Concerning today's tragic events at the Boston Marathon

Larcen Tyler · Post by **Larcen Tyler** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 12:07 am

All I can say is what happened was a horrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected by what happened.

As for Anime Boston, it should still go on. Yes, I can appreciate there being more security and inspections, but it's definitely worth it. I wouldn't miss this for anything, and by attending is proof that we can overcome any adversity in our life. The convention isn't for another month, so we have plenty of time to prepare. After all, Anime Boston is a time to be happy and to have fun!

Zenoah · Post by **Zenoah** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 12:55 am

Would love it if people could attend this: https://www.facebook.com/events/4809033 ... 301980358/

Sakura-chan · Post by **Sakura-chan** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:22 am

Shinden wrote:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaki ... _mall.html <I wouldn't say he was acting out of order, and pretty much everyone at this con will be "carrying suspicious objects" in one way or another.

All I am saying is this isn't going to go well, based on concrete evidence and previous events. and as a previous victim of police harassment and profiling, I'm inclined to think that way and reserve every right to have concern. And I am NOT going to thank someone for having a profession just because I'm pressured into it by societal influence and expectations. That's not a mark of a free or open society.

EDIT: and to imply that someone with an autism-spectrum disorder shouldn't be treated on a different level by security and police is incredibly ignorant.

...As I said, they have every right to inspect someone if they believe that they are acting out of order or are carrying something suspicious. In that second photo, it really does resemble a type of weapon in a bag, and someone who was observing from far away could have easily mistaken it for such. Sure, the guy was heavily inconvenienced, but sometimes stuff like that happens. I doubt you would be complaining if he indeed did have a gun on his person.

And, sure, you're free to not thank the people who continuously work hard every day to make sure that you and your community are safe, but that doesn't mean you're edgy, brave, or correct in doing so. In addition, I never said anything about people with ASDs not needing to be treated differently. They most certainly have needs that need to be addressed in a situation in which they make become suspect of something. You made it sound like the police were automatically going to start profiling people who are attending the convention. There have been plenty of instances where police or EMTs have been called to conventions that I have been at (usually due to medical emergencies), and, as far as I saw, the con-goers were treated with the same respect that any person not in a costume would be treated. I was once personally escorted by a police officer to my hotel after I had been sexually harassed and stalked at a convention when I was 16 (and yes, I was in a strange costume then too.) My point is that I don't think we're going to be treated any differently because of the bombings at the Marathon. To be honest, I would expect more "profiling" from regular people on the street.

LegendaryBroli · Post by **LegendaryBroli** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 7:00 am

I think AB should continue I mean if boston comic con is going to continue this weekend, and AB is month away I really think they should continue with the con. Maybe you have a blood drive at the con to help the victims

RapaxGuardian · Post by **RapaxGuardian** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 10:41 am

LegendaryBroli wrote:I think AB should continue I mean if boston comic con is going to continue this weekend, and AB is month away I really think they should continue with the con. Maybe you have a blood drive at the con to help the victims

I've been wanting to donate blood for a while! Now seems like the perfect time, especially since I'm a universal donor, however, a blood drive at a convention is a recipe for disaster. A lot of people already don't eat enough or sleep enough at conventions, so add the lightheadedness from donating blood and it just will not end well!

Maydog · Post by **Maydog** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 10:52 am

My family and I are from New York and we are deeply saddened by the recent incident that occurred at the Boston Marathon. We have been attending Anime Boston for the past couple of years and this is largely due to the hospitality we always receive from the people of Boston when we visit. I would like everyone in Boston to know that we stand UNITED with all the people in Boston. Our family will now adjust our plan and come to visit Boston earlier than we originally thought we would, so we may spend as much money as possible in every eatery and every retail shop that we can. We will do the same at the convention by supporting the dealers and artists who will attend. Thank you for always making us feel special and welcome evey time we visit.

Post by **Aidan2** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 10:53 am

RapaxGuardian wrote: I've been wanting to donate blood for a while! Now seems like the perfect time, especially since I'm a universal donor, however, a blood drive at a convention is a recipe for disaster. A lot of people already don't eat enough or sleep enough at conventions, so add the lightheadedness from donating blood and it just will not end well!

We have partnered with the Red Cross to run a Blood Drive for several years now, they come fully prepared and interview everyone before they donate and we provide space for people to have a rest area that the Red Cross also cross monitors for recovery, Just like if you donated at a blood bank. if the Blood Bank of the Red Cross does anything it is to guarantee the safety of both the donated blood as well as the donor both before, during and after the donation.

RapaxGuardian · Post by **RapaxGuardian** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:21 am

Aidan2 wrote:
RapaxGuardian wrote: I've been wanting to donate blood for a while! Now seems like the perfect time, especially since I'm a universal donor, however, a blood drive at a convention is a recipe for disaster. A lot of people already don't eat enough or sleep enough at conventions, so add the lightheadedness from donating blood and it just will not end well!
We have partnered with the Red Cross to run a Blood Drive for several years now, they come fully prepared and interview everyone before they donate and we provide space for people to have a rest area that the Red Cross also cross monitors for recovery, Just like if you donated at a blood bank. if the Blood Bank of the Red Cross does anything it is to guarantee the safety of both the donated blood as well as the donor both before, during and after the donation.

Oh, I didn't know that! Actually, now that I think about it, I believe my mom donated at our first AB. Okay, I feel silly now

Thank you for clearing that up!!

coolforever · Post by **coolforever** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 12:35 pm

I am still shocked and saddened over what happened 2 days ago. I think that the con should have a moment of silence at both the open and closing ceremonies to reflect on the tragedy that happened at the marathon to remember those that were gravely affected by this incident.

Post by **lordshamus** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:37 pm

Hey guys,

I wanted to take a moment to thank the scores of Anime Boston attendees who have expressed their concern over the past few days in light of Monday's tragic attack on the finest city on the planet. I want you to know that Anime Boston Security is doing more than ever this year to make sure you can all have the safe, awesome time you're used to. We're working closely with the MCCA and the Boston Police Department to come up with tons of new safety and security procedures to help ensure that this year's AB is the safest con in the country. Some of these new policies you will see, and some will take place behind the scenes, but rest assured that they are all in place for your benefit. We have contracted with a nonprofit organization of dedicated first aid and emergency preparedness specialists who understand our culture. And most significantly, we are doing our utmost to make sure that with all this renewed focus on security, we don't make you feel like you're attending a convention in an airport terminal, with people scanning your nooks and crannies and getting frisked every twelve feet. I promise that we won't forget why you all come to the convention. It's time to strike a balance between vigilance and normalcy; the cowards behind these attacks want us to feel that we can't go about our daily routines and do the things we love while still feeling safe. Your Anime Boston Staff is going to be working twice as hard this year to make sure you don't have to worry about it. I hope you will all still come to AB this year. Sometimes the best way to flip off people who want to destroy your lifestyle is by continuing to live it proudly. Anime fans are some of the most community-oriented people in the world, and AB is like our family reunion. I don't want any of our nerdy relatives to feel like it's not safe to come!

If anybody has any specific concerns or questions, I want you to know that you are always welcome to contact me, either with a PM or via email at security@animeboston.com. And of course, at the con itself, if there is ever anything we can do to make your con a better or safer experience, please stop by and see us at Security HQ.

And try to stay positive. The world is an awesome place, and shittiness is apparent only because it stands in such stark contrast to the awesomeness that makes up so much of life. I'm sure most of you have read Patton Oswalt's response to Monday's attack, but if you haven't, take a few minutes and do so. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patton-os ... 88337.html

See you in a few weeks!

Shinden · Post by **Shinden** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 3:34 pm

lordshamus wrote:Hey guys,

I wanted to take a moment to thank the scores of Anime Boston attendees who have expressed their concern over the past few days in light of Monday's tragic attack on the finest city on the planet. I want you to know that Anime Boston Security is doing more than ever this year to make sure you can all have the safe, awesome time you're used to. We're working closely with the MCCA and the Boston Police Department to come up with tons of new safety and security procedures to help ensure that this year's AB is the safest con in the country. Some of these new policies you will see, and some will take place behind the scenes, but rest assured that they are all in place for your benefit. We have contracted with a nonprofit organization of dedicated first aid and emergency preparedness specialists who understand our culture. And most significantly, we are doing our utmost to make sure that with all this renewed focus on security, we don't make you feel like you're attending a convention in an airport terminal, with people scanning your nooks and crannies and getting frisked every twelve feet. I promise that we won't forget why you all come to the convention. It's time to strike a balance between vigilance and normalcy; the cowards behind these attacks want us to feel that we can't go about our daily routines and do the things we love while still feeling safe. Your Anime Boston Staff is going to be working twice as hard this year to make sure you don't have to worry about it. I hope you will all still come to AB this year. Sometimes the best way to flip off people who want to destroy your lifestyle is by continuing to live it proudly. Anime fans are some of the most community-oriented people in the world, and AB is like our family reunion. I don't want any of our nerdy relatives to feel like it's not safe to come!

If anybody has any specific concerns or questions, I want you to know that you are always welcome to contact me, either with a PM or via email at security@animeboston.com. And of course, at the con itself, if there is ever anything we can do to make your con a better or safer experience, please stop by and see us at Security HQ.

And try to stay positive. The world is an awesome place, and shittiness is apparent only because it stands in such stark contrast to the awesomeness that makes up so much of life. I'm sure most of you have read Patton Oswalt's response to Monday's attack, but if you haven't, take a few minutes and do so. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patton-os ... 88337.html

See you in a few weeks!

Thank you for all of your work, I feel a lot better about this now.

LegendaryBroli · Post by **LegendaryBroli** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 4:42 pm

lordshamus wrote:Hey guys,

I wanted to take a moment to thank the scores of Anime Boston attendees who have expressed their concern over the past few days in light of Monday's tragic attack on the finest city on the planet. I want you to know that Anime Boston Security is doing more than ever this year to make sure you can all have the safe, awesome time you're used to. We're working closely with the MCCA and the Boston Police Department to come up with tons of new safety and security procedures to help ensure that this year's AB is the safest con in the country. Some of these new policies you will see, and some will take place behind the scenes, but rest assured that they are all in place for your benefit. We have contracted with a nonprofit organization of dedicated first aid and emergency preparedness specialists who understand our culture. And most significantly, we are doing our utmost to make sure that with all this renewed focus on security, we don't make you feel like you're attending a convention in an airport terminal, with people scanning your nooks and crannies and getting frisked every twelve feet. I promise that we won't forget why you all come to the convention. It's time to strike a balance between vigilance and normalcy; the cowards behind these attacks want us to feel that we can't go about our daily routines and do the things we love while still feeling safe. Your Anime Boston Staff is going to be working twice as hard this year to make sure you don't have to worry about it. I hope you will all still come to AB this year. Sometimes the best way to flip off people who want to destroy your lifestyle is by continuing to live it proudly. Anime fans are some of the most community-oriented people in the world, and AB is like our family reunion. I don't want any of our nerdy relatives to feel like it's not safe to come!

If anybody has any specific concerns or questions, I want you to know that you are always welcome to contact me, either with a PM or via email at security@animeboston.com. And of course, at the con itself, if there is ever anything we can do to make your con a better or safer experience, please stop by and see us at Security HQ.

And try to stay positive. The world is an awesome place, and shittiness is apparent only because it stands in such stark contrast to the awesomeness that makes up so much of life. I'm sure most of you have read Patton Oswalt's response to Monday's attack, but if you haven't, take a few minutes and do so. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patton-os ... 88337.html

See you in a few weeks!

I gotta say now I feel better about going to AB in May

redseedsprofile · Post by **redseedsprofile** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 6:36 pm

If some jerkass copycat wanted to stir things up, how would AB respond to a threat of terrorism like the ones that shut down the Kuroko's Basketball doujin events in Japan?

skim · Post by **skim** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 6:49 pm

Yikes, I just realized how incredibly close the tragedy took place to the Hynes Convention Center, which is where animeboston will be held.

However, there is still over a month until the convention, and I don't intend to back out of going to the convention.

If anything this year will be the most prepared and defended ceonvention to date.

Post by **Aidan2** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 7:02 pm

redseedsprofile wrote:If some jerkass copycat wanted to stir things up, how would AB respond to a threat of terrorism like the ones that shut down the Kuroko's Basketball doujin events in Japan?

With the full coordination of the MCCA, BPD, BFD, FBI and any other organizations that may respond.

The Staff of Anime Boston are ready, willing and able to put on one of the best conventions we can in the safest environment we can provide. We have some procedures in place to account for some reasonable contingencies, however full responses like what was witnessed during the Attack on monday are best left to those that are trained and professionals.

While there are many qualified first responders among our staff (Police, Fire, EMT, FEMA/MEMA trained Disaster Response members as well as members (Active and Reserves) of our US Armed forces however we, as an organization, are not prepared to build contingencies for such dramatic threats. Anime Boston Is ready and willing to assist in any capacity we can, however the true plan of response to such actions lies with the actual Officials from the designated agency in charge of a given situation, NOT Anime Boston.

We will do our best to provide as Safe an environment as we can and in so doing we do work very closely with BPD and MCCA security, however in the end we are there to assist, just like the Marathon Volunteers that were standing along the course. Our Staff are not safety personell or other First responders, at the end of the day we are just like any of the attendees with the same skill sets and duties as any person faced with responding to such threats and crises.

Mamacass · Post by **Mamacass** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 7:49 pm

I just wanted to post and say that me (and my family) are DEFINATELY going to AB this year. That d*mn "terrorist/s" aren't keeping us from the best party of the year!!

redseedsprofile · Post by **redseedsprofile** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 4:02 am

So the Boston Comic-Con has completely banned all weapon props from the convention, which won't even be allowed in with an approval from security. An AB rep told me they haven't done this yet, but I'm sure it's going to happen, so you guys should make sure you don't waste your time crafting one for your costume.

DrakaDark · Post by **DrakaDark** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:13 am

While the event that happened on Monday was and is still very scary we must remember to not let that deter us from our lives and plans. that's what the boomer(s) would want. I for one will be going to the con. Emails and contact numbers are already being passed around between all my friends, those of us in the same hotel room, etc. If you know someone that nervousness but is still going try to set up a body system between you and all your friends so this person isn't by his or herself. Same if that's how you feel. Once the Panel and Event scheduled is out see what you and any of your friends want to do that's a same and go together.

Also in out own way maybe Anime Boston should try to do something for the Boston Marathon to show our support to all those involved, hurt, etc. Many us are Bostonian, live in Massachusetts or part of the New England states. Even those that are not can still give their support.

We can send out prayers to the people involved in Mondays Booming. You are all in our thoughts and hearts.

Post by **Aidan2** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:16 am

redseedsprofile wrote:So the Boston Comic-Con has completely banned all weapon props from the convention, which won't even be allowed in with an approval from security. An AB rep told me they haven't done this yet, but I'm sure it's going to happen, so you guys should make sure you don't waste your time crafting one for your costume.

You are sure that we are going to ban all props? Really? Because I have not seen one iota of communication from our venues or the BPD asking us or advising us to do so. There has also not been a single thread or conversation at the executive level or even the general staff level mentioning it.

Please don't spread rumors.

Aurabolt · Post by **Aurabolt** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:44 am

It probably doesn't need to be said from me but of course I will be there as planned. I got a panel to run and it ain't gonna run itself!

As someone who calls Boston home folks here have already started getting on with their lives. I was in Copley Square yesterday and the only part still sealed off is the site of the blasts. If the lastest news reports are to be believed the authorities are closing in on the people/persons responsible right now. I look forward to eating dinner at the UNOs on Boylston St.

redseedsprofile · Post by **redseedsprofile** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 6:35 pm

Aidan2 wrote:Please don't spread rumors.

I wasn't spreading rumors. It just seems extremely likely that some official is going to request a "no guns or swords" policy for this year, even if they haven't yet, to ensure the public feels safe and to prevent false alarms in light of the climate following a terrorist attack. We already mentioned that katana umbrella that someone thought was a rifle.

Not saying it's going to happen, but the Boston Comic-Con has already set a precedent.

YouTube · Post by **basharoftheages** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 7:28 pm

Quick! We gotta break out those Ben Franklin cosplays before it's too late.

RapaxGuardian · Post by **RapaxGuardian** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 7:29 pm

BasharOfTheAges wrote:Quick! We gotta break out those Ben Franklin cosplays before it's too late.

Someone had to mention that sooner or later!

Shinden · Post by **Shinden** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:49 pm

redseedsprofile wrote:
Aidan2 wrote:Please don't spread rumors.
I wasn't spreading rumors. It just seems extremely likely that some official is going to request a "no guns or swords" policy for this year, even if they haven't yet, to ensure the public feels safe and to prevent false alarms in light of the climate following a terrorist attack. We already mentioned that katana umbrella that someone thought was a rifle.

Not saying it's going to happen, but the Boston Comic-Con has already set a precedent.

It pretty clearly says at the bottom of their website that they are doing it "Out of respect for the tragic events that have recently transpired".

Being so close in proximity, as well as being at such a time, I can see why they would do this to avoid walking around with prop weapons so close to (what I assume to be still) an active crime scene, and seems to be a decision made by BCC, not forced on them by anyone else.

Raistlin · Post by **Raistlin** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 1:47 pm

My friends and I wont be letting this horrible even stop us from having a good time! We're still greatly looking forward to heading to Boston and we encourage everyone to find courage to overcome this, to come out, and have fun with us! We are so looking forward to seeing all the costumes and friendly faces. It's one of the only times we can really be ourselves without the fear of judgement. That's what us con-goers are all about. Acceptance regardless. We're all in it together, and together we can beat this!

<3

animedeathwolf · Post by **animedeathwolf** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 2:14 pm

My family will be coming to Boston for animeboston..I cant wait

dokuhacker · Post by **dokuhacker** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 4:42 pm

animedeathwolf wrote:My family will be coming to Boston for animeboston..I cant wait

I hope your family has a safe trip and that you all enjoy the con!

kaiser11492 · Post by **kaiser11492** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 4:43 pm

If anyone hasn't heard, the authorities have two suspects for the bombings. The suspects are two Chechen brothers, one of whom is already dead. At least we can be relieved that authorities have identified the suspected bombers.

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:50 pm

From the Boston Comic Con page:
Due to the unfortunate events that have transpired here in Boston, a lock down has been put into effect until further notice, causing the Hynes Convention Center to suspend all events. As such, The Boston Comic Con will be rescheduled to a date in the not too distant future.

I hope that lock down will not affect AB.

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:56 pm

Shinden wrote:
redseedsprofile wrote:
Aidan2 wrote:Please don't spread rumors.
I wasn't spreading rumors. It just seems extremely likely that some official is going to request a "no guns or swords" policy for this year, even if they haven't yet, to ensure the public feels safe and to prevent false alarms in light of the climate following a terrorist attack. We already mentioned that katana umbrella that someone thought was a rifle.

Not saying it's going to happen, but the Boston Comic-Con has already set a precedent.
It pretty clearly says at the bottom of their website that they are doing it "Out of respect for the tragic events that have recently transpired".

Being so close in proximity, as well as being at such a time, I can see why they would do this to avoid walking around with prop weapons so close to (what I assume to be still) an active crime scene, and seems to be a decision made by BCC, not forced on them by anyone else.

Go read the AB policies page http://animeboston.com/coninfo/conventi ... ies/#props
It was updated on 4/18/13
In short: anything that could at ANY time in it's existence fire a projectile is not allowed.

winterwing3000 · Post by **winterwing3000** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:17 pm

Fetch wrote:
I hope that lock down will not affect AB.

The "shelter in place" order has been lifted in Boston. I certainly hope that peace returns to my hometown now.

Fetch wrote:
Go read the AB policies page http://animeboston.com/coninfo/conventi ... ies/#props
It was updated on 4/18/13
In short: anything that could at ANY time in it's existence fire a projectile is not allowed.

I am pretty sure that the weapons with projectiles rule has been in place for many years already (where the assumption is made that is not operable). It is done for the safety of all convention attendees.

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:28 pm

winterwing3000 wrote:
Fetch wrote:
I hope that lock down will not affect AB.
The "shelter in place" order has been lifted in Boston. I certainly hope that peace returns to my hometown now.

Fetch wrote:
Go read the AB policies page http://animeboston.com/coninfo/conventi ... ies/#props
It was updated on 4/18/13
In short: anything that could at ANY time in it's existence fire a projectile is not allowed.
I am pretty sure that the weapons with projectiles rule has been in place for many years already (where the assumption is made that is not operable). It is done for the safety of all convention attendees.

Yes. But now it is no projectile weapons at all, even if they are non operable. The MCCA is taking no chances.

Heck, before Boston Comic Con got postponed, they sent out an email to the Star Trek group I'm with to leave our phasers at home. THAT is how jittery the MCCA staff is about "firearms" now.

winterwing3000 · Post by **winterwing3000** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:36 pm

Fetch wrote:
winterwing3000 wrote:
Fetch wrote: Yes. But now it is no projectile weapons at all, even if they are non operable. The MCCA is taking no chances.

Heck, before Boston Comic Con got postponed, they sent out an email to the Star Trek group I'm with to leave our phasers at home. THAT is how jittery the MCCA staff is about "firearms" now.

I cannot fault the MCCA for having serious concerns regarding cosplayers bringing potential weapons (especially firearms, in this case), fake or inoperable as they may be. Boston's in a delicate and apprehensive situation right now. So I can only pray that eventually things will return to some semblance of normalcy.

Flemtee · Post by **Flemtee** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 8:59 pm

So that's some pretty positive news that they captured the suspect alive. Hopefully things will start looking up from here on and hopefully they won't need to look for any more people involved.

dokuhacker · Post by **dokuhacker** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:16 pm

Live in the moment, But never let your guard down!

p-chan · Post by **p-chan** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 10:09 pm

They found him! And alive, too!
Yaaaaaaahoooooooo!!

I feel awesome, now.

Genichiro · Post by **Genichiro** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 4:10 am

I won't act like it's over until they've confirmed that there is no one else involved. For now, though, it's great they managed to catch him.

p-chan · Post by **p-chan** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 1:20 pm

The Red Sox are doing such a nice tribute right now.

Ohh, I was thinking!
I was thinking of making a tribute Uma-jirushi that will say "We are Boston Stong: Anime Boston 2013"; and I thought that people (including firefighters, police, EMTs if they want) could sign their initials on it if they want to.

And maybe I was thinking of giving it to Boston City Hall or the State House so they can hang it up somewhere.

But it's all up to the staff to decide if this is okay or not.

LegendaryBroli · Post by **LegendaryBroli** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 2:07 pm

Glad they glad the police has him now boston can move on with their lives. I was slightly worried about going to Boston when the manhunt started

KBoston · Post by **KBoston** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 6:07 pm

p-chan wrote:The Red Sox are doing such a nice tribute right now.

Ohh, I was thinking!
I was thinking of making a tribute Uma-jirushi that will say "We are Boston Stong: Anime Boston 2013"; and I thought that people (including firefighters, police, EMTs if they want) could sign their initials on it if they want to.

And maybe I was thinking of giving it to Boston City Hall or the State House so they can hang it up somewhere.

But it's all up to the staff to decide if this is okay or not.

I think that's a great idea!

Genichiro · Post by **Genichiro** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:57 pm

p-chan wrote:The Red Sox are doing such a nice tribute right now.

Ohh, I was thinking!
I was thinking of making a tribute Uma-jirushi that will say "We are Boston Stong: Anime Boston 2013"; and I thought that people (including firefighters, police, EMTs if they want) could sign their initials on it if they want to.

And maybe I was thinking of giving it to Boston City Hall or the State House so they can hang it up somewhere.

But it's all up to the staff to decide if this is okay or not.

Seconding this as a good idea

Halloween Kitsune · Post by **Halloween Kitsune** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:16 pm

Never once in my mind did I think about not ever coming to AB. Worry and concern for the people living on Boston, of COURSE! My boyfriend's out in Boston, works at the Pru. What I saw of the city this past week makes me feel pretty darn safe to come in May. Heck, I'm MOVING to Boston in September and nothing's stopping that. So I hope to see AB going strong in May.
Even if AB was cancelled I would use my trip out to Boston to pay tribute to those injured and killed in this tragic event. With the suspect caught and hopefully the truth coming out...the city will return to normal. I can't wait to come back to my city, to see it's strength in person.
Hope to see many of you at AB in a month!

Sefam · Post by **Sefam** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 12:52 am

I live in Montreal. This hits pretty close to home and my regards go to the victims of this tragedy. A good acquaintance of mine was participating in this marathon, hopefully, she didn't get hurt. Some people were not so lucky though.

This might come off as fairly insensitive. But I'm afraid that this might make travelling a pain. I'm travelling with some expensive gear (Video equipment) and Homeland Security looooves asking you questions and doing pat-downs. I can't fault them for doing this at this point, but us Canadians don't seem to have any rights when we cross the border, because it's supposedly a privilege to get to see friends and attend cons. I hope it's not too much an issue for the convention itself either, but I'm frankly more worried about customs.

Kasutieru · Post by **Kasutieru** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 2:46 pm

lordshamus wrote:Hey guys,

I wanted to take a moment to thank the scores of Anime Boston attendees who have expressed their concern over the past few days in light of Monday's tragic attack on the finest city on the planet. I want you to know that Anime Boston Security is doing more than ever this year to make sure you can all have the safe, awesome time you're used to. We're working closely with the MCCA and the Boston Police Department to come up with tons of new safety and security procedures to help ensure that this year's AB is the safest con in the country. Some of these new policies you will see, and some will take place behind the scenes, but rest assured that they are all in place for your benefit. We have contracted with a nonprofit organization of dedicated first aid and emergency preparedness specialists who understand our culture. And most significantly, we are doing our utmost to make sure that with all this renewed focus on security, we don't make you feel like you're attending a convention in an airport terminal, with people scanning your nooks and crannies and getting frisked every twelve feet. I promise that we won't forget why you all come to the convention. It's time to strike a balance between vigilance and normalcy; the cowards behind these attacks want us to feel that we can't go about our daily routines and do the things we love while still feeling safe. Your Anime Boston Staff is going to be working twice as hard this year to make sure you don't have to worry about it. I hope you will all still come to AB this year. Sometimes the best way to flip off people who want to destroy your lifestyle is by continuing to live it proudly. Anime fans are some of the most community-oriented people in the world, and AB is like our family reunion. I don't want any of our nerdy relatives to feel like it's not safe to come!

If anybody has any specific concerns or questions, I want you to know that you are always welcome to contact me, either with a PM or via email at security@animeboston.com. And of course, at the con itself, if there is ever anything we can do to make your con a better or safer experience, please stop by and see us at Security HQ.

And try to stay positive. The world is an awesome place, and shittiness is apparent only because it stands in such stark contrast to the awesomeness that makes up so much of life. I'm sure most of you have read Patton Oswalt's response to Monday's attack, but if you haven't, take a few minutes and do so. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patton-os ... 88337.html

See you in a few weeks!

Thank you all so much for doing this for all of us. I feel much more confident and safe knowing we'll have an outstanding group of people running this years AB even though this tragic event took place. And to all the staff, take some time to rest and enjoy yourselves! I'd feel horrible if any of you guys wore yourselves out or got sick from over working even if it is for everyone's protection and safety! I can't wait to attend this year and show how Boston Strong us anime fans are!! Thank you again <3

JupiterAscending16 · Post by **JupiterAscending16** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:48 pm

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those that were affected in the Boston Marathon bombings. Such a sad day for Boston, but we are Boston Strong and we will rise above this and get through this together. This has not stopped me from living my life. My husband and I will be attending AnimeBoston 2013 this year and we are so excited to see everyone! Thank you to the AnimeBoston Staff for all of the hard work they are doing to make this year's convention the best yet!

WE ARE BOSTON STRONG!!!