TOPIC: Different Volunteer Tokens

Beertram wrote: As printed, I do not like this, but I would like to hear what the reasoning is behind this.

If the reasoning is that Gen Con volunteers should be rewarded more than volunteers for other cons, then I don't get it. I don't have all the facts, but I have heard many times that there are shortages of volunteers at the newer cons, so offering those volunteers something which appears to be less desirable seems counter-intuitive.

If the reasoning is to have multiple volunteer tokens for those who volunteer at multiple cons, then I am all for it, but not how it is currently written (Gen Con volunteers > volunteers for other cons). Just make the one token the default volunteer token for each con, but allow volunteers for multiple cons the opportunity to exchange the token for the 2nd one if they want.

Makes sense to me and would appreciate having the option.

Matt wrote:

Beertram wrote: As printed, I do not like this, but I would like to hear what the reasoning is behind this.

If the reasoning is that Gen Con volunteers should be rewarded more than volunteers for other cons, then I don't get it. I don't have all the facts, but I have heard many times that there are shortages of volunteers at the newer cons, so offering those volunteers something which appears to be less desirable seems counter-intuitive.

If the reasoning is to have multiple volunteer tokens for those who volunteer at multiple cons, then I am all for it, but not how it is currently written (Gen Con volunteers > volunteers for other cons). Just make the one token the default volunteer token for each con, but allow volunteers for multiple cons the opportunity to exchange the token for the 2nd one if they want.

Makes sense to me and would appreciate having the option.

Dont volunteers already get different rewards at different cons?

A downtown GC hotel costs more than Origins
A 4 day badge has different costs
Different stipends
10 token 10 packs?
Different shift requirements?

I like the idea of offering either to every volunteer every time actually.

My personal thought:

All volunteers should get a set of monster trophies available at that con and the uncommon completion tokens from that con. Full time volunteers should get the rare completion tokens from that con.

Then instead of the current volunteer tokens, print a token like Mythral Coin of Fate but slightly different: Mythral Coin of Hardwork - this token can be transmuted for one current in-print Ultra Rare, or one times the number of points on the star of a transmute token currently in print can be traded in for that transmuted token. Then give a number of these out based on how easy it is to fill volunteer slots at that convention (ie one to all Gen Con volunteers of that con fills easily and 2 to part time/4 to full time at PAX South if it is having trouble filling, this can even be adjusted before the show if still having trouble filling shifts). Standard shipping costs when handling transmuting and potentially add that it cannot be transmuted at any con, only as a mail in. Yes, it adds a shipping cost to volunteers but most will be using the transmute store at some point anyways and even if they don’t the additional cost to them is offset by the greater control of getting what they want.

If you really need “collectibility” of it, add the year on the token as the set symbol or con name in the picture on the coin, without that impacting functionality.

People say that different tokens (comp or vol) at different cons encourages people to go. Realistically, if the reason you’re willing to spend $500-1000 in vacation time plus travel and expenses to go to a con is whether or not you get $20, or even $100 in unique tokens, then the math just doesn’t work for me.

Then what happens when you go because you wanted the Flaming Whatsit and they run out? If that’s why you went you spent all that money for nothing. If it’s not why you went, then why are we doing it?

So honestly, I’d rather it just stop. One set of completion and volunteer tokens, with a PYP or token credit option for repeat volunteers, like Matt suggested. Simpler, less chance of bait-and-switch based complaints, and I doubt it impacts attendance much. People who love TD will likely go regardless, and people who are getting burned out by a growing non-base set (we’re on track for about 30 comp tokens alone next year, plus a dozen vol? And shin guards and fragments and charms and gawds know what else) will have one less thing to complain about.

Don’t worry, we’ll think of something.

Wow a post from Yancey. This must be a hot topic.