Stay updated with AnimeChicago

While ACen has convention operations covered, we’ll be reporting the experience itself with attendee interviews, photo galleries and exclusive guest events! How can you stay current?

• Follow AnimeChicago on Twitter and enable device updates to get news as it’s published.
• Check and comment on the live blog, where the tweets will be double-posted and archived for optimized viewing.
• Keep an eye out for our camera crew… footage filmed at the convention will be featured in our recap montage in June!
• Check out the Anime Fandom in Chicagoland panel! I’ll be wrapping things up with Jen of JAPC with a one-hour panel on Sunday morning, 10am in room DaVinci AB. We’ll be discussing the unique problems anime fans in this city encounter, and how we can use existing tools to connect and meet fellow anime and manga fans.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend! See you there!

My fellow co-panelist, Jen of the Japanese Anime People of Chicago, and I discuss how fans interact in this complex city, as well as the benefits of using online platforms and existing resources to build face-to-face communities in Chicagoland. So drop on by to share your love of anime and manga during the open-floor discussion, and receive some free swag! We hope to see you there!

Previous Panels

August 8th, 2009, 8pm: Chicago Comic Con for Anime Central Aftershock
September 19th, 2009 at 2pm: Reactor Convention in Rosemont

Usernames v. Real Names

Over the last ten years, internet users divided their personal life from online identities using self-appointed monikers called usernames. Social networking sites are attempting to reconnect the two by publicizing minor personal data to make more meaningful connections to family, friends and acquaintances. They have also embraced decentralized authentication, allowing members to use the same login credentials on other sites. One of the more popular implementations is known as Facebook Connect. This model allows us to bridge the gap between the WordPress backend AnimeChicago.com runs and the active community maintained on our Facebook Fan Page.

What does this mean for you?

• Get to know your fellow AnimeChicago fans by their FB names!
• Post comments on AnimeChicago.com using your FB profile image and name.
• Update your master password and avatar via the FB interface.
• Curb the number of login credentials you manage.

How does it work?

Anyone who clicks on the “Facebook Connect” button throughout the site will be prompted with a popup asking for their Facebook login. We do NOT keep your Facebook login credentials in our database. We take your privacy seriously, and have chosen a secure implementation developed by Facebook. This system will only store your FB user ID number and then create additional dummy info to properly sync to WordPress. Any existing AnimeChicago users can email jamie@animechicago.com to have their FB ID linked to their AnimeChicago.com account. Facebook will override any existing information stored on our end i.e. if you use a Gravatar or Nickname, you will no longer see it.

Concerns?

Please email jamie@animechicago.com with any questions or bugs pertaining to Facebook Connect. Technology of this nature changes rapidly and Facebook’s Open Graph announcement may change this system in the future. However, networking technology will only help strengthen our local anime community and supersede those impersonal usernames with more meaningful opportunities.

Update: The band is scheduled to play on Sunday, August 8, two acts before Soundgarden.

Finding a Machine

Many players will be restricted to the nearest arcade due to transportation requirements. For those who aren’t, DDRFreak.com has long been considered an authority on machine locations. They track venues, cities, versions, hours of operation, user ratings and even what kind of quality you can expect from the cabinet and software at each location. As of this post, there are 89 documented machines in the state of Illinois, several which are located in the Chicagoland area. Find local arcades by searching for machines near you.

Machine Etiquette

So you’ve picked a trial location and have arrived on the scene. Generally, there are four scenarios you’ll encounter:

1. The machine is empty. Go change in for some tokens, set your items on the side shelves of the cabinet and start a round.
2. The machine is in use. Regardless of skill level, it is never polite to stand on the platform or hold the safety bar while someone is playing. Let said players finish and step away from the machine before you insert tokens.
3. There is a large crowd. This can get tricky… Close-knit communities might reserve their spot with a simple token on either side of the metal bevel just below the screen. More regimented or unfamiliar communities may use IDs. Either way, consult with a bystander to see which order tokens/IDs are lined up and place yours at the end. If you happen to be cut-off regardless of saving your spot, approach the offender and kindly explain you’ve been waiting your turn. Players are generally a respectful lot. If neither methods are implemented and there isn’t an obvious line, ask.
4. The machine is broken. Yes, the possibility exists and we have all been there. What can you do about it? Talk to a supervisor, gently express your disappointment and ask when they expect it to be repaired. Then go try some other games before leaving. It will demonstrate your willingness to spend money at their arcade and potentially influence machine repair priority.

As for actual gameplay, it’s the same as at home.

• If you can’t pass a song, don’t push yourself to injury.
• Feel free to take however long you need to find the appropriate song for your skill level and catch your breath.
• Most venues will tolerate a water bottle.
• Many will not tolerate bare feet or sandals, so wear appropriate footwear.
• Note that if you play heavy-footed, you might get glares as some see this as unnecessary damage to the sensors.
• When the game is complete, take your belongings and wait for your next turn.
• It’s acceptable to chat with others in-line and compliment performance. This is a good way to gain pointers and learn some history about communities that might be established at your arcade.

Quality Machines

All dance game machines tell a story. Before you dump tokens in the chamber, check if the token panel is loose or ajar. This could indicate faulty equipment which may eat tokens, or it could also mean that experienced players who enjoy some minor hacking might have modified this particular machine. The latter coupled with scratch marks and faded plastic where you would find placeholder tokens/IDs might even indicate a regular community of players. Though if the machine is a DDR Extreme or older, this machine may have been located elsewhere during its prime.

Quickly check for loose arrow panel screws and tighten them by hand. If the pads look dusty, try wiping your shoes off on a mat between rounds or use a rag to wipe them down. Many machines are missing the original padding for the safety bars, so pay no mind. If the game skips during song selection or play, be aware that it might give out mid-play due to a scratched disc. Nothing can really be done if the arrows are unresponsive, but it wouldn’t hurt to notify maintenance. If you feel this machine isn’t up to your standards of quality, head to the next trial arcade.

Local Communities

This is has become a tough topic as most stable communities are centralized around a particular machine and meeting time with little or no publicity. For the most part, it really is about who you run into while you’re waiting, so don’t hesitate to strike up conversation if you’re looking to join a group. Other organized clubs that promote online have fallen to the wayside as the dance machine craze loses its luster. Keep an eye on the Chicago Dance Game Meetup Group and the Pump It Up Meetup Group to see if they resurrect. And hey, if you’re the ambitious type, you may want to consider creating a group of your own!

Wrap-Up

Most of what has been covered here can apply to other dance game machines throughout the USA or even the world. We hope this has been an informative primer for those both new and seasoned. Have you experienced different scenarios? Wanna give a shot out to your favorite machine? Please discuss in the comments!