We analyze VidCon’s ‘Security Memo’

Yaaaay! We found a new use for Tumblr!

 

Just when I thought Tumblr was long forgotten, VidCon saves the day with finding a new purpose for the soon-to-be-sold social-blogging site…FOR MEMO POSTING!

That’s right…screw you, Facebook, Tumblr’s coming back and VidCon’s memo is here to prove that. The memo itself is related to tightened security measures at the streaming con and I’m starting to think some of these line items are over-kill.

Here’s the memo as posted Tumblr and with our notes in red:

Hello,

This has been an awful weekend for our community and our world. Christina Grimmie was an innovator, and an artist, and she was so so kind. Losing her is devastating. And the attack in Orlando likewise drives home how much hate there is in the world.

It’s awful. These things seem impossible, but they are real.

Yes, and one of the things that make me remember that there is good in the world…are cons. Why bring up the bad shit?

As you might expect, security at VidCon will be different this year and we wanted to let you know what that means for you.

In previous years we partnered with local law enforcement to ensure rapid response to emergencies and this year will be no different, but we have requested an enhanced presence, so expect to see more uniformed officers. Further, we will have undercover police patrolling the entire event. Every panel will have at least three security guards, and the event as a whole will have over 450 security officers in attendance. This is nearly twice as many as last year.

I get it. Increased security presence at a venue makes a lot of sense given the situation. No issues here.

Part of our original security plan included posting security and law enforcement in the Hilton and that is unchanged. VidCon attendees will not be admitted to the Hilton without being properly credentialed, and loitering around entrances is expressly prohibited. A new procedure for this year, but already part of our plan, is to fence the entire perimeter of official VidCon spaces. Registered attendees will only be able to access the event via designated entrances and exits. This includes the AwesomenessTV Festival and the entire Anaheim Convention Center, including lobbies.

Sounds like New York Comic Con. Seriously, they make it seem like they’ve got gold bars stashed in the basement of the Javit’s Center when really it’s just overpriced beer and terrible tasting food. Think New Yankees Stadium, but underground.

We also need to enforce some new policies:

First, we are implementing a new security feature at the Twitter Meet and Tweet Hall. Before entering the hall, every attendee will need to pass through a metal detector and all bags will be checked, no exceptions. Every signing line, as in previous years, will have a dedicated security officer as well.

This is getting intense. Get ready for SUPER slow lines. If I were you, I wouldn’t even bother with cosplay. 

Previously, after panels many fans have come up to give creators gifts or letters or to ask questions and talk. This will no longer be a thing. Creators won’t be able to linger after panels and the audience will not be allowed to approach the panelists. This sucks; obviously, we don’t want to build a wall between creators and their communities, but it is unfortunately necessary.

Why? You already just put them through a metal detector and a bag check, and NOW you’re afraid of the frolicking that goes on post panel or signing? This is a bullshit policy. The original concept of a convention was for fans and creators alike to have a fun forum to get together and bond over something they both enjoy. It’s only in the last 10 years or so that Comic Cons turned into Walking Dead/Marvel whore houses. I hope as protest people show up dressed like Harambe and climb over the guard rails. 

We will also be performing random bag checks throughout the event. We ask that you be sympathetic and patient with the security staff about this.

Fuck you, I’m already annoyed by not getting to meet the talent, but now MORE bag checks? This works SWELL at airports, btw. 

As in all years we want VidCon to be fun, but you can’t have fun without being safe, and the VidCon Team is committed to making sure that everyone’s safety is the number one priority.

Double bag checks, metal detectors, and meet-and-greets being ruined…SOUNDS LIKE FUN! 

If at anytime you feel like you are part of or are in observation of an unsafe situation, please immediately alert the first security staff person you see, or otherwise communicate the situation by using any of the following methods (which be printed on the back of your VidCon Badge):

Police: 911

VidCon 24 hour hotline: 657-203-9695

I wanna call VidCon at 3 am

Have fun, be safe, and we’ll see you next week.

The VidCon Team

Hank, Colin, Michael, Julie, Julia, Laura, Monica, Travis, Jeri, Valerie, Nick, Adrienne, Jim, and Duncan

I understand the sensitive nature of all this, but I really do think the VidCon team just went a little too overboard with some of the policies, especially the meet and greets, I mean…that’s just stupid. With 450 security peeps, random bag checks, and metal detectors, after ALL of that, I can’t just be a fan…really. A wise man once said, the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself. VidCon is showing everyone that they are afraid.