What Was Tumblr Con Called? Get Ready for a Wild Ride!
Ah, Tumblr! A digital wonderland where the weird, the quirky, and the downright delightful collide into a joyous maelstrom of gifs, fan art, and memes galore. In its heyday, Tumblr cultivated a vibrant community of fans and creators who loved to share their passions – from obscure TV shows to wildly popular fandoms. Within this extensive universe, something truly special took shape in the form of a fan convention: DashCon, which was originally known as Tumbl-Con USA. Buckle in; we’re about to dive headfirst into the colorful chaos that was DashCon!
A Quick Overview of DashCon
First, let’s backtrack a little to the summer of 2014. Imagine fans from various corners of the Internet converging in one physical location, eager to celebrate their shared love for creators, characters, and that quirky Tumblr culture. That was the idea behind DashCon! Designed to be the ultimate gathering for Tumblr users, it promised everything from panels and workshops to the delightfully chaotic interaction of fandom communities.
However, nestled under the glimmering promise of fandom fun was a potential storm brewing – and oh boy, did it brew. Instead of just being another convention, DashCon became notorious for the less-than-stellar experience it provided attendees.
What Went Down at DashCon?
When you call your event Tumbl-Con USA and rebrand it to DashCon, you set the bar high. The anticipation was palpable! There was excitement in the air, but as the days drew closer, the wheels started to wobble off the proverbial bus.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
- Location, Location, Location: The convention was held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Illinois. Great choice, right? However, it soon became clear that the event didn’t quite book the extensive space needed for the hype.
- Attendance Troubles: While it was supposed to attract many enthusiastic Tumblr users, the actual turnout turned out to be less than stellar. Attendance numbers were smaller than hoped, leading to a feeling of emptiness in what was meant to be a vibrant and buzzing atmosphere.
- Funding Faux Pas: One of the most bizarre moments came when the event organizers found themselves struggling financially. They made a bold (if somewhat misguided) decision to use crowdfunding live at the event to cover costs. Yes, folks, they opened a fundraising initiative right there in the midst of the event! People were asked to pony up on the spot, which made many attendees feel a tad uncomfortable – cue the collective eye rolls.
- The Ball Pit Incident: Now, if you’re familiar with DashCon at all, you’ve inevitably heard about the infamous *ball pit*. Yes, this colorful kiddie attraction became a literal island of disappointment when the promised “ball pit” turned out to be a glorified kiddie pool filled with a few—barely—plastic balls. It’s as if a dreamland had shrunk overnight into a sad puddle of reality.
Fandoms Gone Wild!
Despite the hiccups, DashCon wasn’t entirely devoid of the spirit and sloppy joy that Tumblr fandoms are known for. Attendees flocked to panels celebrating everything from anime to alternative fandoms, demonstrating once again that the power of community can forge connections in the most unexpected times.
But perhaps the most iconic moment of DashCon was when the attendees met in small groups proudly dominating panels that discussed beloved TV shows, book series, and more. The authenticity of fandom was alive and well, with discussions running the gamut from analytical breakdowns to all-out fan fiction readings.
The Aftermath – A Digital Legend
Are you ready for the twist? Though DashCon left attendees with a mix of wild stories and disappointment, it spiraled into digital folklore—earning its place in Tumblr history. It became a meme-fueled spectacle, with countless posts commemorating the event’s quirky mishaps, the ball pit fiasco, and the funding drama.
Those who did attend wore their experience as a badge of honor, forever sharing tales of “Did I really just spend a weekend in that?” on their blogs. It became a form of community bonding, with users sharing their eccentricities and saying, “Hey, remember that one time at DashCon?”
Let’s be real, DashCon became a phenomenon of its own. The hilariously absurd nature of this convention created a community ecosystem that provided endless opportunities for memes, jokes, and shared heritage. Think of it as the wacky uncle of the convention circuit – pulling outrageous stunts and still managing to endear itself to you in a bizarrely charming way.
Lessons Learned: What Can We Take Away from DashCon?
Okay, folks, let’s wrap this whimsical tale up with some sage wisdom that came from this spectacularly chaotic fan convention:
- Planning is Crucial: Ensure you have your venue secured and your finances in order. You don’t want to be left running around asking your friends to fund your party!
- Communicate with Your Community: Transparency helps! Keeping your attendees informed and engaged will avoid confusion and build a sense of excitement that drips into the event.
- Expect the Unexpected: Fandoms are perfectly unpredictable. They bring out the quirky love we have for storytelling, so don’t let one ball pit mishap ruin the magic!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, DashCon, originally dubbed Tumbl-Con USA, started with a splash—pun intended. And while it left a whirlwind of chaos, meme-worthy mishaps, and testimony to the unpredictable world of convention-planning, it also became a fascinating footnote in the annals of fandom history.
Next time you pour over posts from your favorite creators or dive headfirst into that obscure fandom, remember the wild and wonderful legacy of DashCon. With its admirable spirit of fandom (however bizarre), it proves that amidst the chaos, there lies a deep connection fueled by love, creativity, and, of course, a sprinkle of hilarity!
So whether you missed it or just want to relive the legends, you can’t help but cherish DashCon as a fabulous—and utterly chaotic—celebration of everything that makes our fandom hearts skip a beat.
