NC Mermania 2018 official thread

[AniaR]

Hey Folks, I thought I would start the 2018 thread so I can drop information here as we plan things out!

You can see the 2017 thread here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?12893-NC-Mermania-2017

Our official website is www.ncmermania.com and lots of new info will be posted as we nail down details. Be sure to check out the "FAQ" page.

2017 saw us having over 500 participants when everything was said and done.

Here's some of our info for 2018:

1) When the time is right we will accept PROPOSALS from people in the community regarding panels, workshops, and more.2) When the time is right we will also have APPLICATIONS for volunteers. As per contract requirement with the venues, you'll be required to submit a criminal background check3) We are gearing up to handle sponsorship in a different way that gives all sponsors who want to be higher tier a fair chance, modelled off of how other mid range to larger cons handle sponsors.

I will post these things here so you can have a chance to apply if these things interest you.

We do not have dates yet, we are working with the GAC to see about the best times when we can secure the entire facility and have enough pool space.

We will keep you posted :)

[Mer Coralia]

I AM SO PREPARING FOR THIS! <3

Thanks so much Raina!!!!! :cheerleader:

[Slim]

I will do everything I can to be there.

[Mermaid Lanier]

I would so, so love to go. If we do end up moving close enough, maybe I can pester my mom into it...

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Can't wait until next year! I had so much fun this year, even though I was terrified to talk to most of everyone, I made a few friends and I would love to make more! My little brother is determined to drag my mom back next year to bring us!


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[MeliPixie]

Exciting! Does a mermaid at heart like myself have to have a tail to attend? I'm hoping to have one by then but times are hard, lol.

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[Mermaid Lanier]

The NCMermania site is prevented from loading on my computers because I'm told it may be a scam site. If y'all tell me it's a legitimate site I'll dismiss the notices, but I'd hate for a scam site to be masquerading as official Mermania.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

The NCMermania site is prevented from loading on my computers because I'm told it may be a scam site. If y'all tell me it's a legitimate site I'll dismiss the notices, but I'd hate for a scam site to be masquerading as official Mermania.

The site linked above in Rania's post is to the official MerMainia page.


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[thatotakugalaxy]

Yaaayyy! Where is it gonna be located..,?


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[Mermaid_Izzy]

Yaaayyy! Where is it gonna be located..,?


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Greensboro, NC


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[thatotakugalaxy]

Thanks Izzy.


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[Mermaid_Izzy]

Thanks Izzy.


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No problem!


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[Mermaid Momo]

I am so going next year! Already got my travel fund started

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[thatotakugalaxy]

Me too!! My mom is gonna drive me and all i gotta do is pay for hotel!! Does it cost money?


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[Mermaid_Izzy]

Me too!! My mom is gonna drive me and all i gotta do is pay for hotel!! Does it cost money?


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I think my room room for one night, Saturday, was around $150 with the convention discounts


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[Slim]

That's a lot of money for a single night.


I think my room room for one night, Saturday, was around $150 with the convention discounts


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[PearlieMae]

That's a lot of money for a single night.

Not really, considering the hotel.

[PrincessNymphiaoftheSea]

I'm definitely going to try and start saving up for next year's Mermania! :) I'm thinking about bringing both my mermaid persona Nymphia and an Ariel tail with me.

[MerGreg]

Not really, considering the hotel.

Yes, it's def. a quality conference hotel. BUT, you can stay nearby at a motel for maybe $50, $60 a night. You (officially) can't get into the hotel pool for our late-night swim, but they weren't checking room keys or anything.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Yes, it's def. a quality conference hotel. BUT, you can stay nearby at a motel for maybe $50, $60 a night. You (officially) can't get into the hotel pool for our late-night swim, but they weren't checking room keys or anything.

It is a very fancy hotel, like I am pretty sure they don't have luggage carts because they have bell hops. I went exploring while everyone was at the ball and it was massive and amazing...


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[AniaR]

the hotel rate was discounted ($120), and was the lowest rate we could get in the entire area while still having all the amenities that people wanted. It wasn't fancy, it was honestly, just basic. if we went fancy, it would have been 199$ a night.

we are switching to a different hotel for 2018 and aiming to keep the price the same or if we can, lower.

[thatotakugalaxy]

so i should save about 400 dollars...? 300 for 2 nights, and 100 for food and other things..?

[Mermaid Aria]

I am getting excited already!

[Mermaid_Izzy]

the hotel rate was discounted ($120), and was the lowest rate we could get in the entire area while still having all the amenities that people wanted. It wasn't fancy, it was honestly, just basic. if we went fancy, it would have been 199$ a night.

we are switching to a different hotel for 2018 and aiming to keep the price the same or if we can, lower.

That's cool I can't wait to hear more...I know our room was about 142 or something at the end...


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[thatotakugalaxy]

oh lord... thats alot!!

[Mermaid_Izzy]

oh lord... thats alot!!

I mean the hotel itself I found really cool, just because I have never been anywhere like it before. I feel like it's not so bad compared to other hotel rates now a days that aren't like a Motel 8


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[thatotakugalaxy]

XD true

[AniaR]

I can't really tell you what to save until we confirm the costs on our end which will be another few months. it'll all be posted here, and on FB, and on the website :)

[Misty Lau]

Do you usually try to choose hotels with saltwater pools? I can't go to this one, but I'd love to eventually go to a mermania. However, I would not be able to swim in chlorine pools, since I have moderate reactions to them. (Even the chlorine content in my tap water where I live makes me feel like I need to rip my own skin off if I'm in it for long.) I'm just wondering. Also, it's probably a good thing to make widely known, because I know there are other people with low tolerance for chlorine.

[thatotakugalaxy]

Alrighty!:3 i'll go ahead and have extra money for the trip!


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[AniaR]

the hotel pool is more an after hours thing, it's not party of the main convention, and most pools have chlorine. we have to choose a hotel that fits the most amount of needs.

[Misty Lau]

I understand. So great if it is saltwater, but that's not a priority. XD I'll still end up making it to mermania eventually though, because I'm going to have to meet other mer people. XD

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Isn't the dive well at the GAC a saltwater pool? Cause I can usually swim in chlorine just fine, but that made my eyes sting a lot.


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[AniaR]

yeah the GAC was salt.


Hey folks we've had some more media come out, this is from BBC!

Here is a clipped version of the interview that went to air: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04txlrq

And the video with Dan's audio on the website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04txkn9

Here is the post on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCOutlook/videos/10155014158952902/

[Aurelian]

I'd love to go to MerMania this year. It would be my first time attending. There's just one problem though: Unless my family has a good reason to go to North Carolina at the time of the convention, I seriously doubt I'd be able to travel that far. It would take a few days to drive there and back, nevermind hotel costs. :(

[MerGreg]

I'd love to go to MerMania this year. It would be my first time attending. There's just one problem though: Unless my family has a good reason to go to North Carolina at the time of the convention, I seriously doubt I'd be able to travel that far. It would take a few days to drive there and back, nevermind hotel costs. :(

Oh, honey chile. Carolina BBQ and hush puppies ALONE are Good Reason To Go To North Carolina!!!

[PearlieMae]

Next one is January 2018...so you've got some time to come up with a reason to get there!

[AniaR]

Next one is January 2018...so you've got some time to come up with a reason to get there!

actually we havent confirmed it'll be in January. we are trying to work with the GAC to find a date in winter or spring where they can provide us with more pool space. ;) our priority this time around is making sure we get more pool space! But we're trying to keep it within Jan-April.

[PearlieMae]

Good to know! Thanks, Raina!

[Aurelian]

How much does it cost to attend MerMania? I tried clicking the link the website offered, but it came up as an "Error" page. :/

[AniaR]

Because none of that information is available right now, as I've said a few times in this thread. ;) we wont know the price until we confirm the venues. As it'll depend on how much they charge us. Thats why it says all over the website that 2018 info info will be available soon.

[Merman Chatfish]

I am already ready for 2018!

[Merman Chatfish]

Isn't the dive well at the GAC a saltwater pool? Cause I can usually swim in chlorine just fine, but that made my eyes sting a lot.


yeah the GAC was salt.


I* believe GAC is Sodium Hypochlorite (aka bleach). When NaClO is used in the water, the sodium (a stabilizer) breaks off and hangs out. The oxygen atom evaporates away, and the chlorine atom bonds to nitrogen to kill stuff. (For you chemistry nerds it looks like this: NaClO + H2O → Na+ + Cl− + 2 HO•). Over time the sodium builds up and gives a pool a salty taste and leads to people thinking its an actual salt water pool (and because they are never told correctly, that is what the lifeguards think and tell everyone else).
The eyes burning is caused by the dreaded chloramines. Chloramines are the reaction of the chlorine and nitrogen (from urine, sweat, bacteria, viruses). Chloramines are what give pools the chlorine smell, burn ices, cause itching, and respiratory issues. Good pools, such as the GAC, use UV filters to destroy the chloramines, but it's a slow process and when you stick 300 mermaids and mermen into a pool, there is a lot on their skin to kill. If you got into the GAC before everyone else does there wouldn't be any chlorine smell, which indicates a healthy pool. During the summer you might notice outdoor pools are a bit better (until all the day camps come in and pee) because the chloramines can evaporate away and be blown off the pool surface, and the UV from the sun does the same thing a UV filter at an indoor pool does.

There was a good article recently that covers this, mainly it's response in air. https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/indoor-pool-air-quality-addressing-one-of-the-nations-most-underrated-issues/

*I have been a CPO (Certified Pool and Spa Operator) for 5 years and have been working with NaClO the entire time.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

I* believe GAC is Sodium Hypochlorite (aka bleach). When NaClO is used in the water, the sodium (a stabilizer) breaks off and hangs out. The oxygen atom evaporates away, and the chlorine atom bonds to nitrogen to kill stuff. (For you chemistry nerds it looks like this: NaClO + H2O → Na+ + Cl− + 2 HO•). Over time the sodium builds up and gives a pool a salty taste and leads to people thinking its an actual salt water pool (and because they are never told correctly, that is what the lifeguards think and tell everyone else).
The eyes burning is caused by the dreaded chloramines. Chloramines are the reaction of the chlorine and nitrogen (from urine, sweat, bacteria, viruses). Chloramines are what give pools the chlorine smell, burn ices, cause itching, and respiratory issues. Good pools, such as the GAC, use UV filters to destroy the chloramines, but it's a slow process and when you stick 300 mermaids and mermen into a pool, there is a lot on their skin to kill. If you got into the GAC before everyone else does there wouldn't be any chlorine smell, which indicates a healthy pool. During the summer you might notice outdoor pools are a bit better (until all the day camps come in and pee) because the chloramines can evaporate away and be blown off the pool surface, and the UV from the sun does the same thing a UV filter at an indoor pool does.

There was a good article recently that covers this, mainly it's response in air. https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/indoor-pool-air-quality-addressing-one-of-the-nations-most-underrated-issues/

*I have been a CPO (Certified Pool and Spa Operator) for 5 years and have been working with NaClO the entire time.

I was actually one of the first in about 20 mermaids in on the first day and it still ended up stinging my eyes, but of course it was after more mermaids got in.


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[Sunset Nereid]

Is there dates being considered? I'd have to fly up from Mississippi for this one lol.

[AniaR]

Sorry folks we are waiting on the GAC who are notoriously slow when it comes to this stuff. We need to secure a weekend where they can give us the entire facility basically.

[emmaray]

AH I'm so excited!!!! It will be my first mermania!


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[emmaray]

How much is admission without the hotel?


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[MerGreg]

WAAAAYYYY too soon for them to answer. There's so much they have to work out, expenses they have to assess, before they can have a price point.

But I assure you - it WILL be worth it!!! :cool::cool::cool:

[AniaR]

Yup. as it says all through this tread. All that will be on the website when it's ready

[AniaR]

UPDATE

We are working away (still) at nailing down the specific dates, and finalizing the new hotel. Once we have those two things we'll be securing our special guests. THEN everything will be announced. ;)

For now, we have updated the volunteer page! Applications are NOT open yet, but will be once we set our date!

http://ncmermania.com/get-involved/volunteers/

[Khaleesi Daenerys]

I defiantly want to go to this one I haven't been to any yet. :)

[MermaidBrandie]

Hope I can come to this one. With luck my silicone tail will ve done by then

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[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm gonna do my best to make it to this one as well. I miss my fishy friends! Better start up my piggy bank again!

[Kalo]

Hey guys!

Can anyone tell me about vending art at Mermania?

I'm an artist who is used to attending cons across the country selling my art. That's how I pay my way to conventions, so my trip hinges on if I can sell. I do furry cons, anime cons, and comic cons. I want to sell art at Mermania 2018, but I have no idea what to expect. I have TONS of mermaid themed prints and originals to sell.

My specialty is taking custom sketch commissions, full drawings, and badges. Completed at con. That's what I like to focus on.

I would want to be in the pool a lot, though, so I don't know how much custom art I'd be able to take at the con?

What are the hours like?

Would you buy a sketch of yourself as your merself at the con?

I'm coming from mostly furry cons where people want lots of custom art of their fursonas. I just didn't know if it was something merfolk were interested in o.o

My work is at www.artbykalo.com, Instagram @kalo_mermaid

[MermaidBrandie]

As I've yet to attend this con, but am familiar with other cons, can I just say that your art is adorable and a con badge would be legit!

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[Mermaid_Izzy]

Hey guys!

Can anyone tell me about vending art at Mermania?

I'm an artist who is used to attending cons across the country selling my art. That's how I pay my way to conventions, so my trip hinges on if I can sell. I do furry cons, anime cons, and comic cons. I want to sell art at Mermania 2018, but I have no idea what to expect. I have TONS of mermaid themed prints and originals to sell.

My specialty is taking custom sketch commissions, full drawings, and badges. Completed at con. That's what I like to focus on.

I would want to be in the pool a lot, though, so I don't know how much custom art I'd be able to take at the con?

What are the hours like?

Would you buy a sketch of yourself as your merself at the con?

I'm coming from mostly furry cons where people want lots of custom art of their fursonas. I just didn't know if it was something merfolk were interested in o.o

My work is at www.artbykalo.com, Instagram @kalo_mermaid

I'm sure when Raina comes she can tell you more, but last year the venders set up at the opening event (craft swap) at the hotel, and the rest of the time they were set up around the dive well (the pool). I don't know if everyone will be around the dive well this upcoming year because there was talk of renting out the whole GAC. I hope this helps!

Oh and Philo Barnhart (animator of the Little Mermaid) had a booth set up last year selling his artwork.


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[MerGreg]

Hey guys!


I'm coming from mostly furry cons where people want lots of custom art of their fursonas. I just didn't know if it was something merfolk were interested in o.o

My work is at www.artbykalo.com (http://www.artbykalo.com), Instagram @kalo_mermaid

Oh, I assure you - merfolk ARE Very Much Interested! ;)

[AniaR]

Hey everyone. I have pretty much the entirety of Mermania planned and fleshed out- and have for months- but I have been waiting months for Dan to secure the venue, the GAC dates, and the line of credit needed for fronting specific expenses (deposits that need to be put down etc). It's literally been sitting there ready to go for months, but it's all on the founder. I can't do those things from Canada. (I considered using my own line of credit but because of exchange rate it wouldnt be enough)

We are hoping to have it the long weekend in May as the earlier months aren't available. But still waiting to hear back.

When the dates and deposits are secured, all of the website will go live and people can purchase vending packages. The idea is to have several packages to choose from with different levels of involvement to help fit every budget. I will say, they have to go up slightly from last year in price because the venues ended up charging us a rate per vendor and that wasn't clear to us. But, Mermania isn't a profit driven thing, it's a 'let's break even' thing - so no worries about anything being TOO expensive.

Really that's all I can say. I took a step back to focus on my own life and business when we stalled waiting for the dates. But it's all just sitting there ready to go. I'm not interested in running it all myself for most of the year like last year so I did what I did and it's waiting on Dan lol

[officialmermaidkelly]

Following [emoji4]


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[Mermaid Curls]

Speaking of vending: How many people would be interested in chainmaille/scale maille items for purchase? I wore the bronze and gold scale maille armor at the last Mermainia. My husband makes it, and jewelry as well. I am trying to convince him to vend next year and I was wondering if this is something people would be interested in? I can post pics of my armor, and links to his facebook page if anyone is interested in seeing his work. Thanks, and I can't wait to see everyone!

[Audrielle]

Speaking of vending: How many people would be interested in chainmaille/scale maille items for purchase? I wore the bronze and gold scale maille armor at the last Mermainia. My husband makes it, and jewelry as well. I am trying to convince him to vend next year and I was wondering if this is something people would be interested in? I can post pics of my armor, and links to his facebook page if anyone is interested in seeing his work. Thanks, and I can't wait to see everyone!
Extremely interested!! I would love to be able to see photos!!

[AniaR]

Oh I remember seeing yours last year and thinking dang she should sell that hahah

[Mermaid Curls]

Here is a link to his facebook page, Dreams In Chains. https://www.facebook.com/DreamsinChains/

The armor in my avatar is his.

[Mermaid Curls]

AniaR, I know, right? ;)

[lotusauriel]

I won't be able to go, but I have been wondering why more people didn't use the anodized aluminum scale maille. It seems to me like the perfect material, but then, I also do chainmaille.

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[Satine]

How do merfolk who are from out of town and flying in usually get there from the air port? Dose everyone just usually take a taxi? I am 24 so not quite old enough to rent a car. Also all of you who fly with your tail how do you do it?

I really hope I can save up the money to go! I'd love to meet other mers!

[MermaidBrandie]

How do merfolk who are from out of town and flying in usually get there from the air port? Dose everyone just usually take a taxi? I am 24 so not quite old enough to rent a car. Also all of you who fly with your tail how do you do it?

I really hope I can save up the money to go! I'd love to meet other mers!
I know at others cons I've gone to there's typically airport busses that go from the air port to all the major hotels but you could always uber

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[Mermaid_Izzy]

How do merfolk who are from out of town and flying in usually get there from the air port? Dose everyone just usually take a taxi? I am 24 so not quite old enough to rent a car. Also all of you who fly with your tail how do you do it?

I really hope I can save up the money to go! I'd love to meet other mers!

I am pretty sure there was a shuttle last year.


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[Audrielle]

How do merfolk who are from out of town and flying in usually get there from the air port? Dose everyone just usually take a taxi? I am 24 so not quite old enough to rent a car. Also all of you who fly with your tail how do you do it?

I really hope I can save up the money to go! I'd love to meet other mers!

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm bringing few other girls and we are all rooming together, hopefully at the closest hotel. If saving money is an issue, we might have room in the hotel?

[MerGreg]

How do merfolk who are from out of town and flying in usually get there from the air port? Dose everyone just usually take a taxi? I am 24 so not quite old enough to rent a car. Also all of you who fly with your tail how do you do it?

I really hope I can save up the money to go! I'd love to meet other mers!

Really should not be a problem. Renting a car would be rather pointless anyway, as everything is close together.

[Satine]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm bringing few other girls and we are all rooming together, hopefully at the closest hotel. If saving money is an issue, we might have room in the hotel?


That at sounds like a awesome idea! I am trying to figure out all the costs right now! Like my plane ticket from Houston to the closest air port there witch I'm not even sure witch one it is lol. And how many days the convention will be. ( can't wait for Raina to post all the info )

i am am also trying to work up the nerve to ask my boyfriend if he will go with me! Lol

[Audrielle]

That at sounds like a awesome idea! I am trying to figure out all the costs right now! Like my plane ticket from Houston to the closest air port there witch I'm not even sure witch one it is lol. And how many days the convention will be. ( can't wait for Raina to post all the info )

i am am also trying to work up the nerve to ask my boyfriend if he will go with me! Lol


Haha! I understand that as well! It is quite a difficult question.

[Satine]

Haha! I understand that as well! It is quite a difficult question.

Hahahaha yeah plus I am a bit of a wimp. I have asked him if he would go with me to a convention and he said ,Anne depends on what it's about and when lol ......... gotta broach the whole mermaid topic with him lol but I looked at planet tickets and they aren't as bad as I thought they would be.

[MerGreg]

Hahahaha yeah plus I am a bit of a wimp. I have asked him if he would go with me to a convention and he said ,Anne depends on what it's about and when lol ......... gotta broach the whole mermaid topic with him lol but I looked at planet tickets and they aren't as bad as I thought they would be.

Plane Tix aren't all that bad, esp. if you can get them far enough in advance and shop around online.

The kicker is the Check Luggage fee - and if you have a Tail, you're checking at least one bag.

[Merman Chatfish]

How do merfolk who are from out of town and flying in usually get there from the air port? Dose everyone just usually take a taxi? I am 24 so not quite old enough to rent a car. Also all of you who fly with your tail how do you do it?

I really hope I can save up the money to go! I'd love to meet other mers!

Some people will rent cars like I did and we can car pool. I think once everything is figured out more threads will appear looking for room and car sharing.

[Satine]

Plane Tix aren't all that bad, esp. if you can get them far enough in advance and shop around online.

The kicker is the Check Luggage fee - and if you have a Tail, you're checking at least one bag.


So so when you fly with a tail you check it? I wish I had my tail and could see if it fit in a suit case.

[Slim]

It's just an idea but in the past some airlines use to have a promo with the UPS Stores where you can get half off shipping to the location you are flying to by showing proof of the plane ticket. With everyone having tails, I wonder if it would be worth anyone wild to talk to a shipping store and see if they will allow a bulk rate to make things cheaper for all of us. That way we get a discounted rate on sending our tail and not have to worry about how to bring our tails onto a plane. It's just an idea.

[MerGreg]

So so when you fly with a tail you check it? I wish I had my tail and could see if it fit in a suit case.

Fabric tails go into suitcases. No, I mean the big silicone tails - those are NOT carry-on. :lol:

[Satine]

Fabric tails go into suitcases. No, I mean the big silicone tails - those are NOT carry-on. :lol:

I am getting the thick silicone mermaid tail from mernation. ( so sometimes people ship via UPS? ) the don't fly them as checked luggage? Is everyone excited for the next mermainia !!! )

[MerGreg]

I am getting the thick silicone mermaid tail from mernation. ( so sometimes people ship via UPS? ) the don't fly them as checked luggage? Is everyone excited for the next mermainia !!! )

This year's MerMania was SO much fun. My point about your tail is that it wouldn't fit in carry-on - shipping it might be the way to go, if you don't have a large enough suitcase. Also, I think fragile Shipping would be less damaging than luggage on an airline.

[Satine]

This year's MerMania was SO much fun. My point about your tail is that it wouldn't fit in carry-on - shipping it might be the way to go, if you don't have a large enough suitcase. Also, I think fragile Shipping would be less damaging than luggage on an airline.

How did the last mermainia work did you just pay for like a pass for the whole convention or pay for access to each event. I have never been to a convention before. If I come by myself is it easy to get to know people to do things with? I'm kinda afraid of being the person who showed up to have fun but wind up as a quite wall flower lol.

[AniaR]

there were convention passes, and then certain events were separate due to needing exact numbers prior (such as the ball)

we plan to have a limited amount of "all inclusive passes" that include everything, but because we still need to put in food orders by a certain date, anything with food has to be separate!

[Satine]

there were convention passes, and then certain events were separate due to needing exact numbers prior (such as the ball)

we plan to have a limited amount of "all inclusive passes" that include everything, but because we still need to put in food orders by a certain date, anything with food has to be separate!

Thats awesome, I hope I can snag one. I'd love to meet and talk with new friends!

[MerGreg]

How did the last mermainia work did you just pay for like a pass for the whole convention or pay for access to each event. I have never been to a convention before. If I come by myself is it easy to get to know people to do things with? I'm kinda afraid of being the person who showed up to have fun but wind up as a quite wall flower lol.

This is the PERFECT description of me this past winter. I had only heard this entire community even exists on the Monday before. (Needless to say, didn't fly - about a 5 or 6 hour drive each way.) I knew nobody, I knew nothing about mer-life.

I HAD A BLAST.

Satine, this is the friendliest bunch of folks you could hope for. I certainly started out as a wallflower when I first arrived at the Aquatic Center on Saturday afternoon, but by Saturday evening at the Ball, I was a full-on Part Of The Group.

Hope to see you there!

[Satine]

This is the PERFECT description of me this past winter. I had only heard this entire community even exists on the Monday before. (Needless to say, didn't fly - about a 5 or 6 hour drive each way.) I knew nobody, I knew nothing about mer-life.

I HAD A BLAST.

Satine, this is the friendliest bunch of folks you could hope for. I certainly started out as a wallflower when I first arrived at the Aquatic Center on Saturday afternoon, but by Saturday evening at the Ball, I was a full-on Part Of The Group.

Hope to see you there!

i am so excited !!! I can't wait for Raina to put out the info and to be able to to purchase tickets for the even, the plane and the room.

I now have a gym membership, a personal trainer, my tail is paid for except for a few extra fins, and I have started saveing money for the trip, I can't wait to meet awesome mers. ( would love to drag my bf along but he prob wouldn't come if I asked )

[Cincy_mermaid]

I'm gonna try to come next year! :)

[Mermaid Tami]

I'm planning to be there this year!!


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[Mermaid Rosaline]

Does anyone know the dates yet? I checked the website and I couldn't find anything

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Does anyone know the dates yet? I checked the website and I couldn't find anything

Raina said that she waiting for Dan to secure the dates.


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[AniaR]

yup sorry folks I wish I could tell you more. it's all on Dan at this point. he's the founder and owns the LLC.

[TheMermaidQuintessence]

Does anyone know what month it will be?

[AniaR]

Nothing is confirmed at this point. As I said we were hoping for May, but nothing is confirmed. As soon as *anything* is confirmed it'll all be posted here.

[MermaidNim]

Anyone have a rough estimate on how much it costs in total to attend?

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Anyone have a rough estimate on how much it costs in total to attend?

Last year it was $50 for the weekend, but I think Raina said that it's too soon to tell for this year.


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[MerGreg]

Anyone have a rough estimate on how much it costs in total to attend?

By "total," do you mean Transportation, Food, etc? There's VERY good food not too far away at quite reasonable prices. Transportation has way too many variables to say.

As far as conventions go, Mer-Mania is extremely inexpensive.

[NomadicMermaid]

Nothing is confirmed at this point. As I said we were hoping for May, but nothing is confirmed. As soon as *anything* is confirmed it'll all be posted here.

if there is anything I can do to assist - I'm here in NC and willing. :)

[Mermaid Kane]

It would be a terrible shame if MerMania stopped.

[AniaR]

it's really not up to Venessa and I. Dan Craig aka Merman Dan owns mermania. it rests on him and should he decide to continue it and contract Venessa and I to run it we will.

[Mermaid Kane]

I hope that I they stop hosting MerMania, that someone else can.

[AniaR]

he owns it, so no one else can use mermania. someone will have to make their own

[NomadicMermaid]

AniaR, would you mind messaging me about this idea? I have a few questions about what it would require to set up an event like MerMania.

[Mermaid Kane]

Would it be possible to try and set up a new merfolk convention for 2019? That is if 2018 is too soon.

I'm Im not sure what the cost would be, and I'm sure setting up a convention of that size is extremely difficult.

[AniaR]

to be honest guys I am bowing out until Dan steps up. I appreciate everyone reaching out but the issues are vast and not really anything anyone but he can do.

anyone can do a mermaid convention. You just can't call it "mermania" . It cost about 40k to put on mermania and I suspect a third one would be between 60-70k based on how much the first 2 grew.

[MissLunaBelle]

Check out the most recent post on the NC- Mermania page on facebook!!

[AniaR]

None of the staff were consulted before Dan made that post. No idea what's going on.

[Slim]

None of the staff were consulted before Dan made that post. No idea what's going on.

I don’t think he knows what he’s doing. 3 months left on the time he picked is going to be a disaster. There just too many attendees and no time for a proper plan . I’m afraid people are going to get hurt.


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[MerGreg]

None of the staff were consulted before Dan made that post. No idea what's going on.

Saw your reply to him, Ania. I'm appalled by his treatment of you and Venessa. :cry:

[AniaR]

yeah I don't really know what to say. He can do what he wants but it's a shame all my hard work went to waste.

[Khaleesi Daenerys]

yeah I don't really know what to say. He can do what he wants but it's a shame all my hard work went to waste.
Wow Raina I'm so sorry about what happened. I hope you are going to be compensated for all of the time and money you spent on this. I hope things get resolved soon.

[Nerdmaid Faith]

Seems way too risky for myself to make plans to go out there with all thats been going on.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

I really hate to see this happening! This is convention is really the only time I get to be with other Mers, but seeing the way Dan has treated Raina and Vanessa, I don’t know how I feel about it anymore. [emoji17]


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[AniaR]

yeah it's really hard for me I worked so much to make it a reputable name and gain some klout so people would feel good about attending. *sigh* I think this is just a big sign I need to cultivate more in my own country :)

[Mermaid_Izzy]

yeah it's really hard for me I worked so much to make it a reputable name and gain some klout so people would feel good about attending. *sigh* I think this is just a big sign I need to cultivate more in my own country :)

Much love to you Raina! Also to Sean, Vanessa and everyone else who worked so hard for MerMainia!


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[Satine]

yeah it's really hard for me I worked so much to make it a reputable name and gain some klout so people would feel good about attending. *sigh* I think this is just a big sign I need to cultivate more in my own country :)

I am sooooo sorry Raina.i don’t know what happened but for someone to make you feel this way is awe full !!!! I was really hopeing to get to go to mermainia and meet you this year. This guy must be the biggest jerk to make you feel that way !!!! You are sooooo special and an inspiration to sooooo many out there. You help me get through my day and keep my head up. Maybe one day I’ll make it to Canada to meet you and see all of the wonders >.^

Dont let let this man get you down.

lots of love from here in Texas

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Shame this happened, especially since the con was growing in popularity and should have gotten MORE viable, not less. I wonder if some of the money for a new con could be raised through crowdfunding.

[AniaR]

yeah it's super frustrating! The problem with crowdfunding is people expect something in return often, like will someone donate 50$ but then still pay for a ticket? you know?

Anyway here's the latest update

As far as the official Mermania the future is uncertain. After lengthy discussions with Dan I'm still unsure of what will happen with the main convention. However, Dan would still like to host a meetup in January for people who can attend, it just wont be an actual con.

[Ransom]

It's terrible having all that work go down the drain. I honestly wish things had been communicated better so that doesn't have to happen.

A successful event deserves that much, and it's far better to miss a year than deliver a substandard third edition with in so little time.

[AniaR]

AGREE. I had no issue doing a later in the year 2018, or an early 2019. He just seems to hellbent on January.... the fact of the matter is we can't do this event at the same scale or larger without more pool space. And either the GAC meets our need or we go to a different facility.

[Mermaid_Kai]

Oh man i wish it wasnt so far from me! I would love to go meet the mermaid community in person!

[AniaR]

you're in California? They have the Sacramento Mermaid weekend there.

[Mermaid_Kai]

you're in California? They have the Sacramento Mermaid weekend there. Yes! I am in Sacramento!, i will look into it thank you :)

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

yeah it's super frustrating! The problem with crowdfunding is people expect something in return often, like will someone donate 50$ but then still pay for a ticket? you know?

Unfortunately, yeah, it would be hard to crowdfund without some kind of reward.

What really sucks about this is that the first two years seemed to do so well and there’s plenty of opportunity for this to get bigger, especially with mermaids being so popular right now. And shoot, I imagine that the live action Little Mermaid will only increase popularity. Seeing Dan basically give up on Mermania is disappointing. If I made more money I’d definitely support another convention.

[AniaR]

yeah I have investigated a lot of options... it's frustrating for everyone. but TBH it was quite traumatizing running it, LOL

[MermaidAuquita]

How much does it cost to join in on Mermainia


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[MermaidAuquita]

Please answer how much does it cost to get in to Mermania


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[AniaR]

it's not happening.

[themusicalmermaid]

So sad to hear that

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[themusicalmermaid]

I was planning on attending this year for my first ever mermania

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[AniaR]

sorry guys. not my choice.

[themusicalmermaid]

sorry guys. not my choice.It's ok I just wish things could have worked out[emoji18] thanks for all your efforts and working so hard to try to pull it off @AniaR

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[Mermaid Kane]

I was planning on attending this year for my first ever mermania

On the flipside, sounds like other large meets are being planned.

[themusicalmermaid]

On the flipside, sounds like other large meets are being planned.[emoji106]

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[Merman Dan]

NC Mer-Mania will return. We have simply run into a snag trying to grow the event.

Our venue, the Greensboro Aquatic Center, could not grant us additional space during what is their busy season. Last time, we had 300+ mermaids in a pool designed for a maximum of 193 swimmers. We had four folks in scuba gear when only one was allowed. We had mermaids with infants in a pool that was clearly marked as being for advanced swimmers only. And of course there was the obligatory drama.

I am in constant communication with the GAC, regarding NC Mer-Mania. They want us back. We may simply have to move to a different timeframe is all.

New is forthcoming! We appreciate your patience! :)

[AniaR]

Our venue, the Greensboro Aquatic Center, could not grant us additional space during what is their busy season. Last time, we had 300+ mermaids in a pool designed for a maximum of 193 swimmers. We had four folks in scuba gear when only one was allowed. We had mermaids with infants in a pool that was clearly marked as being for advanced swimmers only. And of course there was the obligatory drama.

I am in constant communication with the GAC, regarding NC Mer-Mania. They want us back. We may simply have to move to a different timeframe is all.

Literally what we told you for MONTHS and you ignored us. We already talked to the Gac, and had several dates, we were waiting on you and you just ignored messages for months.

Cookie has literally managed to organize a meetup in NC

[Merman Arion]

NC Mer-Mania will return. We have simply run into a snag trying to grow the event.

Our venue, the Greensboro Aquatic Center, could not grant us additional space during what is their busy season. Last time, we had 300+ mermaids in a pool designed for a maximum of 193 swimmers. We had four folks in scuba gear when only one was allowed. We had mermaids with infants in a pool that was clearly marked as being for advanced swimmers only. And of course there was the obligatory drama.

I am in constant communication with the GAC, regarding NC Mer-Mania. They want us back. We may simply have to move to a different timeframe is all.

New is forthcoming! We appreciate your patience! :)

https://mernetwork.com/index/webkit-fake-url://a1707328-e53a-4e7b-b14a-38d96e66a0fa/imagegif
http://blog.lareviewofbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/GoodWife.gif

EAT A DICK, Daniel. You are all talk.

You seem to forget that YOU are the sole reason why we currently do not have an official Mermania 3.0 this year.
DON’T even act like it is not a big deal. We lost amazing sponsors because YOU ignored emails for months.

[Merman Dan]

Literally what we told you for MONTHS and you ignored us. We already talked to the Gac, and had several dates, we were waiting on you and you just ignored messages for months.

Cookie has literally managed to organize a meetup in NC[/COLOR]


I talked with the GAC about moving off of January... February, March, April, May were all declined by the venue when it came to reserving more than the Diving Well.

Cookie managed to pay to reserve a few lanes at TAC, a policy GAC does not hold but is now considering, thanks to Mer-Mania. We have their attention.

[Merman Dan]

https://mernetwork.com/index/webkit-fake-url://a1707328-e53a-4e7b-b14a-38d96e66a0fa/imagegif
EAT A DICK, Daniel. You are all talk. You seem to forget that YOU are the sole reason why we currently do not have an official Mermania 3.0 this year.
DON’T even act like it is not a big deal. We lost amazing sponsors because YOU ignored emails for months.

We have those here, Arion... though the slippery dick is a bit small for eating.
I am NOT the sole reason for moving off of the January timeframe. The GAC simply could not grant us additional space.
Stay tuned for "official" news of NC Mer-Mania 2018...
Lost amazing sponsors? Whaaa? News to me.. We have amazing sponsors ready to make our next gathering quite amazing.

42847

[AniaR]

For everyone else I apologize, but since Dan ignores every single message and email and he seems to be posting and paying attention here, it's the only place I can seem to actually get him to listen

Maybe while you're doing that you can set the record straight with Eric Nova who STILL claims *I* wouldn't let Naja sponsor the event. You watch these people lie about our hard work all the time and never ever ever speak up. You watch them lie and say we "falsified a police report" a report YOU made as well but we take the fall for that. Your buddy whose stuff you're always liking just said "Alex the cripple" and Venessa and I deserve to be led into a gas chamber.

You couldn't possibly hang us out more to dry. Or run us over anymore. We gave up so much to run this event. So much. And even after a year, we get so much abuse because you can't back us up and tell the truth. A YEAR later these people still twisting it all around and using it as an excuse to harass us and threaten us and lie about us.

We had to pass on sponsorship from Finis, Finfun, and other big companies. Ive had every single major media group contact me in the past year as recently as yesterday. Not just in the US but UK. You STILL haven't read the messages we sent you. STILL. MAYBE IF YOU EVER READ ANYTHING WE HAVE EVER SENT YOU YOU'D KNOW HOW MUCH WE LOST.

PS:
thanks to Mer-Mania. We have their attention

Thanks to our hard work actually. They were frustrated you never replied to their communication, and even contacted me in Canada for something not mermania related because they couldn't get ahold of you.

[AniaR]

42848

42849

[Merman Dan]

Yeah, I waited for news from the GAC, when they said January was tight. I asked for dates and waited. February, March, April, and May I waited. As for whatever information you sent me, remember you and Venessa unfriended me on Facebook. I am still friends with Chris and Veronica, so I am still speaking with them. There are loads of mermaids in the Raleigh area, so no worries.

If you feel the need to hang me out to dry, I will simply move on. I appreciate your hard work and dedication but not so much your attempt to crucify me for the lack of a continued event in January. I understand your need to tell everyone how NC Mer-Mania made you seek therapy and whatnot. But hey, my therapist is both invisible and imaginary, she's a tiny green faerie named Absinthe and she's very good.

I'm sorry my sense of urgency varies from your own... I wish you no harm or ill will but I am doing the best I can with what I have.

[AniaR]

1) we told YOU the Gac couldn't do January, over and over and over again. You didn't communicate with us for months. not a single word. you didn't even read our messages according to FB. you didn't answer emails. SEAN CALLED YOU. you didn't return calls.

"Remember you and venessa unfriended me" yeah, after you made a giant public post about us long after this and threw us under the bus! we'd been contacting you DAILY for months before that. you STILL have the messages. Go READ them.

and WTF is this???


If you feel the need to hang me out to dry, I will simply move on. I appreciate your hard work and dedication but not so much your attempt to crucify me for the lack of a continued event in January. I understand your need to tell everyone how NC Mer-Mania made you seek therapy and whatnot. But hey, my therapist is both invisible and imaginary, she's a tiny green faerie named Absinthe and she's very good.

Dan you SCREWED US OVER and continue to do so!! This post right here, you're not telling the truth or at least you haven't even bothered to pay attention to everything that has happened. I'm not crucifying you over mermania, i don't care if there's another mermania. I am HURT because you were supposed to be my friend and took advantage of me and treated me like shit. I have not brought up "going to therapy" over mermania and I do not tell it to everyone, my mom died right after it and I landed in a tabloid for trying to protect your event. yeah, I went to therapy. How can you even throw that in my face?


I'm sorry my sense of urgency varies from your own.

YOU WENT MONTHS WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR TEAM IN THE SLIGHTEST THAT'S NOT URGENCY THAT IS DOWN RIGHT DISRESPECT.

[AniaR]

I am literally so shocked and heart broken at the gaslighting going on here. Why can't you just be accountable and tell the truth? You ignored your team for months, You werent present. You put us in a no win situation. you're blaming the gac instead of taking responsibility for your actions. It's downright cruel Dan. You continue to let us take the fall for your decisions and choices. You could put a stop to so much drama and you don't.

For both mermania's, women did the majority of the work. I understand why Shannon had the meltdown she did after the first one. It doesn't excuse it, but I understand it. Because she had the weight of the entire community on her shoulders and all that expectation and you constantly disappeared. and you got all the credit and still do!

[MerWrangler Sean]

I think the issue here is that the staff of the last event were cut out without any notice and since this is a community event, and they are members of that community they feel like they were mistreated after working so hard to make something special. They have also maintained the burden of defending the event long after other people went incommunicado.

The last place everyone stood was choosing a pool, and then radio silence. That is still the case.

How are the next generation of people planning this event going to know this won't happen to them?
All it took was a quick moment, "I still want to do this, I'm stuck, can you help us find a pool? Or change the date?" That did not happen.

I'm not sure you understand the current situation Dan, you're alienating people with longstanding ties in the community because they are trying to hold you accountable for your actions. If you want to build an event, you need to stand behind your crew 100%. Of course they are going to be upset when they don't hear from you when your voice is needed. This is not a Crucifixion, they are asking you honestly why you aren't communicating or backing them up.

A good leader should never put his crew in a position where he takes from them.
They are already giving everything they can.

[PhaylennMurúch]

being held accountable for your action/inaction is not being crucified.

Though if you're using alcohol, especially Absinthe, as a form of therapy then I think you may need to step back from the community and focus on your alcoholism. Not for the mermaid community but for your wife, children and yourself.

[Starfrit]

https://viralviralvideos.com/wp-content/uploads/GIF/2014/08/GIF-bored-Brad-Pitt-meh-Seven-skeptical-Unimpressed-unsure-whatever-GIF.gif

My favorite part is where Dan decides to go crawl off to some island of delusion for the last year+ and bury his head in the sand to hang his crew to dry over his fuckups for 8+ months, and then thinks he has the balls to come out here, blatantly gaslight them and try to act like it's the people holding him accountable for his bullshit who are the bad guys.

Fuck off, Dan.

[Mermaid Kane]

Wait.... This Dan... is THE Dan? I knew there was a Dan that owned MM, but I didn't realize it was THIS Dan. Why is he active on here, but wouldn't reply to you guys...?

[BlueCorvidae]

Oh boy, I sure can't wait to go to Mermaid Dashcon 2018.

[Starfrit]

Oh boy, I sure can't wait to go to Mermaid Dashcon 2018.

That's an insult to Dashcon. At least Dashcon's organizer accomplished more than Dan did.

[AniaR]

Wait.... This Dan... is THE Dan? I knew there was a Dan that owned MM, but I didn't realize it was THIS Dan. Why is he active on here, but wouldn't reply to you guys...?

exactly.

[Slim]

Yeah, I waited for news from the GAC, when they said January was tight. I asked for dates and waited. February, March, April, and May I waited. As for whatever information you sent me, remember you and Venessa unfriended me on Facebook. I am still friends with Chris and Veronica, so I am still speaking with them. There are loads of mermaids in the Raleigh area, so no worries.

If you feel the need to hang me out to dry, I will simply move on. I appreciate your hard work and dedication but not so much your attempt to crucify me for the lack of a continued event in January. I understand your need to tell everyone how NC Mer-Mania made you seek therapy and whatnot. But hey, my therapist is both invisible and imaginary, she's a tiny green faerie named Absinthe and she's very good.

I'm sorry my sense of urgency varies from your own... I wish you no harm or ill will but I am doing the best I can with what I have.

You obviously know how to post in the Mernetwork. So they unfriend you....that the reason you couldn’t update us here all those months? I’m sorry that I see hurt feelings but seriously, you ignored us here and blamed them as the reason of unfriending. Could I please ask for an excuse that feels honest? The finger pointing now seems like a sign for the next mermania. [emoji853]


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[Starfrit]

Also, bear in mind that the "I didn't respond to any of their messages because they unfriended me on Facebook" is complete and utter bullshit.

If you had someone on your friend list and there had been IMs between you, they'll still appear even if they message you after you've been unfriended. There is literally no reason he wouldn't have seen/read/responded to those messages unless he was actively avoiding them. The only time FB doesn't show instant messages is if you've never have contact with the person before, or if one party has blocked the other. He has no excuse.

[Ransom]

Could I please ask for an excuse that feels honest? The finger pointing now seems like a sign for the next mermania.

MerMania as a convention failed a long time ago. The very fact that these things are being shared in public (on a thread labelled the official one and visible to everybody) confirms that.

Its size and success over 2 editions belied a huge leadership problem -- all this thread is now doing is communicating that. Even if nothing further were posted, I don't see them working together again for the foreseeable future.

[Mermaid Mystery]

Oh boy, I sure can't wait to go to Mermaid Dashcon 2018.

oh boy i can't wait for that extra hour in the ball pit


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[Tom Cardwell]

Mermania is a 16 yr old dog in misery.
Please do the honorable thing and put it to sleep.

[Ransom]

oh boy i can't wait for that extra hour in the ball pit


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkDashcon is an appropriate worst case. At least mermania is falling apart here and not at the con itself.

Let's try and take away the right lessons from this so it doesn't need to happen again.

[AniaR]

To clarify, Dan didn't reply to us for nearly 6 months *before* we unfriended him. After we unfriended him he did finally message us but never read *any* of the messages we'd been sending for months.

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[shimmygoddess]

Communication is SO important. You cannot ignore the team while trying to plan an event. That would not go over well in someones day job, it would get their ass fired. If you don't know what to say, then you at least acknowledge them with a "I am not sure, but will get back to you" or a " hey I got your message, but cannot respond now, will message you later". But that only works if you actually follow through.
So:
1. Communication
2. Acknowledgment
3. Following through/following up.

Dan, if Raina and Venessa deleted and blocked you it was only after they tried for months to get in contact with you. You were in charge after all, it was your responsibility to make sure things were getting done. If you didn't hear from them, then lets say you should have taken the initiative to message them for info. At some point, they were frustrated, gave you an ultimatum, you didn't respond, so they were out. I don't understand how this is their fault, to be honest. The whole thing is really sad. The next problem is when someone won't own up and admit when they are wrong or made a mistake. Which I see all the time. Often people choose to ignore them and hope it will blow over. NOT!
#4. Admit you were wrong or at fault. Own up and apologize. Don't expect to be forgiven.

(General statement, not geared towards anyone) And a big one: LOYALTY!!. The lack of loyalty in the mer community is unbelievable. People only seem to care about you when you agree or have a people they hate in common. There is no loyalty. I see people now friends with people they were bitching about and now they are bitching about you. It is hard to trust anyone but you have to use your own judgement and distance yourself from the ones that are stressing you out.

Lying is another biggie. I don't understand why some cannot just move on. Half of this shit has nothing to do with them directly yet they dredge up old stuff to make someone look bad.

If you know someone if lying you need to confront. Mers are spreading lies all around, yet their friends do not speak up. why? Especially if the lies have already been proven as lies. Unbelievable.

People, just move the fuck on and do epic shit of your own and stop focusing on everyone else!

[PearlieMae]

Brava, Shimmy! Well said! :clap:

[AniaR]

Thanks Shimmy. People are STILL going on claiming I threw "shade" at Naja (a very good friend of mine) and wouldn't let her sponsor mermania. WHY WOULD I TURN AWAY FREE MONEY. Naja has already addressed this and even fired the person who kept trying to speak on her behalf and they STILL keep saying it!

Dan, YOU didn't answer the emails. Why can't you just tell that to Eric so he stops making insane videos about me claiming it was me??
I'VE EVEN POSTED PROOF 3 MONTHS AGO for God's sake, how can people just totally ignore ACTUAL EVIDENCE in favour of the "lets hate Raina train" like seriously.

You could stop that Dan. You could admit you dropped the ball and we had no access to the email at the time. It all went to you.

Eric used to make his videos to stand up for truth but now he can be bought and sold to the highest bidder.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGjzkxMqssc

Once again, proof Dan didn't reply to Naja, and I did everything I could TO reply to her once things started happening.

And SERIOUSLY. Why do you guys think there's no mermania because we didn't take money from Naja?
It's like you're all just taking tantrums that we wont work for free with a guy who does nothing, and rather than address the real issues here, just taking a tantrum cuz no one is running a con for you. it's disgusting.

So many people don't want to take this on because they see how much work Venessa and I put in, and how much we've been shit on. You want another con folks? Shitting on the people who worked their ass off to make one for you is not the way to do it.

[Mermaid Kane]

How can people just totally ignore ACTUAL EVIDENCE in favour of the "lets hate Raina train" like seriously.

People: ''OMG!!! A person who has been extremely helpful and supportive of the community! GET HER!!''

Me: ''....'' *slams head on desk*

[Ransom]

So many people don't want to take this on because they see how much work Venessa and I put in, and how much we've been shit on. You want another con folks? Shitting on the people who worked their ass off to make one for you is not the way to do it.

Amen. Let's see them try to host their own -- Dan's poor leadership has given the haters an opportunity to show us how to do it right.

So far, we're not impressed.

[AniaR]

So many of the haters have already tried and failed. It's nuts.

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[TybeeMermaid]

So many of the haters have already tried and failed. It's nuts.

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Wow, I knew you guys got a lot of hate for no reason but this is ridiculous! I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this!

[MermaidBrandie]

I was interested in going to mermainia for the first time this year but I think I'll take a pass on anything with Dan's name on it. Super excited to see what else crops up though!

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[Yeka]

Wow. I was also interested in attending, but I think I'll take a hard pass.

Having run a convention in a different fandom, I cannot believe that the organizer had such a lack of communication. Also, super unprofessional to say what you did to Raina (a staff member) a public forum. Your staff is your back bone. If you don't treat them well, you're going to have a bad time.

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[Hadrea_Narwhal]

I haven't seen this big if a con implosion since AniZona.

They don't exist anymore because they kept treating guests and staff like crap.

They also used staff as scapegoats when their poor management left most of their staff with their hands tied waiting on the con chair to make a damn decision.

This is not how you run any kind of con. Especially one so tailored as this.



First Tail Progress: Materials decided, saving begins

[Tom Cardwell]

I haven't seen this big if a con implosion since AniZona.

They don't exist anymore because they kept treating guests and staff like crap.

They also used staff as scapegoats when their poor management left most of their staff with their hands tied waiting on the con chair to make a damn decision.

This is not how you run any kind of con. Especially one so tailored as this.



First Tail Progress: Materials decided, saving beginsThing is, it's like a professional sports team splitting up after winning a championship. Everything went great in spit of itself and the fan are asking why because they see the potential for multiple championships.

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[Hadrea_Narwhal]

I don't really get sports, sorry.

But I've been working /volunteering at conventions for more than a decade.

I recognize what's going on from the posts here. I've been in the same exact position as those who were volunteering and are being made into scapegoats.

To answer your why: Poor management and ego.

First Tail Progress: Materials decided, saving begins

[MerGreg]

Ania, I am SO sorry. You and Venessa did such amazing work last year - but even if it was only mediocre, you certainly wouldn't deserve what you've been put through.

Last year is a wonderful memory, and I guess that's all I got.

[Ransom]

In Singapore we have ADEX, the Asian Dive Expo. They specifically have a track for merfolk -- perhaps it'd be easier to partner with an established show rather than build one from scratch.

[Carolina Mermaid]

Good lord, I've been gone for a few years and all this is going down. What did I miss? Dan's became an ass and people are throwing shade at Rania and now there's not going to be a convention. This is crazy. I'm sorry you're going through this Rania, you're to good of a person for getting all this hate!

[PhaylennMurúch]

Good lord, I've been gone for a few years and all this is going down. What did I miss? Dan's became an ass and people are throwing shade at Rania and now there's not going to be a convention. This is crazy. I'm sorry you're going through this Rania, you're to good of a person for getting all this hate!

it's been going down for a while now, since last Mermania. At the moment Dan is avoiding the apology he promised Raina and Venessa by posting EVERYWHERE with stupid jokes, fish pictures and talk about that damn island. he can do everything in the world except take responsibility for his failure

[Carolina Mermaid]

That's unreal.

[Merman Dan]

Dan is avoiding the apology he promised Raina and Venessa by posting EVERYWHERE with stupid jokes, fish pictures and talk about that damn island.

One side keeps the other side going. ;)
I did post a lengthy explanation and apology on FB.

[AbbyOfGailous]

Exciting! Does a mermaid at heart like myself have to have a tail to attend? I'm hoping to have one by then but times are hard, lol.

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i recommend wish for a cheap tail if you’re normal sized. I’m plus size so I ordered one for my sister through there. Just make sure to check the materials, finfun occasionally has tails on there cheap.

[MeliPixie]

Thanks for the reply! Actually I would personally never buy a tail off of Wish. Wish is loaded with lots of ripoff tail makers with some very unsafe monofins, and often the companies selling tails on there will steal designs from other tailmakers. It's all very sketchy. Since posting this question, I've actually bought a monofin and fabric to make my own tail! Perhaps I'll bring it if MerMania opens up again. [emoji170]
i recommend wish for a cheap tail if you’re normal sized. I’m plus size so I ordered one for my sister through there. Just make sure to check the materials, finfun occasionally has tails on there cheap.

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[krysyoyo]

Okay, so I just skimmed through these last couple of pages, but I'm still a little confused on what exactly happened? Something about the owner of the convention ignoring the staff..?

I'm real sorry, it's a bit hard for me to understand what's going on since I'm still very new to this community. So if somebody could please gimme a quick overview on what's going on, I'd greatly appreciate it ;;

Thank you so much!!

[MerGreg]

So if somebody could please gimme a quick overview on what's going on, I'd greatly appreciate it ;;

Thank you so much!!

First of all, Welcome!

Secondly, you're probably a LOT happier not knowing... :)

Long story short: One guy started the event, two other women started doing all the detail work and really busted their humps to make everything happen, and the guy who had the legal ownership of it just stopped returning their emails and phone calls for MONTHS until the whole thing died.

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Oh boy, I sure can't wait to go to Mermaid Dashcon 2018.

Maybe we'll get an extra hour in the ball pit!