Volunteering: Gofer FAQ

Gofer FAQ

If you have a question that isn't listed here, please contact us via the Otakon contact form. and we'll reply via e-mail as soon as possible.

General Questions

If I come to the Friday morning Gofer Call, am I guaranteed a gofer spot?

NO! As much as we'd like to take everyone who's willing to gofer, the harsh reality is that we don't have the budget. Each gofer costs a certain amount of money, and as a not-for-profit organization, Otakon has to watch every dollar.

As a point of reference, in the past 2 years, we haven't turned down a single gofer (who made the required restrictions). Unfortunately, we can't guarantee that very year.

How early should I get in line at the Friday morning Gofer Call?

In the past, most gofers who arrived an hour early rarely missed out on becoming a gofer. Please keep in mind that this is NOT a guarantee but we will take as many people as we are able.

Understand, the Sharp Street Lobby won't open until 8:20 am, so you'll be waiting outside from whatever time you show up until 8:20 am.

Can I pre-register as a gofer?

Take me to the Otakon 2008 Gofer Registration Form!

When is gofer orientation? What is gofer orientation?

Gofer orientation takes place on Thursday evening (for gofers who are pre-registered) and Friday morning. There, gofers will be introduced to the various staff and section heads and the Do's and Don'ts of gofering, as well as other information. Gofer orientation is very important; it covers everything a gofer needs to know before volunteering . . . and it's mandatory. Food and drink will be available.

I heard there's a Bulletin Board on the internet that Gofers use to get information and get to know each other. Is this True? And how do I find it?

Yes. The Otakon Web Boards replaced the old BBS. If you're not a member, sign up and then send a private message to MattTheMinion requesting access to the restricted gofer areas.

Will I get as many hours as I want?

Absolutely!! Otakon Gofers Operations Staff guarantees you WILL get as many hours as you ask for. If you sign up for 18 hours...you WILL get 18 hours. Our only requests are that you work the hours you sign up for and you schedule yourself time for a break. Don't request 15 hours if you can only work 12.

If you want to ADD more hours...hey thanks a lot. We appreciate the dedication and 9 out of 10 times, you'll get your extra hours. We've also been able to re-schedule those who missed hours...for the most part. We do suggest if you want to switch hours to find another gofer with the hours you want and see if they want to swap. We can't guarantee swapping, extra hours, and re-scheduling but we'll try.

The solution? Simple, sign up for the hours you want at orientation, then show up for all your shifts. Easy, huh?

Can I work in costume?

That depends. Are you dressed as a gundam (or any other giant robo) with a 6 foot laser rifle? This question has been asked so so many times when the answer is so simple. Yes, you can work in costume...as long as that costume does NOT interfere with the job you're supposed to perform.

The only thing you are required to wear while working (other than some form of clothing) is you GOFER Badge. We recommend you don't wear a costume but the choice is yours. Just understand that if your costume interferes with your duties, we'll ask you to change.

What is the difference between a TCG and a regular gofer?

TCGs do not make their own scheduling. Otakon Gofer-Ops staff makes their schedule for them. TCGs work 8 hour shifts at a time. TCGs are also provided with crash space and a special one-of-a-kind TCG t-shirt.

What is a TCG?

A TCG is a Totally Committed Gofer (a.k.a. the Gofer Elite). For those of you who want to go to the highest level of the Gofer Corps, here are the requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age (by time of the con)
• Be an experienced Otakon gofer (Gofered for Otakon between 2000-2005)
• Pre-registered for Otakon 2008
• Be approved by Gofer Ops staff and me

Here's what's expected of every TCG:

• Since setup is ever so important, we need all TCGs to work on Thursday . . . but you will get credit so no worries.
• Work at least 20 hours
• Work two 8 hour shifts if necessary (this is rare and breaks are provided)
• Work wherever you are assigned (TCGs don't get to pick their hours but we do take suggestions)
• Be willing to work when off shift if needed (Unlikely but possible)

If you're interested in becoming a TCG, but don't qualify, the best route is to act like a TCG at Otakon 2008. We'll notice.

Incentive Questions

About the room reimbursement: how does that work exactly?

Here's a checklist:

• (Optional) Get together other gofers to share your room. Keep in mind that only four gofers will be reimbursed per room per night.
• Book/pay for your room. Be sure to take advantage of the Otakon discounts.
• Work the required hours as a gofer to earn the room reimbursement perk.
• On Sunday, sign out as a gofer and get your worksheet approved by staff.
• Provide Gofer Ops with your hotel room receipt WITH YOUR NAME listed and fill out the short form we give you.

Must MY name be on the hotel room receipt?

YES!!! We will only reimburse gofers who are named specifically on the hotel receipt. If you're not the person paying for the room, you can still get your name listed. Hotels prefer having the names of all room occupants. Just make sure at the time of booking that the hotel will list you name. Don't find out too late!

Worst case scenario...the person the room registered for the room can verify your occupancy with a signed statement.

If you do NOT have your name listed on the hotel receipt (either via the hotel of the registered occupant), then you WILL NOT get a reimbursement...sorry.

Can I get the check made out to someone else?

Yes. In fact this year Gofer Ops will implement a short form for hotel reimbursements so you can provide us with all the info we need including who to make the check out to, where to send it, etc.

Can you help me get roommates?

Well we can try. The Otakon Web Boards have a section for those who are looking for roommates as well as those who need them.

Anything Else?

How can I get more information on gofering?

If you have any specific questions, we highly recommend that you visit The Otakon Web Boards. There is a special section on the board specifically for questions about gofering. Or you can contact Gofer Ops through the Otakon contact form.