Who Cosplay Competition which is mainly a photoshoot outside by ESS but alot of Great Costumes…

Now  I also made stops into the console gaming room where there was few people and the focus was fighting tournaments. The RPG room wasnt packed at all either as a few Big Name vendors were missing and i had to field questions from people who remembered me covering them. Plus we had alot of great Cosplayers roaming around and were very honored to have their photo’s taken.

Now in my opinion any convention should be in 1 location with everything Panels, Gaming, Films, 24 hr gaming, food, hotels in 1 place or within very close proximity. Now a few yrs ago Icon was at brentwood which was good except for having things spread out at 2 seperate hotels. Now we have suggested special actresses that would bring in an additional 100-3000 fans to icon for 3 of em (2 actress and 1 actor) and were told no. We asked for a fan table and wifi access to broadcast from and were told no when we originally had it years ago.

The Con had its ups and down but over past 12 yrs this reporter has seen The Con starts membership pickup about 5pm on friday and con and panels and vendor starts at 6pm, the con scheduled to end at 5pm on sunday with occassional 5-6pm panels never runs til 5 as most vendors are told at 4pm to start packing to be out at 5. We feel for them. I have seen the numbers drop and its a mixture of the economy and lack of communication between the membership and staff and scheduling. I have heard many complain about how they release the schedule 4 days before the convention when they have a tentative one from first of the year that can change without notice and 7 out of 10 people i spoke with were ok if there was a sudden change as long as they had a chance someone was coming.
But it was a Fun time and since we started going to Icon 12 yrs ago we look forward to the next one and hope they have us