Well, while I am quite happy to see my studio on the names of those who potentially got in, (I stress potentially, *knocks on wood*), reading this entire thread did make it almost bitter sweet.
I have never been to Otakon, due to the fact that I can't afford to drive/fly out that far, but I have friends who have attended, (and who are still attending, even this year), and have spoken highly on how big this contest is, particularly in popularity. It baffles the mind as to why they would begin treating such an event, which is almost as popular as the masquerade or concerts going on, as some have stated before, so poorly. Granted, it is likely they don't understand what is required to run a decent showing, but it's as if they aren't even
trying. Especially with the repetitive use of 'Please' in that last statement.
And then I read this:
VicBond007 wrote:Sorry about those of you who didn't get in. There were some really good gems that just couldn't make the cut. Too bad Otakorp thinks Ramen Fighter Miki is more important than you.
Seriously?

I couldn't even get past the first episode. Then again, others may enjoy this type of comedy, but that's beside the point. It is clear what is truly running the show. "Can't have capitalism without capital!

" As sad as it is, and even if this is a convention for fans, it is no surprise that they would cater to the ones who have the money. It's basically, 'Amv contest=giving money for awards and prizes' vs. 'Getting paid by companies to show their wares', (unless I'm getting Otakon's business practices completely backwards, to which I apologize and have yet to see any reason as to why they are doing what they are doing, other than being power-hungry higher ups who like holding their events/events they like over everything else).
While I support written disappointment of these practices, I don't think writing anything now will get anything done except inform that the public knows what they're doing and potentially blame the people running the AMV contest for leaking said information, (ie. rewrite saying it was 'lies and slander!', which could be debated back and forth with written confirmation, but it's a full circle of problems and headaches). Now, granted, some might be okay with this, but my honest opinion would be to wait and actually write saying how you disliked how the AMV contest was set up comparatively to years prior, (A/V sync problems, color problems, etc., etc....), not blaming the AMV contest itself, but the rooms and set up they were obviously forced to have. Indirectly hitting them where it hurts, so to speak.
Just my two-cents.

I appreciate you sticking to your guns, though, Vic, and I hope this gets settled much better in the future.
EDIT: Also, congrats to everyone as well! Hope all goes well out there, despite all the hoopla.