Comic Book Resources

Will the real Comic-Con Twitter feed please stand up?

Twitter users looking to find official information on July’s Comic-Con International in San Diego may be a little confused.

First, there’s @Comic_Con, the official Twitter feed that’s run by the organization. But there’s also another feed, @SD_Comic_Con, that appears to be run by someone with the convention as well. David Glanzer, director of marketing and public relations for Comic-Con International, says the second one isn’t legitimate.

“It appears some of this information may have been gathered from our committee and board meetings,” he said. “The problem here is multifold. First of all, that site ISN'T official. The person running that site ISN'T an employee and the information given is speculative at best."

Glanzer said this could lead to problems for the con, as the leaked information could effect their relationships with potential guests.

"There may be things that will come to pass, however, some of the information is just random thoughts that have been expressed at meetings for which no official dialogue has been established," Glanzer said. "Confirming guests and events that we haven't confirmed may actually have the opposite effect. To 'leak' info can jeopardize relationships we have with the individuals and companies who may have planned to attend the show."

The unofficial account uses a CCI logo, and the details of the account are:

Name: San Diego Comic Con
Location: San Diego Convention Center
Bio: A San Diego Comic Con expert makes the twitter that the Con should make!

At the time of this interview, Glanzer said they've contacted the individual asked him to remove their logo and any information that said he was affiliated with Comic-Con. "Unfortunately he has not responded," he said.

According to the Twitter Terms of Service, users "must not abuse, harass, threaten, impersonate or intimidate other Twitter users." Twitter is also beta-testing a "Verified Account" feature that would tell other users that an account is legit. "We're working to establish authenticity with people who deal with impersonation or identity confusion on a regular basis," the site reads.

As for their official Twitter account, Glanzer said they plan to use it more to communicate about the convention.

"We really haven't posted a lot on the feed because, well, we're all pretty swamped at the moment," he said. "But we're moving toward trying to make the site something of a clearinghouse for information. It's still a process, however."