Delay Is Uncalled For...

[Pucnit]

It is reasonable to expect SOE customers to believe that it is taking this long to announce the location winner.  A newly hired database intern could manually count and research every vote casted in a month. I respectfully request an update in the process of determining the location.  A response would simulate, we have reviewed 2200 of the 4300 votes and are forecasting a possible announcement in 5 weeks.

[Killinga]

<p>The delay has nothing to do with counting and researching the votes. They have said they have "something awesome" in the works that they are trying to work out details for. The original poll started July 24th and sceduled to run for 30 days and a 2nd poll starting August 11th and scheduled to run for 2 weeks. It's been almost 4 months since the original vote was expected to be done and us knowing where / when the next fan faire was going to be held, which is a bit much IMO. With all due respect, whatever is in the works should have been pushed back and set for next years fan faire when it started delaying the announcement this long. Not only is it holding up the announcement of the date / location of the fan faire causing lots to have to make other plans and not be able to attend it's also reducing the amount of time that you will be able to market this and use it to bring in more people. I've never been to a fan faire and was excited about going to this 1 but between this delay and RL issues it doesn't look like I'll be able to now. My point is, I think you need to look decide if what you're planning is worth the really long delay it's causing, and if it's worth upsetting so manyand forcing people to have to make other plans and not attend.</p><p>I know you will let us know something when you can. It's just become to late for some of us and a bit amusing (lack of a better word) at how long it's taking to others.</p><p>This isn't meant to be a /rant, I'm not mad, just disappointed. I really wanted to go this year. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Olavf_of_Guk]

Frankly I have a feeling that whatever the "big news" is, there won't be a 2007 FF until after the summer. At this rate most of the people who would have attended won't be able to get the vacation time. Most of the players who go are adults, many with responsibilies at work and home, yet SOE treats us like children baiting us like a horse with a carrot on a stick...."Just wait a little longer". We've waited, we've been patient,  we've asked our bosses for a little more time....Time's up.....

[Pucnit]

Killingand, I cannot find any post by a mod that states that the reason why they are not posting when / where is because they are going to surprise us with something. I tried using Mod Tracker.  Can you point me to that post? Thanks, Pucnit

[Meowmov]

The post he was refering to is in the Vote for 2008 location at 2007 Fan Faire topic on page 2. The post was made on 10/30. Here is what it says. <cite>Ashlanne wrote:</cite><blockquote>We aren't trying to leave you out in the cold.  Something awesome is in the works but we can't announce anything until the details have been worked out.  We know you need to plan your vacations and we apologize for the delay on that, however I think you will be extremely pleased with the news when we are able to announce.</blockquote>

[helix]

The post he was refering to is in the Vote for 2008 location at 2007 Fan Faire topic on page 2. The post was made on 10/30. Here is what it says. <cite>Ashlanne wrote:</cite><blockquote>We aren't trying to leave you out in the cold.  Something awesome is in the works but we can't announce anything until the details have been worked out.  We know you need to plan your vacations and we apologize for the delay on that, however I think you will be extremely pleased with the news when we are able to announce.</blockquote>Is Ashlanne still alive

[Pucnit]

Thank you for finding that info. I do still wish that Ashlanne would give us a serious update with some details surrounding the progress. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Pucnit]

<p>On a funny note to this entire situation...</p><p>I should have realized a long time ago that no one would get any sort of answer anytime soon from the literal interpretation of the subject of this forum...</p><p>Have Fan Faire Questions? <b><u>Post here to try and get answers!</u></b> </p><p>=)</p><p>SOE loves having fun with their customers =)</p><p>(Aside:  After I realized this I did actually laugh.  Brenlo or someone at SOE has a great since of irony.)</p>

[Rawlden]

<p><span style="font-family: courier new,courier">All the contracts must be signed, sealed and delivered before any public announcements can be made.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Courier New">Contracts have to be signed with the facilities, guest clelebraties, vendors, hotels, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Courier New">They can't even tell us who they are negotiating with or for what dates.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Courier New">I know it's frustrating, but you'd complain even more if they made a premature announcement, you made plans, and then they had to make changes or the deal fell through.</span></p>

[mattador]

so basically what your saying is that the vote was a waste of time and had no point to begin with because the contracts have to be signed and negotiated before we ever hear where the fanfaire is going to be.  So they simultaneously do multiple negotiations in many states and citys to see where they might have fan faire at instead of pick a location THEN negotiate it?  Somehow i think they have to pick a spot to have it before they go into negotiations.

[Ashlanne]

<cite>helix wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Is Ashlanne still alive</p></blockquote><p>Yup I am still alive.  I was on Holiday vacation, my last full day in the office was December 20th.  We are hoping to have news soon.</p>

[karnall]

no disrespect but i think looking at this forum over all. not alot of people will be holding there breath for info. or taking any thing SoE says for real. just how i see it.

[Tharkis]

I can hold my breath for a really long time !

[karnall]

... thank you  for sharing that with us

[helix]

Sorry, Ashlanne the only thing that I can think of that would be worth waiting for 8 months to find out where and when the fanfair is.  Would be if SOE gave each person a Play Station 3 for showing up and I really doubt that is going to happen.

[Tharkis]

<p>I still dont understand where people have got the impression that they're entitled to know the location NOW because there was a poll done.  The poll was to see where and when people had intrest.  There was never once a statment that the poll was to actually determine the locatoin once and for all, and that it would result in that being the location of the next fan faire.</p><p>I've only missed 2 fan faires since the boston one in 2002, back then occasionally they'd be able to tell us the city that the fan faire would be in at the end of the current fan faire, but they wouldnt give dates till about 8 weeks before.   Recently they've been giving everyone a good many months of advance notice.  They're giving more time ahead to plan... and getting more complaints <img src="/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Jyve]

Poll was to get an idea. I'm sure they'd love to tell us all as soon as possible so that /they/ can make plans, but as mentioned above, all this negotiation with hotels will take a fair bit of time and hard effort to sort out. Just another reason why when you make it to wherever, thank the people for their contribution to allow us to have our enjoyment. Cheers Jyve

[Pucnit]

If the pull was just to get an idea why haven't the results been posted? Because the pull was more then to get an idea.

[helix]

I t was not an Idea it had specific dates and times for each of the locations and they were different so people checked if thoses Hotels were availible for those times. If it was an Idea I would assume it would be more like Atlantic city middle of March, Dever 1st week of Febuary (It would have been more broader). Also like the previous post state if in was just for an idea why not post the results tampered or not.

[shadospa]

<cite>Jyve wrote:</cite><blockquote> I'm sure they'd love to tell us all as soon as possible so that /they/ can make plans, but as mentioned above, all this negotiation with hotels will take a fair bit of time and hard effort to sort out. </blockquote><p> Really it doesn't take long at all.  Pick the top three cities... a dozen hotels/convention centers in each, get quotes from each.  That'd take a few days at best.</p><p>Not sure what the delay is, but I'll guess the reasons have more to do with marketing strategy than making reservations.</p>

[Killinga]

If you don't understand where people got the impression we were entitled to know the you haven't been following this from the original poll. <p>The post of the 1st poll on 07/24/06 "The options that we have researched based on price, weather and availability are listed below.  Please vote on your favorite choice.  We will run the polling for 30 days, after which, we will tally the results and come up with our next exciting location." Not sure if this was written by Ashlanne or not, she's shown as the author but it's signed by Brenlo and Jenabel, and editted by Ashlanne.</p><p>Also, "Thank you for your assistance in the other poll we hope that you will be of further assistance and vote in this poll so we can pick a final destination for the 2007 Fan Faire!" by Ashlanne on the 2nd poll on 08/11/06.</p><p>So yes, there was a statement made (2 actually) that the poll was to actually determine the location once and for all and not just to get ideas. Also that these places and dates have already been researched.</p>

[Pucnit]

<p>Bueller...</p><p>Bueller...</p><p>Donald Trump is in Cali.  Maybe he needs to make a stop at SOE Headquarters and bring some people into the board room?</p>

[seidian_daiki]

Rofl , Well I have been following fanfair post since the original polls , even passed the "possibly Hacked Second Poll" my feelings on fanfair is that it is not just that we have no location or date announced yet , It is the Bait and lack of communication that has so many upset.  With so many people that are excieted, or maybe now no longer excieted, about going to the fanfair we feel like as fans we are being taken for granted , that we will still be there waiting and that communication is not longer needed but rather just stand on the corner with the rest of the children and wait for the ice cream truck music to be heard and just trust that it will come down your street. I myself already feel defeated about fanfair , My guild with 500 + members talked along time ago about bringing and planing to get as many guild members to the fanfair , We were all very excieted when the first poll was announced , and plans were set in action,  T-shirt with guild designs discussed . polls taken where how many going , guild meetings, now as time has ticked away with still no news , no information posted , nothing to tell the guild, and the feeling that we are now on the ignore list and wait for the music of the ice cream man , many are no longer intrested , It is not talked about with excietment anymore for the most part many feel like "well it WAS a good idea" and it "WAS fun to talk about it". Lack of Communication, Wish they would have at least made 1 statement or post on eqplayers that fan fair still exist or even pod cast , would be at least something...  but many feel that even the admin here Run away or even dread posting anything on fanfair. With reading Ashlanne's post I can see that impression.

[Pucnit]

Amen seidian_daikini.

[Pucnit]

I made a song for <span style="color: red"><span style="color: blue"><a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/station/user/profile.m?user_id=107" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><b><span style="color: #ff0066">Ashlanne</span></b></a>... Oh where, oh where, Has my fan faire gone? Oh where, oh where can it be? With its time cut short, And its planning so long, Oh where, oh where can it be? </span></span><hr />Nothing but love,  Pucnit <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><span style="color: red"><span style="color: blue"></span></span>

[Ashlanne]

<p>I don't have defintive news but how about a hint...</p><p>It will be hot when and where we have Fan Faire and there is the possibility of a price decrease.  That's all I am saying until I have more official news <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Tharkis]

sounds good to me =)

[Pucnit]

This is a game that I like.... How about once a week we get a hint. Until it is officially announced.  Can we play that game.  The question for <b><span style="color: #ff0066">Ashlanne will be if can she come up with enough hints without giving it away. </span></b>=) I'll provide the first guess.... Hot & Cheap...aye... Tijuana?

[Ashlanne]

<cite>Pucnit wrote:</cite><blockquote>This is a game that I like.... How about once a week we get a hint. Until it is officially announced.  Can we play that game.  The question for <b><span style="color: #ff0066">Ashlanne will be if can she come up with enough hints without giving it away. </span></b>=) I'll provide the first guess.... Hot & Cheap...aye... Tijuana? </blockquote><p>I can try, and then pray I get the official announcement before I run out of hints ROFL</p>

[Tharkis]

<p>i'm more impatient for my W2 than i am for fan faire dates and location atm =P</p>

[Ashlanne]

<cite>Tharkis wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>i'm more impatient for my W2 than i am for fan faire dates and location atm =P</p></blockquote><p>LOL me too <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> especially since I already spent my return.  I don't even know what I am getting back but it's already spent and arriving on Saturday.  I bought a new couch for my living room</p>

[Meowmov]

<cite>Ashlanne wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I don't have defintive news but how about a hint...</p><p>It will be hot when and where we have Fan Faire and there is the possibility of a price decrease.  That's all I am saying until I have more official news <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p></blockquote>So its going to be summer time in the nevada desert? No hotels, just BYOT (Bring your own TENT)!!

[mattador]

soe burning man / costume campout roleplay week ...sounds crazy

[drackiller]

<p>LOL , what am i missing here? What the **** is Fan Faire?</p><p>It´s the place where all the fayries meet ?<img src="/smilies/49869fe8223507d7223db3451e5321aa.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Pucnit]

<p><b>Ashlanne</b> you could always tell me and I could help you with the clues. <img src="/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p> I kid... I kid...</p><hr /><p>I why wait for your W-2's you should be able to use the information from your last pay stub or from your online HRIS system. =)  Filing your taxes on Jan 2 is the best feeling you can have.  Mainly because you get to watch everyone twitch out around April 15th. =)</p>

[Ashlanne]

<p>Clue for today...</p><p>Fine Dining and shopping are a plenty</p>

[Tharkis]

I think i already know =P

[Pucnit]

I guess that rules out Las Vegas or do buffets count? =)

[Quantumc]

I would guess that most people would rather get some type of firm date rather than a location. At least then we could put in requests for the vacation time at work. I would HOPE that SOE would have a date by now, as the polls were SIX months ago.

[Perzephone]

<cite>Ashlanne wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Clue for today...</p><p>Fine Dining and shopping are a plenty</p></blockquote><p> SO its VEGAS huh?</p><p>if so WOOHOO CHEAP DRINKS AND FOOD AND WARP CORES!</p>

[Ashlanne]

<p>Let's see a date hint...</p><p>It will be in a month that has 31 days....</p>

[Meowmov]

<cite>Ashlanne wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Let's see a date hint...</p><p>It will be in a month that has 31 days....</p></blockquote>So we have it down to Jan, March, May, July, Aug, Oct, Dec. With the previous hint "It will be hot when and where we have Fan Faire and there is the possibility of a price decrease. ". We have it down to May, July, Aug. I'm ruling out May as it may not be as hot because its still spring. So we have July & Aug left.

[Crolack]

It can be hot in May in Vegas. Traditionally, August is the hottest month of the year. My July is pretty booked, so I'll be sad if it's then. But yeah, a date really soon would be great. I mean, a MUD I play on announced their yearly party today and it's in August.

[Sor]

Enough with the hints, you've been puting us off to long as it is & we need to get our VC time in to even be able to go, if you know say it now.

[Pucnit]

<p>Ashlanne is too good at this game. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p> Lets see...</p><p>Hot, 31 days, Food...</p><p>I am pretty sure we are going on a cruise =)</p>

[Koldriana]

<p>The challenge that I am now up against - and by the looks of it I am not the only one - Is that my vacation time has to be booked for the year, by the end of the month. I realize that there are contracts and finalizations that have not been made formal at this time. I also realize that if we can be given hints like "in a month with 31 days" the time has <b>already</b> been decided upon. It may not be final, but it has been decided.</p><p>I'm not asking for full details, its not like the location will have any bearing on my descision to attend or not. I haven't missed a Fanfaire since my first in Chicago in 2003. I don't care where we go, but I do care that if I dont have at least a general date soon I will be missing this event for the first time in over 3 years. </p><p>I have been pumping up my guild to show up for this event since we got home from Atlanta. I have been watching this board for any news for the last 8 months - praying that something would be announced - so that I could get my holidays booked and get my guildies on board. Thus far I haven't been able to tell them anything. </p><p>Every year since the 5th aniversary in LasVegas the fanfaires get smaller and smaller. We are watching our guild mates leave EQ for other games. Expansions have come out that for all intents and purposes could have added thousands of players to our servers had thier marketing not completely mis-managed. We have been waiting 8 months for some scrap of information that could bring us together once again as a community at an event that many of us have not missed since we started playing. We get hints and promises that 'something big is comming' and are forced to watch our deadlines creep closer and closer knowing that if something isn't announced soon we will have to miss the opportunity.</p><p>I am frustrated and saddened at the same time. I understand that things haven't been finalized and that the date may change and all that stuff. All Im asking for is the chance to at least TRY to book my holidays around the possibility that it won't. I dont have the luxury to be able to book off 3 months in order to cover all the potential bases so that I can guarentee that I will be able to go. I have 2 weeks..</p><p>As I said at the begining of this post, the date has already been decided. I am willing to take the risk that it will change so that I can at least get the time in. I will not blame anyone if it does and I am willing to accept it if I cannot trade days with someone in order to make it there. All I want is the chance to try. Please give us that chance.</p>