It’s a safe bet that the explosion of independent artists as of late doesn’t help the situation one bit, if the size of the 2009 AWA Artist’s Alley is any indication of just how many folks are out there and eager to set up their own table.

Either way, it’s good to know this situation is only for this year’s MomoCon. Given how much the convention seems to have changed leading up to this year’s convention, it’s all been quite a shock, even if a good number of these changes are necessary steps for the convention’s survival.

Also, thanks for swinging by and commenting; I was worried that the post may’ve been too harsh, but I was much more worried about whether or not this was going to become an ongoing issue with the convention I’ve grown to love.

I understand concerns about the outdoor Bazaar, but the intent was to ensure that all the artists that you mention that did not get into the main con spaces actually have the opportunity, albeit inconvenient, to participate (free of charge). Please don’t misconstrue this as an attempt to mistreat our artists, as they are a high priority for us. We are simply trying to provide what space we can.

The cap and donation system is helping us secure a new location, with attached hotel and significantly more space, in 2011 (this is as of now unconfirmed, but is most certainly in the works), to accommodate more attendees, dealers and artists in coming years, so the situation with the Bazaar and limited space will only last one year.

I very much appreciate voicing concerns and suggestions that you have made in many situations, I just wanted you to know that MomoCon staff fights for as much space as we can get, and artists are certainly not being ignored.