So, if I wasen't hated before, I sure am now. Regardless we have everything sorted out. ASAPA has approved the contract (mind you it was easy to discuss it with them since I am a Director of ASAPA at the moment, so I kind of forced it on their doorstep to see what they all thought about it.) We're going with the contract as is. Although I made some quick updates to it with some suggestions from a mystery person on the forums. I still believe in what I'm trying to do.

I did have a conversation with the Otafest Artist Alley coordinator, and at this point, I stopped being nice. Because I have been as nice as I can throughout all of this, and all it's caused is lots of trouble. It's my backyard, I'll do it as I want and talk about with the artists that actually have an interest in coming, or have even come in the last few year.

No, I don't think I'm hurting 'opular' artists. I think popular artists are unwilling to help support the community and help artists as a whole, and for a lot of them, they are more concerned with their bottom line than putting a name out for themselves. They're scared of putting some money into an event which advertises them, set's them up and gives them an opportunity to market themselves. I don't expect people to make money at ARtist Alley. It's Gravy on the fries. I expect people to make contacts outside of the convention, get commissions done.

Sure, we use a system to try help cover our costs, but you know what, if we don't make it, that's fine we'll accept a loss. We're not going to take a staggering loss that all these other individuals try set us up with. We'll take a minimal loss, so the Artists don't have to, because that 0.25 hurts their bottom line.

I'll admit, I'm a little irritated about the whole thing, and I've had to be extra nice because it's my position. But this is my personal journal. This is how I actually feel about it, and it's really not up for discussion if someone want's to argue, and if someone wants to drag my personal opinion into the flame war, well. That's.. kind of sad that they don't have their own valid arguements.

Like I said, I believe in what I'm doing, and if all these 'angry' voices are so angry. Where are they when it's time to pick a coordinator? or help the event? Oh right. Counting their money. Silly me.