14 replies to this topic

[Roareye Black]

Okay so we have run SoS for four years on the trot, this year was the biggest year we've had and it has come with unique challenges.

One key issue was that not every member of staff knew every detail, nor had it readily to hand, when a member of the public requested it. Unfortunately due to the size of staff and the nature of the event, having every single member of staff able to answer every question is impossible. Staff are volunteers, all of which are assigned a specific area and haven't got the time to separate their spare time between both their section and the entire event's width and breadth.
What we CAN offer in future is an information point. An information booth of sorts, with a member of staff and a bible of the day's events with answers to your questions. This member of staff would not only be able to answer questions but be able to record your feedback as well, meaning we will have a log of feedback we can use to improve any future events.

So what do we need from you?
What we need is for you to ask all the questions you have asked/would ask members of staff. This is regardless of whether you got an answer or not. All questions are needed so we can write them down, get the answers and build an appropriate bible for the day's events. The return for you guys is an event next year that allows you to get all the answers to all your questions from a central information point.

So please, ask away. Every question on every detail you feel.

Thanks,
Roareye Black.

[Hogfather]

These are all the questions I was asked on the day (That I can remember).

"How do I register for the cosplay?" (I assumed you just got in costume and then headded towards the stage when they announced it).

"What time was the Naka/Iizuka signing?" (I had no idea on this one, aparently it wasn't written in the days schedule)

"Where can I get a copy of this poster" (Told the to ask at the official merch tables *points to them* and see if they still had any).

"How do I register for the art contest?" (I had no idea on this one).

[JezMM]

"If we leave, what's the policy on getting back in?" (Didn't ask but would have had a friend not told me).

"Where do I go for my raffle prize?" (Managed to catch Svend who then personally retrieved my prize for me. ='D)


That's all I got.

[Roareye Black]

Noted. Thanks so much guys. Keep them coming. Any and all questions are needed to ensure the Info Zone Bible is as thorough as possible, and in being so thorough will make it easier for you guys to find out all the stuff you may need to on the day next year.

Roareye Black.

[Hogfather]

Actually, this wasn't asked... but had I been asked this there is no way I would have known for sure.

"Where can I get first aid/I need a first aider"

Only because I'm on my hols today and actually saw someone giving first aid to a kid that had fallen over.

Also I suppose this one should be included.

"How do I register for... (Insert event here)?"

Edited by Hogfather, 04 July 2011 - 11:05 PM.

[Jay aka Disco Ponies]

"How do I enter this into the art contest"

And the one I get every year "WHERE ARE THE LOOS"

[Roareye Black]

All these points have been noted for logging in the Information Zone Bible. Anything else that people felt they needed to ask/feel they might need to know during next year's event?

Roareye Black.

[DarkNoise]

In relation to a previously pointed out.. errm, point, maybe a detailed list of various contests? I was sat at the tables most the day and the question floating around wasn't a case of where to enter, but was a question of "Is there an art contest?"

More important items of note would probbably be where to locate fire exits and escape routes in the event of an emergancy (god forbid).

[Kevin]

"If we leave, what's the policy on getting back in?" (Didn't ask but would have had a friend not told me).

I was wondering this too since when I first asked after I got in, no one really knew, and then I was told it was ok since all I wanted to do was go out and say hello to some people who were waiting in line and then come back in again.

[Hogfather]

These usually get asked before SOS, but I know one or two have been asked at previous SOS'

* Where are the nearest cash machines?

* Any food places nearby?

* Where can I get a drink?

* Nearest tube?

* How do I get to *insert hotel name/landmark* from here.

More important items of note would probbably be where to locate fire exits and escape routes in the event of an emergancy (god forbid).

I believe that all the fire escapes were clearly signed and clear for people to make a quick escape if needbe (mainly because I and a few others were tasked with that job in the morning.)

But had we needed to evacuate the pigeon "panic" zone. Chances are there would be a PA announcement within seconds giving instructions and venue as well as event staff would have been directing traffic.

Mind you, I would have loved to have heard "In the event of a fire, earthquake or badnik attack, as tempting as it would be to perform a spindash, please head towards...."

[Roareye Black]

Thanks guys, those new suggestions have been added

* How do I get to *insert hotel name/landmark* from here.

While I'll add the cash machine question (Mo money, mo money, mo money lol), I don't believe it is Summer of Sonic's responsibility to give directions to places external of the event. Every year we have a map on the website that tells you how to reach us, and we will have again in 2012, naturally the nearest Tube station would be covered in that. The one I definitely can't take is the hotel/landmark question. It's up to the people coming to arrange their own hotel and travel plans as well as ensuring they know the best route to get there. If I added landmark directions to the book (Especially with so many in London) we'd end up with a 2750 page ancient tome

Unless you know of a specific event-related reason to direct people towards landmarks (Or if any of relation ring a bell, I can't think of any y'see >.>).

Thanks for the suggestions, and keep 'em coming

[DarkOverord]

Every year we have a map on the website that tells you how to reach us, and we will have again in 2012, naturally the nearest Tube station would be covered in that.

I also suggest the following on this

• Directions from London Euston. To be fair, in the same time I could get the tube ONE STOP, I walked it to the Camden Centre. London Euston is where most trains from The North come in (Or just in general, being the 18 platform MONSTER Euston is) so this would be handy, if you do move location, then just sticking to the tubes is nice, but this is useful if Euston is within walking distance, and cheaper too...
• Actually specify properly on the map where the entrance is. Even to the day before people weren't sure where the actual entrance was. On the map leave a marker at the door, not the centre of the building
• Actually have the map click-able to take you to google maps. Or if possible, embed it to the site so people can set up directions on the SoS site still

I'm honestly curious as to why London Euston wasn't on the Travel page anyway... It was mentioned, but there was no directions to actually get there. Kings Cross was at least on the map... I'm not saying it has to be perfect. But it really wasn't apparent on the map at all, I'd never travelled to London and was rather confused when trying to map directions I have to say!

Edited by DarkOverord, 08 July 2011 - 09:43 AM.

[Roareye Black]

I also suggest the following on this

• Directions from London Euston. To be fair, in the same time I could get the tube ONE STOP, I walked it to the Camden Centre. London Euston is where most trains from The North come in (Or just in general, being the 18 platform MONSTER Euston is) so this would be handy, if you do move location, then just sticking to the tubes is nice, but this is useful if Euston is within walking distance, and cheaper too...
• Actually specify properly on the map where the entrance is. Even to the day before people weren't sure where the actual entrance was. On the map leave a marker at the door, not the centre of the building
• Actually have the map click-able to take you to google maps. Or if possible, embed it to the site so people can set up directions on the SoS site still

I'm honestly curious as to why London Euston wasn't on the Travel page anyway... It was mentioned, but there was no directions to actually get there. Kings Cross was at least on the map... I'm not saying it has to be perfect. But it really wasn't apparent on the map at all, I'd never travelled to London and was rather confused when trying to map directions I have to say!

Good idea. We'll see them implemented on next year's site where possible. To be honest I didn't realise London Euston was nearby at all, but I wasn't involved in the site build.
We will see if we can make the map's clickable to Google Maps, and improve directions from the nearest Tube Station. I will also ask whoever takes in the directions to keep in mind any possible walking distance to London Euston (Though if we move venue, this may be wildly unnecessary) to see if we can save Northern folk on a Tube fare. However please do bear in mind that we cannot take every Tub station into account when building our directions to the venue, it would epic-length and we have many other important areas to focus on during the course of preparation.

Thank you for the suggestions though, hopefully the 2012 site directions will be more satisfactory

[DarkOverord]

However please do bear in mind that we cannot take every Tub station into account when building our directions to the venue, it would epic-length and we have many other important areas to focus on during the course of preparation.

Thank you for the suggestions though, hopefully the 2012 site directions will be more satisfactory

Oh that's understandable, but London Euston is the biggest in the UK ;P Probably good to at least do directions from there if you do move, because that 18platform beast is evil :V (Least Euston has it's own tube stop so it's not like you have to say much. Just a little note of get the tube to X perhaps? I'm not saying this due to being a jaded northerner here. Don't detail out everything that's understandable. But from the big Stations possibly a good idea)

Also. On this, you could always ask us, once the venue is announced, to build up directions. Londoners might know some good tips etc.!

[JezMM]

One other thing to consider with directions - whether the nearest Underground station has multiple exits. Took Mollfie and I a LONG time to get our bearings and find the area photographed on the SoS site because we came out a completely different area from the one nearest the Camden Centre.