Real-Time Review: Kajonk-A-Con 2008, Day 1

In the long-standing tradition of Real-Time Convention Reviews (which usually bear no resemblance to an actual review), I present the following for your approval.

This was, I should point out, a very short first day. Considering that I was the only one that went, and I didn’t even take off for it, it’s not very much. Stay tuned, and we’ll post more fun stuff from the convention.

6:30pm. Having finished up work, I pack up a few things, set my GPS for the UT Conference Center, and drive into Knoxville.

7:00pm. I arrive at the UT Conference Center. Traffic is a mess.

7:30pm. I finally make it around to the Locust Street garage, only a block from the UT Conference Center. I fail at directions. Also, one-way streets and Knoxville traffic suck.

7:40pm. I wander around one side of the UT Conference Center perplexed. I look into the glass doors for signs of other people, but see no one.

7:42 pm. I pass two girls, one with a silver wig and the other in something that looks like it might come from a JRPG (I am too focused on the task of finding the convention to pay much attention). One of them comments on my “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” shirt. Signs point to me being in the right place.

7:43pm. After passing by them, it occurs that maybe I should turn around and see where they go. By the time I round the corner, they are gone.

However, I spot a flock of younger girls wearing neko hats being herded away from the other side of the building by a con mom. This must indeed be the place. It is a welcome sight, and makes me await tomorrow even more–for then, all the normals in Knoxville will be terrified by the costumed freaks running around on their streets.

7:45pm. I arrive at the Henley Street side of the building. The doors are open. I wander around the very empty first floor of the building, wondering if I’m in the right place, worried that I’m tresspassing.

7:51pm. After exploring the eerily empty hallways of the office building, I decide to try the doors on the other side of the building, which lead to a different floor. I’m directed up to the 4th floor by one of the cleaning ladies.

7:59pm. I arrive and check in at registration, very late. I check on the Chainsaw Buffet table, but don’t set anything up, as it’s just me and I don’t have the gear with me.

The dealer’s room is closed at this hour. Afro Samurai is being shown in the main panel room, followed by Robotech. I decide to pass and focus my attention on the gaming room.

Were I the Busboy, I would probably embellish my review here by talking of the nail-biting victories and crushing defeats that I suffered there. Truth is, I played a little Rock Band 2 (they had a pretty nice setup there) and Super Smash Bros. Brawl (constant games going on the two systems in the back of the room).

So, that was my amusing and adventurous first day. We’ll see everyone tomorrow at the con, and will also very likely be shooting some video, recording some podcast material, and taking photos for the site.