Shadowfax 0 Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 ... who's NOT going this year because of the recession/money concerns? Link to post Share on other sites
tstidm1 0 Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I am going to possibly cut back on the days I attend, but Summer isn't summer unless Otakon is involved. I am also going to Worldcon in Montreal, so that affects my plans as much as anything. Link to post Share on other sites
RTeker 0 Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I live in the northern of VA and I'm still going despite how the economy is because if you think about it, you stay home and don't spend money the economy goes down. That goes down, then there will be layoffs for people meaning less money for the economy... and the cycle repeats over and over. So that is why you gotta stand up, give the stock market the bird and go to Baltimore because we otaku that go help stimulate the local economy. Heck, the city loves it when we come and invade Sure you can't spend like crazy as one used to do, but doesn't mean that you have to stop your fun activities.... The only thing I've cut out of my life is playing table-top games like Yu-Gi-Oh and Star Wars Miniatures, but I will NOT cut my con time. Its my stress relief of the year Link to post Share on other sites
coolerninjathanu 0 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 Otakon is my stress reliever. I need it in order to function, even tho im at risk of loosing my job *knock on wood* and not having lots of money to spend, will not stop me from going. It is my vacation and the recession will not stop my otakuness. Thanx Otakon for stickin around to serve us Otaku's in need!!! Link to post Share on other sites
TimLaptopm101 0 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 Probably one of the few who the economy has treated well so far this year! Link to post Share on other sites
Duelistbluerose 0 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 I am going to the con regardless. going to conventions a few times a year breaks the normal routine of my life and keeps me sane. It's worth every penny. Link to post Share on other sites
RPGoddess 0 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 I'm actually in a pretty good place, financially speaking. My job is stable, I bought a house I can afford, and I don't carry any large amounts of credit card debt. I have, however, already invested a lot of time and money into my AA table, so I'll be there come hell or high water. (I did, however, hear a rumor of a rumor that Aramark is going out of business - granted, absolutely no news stories have been posted on the interwebs, but I wonder what that would mean for the con? Source: co-worker's aunt-in-law is an accountant for Aramark; so any information I know is from the Smalltimore grapevine) Link to post Share on other sites
Flying Scotsman 0 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 Those who actually live in Baltimore have an economic advantage--a BIG one--over out-of-towners...... We don't have to pay for hotel rooms. In some cases, not even gas. Your query is more pertinent to those coming from afar. I'm willing to wager attendance goes down slightly as a result..... Link to post Share on other sites
alabaster 0 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 I'm actually in a pretty good place, financially speaking. My job is stable, I bought a house I can afford, and I don't carry any large amounts of credit card debt. I have, however, already invested a lot of time and money into my AA table, so I'll be there come hell or high water. (I did, however, hear a rumor of a rumor that Aramark is going out of business - granted, absolutely no news stories have been posted on the interwebs, but I wonder what that would mean for the con? Source: co-worker's aunt-in-law is an accountant for Aramark; so any information I know is from the Smalltimore grapevine) I don't see it happening, honestly. Link to post Share on other sites
ota_retired 6 Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 (I did, however, hear a rumor of a rumor that Aramark is going out of business - granted, absolutely no news stories have been posted on the interwebs, but I wonder what that would mean for the con? Source: co-worker's aunt-in-law is an accountant for Aramark; so any information I know is from the Smalltimore grapevine) Link to post Share on other sites
egyptianruin 0 Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 I'm actually in a pretty good place, financially speaking. My job is stable, I bought a house I can afford, and I don't carry any large amounts of credit card debt. I have, however, already invested a lot of time and money into my AA table, so I'll be there come hell or high water. (I did, however, hear a rumor of a rumor that Aramark is going out of business - granted, absolutely no news stories have been posted on the interwebs, but I wonder what that would mean for the con? Source: co-worker's aunt-in-law is an accountant for Aramark; so any information I know is from the Smalltimore grapevine) I don't see it happening, honestly. Link to post Share on other sites
TEMPLAR333 0 Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 I live 15 mins by car.. 20-30 by bus (took bus before i had car) i am already pre-reg in full (paid)in ask for that time off at work..,,, i go even if i had no money Link to post Share on other sites
Frogsnack 0 Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 (edited) I fly from Northern Ohio every year, I save up a bit to go- you have to spend SOME money to stimulate the economy, and nowhere needs it more than Baltimore! lol... I am going!! Edit: Also, if Aramark goes, that WOULD BE FINE with me!! Their food is expensive and low quality. They don't even offer anything Nippon-related there (unless Last year was different, as I wasn't among attendance)... {mbmblll.. keeping vendors from selling pocky....mmblee} Edited March 18, 2009 by Frogsnack Link to post Share on other sites
mailechan 0 Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 I was thinking about not going this year. My family is getting together for a trip along the west coast during that weekend, ending up in Reno. I don't have the vacation time for both. I thought about not going for a whole ten minutes. I got better, though. Link to post Share on other sites
Duelistbluerose 0 Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 Edit: Also, if Aramark goes, that WOULD BE FINE with me!! Their food is expensive and low quality. They don't even offer anything Nippon-related there (unless Last year was different, as I wasn't among attendance)... {mbmblll.. keeping vendors from selling pocky....mmblee} Link to post Share on other sites
mailechan 0 Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 If you live anywhere between washington, dc and NYC you can travel to otakon very cheap. there's the "china bus" - a name a lot of people use because no one knows its real name, but roundtrip on this bus is $20 and it stops in baltimore. can't beat that. there's also amtrack, but thats not really cheap. and if you live in DC specifically you can literally metro all the way to baltimore - which is what I always do and it cost about $6. Or if you live in the maryland suburbs you can park at the greenbelt metro station and take the B30 bus to BWI airport for $3. It's probably because there are multiple companies that run buses to and from New York. There are at least four in the DC area that I know of--one from Rockville, MD, one from the business district of DC, and two from DC's Chinatown. I know I've heard of buses that do the New York run from Baltimore, but I don't know from where or how to find them. The one that I have the most faith in is the Bolt Bus, which is owned by Greyhound. You can reserve a seat online with them. Their schtick is that the first reservation on a bus is $1 (one dollar), the second $2, the third $3, and on up to $20, after which all seats are $20. They also have buses from Philadelphia, but only up to New York. If you're interested, their website is: https://www.boltbus.com/default.aspx Link to post Share on other sites
Duelistbluerose 0 Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 The one that I have the most faith in is the Bolt Bus, which is owned by Greyhound. You can reserve a seat online with them. Their schtick is that the first reservation on a bus is $1 (one dollar), the second $2, the third $3, and on up to $20, after which all seats are $20. They also have buses from Philadelphia, but only up to New York. If you're interested, their website is: https://www.boltbus.com/default.aspx Link to post Share on other sites
ithilienne 2 Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Bolt Bus and Megabus (the latter has a similar fare schedule to Bolt Bus, but is a different company) are both reputable companies with spotless safety records. Mostly they rely on commuters/business travelers/people who are going to make a habit of traveling to and from NYC, rather than the one-timers. But their low-fare applies to anyone, so it can be a good deal. The Chinatown buses do not have good safety records, nor are the companies in question necessarily reputable. But, you get what you pay for, and your mileage may vary. I'd (personally) recommend sticking with a well-known company like Greyhound, Bolt, Peter Pan, or Megabus. ---- This bus discussion is pretty far off-topic, though, so I'll ask that we move back to the original topic: attending (or not attending) because of/in spite of the economy. Link to post Share on other sites
egyptianruin 0 Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 I fly from Northern Ohio every year, I save up a bit to go- you have to spend SOME money to stimulate the economy, and nowhere needs it more than Baltimore! lol... I am going!! Edit: Also, if Aramark goes, that WOULD BE FINE with me!! Their food is expensive and low quality. They don't even offer anything Nippon-related there (unless Last year was different, as I wasn't among attendance)... {mbmblll.. keeping vendors from selling pocky....mmblee} Link to post Share on other sites
Light_kun 0 Posted March 29, 2009 Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 nah, I have over 200 saved up, and my birthday is a week before, so I'm all set ;D Link to post Share on other sites
LadySkellington 0 Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Otakon is one of the highlights of my year. I wouldn't miss it (: Link to post Share on other sites
Goddess of Darkness 0 Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Nah, it's not stopping me from going. It's pretty much my only vacation this summer. Also, it's the only con I go to. Link to post Share on other sites
snowcalico 0 Posted May 1, 2009 Report Share Posted May 1, 2009 I'm one of the lucky ones who's currently well employed -- but I am saving up for a down payment to buy my own home, so I will be trying to be as thrifty as possible this year whenever I can be. Thankfully since I'm only ever looking for merchandise from one series (that is usually not found in large quantities in the Dealer's Room), most of my belt tightening will be in my dining choices this year. OT but: Mailechan, it's so neat to see a Goldfish Warning icon! There's an anime you don't see much about. Link to post Share on other sites
Champagon 0 Posted May 10, 2009 Report Share Posted May 10, 2009 I may not be able to attend the con due to the fact that I will possibly be in upstate New York due to work. But I've pretty much decided that I am going to go no matter what. Link to post Share on other sites
Ryouko 0 Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 I am skipping A-kon here in Dallas in order to be able to afford Otakon instead. Figured I'd rather spend the money on a much larger and enjoyable con, even if it's way out of state. Plus I've been going to Otakon since 2000... not going to stop now. Good news is Otakon is right past my 1 year mark at my job, so I can take vacation. Link to post Share on other sites
TEMPLAR333 0 Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 (edited) i get paid 5 more times plus have a b-day before otakon i am going on the otakon diet, (buying on very cheap food for lunch in save for otakon) worked last few years in getting a bit of cash for the con.. this year i am going as the Dark Sage again... but ever year i make it a bit diff in better, this year i added a mask,, (pic from otakon 06) http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/TH...3T/DSC00630.jpg Edited May 12, 2009 by TEMPLAR333 Link to post Share on other sites
TheMajor 0 Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 I lost my job in January, took my severance and started my own business. I don't expect to be profitable and I haven't actually made a dime yet--but Otakon will probably be helping my business not hurting it. I'm still going. wouldn't miss it. Link to post Share on other sites
windseeker 81 Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 Money is tighter but I made sure to save up specifically for Otakon. Its one of my main hilights each year. Its something to look foward to. Link to post Share on other sites
DuelNatsuko 0 Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 I didn't think I was going to Otakon this year. But my friend changed my mind.. yesterday. I'm going. Hell or high water. Link to post Share on other sites
kiduprockstylist 0 Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 i should be fine around june..definitely can't miss otakon especially since all my boys are going, and they've reserved a hotel. it's gonna be a fun time, indeed. Link to post Share on other sites
MissV 0 Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 I only live 10 minutes away, but I'm actually going to be at the beach! If I come back early I may stop by just because it really isn't summer without Otakon. Link to post Share on other sites
ULTRA WARRIOR 0 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 ... who's NOT going this year because of the recession/money concerns? Link to post Share on other sites
moonbunnychan 0 Posted June 2, 2009 Report Share Posted June 2, 2009 Summer just isn't summer without Otakon. My year almost revolves around it. Mainly though because I see friends at Otakon that I really ONLY get to see at Otakon. I've just cut back on things like going out to eat...it's amazing how fast that adds up. Link to post Share on other sites
hitorione 0 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 well we will be there broke and tierd well at least me. since i couldent get off work just got an apartment and am learning the hard way what a budget means :_( . and have to go cause i made a promise that id do this for a special some ones bday.... but on the good news my brokeness and over preparation has made me learn to make onigiri and master cute bento boxes in an effort to eat healthy and save money since were there just for all of saturday. now just gotta worry about gas and im golden Link to post Share on other sites
abubacar 0 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 I am pretty sure a lot of people actually skipped other conventions or expenses this year just so they CAN go to Otakon. Last year was my first otakon and i couldn't imagine missing out on it. I will be there if i have to pay with pennies found on the sidewalk. BUT luckily i won't have to do that because 7 months of job hunting FINALLY paid off! Link to post Share on other sites
onsenmark 111 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 I'm only going 'cause I had a week of unused vacation I cashed in. Link to post Share on other sites
DDR BIG C 3 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 I never miss an Otakon, this is my 8th year. Link to post Share on other sites
The Eva Monkey 14 Posted June 3, 2009 Report Share Posted June 3, 2009 Being staff and actually living in the city means I pretty much have no excuse not to go. Yes, that's right, I've gotten to the point where I need an excuse NOT to go. Link to post Share on other sites
JeuneFille 0 Posted June 5, 2009 Report Share Posted June 5, 2009 I kept going back and forth about going, but then I decided that I couldn't miss it this year. This will be my 5th Otakon (I had to skip 2007 due to work, and it broke my heart). I've been saving up for a while, so I should be okay. Even if I wasn't planning on going, I wouldn't have a choice since my significant other *has* to go (He's staff ). I would be forced to register and attend (Not that it would be a bad thing ) Link to post Share on other sites
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