A total of 38 surveys were submitted…and leave it to this community to not complete the all the questions answered (or, incorrectly)…oh well, after each item it is listed in brackets how many responded to each individual item, and how many responded with an "X" instead of a number (which appears to influence the statistics and should be taken into consideration).

Most frequently listed was "panels and/or programming" with (13) separate and individual responses. After that, it was the Con suite (11), meeting interesting people (10) and catching up with friends (6). Guests of Honor had (7) positive responses. Several of the comments reflected the "friendliness" that people felt they encountered at this con. Three additional comments reflected "the inclusiveness" of the con, and home much that was appreciated.

It appears that attendees liked the hotel, there were (6) general comments, with (3) additional/specific comments about the rooms, view (2) and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. One comment reflected the "accessibility" of rooms and the con suite, indicating that they were able to move about quite freely.

Parties were popular (surprise ) with (4), the masquerade with (3)-and drumming also with (3). The dealer’s room was popular with (3), and an additional comment (1) about "out of town" dealers.

There were a total of (5) comments about gaming, (1) specific to "RPG’s".

Three comments reflected the opening ceremonies, (1) specifically mentioned "the Skit". There were (3) comments about the films shown, and the selection.

One person commented on the location, that it was a "local" con, another (1) was pleased to be so close to State Street.

There were (4) separate and individual comments about the film room, all of which indicated that the room was too small and too hot. One responder suggested that a panel might be assigned to films to promote discussion about the films being presented.

Apparently there was a problem with panels starting and/or stopping on time. There were (4) comments relating directly to that concern. There were also concerns about the number of persons on any given panel (4), one of which suggested that there be no more than 4 persons on any given panel.

There were (5) comments regarding the layout of the hotel; two of the comments mentioned that they encountered difficulty in locating the rooms assigned to panel locations, three included a suggestions that a map with the location of con functions be included in registration materials. There was another separate suggestion that a local restaurant and shopping guide be included in registration materials as well.

There were a total of (5) comments about Con staff, two of which related to a single incident. In general, the comments suggested that we have more volunteer staff, (1) commented that we should have volunteer staff assigned directly to Guests of Honor to accommodate any concerns and/or needs they might have.

There were (2) comments about participants being allowed to smoke in the lobby and in the bathrooms. There was (1) concern about minor children participating in activities after 11:00pm at night.

There were (3) comments about registration, (1) specific to "late registration" and another suggesting that badges be pre-printed in order to speed up the registration process.

Two individuals commented that they would have wanted to sit together as a group during the guest of honor banquet. Another suggested a "vegetarian con suite" (Mini con sponsors a "smoking/non smoking con suite-World Con sponsors a regular-regular con suite; but quite frankly those cons are much larger and able to financially accommodate that level of diversity). Two separate comments reflected that they kept missing the pizza in the con suite.

AND…the following were comments that, quite frankly, we couldn’t do anything about…

Meals instead of snacks in the con suite (oh…and would they like to do the menu? Deal with Increased prices for the con? I think not…)

More RPG gaming (if they bring them…they will come)

Restaurants (in the hotel, and in the area) are too expensive

Wilder parties (couldn’t find www."wilderparties".com…I have one of "those things" on my computer)

stairs in the hotel

low ceiling in the con suite-cave like appearance

I thought it was interesting that (8) individuals used this as an opportunity to provide "encouragement"; (3) said there was "nothing" wrong, one saying it was "perfect". Two commented that there was "too much good stuff", one elaborating that it was hard to chose between panels and that they just couldn’t do everything…(perhaps cloning or time travel might be a possible solution? Mr. Bill said that taping panels was not feasible). One respondent stated that they did not like everything about the con, but that we should respect individual differences and not throw anything out. Another person commented "overall, not to bad"…and "nothing that can’t be fixed"…and, then, there was "DO IT AGAIN!".-----

According to the respondents to the survey…the reason to go to a Con is to socialize (11) and to attend panel discussions (11). (5) Separate respondents indicated that they enjoy going to "good parties", and (3) said they attend just "to have fun".

Next in sequence was costuming (4), films (4), gaming (3) {an additional (1) for RPG}, the dealer’s room (3) {an additional person indicated that they missed the art show/auction, but that they were able to get a "fix" in the dealer’s room}, and Filking (3). Others commented on meeting the guests of honor (2) and other authors (+2), and the ever-popular con suite.

Wiscon (10)

Windycon (9)

Madmedia (6)
Convergence (6)

Capricon (5)
Filmcon (5)
Minicon (5)

Worldcon (4)
Duckcon (4)
Gencon (4)

Icon (3)
Marcon (3)

Diversicon (2)
Inconjunction (2)
Madcon (2)
Origins (2)
Torontotrek (2)
Supercon (2)

Anthrocon
Archcon
Confurance
Capcon
Chambanicon
Chicon
Congenial
Costumecon
Demicon
Dragoncon
Fallcon
Excon
First Contact
Kublacon
MephieFarmeere
MidwestFurfest
MileHiCon
Odysseycon (YEAH!)
Readercon
Valleycon

Spring (2)
March (1)
March/April (6)
April/May (3)
During the academic year (1)
Further away from GAMA (1)

Labor day to the end of October (1)
Fall (2)
Fall/winter (1)
November or December (1)
December to February… SNOW (3)
"Mid summer or mid winter" (1)
March and/or July (1)
May through June (1)
May through September (conflicts with SCA)
Summer (2) ...Avoid tourists
August (2)

Avoid:
Memorial day weekend/Wiscon (2)
or at least 4 weeks apart (2)
GAMA, Gencon, or Origins
No holiday weekends (2)
avoid conflicts with holidays and other cons (1)
avoid Summerfest, State Fair, renaissance Faire (1)

No (15)
Yes (7)

Not included were people who said they would not stay at the hotel for other reasons (live in town, staying with relatives)

Five participants indicated that they would like to see more parties (big surprise). Three others indicated that they would prefer larger, more comfortable rooms. Two respondents stated that they would like to see an art show/auction. Two additional persons indicated that they would like maps to delineate the location of panels and con events. Two participants listed that they want "MORE". Single respondents suggested that the con suite be bigger, (2) would like a bathroom in the con suite; panels with an exercise focus (i.e.: Tai Chi), more programming and fewer panelists per program, more "media" programming-including film and television, programming to include star wars and/or star trek focus, more late night programming

More variety of "in hotel" restaurants
Fast food options-less expensive restaurants
Hot tub (2)
More participants (could we get them to recruit?)
More dealers
More gaming
Ice fishing panel (would they teach it? We have space to make it a demonstration if we have the con at the same time next year)
late night check out at the hotel
clocks
Ads to gaming magazines need to be placed 6 mos. in advance
More advertising to the gaming community
Kids running around late at night
And…the ever popular "MELT THE LAKE"
And my favorite… "Nothing…it was perfect!"

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Last Updated 10/17/2001

All contents, Copyright 2001 Odyssey Convention. Odyssey Con (Odd Con) is the trademark of non-profit Odyssey Convention.