WIZARD FIRES TWO SENIOR WIZARD WORLD STAFFERS

**MattBrady** · 08-14-2006, 02:42 PM

Less than a week after their Wizard World: Chicago convention, which the company touted as the most successful Chicago event to date, the Wizard Entertainment Group has fired two of their senior convention staffers – including long-time company employee Stewart Morales. A familiar face to industry insiders and convention goers, Morales was Director of Sales of Wizard’s magazine operations until July of 2005, when he was named Director/Strategic Planning and Marketing for Wizard Conventions, Inc, the title he held until his termination.

Also let go last week was Gabe Fieramosco, Manager of Business Development for Wizard Conventions, Inc., whose responsibilities reportedly included talent acquisition and relations, including the management of the convention’s “Artist Alley”.

Confirming Morales and Fieramosco were “no longer with the company”, though not confirming the “terms or reasons of their departure”, Wizard Entertainment’s Associate Publisher Rob Felton told Newsarama their departures are “completely unrelated” to this month’s Wizard World: Chicago event, despite coming just a few days after completion of the con.

”It’s normal business cycle stuff,” said Felton. “Nothing to do what happened in Chicago and we had a great show there.”

Early last week Wizard reported the convention “exceeded attendance expectations”, and drew a record 58k attendees, a claim met with some skepticism from exhibitors and attendees.

Felton could not comment on whom would be assuming Morales and Fieramosco’s responsibilities on their convention staff.

These firings come on the heels of the lay-offs of seven employees from various offices across Wizard’s publishing holdings in late May, including editors of various magazine publications like Inquest and Anime Insider. According to a source close to the situation, the employees terminated were told the last employees hired were the first being let go and that their lay-offs were based on “revenue issues”.

Speaking for Wizard, Felton told Newsarama those lay-offs were “completely unrelated” to this past week’s changes to their convention staff and were part of a, “restructuring on the publishing side of our business.”

”Normal, mid-year, business cycle kind of thing,” Felton described. “No evidence of weakness on anyone’s behalf. We’re actually looking to bring some more people in a variety of different positions. So you know, you just move jobs around. We’re a company with a lot of moving parts, sometimes you need more people in this area, or less in different parts of the company.”

Those lay-offs came just a few months after the Wizard Entertainment Group’s upper management went through a structural change, with Jim Silver being named Publisher, and Felton - the previous VP of Business Development - assuming his Associate Publisher role.

Despite Chicago’s reported record attendance, and Felton’s statement that Morales and Fieramosco’s departure were unrelated to the show, the last twelve months have been a turbulent time Wizard’s convention business. Wizard announced it attracted 8,800 attendees to an inaugural New England show in Boston last fall but a second scheduled show for 2006 was eventually cancelled, although Wizard maintained it was not due to attendance but the cost of putting on a con in Boston.

The company also took a public relations hit last summer when Wizard staffers informed exhibitors at 2005’s San Diego Comic-Con Wizard was launching an Atlanta show for early summer 2006, scheduled on the same weekend as long-time Charlotte, North Carolina show Heroes Con.

Wizard came under intense criticism and scrutiny by industry websites, blogs, and fans for the scheduling, and many members of the creative community threw their support behind Heroes Con and encouraged fans and their fellow creators to do likewise. After initially refuting they had finalized a schedule for the same weekend, and then according to Heroes Con organizer Shelton Drum, offering him incentives to move the dates of his show, Wizard eventually canceled the 2006 Atlanta show and announced it would launch in 2007, although no firm ’07 date has been announced by the company.

Asked if he could confirm a date of a 2007 show, Felton told Newsarama he had no comment on this subject as this time.

Whatever the reason for this week’s firings, Wizard is under increasing scrutiny by industry insiders regarding the performance of their conventions.

Several exhibitors at this past year’s Wizard conventions as well as regular convention goers who declined to speak for the record have expressed skepticism that the shows actually drew the attendance figures Wizard has subsequently announced, based not only on observation of comparative indicators like lines to enter the halls, and the number of exhibitors and fans on the con floors, but also revenue generated by exhibitors compared to historical figures.

Wizard World: Chicago’s floorplan has also been a matter of some scrutiny from some long-time Wizard World exhibitors, due to various issues regarding the placement of the booths of some relatively new exhibitors.

Look for more details regarding this story when they are available.

Aquajacket · 08-14-2006, 03:03 PM

Good grief. Given Wizard's propensity for putting forth propoganda over news in the magazine, I shouldn't be surprised that they do their best "Baghdad Bob" imitation when it comes to stories about company issues.

Toythinker · 08-14-2006, 03:10 PM

Y'know, I was at Wizard World - Chicago and it didn't seem like the attendance was anything spectacular. And "Artist Alley" didn't have the star power draw as it has had in the past few years. The panel discussions from DC and Marvel didn't have that same "punch" either.

I've heard from folks across the US how diluted the Wizard World shows were becoming. From an outsiders perspective, it appears a HUGE revamp is in order to keep things fresh and afloat.

Bird Flu Man · 08-14-2006, 03:13 PM

Why's Rob Felton wasting his time with Wizard? This guy has a future as a Presidential Press Secretary. He's developed quite a knack for question evasion and his propaganda-mongering skills are impeccable.

jaredgood1 · 08-14-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquajacket

Good grief. Given Wizard's propensity for putting forth propoganda over news in the magazine, I shouldn't be surprised that they do their best "Baghdad Bob" imitation when it comes to stories about company issues.

Tell me about it. That's why I dropped both Wizard and Toyfare, the news just wasn't there anymore. Plus, I could find the news that Wizard did report that much faster on the Net. Oddly enough, I've basically done the same thing with all forms of news.

lancer_man · 08-14-2006, 03:20 PM

When Paul Jenkins asks for ice water and he is given cold tap water heads will roll.

Bill_Nolan · 08-14-2006, 03:45 PM

Awesome! I'm sorry a couple of guys lost their jobs, but if that's what it takes to kick up the guest list/artist alley presense of actual interesting pros, I'm all for it. Wizard (and all shows) really need to adopt some type of two-tier system to allow sufficient AA space for actual pros. Too many times the really small press local guys buy up all the space well before the deadlines, leaving no room for people fans actually want to see.

They have to do something to entice out-of-towners to travel to these shows. The guest lists just haven't been worth the travel expenses.

- Bill

defjoe · 08-14-2006, 03:46 PM

Wizard is a paid advertsiment rag now. It's so obviuos with all their 10 page "sneak previews" etc. What gave the magazine identity is gone now, like the Casting Call and Drawing tips, etc.

As far as their convention tour goes, they had a good hold on the market for a bit and it is obviuos that they wanted to squeeze everyone else out. But now there is backlash from the fans and the pros alike (look at the Heros con debacle which Wizard got their asses handed to them).

Did they not see this happening? Seems like they sat on their laurels with the attitude of "Hey they will come regardless". However they forgot comics fans are bitches, always have been and always will be.

I was in AA at WW chicago and I can tell you there was NO WAY it was that busy there... not record breaking busy.

It is a shame to see Gabe go, he is a great guy and I wish him the best.

JackM3 · 08-14-2006, 03:50 PM

Anyone else find it odd that with all the flack Wizard received with the Heroes Con debacle, they backpedaled, and then scheduled Wizard World Philadelphia 2007 for the same exact weekend as Heroes Convention 2007?

Kolimar · 08-14-2006, 03:51 PM

Hmmmmmm...

kingofcities · 08-14-2006, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defjoe

However they forgot comics fans are bitches, always have been and always will be.

Wow, way to entice people to try your indy book you're trying to promote.

Bird Flu Man · 08-14-2006, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill_Nolan

Too many times the really small press local guys buy up all the space well before the deadlines, leaving no room for people fans actually want to see.

So I'm guessing you didn't opt to get a sketch of Pamela "Cry" Tepes from Knightshift Entertainment's Joe Fauvel?

blazerkohl · 08-14-2006, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill_Nolan

Awesome! I'm sorry a couple of guys lost their jobs, but if that's what it takes to kick up the guest list/artist alley presense of actual interesting pros, I'm all for it. Wizard (and all shows) really need to adopt some type of two-tier system to allow sufficient AA space for actual pros. Too many times the really small press local guys buy up all the space well before the deadlines, leaving no room for people fans actually want to see.

They have to do something to entice out-of-towners to travel to these shows. The guest lists just haven't been worth the travel expenses.

- Bill

Wizard is known to offer artist alley tables for free to toplist creators as a way to draw attention. "Smal press local guys" do not push other creators from getting those tables.

And what about "actual pros" who have artist alley tables and then don't show up or only show up for a day or two.

It's up to the exhibitors and small press (artist alley and small press are two different things at the con) companies to bring in the big guns. They can afford to. And since Artist Alley at Chicago is at the other end of the hall, if you don't want to go down there, you don't have to.

Not to mention that there were two or three whole rows of extra artist alley tables that were empty. It's not about top tier vs the little guy. There are some con attendees who don't even go to the big names. Instead they see what else is out there which is usually found in artist alley.

Nothing really to do with the Chicago con which I thought was great this year, just an observation. I surely wouldn't want Pittsburgh or Heroes or Baltimore to only have "the pros". It's because they have a wide variety that those shows will always be better than Wizard shows.

Mark Cardwell · 08-14-2006, 04:11 PM

"Just days after announcing record attendance at this month's Wizard World: Chicago con, Wizard has fired 2 of its senior con staffers, Newsarama has learned... "

By reading CBR's LYING IN THE GUTTERS...

**MattBrady** · 08-14-2006, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Cardwell

"Just days after announcing record attendance at this month's Wizard World: Chicago con, Wizard has fired 2 of its senior con staffers, Newsarama has learned... "

By reading CBR's LYING IN THE GUTTERS...

No, not at all. This story was completed and posted before Lying in the Gutters went up today. As was, I believe, a story which appeared on The Beat, just click the link so you can go and make some false accusations there as well that involve creative time-keeping.

And thanks for your input.

MattB

cactusmaac · 08-14-2006, 04:16 PM

The internet's probably cut into their magazine sales, and Shamus needs money for his MMA league, so heads hat to roll somewhere. Looks like the expansion in conventioning hasn't gone as well as expected.

cncoyle · 08-14-2006, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Cardwell

"Just days after announcing record attendance at this month's Wizard World: Chicago con, Wizard has fired 2 of its senior con staffers, Newsarama has learned... "

By reading CBR's LYING IN THE GUTTERS...

Mark, this article beat LitG by a few hours. Otherwise, we'd have that scoundrel Rich posting, "For an earlier version of this article..." LOL, that gives me an idea...

MattB, here you go:

For a later version of this article, go here.

defjoe · 08-14-2006, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingofcities

Wow, way to entice people to try your indy book you're trying to promote.

I mean it with the best of love of course.

But they have a right to be that way. Comic fans are VERY demanding, Wizard should know this.

that's my point.

poisn*iv · 08-14-2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill_Nolan

Awesome! I'm sorry a couple of guys lost their jobs, but if that's what it takes to kick up the guest list/artist alley presense of actual interesting pros, I'm all for it. Wizard (and all shows) really need to adopt some type of two-tier system to allow sufficient AA space for actual pros. Too many times the really small press local guys buy up all the space well before the deadlines, leaving no room for people fans actually want to see.

They have to do something to entice out-of-towners to travel to these shows. The guest lists just haven't been worth the travel expenses.

- Bill

It was no employee's fault the guest list was low on A-list talent. The date of the show was too close to San Diego Comic Con; and few artists want to kill themselves trying to get to both. Next year the dates were due to be closer, and Wizard has backed off a little in response to pros and dealers saying they won't do Chicago immediately after San Diego. It's too exhausting, and many of these artists have deadlines to attend to.

jasonm · 08-14-2006, 04:31 PM

WWChicago was the frist con I ever attended years back. I loved that con and still greatly enjoy it. All I really want is for the con to be great again, a better floor plan condusive to actual convention-length foot traffic, and perhaps no giant ring with speakers blaring endlessly about something that appealed to few people (based on how most of the time it was easy to get by that area, since not many stood around watching).

Over all, it's getting to the point that I just have to agree with the perception that artist alley is being squeezed out. It's $300 a table with a floorplan that gives no reason why people would move to artist alley. Ok, maybe they do want to push it out, but then there's nothing to replace it! Small press booths are equally rediculously priced and with dwindling attendance I wonder how many made back what they spent and even the retailers I spoke with were hurting for money this year.

Maybe I'm wrong and attendance was up, but where ever that attendance was hiding, it wasn't in artist alley or much of the small press area.

The biggest complaint I heard was simply that it was too close to comic con. I spoke with at least three mainstays of wwc that say they won't be back next year, it just wasn't worth the race from one end of the country to the other for them.

dchart1 · 08-14-2006, 04:35 PM

I dropped WIZARD last year. I was sick of the same old jokes recycled. Also the quality of the writing has gone down considerably over the years. Maybe instead of hyping themselves, they should write about what they are supposed to be about: COMICS!

Del Gorky · 08-14-2006, 04:38 PM

I truly think Wizard has not been worth reading for at least three or four years. So to that extent who reallly cares what happens at Wizard.

I havve dealt with Morales multiple times over the years and found him to be a corporate shill and everything is fine the way it is type of guy. Except he always wanted retailers to order more Wizard of course.

He and by extension Wizard were always seemingly willing to listen to criticism and suggestions regarding why their publication continued to lose readers but never and I mean never made any real changes and continued on their pursuit of a completely empty magazine with little or no content. No wonder there have to be layoffs and cutbacks.I hope he finds a position that makes him happy because he was always civil and seemed to be a decent enough guy.

Personally, I welcome more comic cons in the Southeast region since right now Heroes Con is the only major one. But I really can't support buying Wizard. Why would I buy Wizard at six bucks a pop when I could be actual comics instead.

This website basically serves as Wizard online anyway which is both a compliment and a criticism.

Darren J. Gendron · 08-14-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackM3

Anyone else find it odd that with all the flack Wizard received with the Heroes Con debacle, they backpedaled, and then scheduled Wizard World Philadelphia 2007 for the same exact weekend as Heroes Convention 2007?

Yeah, this is a problem brewing on the horizon for me. Also, the week and a half gap between SDCC and WWC being repeated in 2007 (though it's not as bad as having the rumored half week gap for 2007).
I wonder if it's too late for some of those dates to change and things to actually improve for Wizard World?

Here's the short list of needed improvements:
1 - Do not give a free or discounted booth to side projects owned by Shamus. Instead, put your own personal booths in the worst possible spot.
2 - Do not schedule your conventions against popular, longer-running cons (Otakon this year, Heroes next year).
3 - Do not demand "no booth babes" for conventions, then staff your "Wizard World Tour" booth with booth babes.
4 - Keep the comics with the comics, and the gaming with the gaming.
5 - Understand that the gaming areas and the autograph areas are places that people will seek out. They don't need to be front and center.
6 - Get a good guest list. Make sure said guests are part of the entire convention. Kevin Smith showing up for one or two panels doesn't count as an official guest. Kevin Smith locked in a booth so we may poke him with a stick at any time during the convention - that counts as a guest.
7 - Lower the ticket prices. While a $150 ticket or $1,000 ticket is nice and profitable for your short term, it takes money away from the exibitors and makes it less likely for us to make the cash. In turn, it makes us less likely to want to do your shows. In the long term, this is really, really bad.
8 - Up your manga showing. I mean, damn.

tdhartist · 08-14-2006, 04:44 PM

Let me jump in here...

Having been in Wizard's Artist Alley since Wizard Philly 04 and also giving my "How to Draw Star Wars Characters" Panel at all of their shows since last November's Wizard World Texas, I can say that Chicago was one of my better shows next to San Diego Comic Con. Gabe and the staff have been nothing but accomidating and helpful at every level. I'm small potatoes compared to some guys, but they always treated me like I was Jim Lee or Alex Ross.

It's a real shame that some people who don't know better feel the need to jump all over Gabe and the gang for what they did. Which was put on a decent show. If there's anyone to blame for poor attendance, it's NOT Gabe or Wizard, it's the fans who decided not to show up.

jasonm · 08-14-2006, 04:47 PM

I quit wizard years ago because I wanted more variety. Seeing the best of Marvel and DC is great, but I don't want a whole mag of it. I'd rather be introduced to new and different books. I'd rather see what role comics are playing in the world and I'd love to see articles discussing the mechanics of art and writing and inking. What it means to artists and what it means to fans. I want more meat on them bones in other words. Yes, I can get that all on the web, but I can't take the web everywhere I go. A magazine is just so convenient.

So, if they try to branch out in those other areas, someone let me know! But hey, IF they did have record attendance this year, and IF the mag is doing as well proportionately as comics in general are (IE, not as good as 90's, but still doing strong comparatively) then I say steady as she goes! Record attendance means the fans have spoken, they want less of artist alley, they want blaring spike tv and wrestling booths, and they want a magazine that functions as a preview/mouthpiece for Marvel/DC - more power to 'em then!

However, if sales are not as good as reported, then it would only be in Wizards best interests to repair what worked in the past and try changing OTHER things to grow the audience. Change the flow of traffic so there is something on the other side of AA to draw attention, Lower the costs of AA booths and small press booths or offer some form of discount or something to reflect the actual attendance and the needs of AA atendees to make a living too. Get bigger names to present interesting panels that may be relavant to the industry.

who knows, I'm not saying I'm right or wrong, just making suggestions based on my observations.