Well, all you people in Southern California should show up at Cailfur to worship Amber and prove all her negative thoughts wrong. She hasn't been out west lately, which reminded me of something she must have forgotten:
A few years ago, Amber was asked to do an event or panel or whatever by the organizers of another con, Conifur, which happened in the Seattle/Tacoma, Washington area. I know this happened because I was present when she was asked. Unfortunately, the hotel where the next Conifur was to be held was torn down in an airport expansion project, and Conifur, which was my favorite event, has never resurfaced. So maybe she put that out of her mind.
But as far as Califur, I have heard good things. A number of friends of mine have been there and say good stuff about it, and it's hard to argue with their choice of GOH, especially with the theme this year being about furry comics.
Since I live in California, I have to seriously consider going to this. That, and I could spend a day or two at Disneyland!
I do have a request if anyone out there has any connection to Califur.
Does anybody have any way of contacting the con organizers? I have been trying to do this since January. All attempts at using the "Contact By Email" on the Califur site go unaswered, the "Califur Forum" apparently doesn't let people register and post things. The only person who I ever got to repond was at the Califur LiveJournal, and they gave me another email address that apparently no one ever answers.
We're trying to volunteer at an event here. I assumed they might like that. Anybody have any contact info?
Disney land!
Sorry Rafe, no idea about the contacts. But I do have information on the roadworks down here in the burning lands of South CA!
Drivers: Crazy. Unwary and you'll have problems. It's bad. *Cry.*
Roads: Best to get a 4x4 vehicle. Roads are bumpy and full of cracks/mini-potholes.
Weather: Dress light. It gets hot down here. 60º and higher and you'll be sweating.
People: A stick or two will remedy that!
Southern California's not bad. As long as you stay out of LA. And in your hotel. ALL THE TIME.
I may drop by at some point. Just a stones throw from where I live.
Remember Amber, don't stress too much, take it from me. :U
Aw poop, It's times like this that makes me hate living all the way over in europe :<
Well I wish I could go but sadly I won't be able to. Although I can wish all those who are going to Califur a good time. Also I wouldn't worry bout not being known Amber. You wouldn't have been asked to be a guest of honor if no one knew who you were. But if I was in your position, I would probably be a nervous wreck.
Wooo - Grats Amber! :D
It's nice to see you get come recognition in this area.
I understand you feel undeserving, but undeserving people don't get made Guests of Honor!
Not to mention you have a comic with a thousand strips in the archive, a sidestory with two hundred strips to it.
Heck, your sidestory has outrun many regular webcomics, and with a more compelling tale to boot.
And then, there's all the stuff you've been doing on the side.
Fur Affinity alone will probably turn a few heads when they hear your name.
And look at this nicely active forum you have running here ?
And a whole wiki based around your creation.
You have touched a lot of people trough your works, that makes you deserving in my eyes. :)
As for the jitters, try contacting some of the previous GoH's and see if they have some tips on how to deal with it, and perhaps ask them what they talked about.
Been planning to stop by. :)
Also, most of the con staff are members of the SoCal Furry yahoo group. I could pass on a message to the group if you want.
Quote from: Reese Tora on April 02, 2010, 04:22:28 AM
Been planning to stop by. :)
Also, most of the con staff are members of the SoCal Furry yahoo group. I could pass on a message to the group if you want.
Thanks a lot Reese. I made another attempt just now with some other contacts, and If I don't get something in the next day or two, I'll PM you here on the DMFA forum and hopefully I can get things figured out.
Again, Thanks. Hope you make it out there. If I can get things worked out with them I'll see you in June.
Quote from: Sind on April 02, 2010, 03:37:06 AM
Aw poop, It's times like this that makes me hate living all the way over in europe :<
Indeed. Anthrocon I can make, but two US trips a year is just not going to happen. That and they get a bit nervous at work when I'm not around for a long period.
However, pretty much everyone I spoke to at RBW (London) in 2008 knew about DMFA so I'd be surprised if the situation wasn't similar at Califur.
I wish I could go, but alas, money issues. Mainly, I need a job.
Silly Amber! You don't have to worry about making it a bad con! Just remember one important thing!
They're all furries...
They're mainly there to stare at the pr0n. ;)
The best advice I can give you Amber, is to NOT think about what you're saying when you're on stage. I say this because you have two choices, script everything or script nothing. If you script nothing, then you can just go up there with an idea of what you want to talk about, once you're up there just think about the idea you wanted to talk about and start rambling. Metaphors and double entendres are your friends when rambling/ranting live, they're the filler of the talking in chains world. You toss them in between thoughts giving yourself enough time to come up with the next thing to say. Plus as you get further and further into a ramble/rant you sort of lose concious control of it, like starting a rickety car that needs to be pushed down the street to get going, eventually it runs on its own.
Not to mention most of the people going to a panel run by you are there BECAUSE it's you, they're already experienced with how you behave online so they know what they're getting into going to an Amber Panel (Panber?) so take some advantage of the fact that your very own fame will carry you through the panel.
Anyways best of luck, and have fun eh ^^
Quote from: Netrogo on April 02, 2010, 08:09:55 AM
I say this because you have two choices, script everything or script nothing. If you script nothing, then you can just go up there with an idea of what you want to talk about, once you're up there just think about the idea you wanted to talk about and start rambling.
Could semi-script it, keeping a list of points that you want to cover and improvising around them.
All I know is the art work on Califur's main page is truly awesome!
</shameless kissing up>
Quote from: proeliator bradypodidae on April 02, 2010, 09:32:34 AM
All I know is the art work on Califur's main page is truly awesome!
</shameless kissing up>
you've got a little something on your nose, there. >:3
Aww nuts.. I used to live in Cali before, I would have gone in a heart beat, but now I'm on the stupid Southeast coast...
I only ever seem to hear about Con's like a week before them, and then I can't time off work to go. hehe
Edit:
Ps, What is a "Wibble Wobble"?? lol
A wibble wobble is something that wibbles and wobbles back and forth. Sounds like a cute idiom for being uncertain. :)
Either way... I've never been to any kind of Con, but dang it, I would try to get out to Cali if I wasn't so darned poor and busy. I feel like nothing ever happens here. And we have DisneyWORLD, not Disneyland. XD
Quote from: Turnsky on April 02, 2010, 09:49:46 AM
you've got a little something on your nose, there. >:3
What? ah crap! *wipes* Thanks!
Quote from: Aurawyn on April 02, 2010, 09:53:52 AM
Ps, What is a "Wibble Wobble"?? lol
weebles wobble but they don't fall down. (http://www.francescaamendolia.com/blog/2009/04/28/wobbling/) is the first thing I think of.
Hrm.. 1.5 hours by private transport; 4 by public transport.
Amber? Wanting to meet people!?
Yeah, I can't see it. o:
Amber on the west coast..... Oh no call the Governor Arnold, call the army....
If Vinci and Karma get wind of this, and they show up. The Cuteness level will reach critical mass... the World will explode with a wave of cuteness metamorphic effect...that will end Life as we have know it....
Quick call Candi Dewalt and Kathy Hopkins, Call Sue Deer.... They've got to go seee the Mab... We will watch the awesome Mab effect in action.
PBH
Good luck Amber.... Just be yourself You'll be fine, you will be with friends.
Quote from: InsanityRequiem on April 02, 2010, 02:50:18 AM
Sorry Rafe, no idea about the contacts. But I do have information on the roadworks down here in the burning lands of South CA!
Drivers: Crazy. Unwary and you'll have problems. It's bad. *Cry.*
Roads: Best to get a 4x4 vehicle. Roads are bumpy and full of cracks/mini-potholes.
This is what cabs are for :P
Quote from: InsanityRequiem on April 02, 2010, 02:50:18 AM
Weather: Dress light. It gets hot down here. 60º and higher and you'll be sweating.
.... 60º is hot? If it drops below 80º I'm shivering. Sounds like this trip is going to be a pleasantly cool to the temperatures I'm used to.
CONGRATULATIONS AMBER!! *tosses edible confetti* And Good luck at Califur! :mowwink
((From her Actual Comic))
Quote
I admit though I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing. Truth of the matter is, up until I was invited, I was never offered to run a panel at any event.
I've never been a guest of anything before. So this whole con is going to be a new experience for me.
I feel all responsible-like and yet at the same time I feel really underserving of the job. What if I goof up? Or no one even knows who I am? I was thinking I would try to do some panels and things but what if they are all mega lame?
I guess my main worry is I'm going to dissapoint everyone, or worse, bring the entire con down into flames due to being so amazingly lame a guest.
It's natural to feel all nervous and worried and if I was in your shoes I would be too.
But believe me when I say, to me you are more than deserving of this opportunity! :mowhappy And even if not many people know who are, they will find out who are and you will earn even more fans, who appreciate your hard work as much I do and your other admirers do as well.
The point is we admire and are fans of you, because you are you. Be yourself that is all I ask and I'm sure others only ask this as well. Just be true to who you are. I know you will do fine and if I had the money to go, I would be grateful for whatever you have to offer and/or share no matter how "lame" you may think it is. :mowwink You could never disappoint me.
Thank you for your amazing comic and all the years you have put into it. Appreciate this moment and have fun! :3
Governator VS Amber !!
Round 1, FIGHT !!!
Arnold : TALK TO DAH HAND !!!!!!!
Amber : *draws a Mow on Arnold's hand*
Arnold : ...
Amber : *smiles*
Arnold : I shall never wash this hand again! *sob* *manly tears*
!! AMBER WINS !!
:mowhappy
Perhaps people could give Amber some serious advice and assistance.
Teddy Roosevelt had some good advice when he advised people to speak softly and carry a few big schticks. When things go wrong, and they will, you can be the saviour of the hour by pulling out samples of your awesome talents and those of your fans. For example
A recording of the DMFA radio show with a speaker that can carry for a few rows.
A sketch pad with a few prepared gags. "I was always told that you should picture the audience in their underwear if you are about to collapse with fright." (shows Fluffy) "Sometimes that doesn't work" (Shows Wildy) "Sometimes that shows more than you want" (Shows Kria) "Sometimes it really shows more than you want" (Shows favorite bishonen) "Sometimes you want to see more" (Shows Mab with tray of brownies) "Be nice or Mab will serve you brownies"
If it may involve people questioning each other, have a few prepared all purpose questions. For example, "What is it that you most want to be remembered for, and what is it that you most want everybody to forget." A good statement about the locals is always useful: "Disney has got to be one of the few places where people can say that they work for a Mickey Mouse organization and say it with pride."
Quote from: Naldru on April 02, 2010, 05:37:56 PM
A recording of the DMFA radio show with a speaker that can carry for a few rows.
Two slight issues there, firstly Amber doesn't listen to it much as it jars with her internal voices for the characters. Secondly the recordings are more done as a soundtrack to a video than something that would really work standalone as a radio broadcast.
As a workaround I do a slideshow on youtube that uses the strips with the captions erased to give you more of an idea what's happening. I haven't started to do this for the current project (Return of Dark Pegasus) because the recording isn't complete - we only have part 1 - and I was trying to see if I could get higher res copies of the strips, which hasn't quite panned out.
Quote from: VSMIT on April 02, 2010, 02:58:52 AMJust a stones throw from where I live.
Hey, quit throwing stones. :mowwink
Quote from: Kage on April 02, 2010, 03:30:57 PM
Quote from: InsanityRequiem on April 02, 2010, 02:50:18 AM
Weather: Dress light. It gets hot down here. 60º and higher and you'll be sweating.
.... 60º is hot? If it drops below 80º I'm shivering. Sounds like this trip is going to be a pleasantly cool to the temperatures I'm used to.
60° is getting into t-shirt weather, unless it's overcast and windy. 50°, calm and sunny can be pleasant in shirt sleeves.
Quote from: Kage on April 02, 2010, 03:30:57 PM
Quote from: InsanityRequiem on April 02, 2010, 02:50:18 AM
Weather: Dress light. It gets hot down here. 60º and higher and you'll be sweating.
.... 60º is hot? If it drops below 80º I'm shivering. Sounds like this trip is going to be a pleasantly cool to the temperatures I'm used to.
If the humidity is high, you sweat a lot. One time when my mom and dad went to Alaska, the people were complaining how hot it was.
It was around 80°. The humidity was about 80 or 90%.
To Kage: We have a weird weather system down here. It can be 40º-70º and it'll be hot, humidity non-withstanding.
But it can also be in the 100s here and feel like 32º, but that is really, really rare. Like... once or twice in a decade.
But the standard temp is usually mid-40s to 50s in the morning, which is rather refreshing and can be a good wake up call from a horrible sleep all the way to mid 90s. That's why one should dress light, we're in post-winter/pre-summer right now. There is neither a spring in South CA, nor is there a fall.
I can give no serious suggestions, since I am no artist.
Well, except for "ask someone else" offcourse.
:D
Quote from: Madd the Sane on April 02, 2010, 09:07:30 PM
Quote from: Kage on April 02, 2010, 03:30:57 PM
Quote from: InsanityRequiem on April 02, 2010, 02:50:18 AM
Weather: Dress light. It gets hot down here. 60º and higher and you'll be sweating.
.... 60º is hot? If it drops below 80º I'm shivering. Sounds like this trip is going to be a pleasantly cool to the temperatures I'm used to.
If the humidity is high, you sweat a lot. One time when my mom and dad went to Alaska, the people were complaining how hot it was.
It was around 80°. The humidity was about 80 or 90%.
When I checked the weather on posting the temperature in LA was 64º at 30% humidity.
And here, it was 72º at 78%.
I think I'll survive. :P
Quote from: Anker Steadfast on April 02, 2010, 10:52:02 PM
I can give no serious suggestions, since I am no artist.
Well, except for "ask someone else" offcourse.
:D
Learning from the experiences of others rather than repeating all of the disasters yourself is always a wise idea.
As far as the suggestions, they were only suggestions. Some things are feasible, some aren't. However, I would say that ten to twenty five percent of the panels I have listened to have had some dead time at the start. Having something ready for the dead time is always helpful. (If you've ever seen the Niagra Falls routine by The Three Stooges (also known as Slowly I Turned), I was told that that was developed to fill in the dead spots when problems arose)
I wonder if any of the conventions have on-line pages aimed at the speakers and panelists to enable them to better survive the ordeal.
It shouldn't be too hot in June. We tend to get coastal clouds during that time of year, better known to us natives as "June Gloom."
Not too far from where I live. Wow, I've wanted to see Amber in person (maybe even meet her?) since around the first Twink Territories saga. I might need to make this one...
Quote from: Omegan on April 03, 2010, 01:25:08 AM
It shouldn't be too hot in June. We tend to get coastal clouds during that time of year, better known to us natives as "June Gloom."
We do? Since when?
Quote from: VSMIT on April 03, 2010, 03:42:21 AM
Quote from: Omegan on April 03, 2010, 01:25:08 AM
It shouldn't be too hot in June. We tend to get coastal clouds during that time of year, better known to us natives as "June Gloom."
We do? Since when?
June 2010...
Okay, two questions.
Is Califur at Disneyland and will Amber still be there on Monday?
Califur is not at Disneyland. Califur is near Disneyland.
@llearch: I guess so.
Maybe someone could tape Amber? Just so the rest of us can see the zaniness ;)
Quote from: VSMIT on April 03, 2010, 03:42:21 AM
Quote from: Omegan on April 03, 2010, 01:25:08 AM
It shouldn't be too hot in June. We tend to get coastal clouds during that time of year, better known to us natives as "June Gloom."
We do? Since when?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Gloom
Quote from: iceick on April 03, 2010, 04:38:19 AM
Okay, two questions.
Is Califur at Disneyland and will Amber still be there on Monday?
Quote from: VSMIT on April 03, 2010, 04:44:02 AM
Califur is not at Disneyland. Califur is near Disneyland.
Califur is in the Irvine Marriott, which is about a block away from John Wayne Airport(SNA), and roughly 15 miles south of Disneyland. (and a few miles from the office where I work)
Amber, firstly I'll say you're great with people and know how to entertain.
Second I'll say that even being nervous can be a good thing. I've performed on stage and no matter how many times you've been on, there's always that fluttering in your stomach as the moment draws near. You learn that this is good and welcome it, because it gives you an edge when performing, that little bit of a kick to really get you out there. In fact, it's almost a bad thing if a peformer doesn't have this because it can mean they're bored about the routine or just don't care.
As for the actual talk, well like I said, I don't doubt you can entertain them.
As for exactly how, well there's a couple of things you can make an educated guess that the audience want to hear about: how you became an artist, how long you've been drawing, how you started the comic, what influences do you have, a smattering of anecdotes involving the comic and furry community, advice you'd have for new artist and comic creators... to be honest, this is all standard stuff. You probably know all this stuff already (I'm only pointing it out for clarity). Heck, if you're really stuck, you could just go up and say "Hi, I'm Amber Williams and will now take questions." I've seen a speaker do this before and it's great, because you start knowing immediately what the audience wants to hear you talk about (some of them will inevitably be on some of the above topics, so it may be good to premept them). Q&A will have to come sometime, so pulling it right to the start is fine.
Exceptions to this include if there's something you genuinely want to tell to the audience about (in which case you start with it) or if you really want to come up with something crazy and unexpected (in which case ???), but the truth is, even if you only just answer questions form the audience while up there, you'll have a great panel and a very happy audience.
Ooo. First question: "Who the heck are you?" ;-]
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on April 03, 2010, 02:07:51 PMOoo. First question: "Who the heck are you?" ;-]
Oh yeah, nothing like a little "boost" to the ego like that. :D
Quote from: LionHeart on April 03, 2010, 03:57:35 PM
Quote from: Anker Steadfast on April 03, 2010, 02:09:51 PM
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on April 03, 2010, 02:07:51 PMOoo. First question: "Who the heck are you?" ;-]
Oh yeah, nothing like a little boot to the ego like that. :D
Fixed. :P
Everyone on this forum has in common that they love DMFA and are fans of Amber's (very successful) artistic endeavors.
We all have that in common.
What's the point of being so isolating to someone who is sharing ideas for Amber's success?
What does it MATTER how well-known they are or how many posts they have?
I mean, I hate to be a goody-goody, but REALLY. ;P
(Shrugs) It's food for thought.
We're here, DMFA is awesome. Amber could use everyone's support, no matter how high on the Internet Caste System they are. :)
Amber, you'll do fine. The con will be filled with people who appreciate and support you, and anyone who hasn't seen the comic will have a chance to learn about it. It's a win-win.
Just take some Airbourne and try to manage sleep to sidestep Con Plague and pass Go. ;P
♥
I think the point was that if someone starts out with a "who are you?" questron, it would be a bit of a blow to the Guest of Honor's self esteem.
Can't have that. So lets hope some forumite can kick it off with some good questions if it comes to that. :)
If somebody in the audience asks Amber who she is, it means that the individual didn't read the program and is ignorant of the finer things in life. She should pity them because they suffer from severe problems rather than feel depressed.
Either that or the person in the audience is acting like a jerk.
In any event, she shouldn't over-react (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_538.php)
You know, something that probably makes all of this worse for her, is that you guys build her up something fierce with words like worship and sayng that she should 'pity' those who don't know about her work. Building her up like that and placing her up on a pedestal that's so sky freaking high just makes her even more nervous that she's gonna fall. We all know that she'll be fine but I really think that, even though you guys say it all with the best intent, you're making things worse
True enough.
Though on the other hand, she's not going into this completely empty handed either.
She does have a comic with a thousand strips in the archive, she does have an active community which she has handled over the years, which should yield some experiences as to how to handle people. I'm just saying that if someone starts out with a "who are you?" questions, that that would be rude and probably a bit of a blow to the gut.
.. is all I'm sayin'.
I know if I was an honored guest and someone asked me "Who I was?" I'd probably respond back with "Well that depends.....who are you and why are you here then?" :P
Quote from: Naldru on April 04, 2010, 09:06:30 AM
If somebody in the audience asks Amber who she is, it means that the individual didn't read the program and is ignorant of the finer things in life. She should pity them because they suffer from severe problems rather than feel depressed.
Either that or the person in the audience is acting like a jerk.
In any event, she shouldn't over-react (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_538.php)
I remember at Anthrocon in 2008, I was helping with a panel run by David Hopkins of
Jack and Candy Dewalt of
Vinci and Arty. There was a person there who started up some interrupting and general heckling of the speakers, and then finally ended up stealing Mr. Hopkins tie and wearing it.
Come to think of it... that was Amber.
(http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~otown/s7300292a.jpg)
What I'd love is to lure Amber to ConnectiCon so that webcomic fans can meet her. (I'm not much for other conventions; I primarily hit Anime Boston and ConnectiCon these days.)
Oyy ... I didn't know she had a tie fetish!! :erk
Given the above picture, what she should watch out for is revenge.
Eh, I'm not sure, but that looks like Kenji holding her. Pony-butt is pretty harmless.
Quote from: Naldru on April 06, 2010, 06:57:22 AM
Given the above picture, what she should watch out for is revenge.
Ah Yes, And Vinci and JACK (David Hopkins) are in striking distance to Irvine, Ca. Vinci is in SoCal, and Dave is near Seatle. But I am sure that they would love to ah see Miss Mabs and ah re-pay/encourge our Amber. For all her fine artwork.
PBH
Quote from: Mao Laoren on April 06, 2010, 09:25:51 AM
Eh, I'm not sure, but that looks like Kenji holding her. Pony-butt is pretty harmless.
Mostly harmless. Mostly.
Dang it, it's during the summer and I'd love to go, but if I actually manage to get a job that will be out of the question.
And even if I don't, my mother won't let me go because she's too afraid the BIG ONE will hit while I'm there, what with the recent ones in Chile and Baja California. The San Andreas is evil like that, trying to fulfill its nefarious scheme of eventually sinking the entire southern coast of California back into the Pacific Ocean.
It really is a shame, considering that I could easily combine it with a trip to grandparents' house, the college my parents went to, and Legoland and Disneyland and California Adventure.
And here I thought they were joking...
Being from San Diego, my opinion is that Orange county is a pit :P.
BTW, Amber, you're very cute. Tell your husband he's a lucky man. ^_^
OLD CHIBI ART (http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/PBHunnydew/Amber-SoCal.jpg) <<WARNING OLD Amber ART>>>>
Scene from our next Cali-fur Convention or Amber's nightmare....
PBH
I am Sorry I lost some of the good ones.... :mwaha
Quote from: Azlan on April 06, 2010, 07:45:27 PM
Being from San Diego, my opinion is that Orange county is a pit :P.
And we don't like you much, either. :P
Quote from: VSMIT on April 12, 2010, 02:51:01 PMQuote from: Azlan on April 06, 2010, 07:45:27 PMBeing from San Diego, my opinion is that Orange county is a pit :P.
And we don't like you much, either. :P
LIES - We love him!
Bit o' seasoning, bit o' garlic and then roast 'im onna spit for half an hour ... LOVELY! :D
Quote from: Anker Steadfast on April 13, 2010, 11:44:25 AM
Quote from: VSMIT on April 12, 2010, 02:51:01 PMQuote from: Azlan on April 06, 2010, 07:45:27 PMBeing from San Diego, my opinion is that Orange county is a pit :P.
And we don't like you much, either. :P
LIES - We love him!
Bit o' seasoning, bit o' garlic and then roast 'im onna spit for half an hour ... LOVELY! :D
Wait! Don't forget the side dishes! :D You can't have a proper meal without side options. :3