Sonic Boom 2013 "Helllooooooooo St. Louis!"

[MykonosFan]

Now then... as for the video I promised I would share. Aaron Webber was approached with an extremely awkward question (I tried not to laugh at how he actually took a few seconds to gather his thoughts), but came up with a very heartwarming, non-offensive answer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Stp5JaNOUM&feature=youtu.be

Once more he demonstrates he certainly is the man for the job when it comes to being brand manager, I think!

There I am on the bench, lol. I couldn't believe that guy asked that. If it was a genuine question, it certainly didn't seem like it to me, but hey.

[Tani Coyote]

The majority of fans I've seen at both events are under 21 and need to ask their parents to go.

Unfortunately describes me... I'm dependent on my parents. That and I'm able to go every year when so many can't has actually started to give me a sense of noblesse oblige, actually.

That said, I do think St. Louis was an odd choice considering that previous years were always tied to another major event (E3 in LA and Comic Con in San Diego).  The fact that they scheduled this year's event the same weekend as Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago but decided on St. Louis instead is kinda puzzling (and I'm not just saying that cause I live in Chicago and it would been super convenient).

The choice was ultimately because St. Louis is right in the middle of the country on both the east-west and north-south axes. Where they made a huge error was assuming everyone is capable of buying a several hundred dollar plane ticket and room and flying in just for it. Sonic fans unfortunately have yet to develop that same sense of community furry fans have, I think; when AnthroCon comes around, four people agree to split a room and that makes the trip incredibly easier. I think many Sonic fans who fly in, by contrast, probably stay alone or with one friend at most. In the long-term, this sort of individualism is actually pretty destructive to turnout.

We can conclude from this year that SEGA should really keep such events to major cities during other big convention events. It might drive hotel prices up a bit, but ultimately these events are for locals and not tourists.

Also, they need to work on their marketing (big surprise). There are so many people who are like, "...there was a Sonic convention?" If they had their long-term planning down, I'd totally suggest advertising the next event in every game they release.

 

The question itself kind of confuses me. Are there more autistic Sonic fans than say... Star trek fans? Is the sonic fandom known for having autism? I know it's a common issue, but I didn't think it was common enough to ask Aaron about.

I read up on it a bit. Really interesting topic...

 

Correlation equaling causation is a common fallacy. Not to derail the topic, but as an autistic myself, I think the key detail is autistics often find a few subjects and pursue them with passion. So, some very passionate Sonic fans might be autistic (and likewise there are surely many who are not), but the same is probably true of any other fandom; any smaller or lower number is most likely coincidence.

As my best friend (who recorded it)'s stepmother said, it's a dumb question, but at the same time, it's also good for testing the ability of a public relations speaker to say the respectful answer. I'd say Aaron passed with flying colors, going from sudden awkwardness to a smooth, professional recovery. The guy earns his paycheck, clearly.

 

There I am on the bench, lol. I couldn't believe that guy asked that. If it was a genuine question, it certainly didn't seem like it to me, but hey.

Another SSMBer I narrowly missed!

The question-giver was hanging with us all night, and he was actually talking about asking Aaron about that. We didn't think he actually would... and I believe neither did most of the crowd... (note how the chatter seems to die down shortly after it is asked)

[Badnik Mechanic]

Well... I came in here originally asking if anyone could upload a video of that chao figure... and then I found this...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Stp5JaNOUM&feature=youtu.be

 

Ok... I don't know who decided to do that but...

 

I think Aaron Webber deserves full praise for how he handled that.

 

Quite frankly that was an ambush and the person asking the question fully knows it. Oh I'll just gather some people around, say to the guy with the camera 'hey record this' and then instantly call over the community manager and ask him about people with autism in the Sonic fanbase. What was he expecting Aaron to answer with? Just what was that if not a 'oh I'm gonna try and get a lol moment here.'

 

Maybe you could claim it wasn't an intentional attempt to try and mock or embarass someone if someone had just been recording and caught it by accident, but when you say 'hey record this' then ask the question. Seriously, what the hell?

 

That had ambush written all over it, and for how quickly and professionally Aaron answered that, he deserves full respect.

[sonfan1984]

Even the most uncomfortable question anybody ever asked him and he still act professional and kept his cool. Bravo.

[Tani Coyote]

Quite frankly that was an ambush and the person asking the question fully knows it. Oh I'll just gather some people around, say to the guy with the camera 'hey record this' and then instantly call over the community manager and ask him about people with autism in the Sonic fanbase. What was he expecting Aaron to answer with? Just what was that if not a 'oh I'm gonna try and get a lol moment here.'

In all likelihood. My best friend was the one with the camera and he was trying not to laugh at how awkward it had gotten. I myself was also trying not to laugh. I'm amazed Aaron still answered something that reeks of real-life trolling, actually.

 

Even the most uncomfortable question anybody ever asked him and he still act professional and kept his cool. Bravo.

Indeed. He took a moment to gather the best way to phrase it, but his answer is incredible and shows how he was an awesome choice for brand manager. He knows how to avoid offensive answers like a pro.

[Detective Shadzter]

I can't believe someone actually asked Aaron about autism in the Sonic fanbase. What a sick and twisted individual!

[Tani Coyote]

Personally I would have been more concerned that the same person, when we told him Aaron won the Gay Gamer award, said he got "vibes" off Aaron.

I'm gay and autistic myself and I wasn't really offended on either count, though (I understand I'm also less sensitive than others on such things, though). Overall it was a fun night and it was great to see Aaron staying behind so late to take pictures, sign stuff, and answer questions... even the most ridiculous ones.

Edited August 13, 2013 by Ogilvie Maurice

[WhoWhatMan]

Man, Aaron is really a bronik! He should get a freaking raise for how thoughtful and chill he was about it.

[Sapphire]

I definitely agree that a better turn out would result from having Sonic Boom the same weekend or around the same day as another con, like with E3/LA and SDCC/San Diego. If they're (hopefully!) looking at the east coast for 2014, they should maybe schedule around a big event, like PAX East (even though it's earlier in the year) or Anthrocon. And hey, look at that, Anthrocon is always in Pittsburgh, just 15 minutes from my house!

 

And Props to Aaron for answering that question. I would've been very uncomfortable in answering such a touchy subject like that. 

[Tani Coyote]

I definitely agree that a better turn out would result from having Sonic Boom the same weekend or around the same day as another con, like with E3/LA and SDCC/San Diego. If they're (hopefully!) looking at the east coast for 2014, they should maybe schedule around a big event, like PAX East (even though it's earlier in the year) or Anthrocon. And hey, look at that, Anthrocon is always in Pittsburgh, just 15 minutes from my house!

If it was in Pittsburgh around AC I would be spoiled, having two events to go to for the price of one!

Northeast is practically guaranteed next year if they want to leave a footprint in every state.

 

And Props to Aaron for answering that question. I would've been very uncomfortable in answering such a touchy subject like that.

Having been right next to him I can vouch he was uncomfortable, likely not expecting it at all. He made a swift recovery though, showing he really was a perfect choice for the company's PR.

[Strong Bad]

Now then... as for the video I promised I would share. Aaron Webber was approached with an extremely awkward question (I tried not to laugh at how he actually took a few seconds to gather his thoughts), but came up with a very heartwarming, non-offensive answer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Stp5JaNOUM&feature=youtu.be

Once more he demonstrates he certainly is the man for the job when it comes to being brand manager, I think!

Lol I was there for this when I was waiting for my ride, I might even be in the video but I'm not re-watching such a weird question. Sonic fans never disappoint in being odd.

[Tani Coyote]

Lol I was there for this when I was waiting for my ride, I might even be in the video but I'm not re-watching such a weird question. Sonic fans never disappoint in being odd.

Ah yes, you were weren't you!

It was overall an interesting highlight to the night... it's become the new saying among my friend and I. After last year, we would exchange, "You want to see Marine the Raccoon again?" with each other, but now it's become this question indeed. There's always those handful of moments at each con that are most memorable...

[Jix Hedgehog]

Aaron is my hero, has been since I first got to meet him at the J-Pop Summit In San Francisco when SEGA first demo'd Sonic 4. Wish there were a way to thank him for being the man, working hard to put together these events and putting up with us all.

 

Anyway, interesting article I found on Boom - http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2013/08/sonic_boom_st_louis_nerd_kids.php

[RobotOmega]

Anyway, interesting article I found on Boom - http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2013/08/sonic_boom_st_louis_nerd_kids.php

 

I knew that spandex girl was a little... quirky. 

[Tani Coyote]

Anyway, interesting article I found on Boom - http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2013/08/sonic_boom_st_louis_nerd_kids.php

I'll admit, I laughed quite a bit. There's nothing wrong with over the top exaggerations in reporting!

It is that large gathering of "nerddom" during Boom that makes me love it so much. My whole life I've never fit in, at all. But when I go to these cons, I feel at home.

As I put it to my friend.... Sonic is my religion, and Sonic Boom is the one day a year I get to go to church.

[LordMetallix]

I'll admit, I laughed quite a bit. There's nothing wrong with over the top exaggerations in reporting!

It is that large gathering of "nerddom" during Boom that makes me love it so much. My whole life I've never fit in, at all. But when I go to these cons, I feel at home.

As I put it to my friend.... Sonic is my religion, and Sonic Boom is the one day a year I get to go to church.

 

Actually this is "sort of" how I feel as well, I live in a small community of maybe 4 small towns and a large one so I never really meet any people with similar interests to me. This was one of the few times I actually felt like I was in a room with people I had similar interests with aside from close friends. 

[Tani Coyote]

Actually this is "sort of" how I feel as well, I live in a small community of maybe 4 small towns and a large one so I never really meet any people with similar interests to me. This was one of the few times I actually felt like I was in a room with people I had similar interests with aside from close friends.

Which is exactly how I feel! In my case it's because I don't socialise much, but I'm hoping Boom West can condition me to overcome that.

Now, the real shame is this is only once a year... but I guess it's like a birthday in being something to look forward to.

...still would like one every month...

[Ravenfreak]

Oh wow I didn't expect the reporter to be the chick that was in the blue spandex suit. :V My girlfriend just said "Oh god" when she was on stage. That was a rather interesting read, but hey i'm proud to be a sonic the hedgehog fan and I love being a geek! :3 I'm hoping that if there is to be another boom that it'll be maybe in Chicago or somewhere closer to where I live again. Having it in St. Louis was awesome, but I never been to the pageant before this and parking was a nightmare. x.X It'd be cool if I could schedule a meet up for us who live in the Midwest someday but not having enough money is a pain and I don't think too many people in the community live close to me. :\

[Tani Coyote]

I'm hoping that if there is to be another boom that it'll be maybe in Chicago or somewhere closer to where I live again.

My guess would be a move to the northeast, so who knows, maybe Chicago will get it after all!

There's so many big cities on the eastern seaboard it would be hard to pick just one... and after this year's somewhat confusing choice of location, I'm really curious where it might be as there's no telling. I should have asked Aaron if there had been any discussion on a future location yet...

Having it in St. Louis was awesome, but I never been to the pageant before this and parking was a nightmare. x.X It'd be cool if I could schedule a meet up for us who live in the Midwest someday but not having enough money is a pain and I don't think too many people in the community live close to me. :\

If the Sonic Social Fund does as well as I anticipate, I might be able to help you with that problem.

[MykonosFan]

I was nearby when someone asked Aaron about the possibility of next year's Boom. According to him they plan this later on, (I'm guessing around February at the earliest) so there probably hasn't been much more than mild chatter around the offices about 2014. They're probably still celebrating pulling it off without a hitch, haha.

Also that article called us..."Nerdalos"...interesting. Sounds like an 80's jock insult, I love it.

[Tani Coyote]

I was nearby when someone asked Aaron about the possibility of next year's Boom. According to him they plan this later on, (I'm guessing around February at the earliest) so there probably hasn't been much more than mild chatter around the offices about 2014. They're probably still celebrating pulling it off without a hitch, haha.

Thanks for the insight, Mykonos! It's always neat to see how things go inside these organisations...

Next year is sure to be tons of fun, since it sounds like Summer of Sonic will be divorcing from Sonic Boom in terms of announcement date after this year's delay fiascos. We can always hope that the next one will be announced in February... the wait this year was ludicrous.

Also that article called us..."Nerdalos"...interesting. Sounds like an 80's jock insult, I love it.

I'm predicting this being adopted by some fans as an official designation for themselves now.

I mean, what do Sonic fans go by anyway? Boomers?

[Sapphire]

Yaaaaay picture time! Here's just a few from the night I snapped that are worth sharing.

 

 

 

 

Costume contest winners!

 

 

 

Metal Sonic and 4-year-old Cream and 6-year-old Amy in a stare down. ADORABLE.

 

 

Me and Strong Bad with the badass Metal Sonic. Though I guess I thought something was funny? 

 

 

My signatures from the night!

 

[Best Dude55]

There's so many big cities on the eastern seaboard it would be hard to pick just one... and after this year's somewhat confusing choice of location, I'm really curious where it might be as there's no telling. I should have asked Aaron if there had been any discussion on a future location yet...

 

When I talked to him after my picture, he seemed to be hinting heavily at the east coast. He kept saying they keep looking at it as a good possibility.

[MykonosFan]

I'm hoping for NYC or D.C., personally. NYC is kind of THE east coast city, and D.C. is, well, D.C.

NYC at the worst would be the same distance St. Louis was to me, so here's hoping. No matter where it winds up on the east coast I'll be trying to make it regardless.

[Badnik Mechanic]

Here is a photo of Hoshino's house.