Vacation What I Never Wanted

It was likely through some combination of skill and luck that my 2018 was somehow more productive than 2017 despite going to less conventions. Want a more concrete recap than the graph above? Here:

• Exceeded last year’s output in both number of programs (29 vs 25) as well as hours (32 vs 25.5)
• Increased output over the year before for Setsucon, and Tekko
• Maintained output at Sangawa and Anime Midwest
• While losing four unique shows (Anime Mini, GAF, Anime Mid-Atlantic, Blurriecon), gained five (Zipcon, Nyancon, GAO-Kon, Hazard Con, Anime Weekend Atlanta)
• Three shows for AFC, Five for Wheel of Fortune
• First 10-hour show (Tekko)
• Anime Weekend Atlanta becomes my second convention with 20k+ attendance I have presented at (Otakon being the other)

All in all, it was a good and productive year. It’s a shame it won’t be that way in 2019.

I have mentioned this before, but this is not my actual job, and despite recent events it will continue to not be my job because this cannot support me even part time. In order to go to a dozen or so conventions a year and be able to sustain myself I have to be paid about the same as an A-level voice talent. If I were to be paid at a more accurate talent level, I could go to a convention every week of the year and get paid less than that first scenario. So as much as I would like to have this be what pays the bills, it isn’t, and what does pay the bills has not allowed me the freedom to take time off like I’ve been able to do in years past. In addition, the work arrangement that have allowed me to present at all of these major shows has changed and my chances to present are fewer due to decreased manpower. Looking at 2019, the best case scenario right now is that I go to nine shows and present at five, (It could’ve been six of nine, but I missed a submission deadline already.) The last time I only presented five shows was 2015. Hell, last year I did four shows in about 90 days (Midwest, Hazard, AWA and Nyancon) and next year I might only be able to do five in twelve months. Five of nine is also my worst cons attended vs cons presented since 2009 (1 out of 3),

Needless to say I am disappointed, but that is actually all the more reason I need your support. I am a convention content-generating machine, but without you spreading the word, I work in silence. There’s always one or two things going on in the background, but I can’t rely on that. If you want quality content that’s a mix of cool info, fun interactivity, and cutting-edge ideas. Tell everyone within earshot about MelloPanther Productions.