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The Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) - Rules, Tips, FAQs
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What is the Virtual Comic Convention?

The Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) is a REAL-TIME Comic Book Convention set over a specified period of time and held in the Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) Expo Center. The idea is to set a time and place for comic book enthusiasts to gather electronically without the normal constraints of attending a comic convention.

Where is the VCC held?

The Virtual Comic Convention is held in the Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) Expo Center located within the Comics Market-Forum Only Selling Area of the CGC Chat Boards.

Who can sell and or buy in the VCC?

Anyone can buy and/or sell in the VCC. As the VCC is currently held on the CGC boards, you must be a registered member (*) of the message board to buy and sell.
*Registration is FREE.

  1. To register as a member, GO HERE
  2. To login as an existing member, GO HERE

What can I sell in the VCC?

You can sell anything that you would find at a normal comic convention (within reason). Books, toys, games, movie posters, original art, whatever. This is the “virtual” equivalent of an old-school comic show.

However, you must follow the rules for selling as set forth by the administrators of this message board and the moderators of the VCC.

The rules for selling on the CGC message boards are as follows:
  1. Books must be CGC or raw only, or items directly related to comics.
  2. It must be an exclusive board-only offer. If the book is offered for sale through another venue (eBay, dealer site, personal web site, etc.) then it should NOT be offered here.
    :news:

    Beginning with VCC XLIII, August 10-11, 2019, Items being offered for sale in the Virtual Comic Convention DO NOT need to be exclusive board offers. In other words, you may offer items for sale in the VCC that you also have listed for sale on other venues (ex. dealer sites, facebook, eBay, etc.) However, please be diligent in editing your VCC booths as regular board rules regarding sales still apply.

     
  3. Links to outside sites for any purpose involving purchasing the offered books are not allowed.
  4. A seller must list specific books with purchase prices. It is acceptable to bulk price, and/or to note that package discounts may be available, but you must list a starting price that you WILL sell for.
  5. List scans or information about the grade of the offered books.
  6. List estimated shipping costs, times, and methods.
  7. List acceptable forms of payment (NOTE: Personal PayPal payment is NOT allowed as a listed option in your post as it is not appropriate for item purchases.)
    Just a note, PayPal is THE preferred method of payment for the VCC. Although sellers may accept whatever forms of payment they choose (except PayPal Personal Payments), it is highly recommended that both sellers and buyers have a viable PayPal account when conducting transactions.
    All sales conducted should be handled exclusively between the individual buyers and sellers. Neither the administrators of the CGC Forums nor those of the VCC shall be held accountable for sales transactions performed before, during, or after the VCC.
  8. A return policy must be stated with any time limits indicated. It is acceptable to say "No time limit" and/or "No returns" and/or have time limits that vary by reason for return (ex. "30 day return for any reason. No time limit returns for "not as described", etc.).
  9. Selling digital codes or digital versions are not allowed.
  10. Raffles are not allowed.
  11. Mystery boxes are not allowed. You must list everything you are selling exactly as the buyer will receive it.
 
The rules specific to the VCC are as follows:
  1. Each seller is allowed one post (or "booth") in the VCC Expo Center. The seller may choose to place that post/booth in any available Hall/Aisle. ONE BOOTH PER SELLER.
    Note: There will be a limit to the number of "booths" allowed per aisle. If that number is exceeded, any booth over that number will be moved to the next available aisle. The current limit is approximately 10 separate booths per aisle
    This restriction will help load times.
  2. Set-up for the VCC begins at 8pm (ET) the Friday before the opening of the VCC on Saturday. Saturday hours for the VCC are 12pm - Midnight (ET) and Sunday hours are 12pm - 10pm (ET). The weekend closing times (between Sat. and Sun.) are "soft" times - booths remain open, but sellers are only asked to answer their booths during the official show times. Sellers can "close" their booths early if they want, but NO PRESHOW SELLING of items in your booth. The time between dealer setup on Friday and the start of the sales on Saturday are for Browsing Only. PMs received prior to the start of the VCC may only be honored 15 minutes after the beginning of the VCC. This gives those who get their PMs in at the beginning of the VCC first priority while still allowing users that cannot attend the opening a chance to buy books that remain unsold. (The reason for this specific rule is to give the VCC the “REAL TIME” “REAL FEEL” experience of an actual, in person, comic convention. The opening, first come, first served feel creates an excitement for both seller and buyer while at the same time allowing those who may not be around at the start of the show a chance to claim items after the first 15 minutes of opening).
  3. All sales must be honored.
  4. Books for sale in the Virtual Comic Convention can ONLY be for sale within the confines of the VCC. No simultaneous listings on eBay, Facebook, or other sales venues are allowed.
    :news:

    Beginning with VCC XLIII, August 10-11, 2019, Items being offered for sale in the Virtual Comic Convention DO NOT need to be exclusive board offers. In other words, you may offer items for sale in the VCC that you also have listed for sale on other venues (ex. dealer sites, facebook, eBay, etc.) However, please be diligent in editing your VCC booths as regular board rules regarding sales still apply.

     
  5. When adding images to your booth, use either a thumbnail (pixel size between 100 and 150 wide) or a link to a book. NO LARGE SCANS.
    Please refrain from posting images more than 6 across in your booth.
    No more than 100 images per booth is allowed.
    If you go over the limit, feel free to open an “overflow” thread (using the New Topic function in the VCC Expo Center) - but no cheating, please. There is no limit to the amount of images that you can place in your overflow thread.
    These rules on images (if followed) will greatly improve load times as well as the ability to accurately view booths on mobile devices.
  6. Purchase requests (and all other communication between buyers and sellers) are to be made only through PMs (Personal Messages). No OFF TOPIC posts are allowed in the Halls/Aisles of the VCC.
    See rule number 11 below
  7. The seller is responsible for updating his/her own booth throughout the VCC. (Booths can be updated throughout the event by sellers, but should only be done within the confines of their own post).
  8. There is Absolutely NO discrimination against whoever wants to post items. Anybody who wants to setup a booth, please do so.
  9. Although it is fine to setup at anytime during the VCC, it is preferred that sellers set up their "booths" ahead of time, so everybody knows who is in the VCC and what you are offering before the show opens.
  10. You can sell anything even remotely comic related. Books, toys, games, movie posters, original art. whatever. This is an old-school comic show.
    (Per the rules of selling as defined by administrators of the CGC message boards, selling of books encapsulated by any third party grading company other than CGC is strictly prohibited. RAW OR CGC BOOKS ONLY.)
  11. Off-topic posts (or any post that does not fall within the rules/restrictions listed above) that is posted within the shared Halls/Aisles of the Virtual Comic Convention Expo Center will be PM'd to hide their post to keep the thread clean. Any such post not hidden in a timely manner will be hidden by moderation.
    DEALER ONLY POSTING IN THE HALLS - - ONE POST PER DEALER IN ANY AVAILABLE HALL OF YOUR CHOOSING - - THIS ONE POST WILL BE CONSIDERED YOUR BOOTH.
    See rule #1 above for booth restrictions.
  12. Sellers do not need to "stay by your computer" the entire time. It would be nice to be there at the beginning of the VCC however to handle the “opening bell” rush. Sellers should, however, be in a position to frequently check their PMs during the “open” hours of the VCC. The “soft” weekend hours (Midnight Sat. - 12pm Sun.) are at the sellers discretion

 

 

Edited by DeadOne
updated hours 2020
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How The VCC Works - A Guide For Dealers and Buyers

There has been some questions as to how the Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) works. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions. If you still have questions or concerns, please, feel free to message the VCC on Facebook or join the VCC Discussion Thread on the CGC Chat Boards.
 
It is important to note that participation in the Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) is absolutely FREE for both dealers and buyers. (The only thing you’ll pay for is cool stuff)

For Dealers:

  • A “dealer” is anyone who chooses to sell during the VCC. Commonly referred to as dealers, sellers, or vendors. 
     
  • The Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) Expo Center is a sub-forum of the Comics Market-Forum Only Selling Area of The CGC Chat Boards.
    The threads, or "Halls/Aisles" located within the VCC Expo Center for the next, or upcoming, VCC are not unlocked until 8pm (ET) the Friday before the Saturday start of the VCC. Once unlocked, dealers may begin setting up for weekend sales.
    (Anyone selling may choose to setup at anytime during the VCC - from 8pm Friday once the Halls unlock right up until Sunday closing at 10pm)
    Each "dealer" is allowed one post (or "booth") in any one of the Halls/Aisles within the Expo Center. This singular post is what is referred to as the “booth”.
    Halls/Aisles are not pre-assigned.

    Note: There will be a limit to the number of "booths" allowed per hall/aisle. If that number is exceeded, the last booth(s) over that number will be moved to the next available Hall. The current limit is 10 booths per hall/aisle
    (Example: The VCC Expo Center will open with several Halls/Aisles available. Dealer X may choose any one of those to setup their booth. If a Hall/Aisle fills up, reaches the pre-set limit of booths, any booth posted after that limit will be moved, by a VCC moderator, to one with available space.)

    Dealers, please make certain you adhere to all rules governing sales threads held on the CGC Chat Boards (Rules #1-11 in the post above)
    Dealers, please follow the booth setup procedures and restrictions outlined partially in the post above (Rule #5)

    These rules on images (if followed), and the limit on booths per aisle will greatly improve load times as well as the ability to accurately view booths on mobile devices.
     
  • All exchanges between dealers and buyers (or potential buyers) should be done through Personal Messages (PMs) ONLY.
    It is very important for the look and feel of the VCC that the Halls of the Expo Center be kept dealer “booth” specific. This helps to avoid the clutter and cross-talk that is frequently found on chat boards. That being said, any post in the actual Halls of the Expo Center, once created, that is not a dealer “booth” will be asked to be hidden or hidden by moderation.
    Dealers, please DO NOT edit your booth by creating a separate post within the Hall. Edit within the confines of your post/booth only. (One post/booth per dealer)
    Remember, any form of communication related to the VCC is always welcome in the Discussion Thread that accompanies every VCC.
     
  • Examples of what an Expo Center (formerly Convention Center) and individual booths looks like (along with anything else from past VCCs) can be found HERE in the VCC Archive
    ***disclaimer - books offered in past convention halls should be considered NOT FOR SALE and are linked for reference purposes only***

For Buyers:

  • A “buyer” is, simply, anyone who is shopping at the VCC.
     
  • The only real rule during the VCC for buyers is to keep all exchanges between the dealer and the buyer through Personal Messages (PMs) ONLY.
    Please, no posts in the Halls/Aisles of the VCC Expo Center that are meant as a message to a particular dealer.
    (Remember, any form of communication related to the VCC is always welcome in the Discussion Thread that accompanies every VCC.)

For Both:

  • To be able to access the Personal Message (PM) function on the CGC Chat Boards, both buyers and dealers must be registered members. Registration is FREE.
     - To register as a new member, click HERE
     - To sign in as an existing member, click HERE
     
  • Although other forms of payment for items are accepted (at the dealers discretion), PayPal is the most widely accepted form of monetary exchange. It is recommended that both buyers and dealers have access to a PayPal account for completing transactions.
    (Reminder - Per CGC Chat Board and VCC Rules, PayPal Personal Payments are NOT allowed)

All sales conducted should be handled exclusively between the individual buyers and sellers. Neither the administrators of the CGC Chat Boards nor those of the VCC shall be held accountable for sales transactions performed before, during, or after the VCC.

 

 

Edited by DeadOne
updated 2020
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How To - Dealer “Booth” Setup
Dealers choosing to setup a “booth” at the Virtual Comic Convention (VCC) need to be certain that they follow the guidelines for selling as established by the VCC and their host, the CGC Chat Boards.

The Basics - What All Dealers Need To Have Stated In Their Booth

  • State an accepted form of Payment (ex. check, money order, PayPal, etc.)
  • State a time frame for when payment is expected after purchase (ex. “payment must be received within 7-days of purchase”, etc.)
  • State a method for shipping and the cost for shipping (ex. “$10.00 shipped in the U.S.A. via USPS Priority Mail”, or “shipping is $5 first class mail”, etc.)
  • State your Return Policy (ex. “Returns accepted for any reason, Buyer pays return shipping charges” or “No returns”, etc.)

What Is Needed To Be Stated For Each Item Listed In A Booth

  • Each Item must be clearly listed by title (ex. Spider-Man #187, or “Adventures of Superman #437”, etc.)
  • Each item must have a defined price for which it would sell (ex. $3,00, or $7.00, etc..)
  • Each item must be accompanied by either a scan/picture of the actual item for sale (no stock photos), a link or a description of condition (or grade).
    (
    Using both a scan/picture and a grade is not only completely acceptable but is much appreciated by buyers and will generate more sales. People love to see what they are buying.)

Image Requirements/Recommendations

  • All Images (pictures an/or scans) must be thumbnail size (between 100-150 pixels in width).
  • No more than 6 images across in any one line within the booth.
  • Maximum of 100 images per booth.

An Example Booth Can Be Seen In The Spoilers Below
Feel free to use this as a template for your own booth  -  For more "How To's", see the next posts below

PLACE BOOTH NAME HERE

PLACE BOOTH DESCRIPTION HERE

  • Place Accepted Method(s) of Payment Here
  • Place Return Policy Here
  • Place Shipping Methods/Payment Expectations Here

PLACE TITLE/CATEGORY OF ITEMS FOR SALE HERE

Generic Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpg

Place Image 1 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 2 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 3 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 4 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 5 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 6 Information Here - Grade - Price

PLACE TITLE/CATEGORY OF ITEMS FOR SALE HERE

Generic Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpgGeneric Image.jpg

Place Image 1 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 2 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 3 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 4 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 5 Information Here - Grade - Price
Place Image 6 Information Here - Grade - Price

  • A "Booth Name" and "A Booth Description" are not mandatory but will help buyers reference your items as well as give them a verbal preview to what you might be offering.
    A description is also helpful to VCC moderators when they create the INDEX OF SELLERS thread that accompanies most VCCs.
     
  • Use the post editing features available on the CGC Chat Boards to add color, change font size, italicize, bold, underline, etc. Have fun and make the booths your own!
 

... and that is all there is to it

Disclaimer - I am certain that there are faster ways of creating a booth. This is simply a basic (tried and tested... albeit slightly time consuming, depending on the size of your booth, way to setup a booth. Allowing yourself enough time and some forethought into what you are trying to accomplish in regards to the look and functionality of your booth is best.
  • As always, any questions can be asked in the VCC Discussion Thread or on the VCC Facebook Page.
  • To practice setting up a booth in advance of the opening of the Halls in the VCC Expo Center, there is an area of the CGC Chat Boards called “Testing 1... 2... 3...” where members are allowed to test out board functionality. Simply create a thread in the “Testing 1... 2... 3...” section, located HERE, and practice your booth setup. This area also allows you to save and edit your booth ahead of time so your not rushed putting it all together the day before the VCC opening.
    For more on How To Copy/Paste Your Test Booth Into Your VCC Booth without having your images revert to their original sizes, see the post below.

    (Just a note - You must be signed into the CGC Chat Boards to access the "Testing 1... 2... 3..." Section)

 

 

Edited by DeadOne
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How To - Insert And Resize An Image Into Your Post
(click images to view in full size)

  • To place a picture or scan into your post, first, make certain that the pic/scan has been saved to your computer
  • In the reply box, select "choose files"

1.JPG

  • A window will appear that will allow you to access the files stored on your device.
  • Go to the appropriate section and locate your stored files (pics/scans) and choose what you wish to upload to the message boards.
  • (Hint:   Multiple files can be selected for upload at the same time. For desktop users, this is accomplished by holding "Ctrl" while selecting files - devices may vary)
  • Choose "OPEN" to begin upload to the message board

2.JPG

  • Once the image is uploaded, it will appear in the "Uploaded Images" box just below the reply section.
  • The image can be inserted into the body of the text by clicking the "+" or "Insert into post" button located on the uploaded image
    (Hint:   Make certain your cursor is in the spot within the post where you want the image to appear. This is important because images may over write one another if cursor placement is not precise)

    3.JPG
  • To resize the upload pic/scan into a thumbnail sized image, double click the inserted pic/scan. A window will appear that offers you various sizing and placement options.
    Change the width to anywhere from 100 to 150 pixels. Make certain the "Keep original aspect ratio" box is checked. Click "Update" and your pic/scan will be thumbnail sized.

    4.JPG
  • Repeat as necessary.

 

PRO TIP - USING THE GALLERY AS A HOST FOR YOUR IMAGES

The Gallery is a section of the CGC Chat Boards designed specifically for members to host and share their images. Located HERE.
If a member has a large amount of images to add to there booth, create a Gallery in one of the appropriate sections to host those images before you begin loading those images into your booth.

To Insert an Image From The Gallery:

First, create a Gallery and upload your images into it. The follow these steps.

  1. In the post you will use for your booth, choose "Insert other media" located at the bottom right of the reply field.
  2. Click the "Insert existing attachment" option.
  3. A window will appear that shows some of your attachments or images. To the right, you will see the option for "Gallery Images". Click this and all of your images from your Gallery will be available.
  4. Click the little "check mark" at the bottom right for each image that you want to insert into your booth post.
  5. When your selections have been made, click the "Insert Selected" option located at the bottom right of the window. The selected images will then be inserted into your booth post and are ready to be resized to between 100-150 pixels wide.
    note - as of now, there is no way to resize images en masse. Each image must be individually resized to thumbnail size

5.JPG   6.JPG

Repeat as necessary.

(Just a note - You must be signed into the CGC Chat Boards to access many of the features in the"Gallery" section)

 

 

Edited by DeadOne
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How To Create A PM Link To Place In Your Booth

Depending on the size of your booth, you might want to place a link allowing potential buyers to send you a Personal Message (PM) . This way, those potential buyers will not have to scroll all the way up to the beginning of your booth to access your profile. It's simple, and a real time saver.

    1. Click on your user name at the top of the page, then click on profile.

Capture 1.JPG

    2. In the address bar at the top, you'll be able to find your individual user number.
       (fyi... your individual user number will be different than the one in the picture below)

Capture 2.JPG

    3. Copy the url below and place your individual user number after the "=" sign in the link posted below.

https://www.cgccomics.com/boards/messenger/compose/?to=

    4. Copy the newly created url and save it for use in step 6 below.

    5. To add the new url to your post (or booth), click on the link function located at the top of your reply field.
        The "link" icon is the one that looks like the link of a fence, just to the right of the box that says "Size"

How to 9.JPG

   6. A new window will appear. Paste the url that you copied earlier into the section under "URL". In the field under "Link Text", add "PM *your
       name* ".

   7. When finished, click the "Insert Into Post" box at the bottom and a link will have been created, within your post/booth, allowing buyers to
       send you a Personal Message. 


How to 10.JPG

Repeat, as necessary, throughout your booth.
(note - you must be signed into your CGC Chat Board account to access the Personal Messenger)

Pro Tip
Once you have created your PM link, you can copy and paste it throughout your booth and still retain it's functionality.
There is no need to repeat the steps 1-6 above for every PM link once you have the original link created.

Pro Tip
You can add an image in front of the PM Link you have created to help make it more noticeable to your potential buyers.
The example I like to use is the flashing envelope    BWR3FXU.gif    (feel free to copy and paste that icon for your own use)


When all put together, the PM LInk will look something like this: BWR3FXU.gif  PM DeadOne

 

 

Edited by DeadOne
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How To Copy/Paste Your Test Booth Into Your VCC Booth

The "Testing 1... 2... 3..." section of the forum is the perfect place to set your booth up ahead of time, copying and pasting this test booth into your actual Virtual Comic Convention booth however can cause all the images that you worked so hard at resizing to the appropriate "thumbnail" size to revert to their original sizes.
This can be off-putting, tiresome, and a real inconvenience. Below is a work-around for copying and pasting that will help.

  1. Go to the post that contains your "test" booth
  2. Click "Edit"
  3. From the edit window highlight anything/everything that you wish to copy
    (if you wish to select the entire booth, right click, then "select all" to highlight everything in the edit window, then copy)
  4. Go to the post that will contain your booth and paste the copied booth into the thread.

If done correctly, everything should remain as it was in your test thread. 

Edited by DeadOne
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