# Andon's Response

From Gary E.Smith.

Dear consumers and industry personnel alike:

In response to what I have only heard rumor of through the net (I have yet to read any of the messages), I offer you the following . . .

It appears that misinformation surrounding the CCG events at Origins '96 is in abundance. What I offer you here are the facts surrounding the Collectible Card Games section of Origins '96, and the process used to determine the changing of locations of some events.

FACT: Not a single event was relocated by WotC staff. All relocation's were the result of decisions made by Andon staff in attempts to solve over-crowding problems. The over crowding was caused by ALL events selling better than anticipated, not just WotC events.

FACT: Andon was unprepared for having to relocate events. We failed to handle the relocation's smoothly, especially in the area of notifying the players and organizers (the major area). We admit this failure and pledge to do everything possible to have systems in place to avoid it from happening again.

FACT: Andon's failure was compounded by the WotC staff and volunteers (especially volunteers) who misinformed people as to the status of relocated tournaments. The spread of this misinformation was with little malice, but there was also no regard for the truth, or attempt to find the truth. This behavior is unacceptable, and appropriate action is being taken with WotC staffers. The staff of Andon Unlimited is just as upset about this as you.

FACT: Events were relocated based solely on the size of the event and the ability to accommodate the event as best as possible in the areas we had to work with. NO special consideration was given to ANY company.

FACT: The reason for the problems stemmed directly from our desire to satisfy our consumers. As events sold out we worked very hard to increase their maximums and therefore taking care of our consumers demand. Being successful in this led directly to a shortage of space, and the forced relocation of events. Impromptu events were supposed to be at the bottom of the list for table space, I know I gave that order personally. In the chaos, I can't be sure what happened or didn't happen.

FACT: Several major WotC events were moved along with many events from other companies. The first event moved was a WotC event (Grand Melee 8:30am, Thursday). One large WotC event was even moved to the FLOOR in a part of the convention center we hadn't even rented. No consideration other than logistics was applied to the moving of events. As should be obvious, public relations concerns didn't even factor into what was a logical course of action for Andon.

FACT: It was our desire to avoid a PR problem that created this problem. We were told by many manufacturers (I'm sure some of whom are now unhappy) that giving WotC their own room would be BAD for public image. So we didn't give WotC their own room. WotC's events were extremely popular and ate space causing EVERYONE problems. Had we created a non-WotC area for events, the space problems would not have happened to the smaller companies, but instead, this letter would be addressing the post show PR problems of separating out the non-WotC events.

FACT: Andon supports EVERY manufacturer to the same extent that they support Origins. WotC was a large part of the show because WotC asked to be a large part of the show and provided support for Origins. They organized their events, mailed (at their cost) to their players and provided staff on-site to run their events. ANY company or individual who asks to be a part of the show is treated the same. Andon has taken care of all special requests from event organizers to the best of our ability (ask Slag-Blah how their last minute party was arranged for, and at no charge for the space from Andon).

FACT: Origins is about the ENTIRE industry. GAMA has placed their trust in me and my integrity to lead Origins into the future. A future that holds opportunity for EVERYONE and one in which Origins supports every manufacturer, every game, and highlights popular games regardless of manufacturer. ANYONE who thinks that I work for WotC, and not the industry, is ignorant of the facts and should talk to any member of GAMA or those that I regularly infuriate at WotC. Wizards of the Coast owns the material possessions of Andon, and suffers/enjoys any of Andon's losses/profits . . . they do not own our souls. Our souls belong to us and GAMA.

FACT: I stand behind every word I ever write or speak. We will solve the scheduling problems of 1996, and 1997 will be an even better show (as will 1998 and beyond). If you want to test this theory (and I hope you do), talk to us now about how Andon can serve your company's and consumer's needs in 1997. We are listening, we do care and we are the only convention where you will be treated with respect and an honest desire on the part of the convention management to take care of your needs.

FACT: I deeply regret the need for this letter, and offer my most sincere apologies for the events that led up to it. The situation was created out of the best of intentions and hardest of work to avoid problems. Please don't let our success in attracting players to events be remembered as a negative.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Smith
Origins '96 Convention Manager

I welcome all email to: AndonGES@AOL.com.

Last modified: August 1, 1996;