Lines To Learn About Writing

I'm back (barely) for day two of New York Comic Con. Today marks my little Brother's first-ever ComicCon, so I spent the morning being a fandom your guide. However, the moment it turned 12:30 I had to abandon my post since there were two "non-negotiable" panel set in my schedule.

The first was a writing workshop by one of the greatest writers in modern comics:

The second was a a panel that reaches into the depths of my weaknesses as a writer right now:

For the first panel, the room was booked and I was invited to wait outside *in case* someone came outside. I waited. I got to the front of the "just in case" line, but never got in. Instead I spent time chatting it up with an awesome stranger. It was her first time at the Con and we had fun just crossing our fingers together. 

Right now I'm on a pretty long line for the second panel crossing my fingers that they have room for me. I'm behind all of these people:

And now we're moving!! Here's hoping I've got tips to share pretty soon about writing badass chicks!!

I Miss My Press Pass Already

So I'm here, at New York Comic Con and I am filled with a longing for a pass I have no right to. For the last two years I came to this event with a Press Pass. The first year because they were lenient enough to grant a pass to a lowly blog like Rivera Runs Through It. The second year it was an easy get as I was on assignment for the good people over at Word of the Nerd. This year I was, rightfully, denied such access. 

I took the news in stride knowing how lucky I was to enjoy the luxury while I could, but, in the interim, I truly forgot how the other half lives. I have been sent to what my husband and have come to call "the cattle line" just to gain entry. Here's a picture of where I am:

We aren't moving because the doors haven't even opened and I am here by myself wondering why the hell I didn't pack a KIND bar and praying my water will last (<---- extra dramatic for no reason!!).

Wish me luck everyone! This year will be quite interesting as I walk in the shoes of the common folk. 

**this marks my first-ever live blog. How did I do?**

Bring Back the Arcade!

Oh! How I do love this game!!!

Ms. Pacman, Galaga, Skee Ball and Air Hockey - these are the games I adore. Whether it is a reflection of my yesteryear or simply that ever-breathing competitive nature inside me, I really don't know, but this is what I automatically think of when I think of "the arcade."

I didn't really grow up in the arcade culture, although I was of age to do so. "My" arcade closed before I started to make any kind of money where that type of activity could be appreciated, and it is one thing I wished I always had.

I've been know to yell at the screen...

Meet Me at the Arcade 
 
It was for this reason that the panel at the New York Comic Con entitled "Meet Me At The Arcade" intrigued me so much.  There was a group of gamers discussing the closing of the last true Arcade in New York City, the culture of the arcade and what the future holds for this particular type of gamer.

Meet Me At The Arcade Panel at NYCC 2011

Every single one of these gentlemen had their own experience to share from the arcade as gamers, employees and even as a film maker. The perspectives drew not only from experiences shared in the famed "Chinatown Fair" arcade that was the last arcade in New York City, but also across the United States and even Japan.

I found every bit of the conversation engaging, enlightening and it just made me want to go grab a bunch of friends to go find an arcade!

Why the arcades were/are important even now.

One of the final days at Chinatown Fair.

As the panelists each shared their own experiences it became clear that a trip to the arcade was about so much more than just gaming. Lessons learned at the arcade were:

1. stretching the dollar - One panelist summed it up perfectly, "Every game was a money match." These guys went to the arcade with their lunch money for the day/week and had to use only that to entertain themselves for hours. How was this done? By becoming very good at the game and making each quarter last.
2. patience - Players have to wait their turn to play their game of choice. If they happen to be behind someone who is especially skilled, well, they might be there for awhile. This is far removed from so much of our current media which seems to center around instant gratification.
3. social skills - There was really only one way to get better at games in the arcade without going broke, you had to learn from fellow gamers. Many times this would mean having to approach gamers you may only know from the arcade and engaging in a conversation about strategy and tips. (It also involved spending lots and lots of time simply watching other gamers play the games!) In today's gaming world, where you are in your living room with an unlimited (free) amount of do-overs this type of strategic thinking about the game can often be lost. Fellow gamers have been replaced by strategy guides, YouTube videos and websites and face-to-face interaction has been replaced with voices coming out of the screen or into headsets. Other benefits of the social scene of the arcade mentioned by panelists were:

• finding like-minded people
• finding one's truth - the panelist seemed to agree that the idea that gaming is an "escape"  from reality is a major misconception held by society. They argued, rather, that games allowed them to become more themselves

What about Japan?

Image

You may or may not know this, but arcades are alive and well in Japanese society. This begs the question Why are arcades so popular in Japan when they can't seem to survive in the US? Four very compelling points were raised by the panel:

1. That's where the technology is. This makes the purchase of games and parts a lot more affordable in Japan than here in the US where they would have to be shipped overseas.
2. "No one wants to stay at home in Japan." I found this point particularly interesting. According to multiple panelists, the homes in Japan are so small that they really aren't conducive to "hanging out." They claim that while they lived there they witnessed the prevalence of eating out, going out and just plain being out of the house more in Japan due to limited space!
3. Customer service in Japanese arcades is second to none! Evidently if your button breaks in the middle of you playing a game, you stay where you are, raise your hand and an attendant comes to you with the parts in hand, ready to repair and replace. In contrast, the anecdotes from the US arcades demonstrate that machines could lay dormant for days.
4. Cultural scene vs. Cash Business. Guess which definition belongs to which country! The arcade business is a cash business and, therefore draws the interest of certain types of owners in the US who are less concerned with the scene and more concerned with the cash. In Japan, arcade gaming is part of the culture. You can walk into an arcade and find gaming kids, but you'll be just as likely to see a guy, in his suit, making a gaming stop on his way home from work. Arcade gaming simply means two different things in these two different countries.

What to Look for Next...

And just when the audience felt that there was nothing left for America in terms of the arcade, two exciting ventures were discussed:

1. Next Level Arcade in Brooklyn! Although the location may not be as central as the Chinatown Fair, Next Level was opened by one of the former employees and gamers of Chinatown Fair. He said that he was bored, looking to fill a void and simply did not want to see the community separate. He knows that having a crowd of predominantly 21 and over changes the dynamic of the crowd, but at least some of the players have found a new place to continue their shared gaming.
2. Arcade: The Last Night at Chinatown Fair This movie is a Kickstarter project that was filmed in the final days of the arcade's existence. Here's the trailer so you can get a sneak peek at some of the footage and some of the perspectives of the gamers who were there (I'm looking forward to this movie's release!):

Arcade: The Last Night at Chinatown Fair Trailer from Kurt Vincent on Vimeo.

Do you consider yourself a gamer?

What types of social gaming have you participated in?

From your perspective, what are some of the benefits and/or drawbacks of today's online gaming culture?

PARENTS: Would you prefer your kids playing games socially in an arcade, or at home with the family's console?

Wand Dueling for Harry Potter Fans

 My People Gathered at The Hasbro Stage
 

Isn't this bag great?!

Being a Potterhead myself, I was among my own at the New York Comic Con this year. There were so many people dressed in their school robes, wands in hand ready for all kinds of mischief. There were more still, not in costume, like myself, sporting Harry Potter t-shirts, bags, hats or some other adornment to ensure every knew where their true allegiances lie.

On the Friday morning of the Con there was a calling of sorts, a gathering of all Potter fans to meet at the Hasbro stage. You see, at the Hasbro stage there was going to be a lesson on wand dueling! Muggles, wizards and witches gathered around the stage to learn the art of wand waving surely in the distinct hopes that we could all walk away just a tiny bit more magical for having done so.

The Group That Shall Not Be Named

As I sat waiting for the ceremony to begin, I watched as the fellow fans gathered. Suddenly, a small group arrived with costumes that were plainly more authentic than the rest. Not only did this group have richer looking materials, wands and gait they also happened to look like characters right out of the films! I was not surprised then that this group walked confidently to the stage.

This group is known as "The Group That Shall Not Be Named"and they were going to lead us in our lessons. The Group That Shall Not Be  Named is the New York Harry Potter Meetup group (if you have not checked out meetup.com for finding cool people with cool things to do, then it's about time you check it out!). They have monthly meetings and play Quidditch in Riverside Park! They describe themselves as:

W e are THE Harry Potter fan group in the New York City and Tri-State area.  Our activities cater to every aspect of fandom. From fan fic and fan art, to cosplay and Wizard Rock.

And I sat there wondering, "How the heck did I miss THIS Meetup group?"
(And now, as I am writing this post I am wondering, "Nicole WHY HAVEN'T YOU JOINED YET?!?!")

They are quite impressive in their fandom.

And in their wand skills.

Wand Dueling 101

Well, just your wands, really...

Since I thought it would be impossible for me to explain the intricacies of wand movement and instruction through my words alone, I went to the "class" armed and ready with my camera. So here is my not-so professional video of Wand Dueling by Bellatrix LeStrange of The Group That Shall Not Be Named at the New York Comic Con 2011.

Enjoy! 

Do you think you can do it?

Are you ready to duel?

What magic tricks can you share with ME?

A Weekend Away...

This morning's view of the Javits Center.

No truer words have been written. Since it started here in New York City there has been nothing quite like the New York Comic Con. This is where I have been spending my weekend. One more day left. One more day of Rivera running through the Con. Then I can come home and run through it all for you right here on the Rivera Runs Through It blog! I can't wait to share it with you!

5 Promo Codes from New York Comic Con 2011

It's finally here! While there is going to be tons of stuff to share with you as I get the opportunity to explore the Exhibitor Floor, Artist Alley, Panels and Screenings throughout the weekend, right now I can quickly share some of the great deals found here at the Con just in case you didn't have the chance to swing on by!

 20% Off At Midtown Comics Of course, there has to be some fantastic comic book deals at a ComicCon! Midtown Comics is a pretty famous comic book store found here in New York City (there are actually three now!), but they also have a great online store and presence. Head over to midtowncomics.com and use CODEWORD: NYCC before October 23, 2011 for 20% off any purchase (excluding gift cards and pre-orders).

10% Off at HasbroToyShop.com Toys and comic books seem to go hand in hand. It is no surprise that Hasbro has a strong presence at the New York Comic Con, or that they are happy to share a nice discount opportunity with a large portion of their fan base. Check out HasbroToyShop.com and enter promo code: NYCC2011 before November 6, 2011 to receive 10% off your online order. (This offer can not be used on gift cards, HasbroToyShop.com Exclusives, Hasbro Ultimate Gifts or PLAYATHON Fundraising Kits. The discount applies to pre-tax and pre-shipping amount.)

Free Movie Rental from FlixFling Need a movie night? (Who doesn't??!!) Flix Fling is a website that provides unlimited streaming movies online. You can sign up by visiting www.FlixFling.com and get a free rental (excluding "Premium" Titles) using the promo code: NYCOMICCON . If you are already a subscriber to FlixFling, then you can use this promo code toward any purchase!

$5 Off CSI: The Experience at Discovery Times Square Discovery Times Square, located on 44th Street right in between 7th and 8th Avenue, provides great experiences for fans. In promoting this most recent experience, Discovery says we can "Play the role of a crime scene investigator in CSI: The Experience... Complete with 3 Crime Scenes, 15 Forensic Lab Stations and dazzling special effects." To take advantage of this discount, use the promo code: CSICON when ordering tickets at CSIEXHIBIT.COM. This offer expires on March 2, 2012.

20% Off T-SHIRTS and FUN Apparel!!!! Every single Comic Con I go to, I come home with at least two brand new t-shirts and longing for about 15 more! www.StylinOnline.com is offering all of us 20% our next online order (so I can save on this year's take-home wish list!) simply by using coupon code: CON2011. So go check them out for easy Halloween ideas, fun and cool t-shirts for yourself or as gifts, or even some  super onesies for the little cuties in your life!


So I hope you can make use of at least one of these deals before they expire! Stay tuned for more goodies from the Con and (who knows?) maybe even more cool deals!