I have been slowly recounting my personal experiences in science fiction and fantasy fandom. When we left off I was attending a planning meeting for Conversion 22.
I can sum up the next couple of years thusly.
Enough people quit the convention planning committee that by the end my wife was the president, and I was head of programming. We came to "lend a hand" and we ended up running big parts of the show. We brought in Jeremy Bulloch who portrayed Boba Fett in Star Wars, which was great. Sure, a good portion of his speaking fee came out of my pocket, but it was totally worth it, spending time with him and his wife before the convention.
Overall, however, things did not go exactly as planned and we took a lot of flack. We also got a lot of complaints from certain quarters that we had too much Star Wars content at the event.
What was not made clear to me at the beginning, was that the local premiere Science fiction and Fantasy convention was supposed to be geared towards authors, aspiring authors, and (space permitting) artists who might be interested in doing the cover art for said authors. A fine event, but one that is clearly not Star Wars friendly. One author made it very clear that Star Wars was crap and fans who dress up are overweight, arrested adolescents. Clearly not my crowd.
So I decided to turn my energies back to the local Star Wars fanclub that my wife and I helped start. After a year or so, I noticed an unusual trend. Core members were meeting without me and people stopped coming to lightsaber class. I was eventually informed that my cracking wise about the prequels pissed people off, and my raving about DragonCon pissed people off. My wife and I (among others) were removed from the council and Dragoncon was declared to be NOT Star Wars, and its discussion, verboten.
So in short, I pissed off the SF&F fans for liking Star Wars too much, and I pissed of the Star Wars fans for not liking Star Wars enough.
What did I do then? Watch this space.
Previously on Slashboing:
Showing posts with label SF Conventions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SF Conventions. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Fake San Diego Comic-Con
If you are unable to attend an exciting convention, one can attend vicariously through the internet. Enough attendees twitter, flickr and blog and their experiences to give those at home a good feel for what they are missing. If you want to take a more active role while sitting on your couch (or behind a desk) you can attend the fake version of the convention.
After seeing fakesxsw posts from people who couldn't be at SXSW, I started up fakeSDCC, a stay-at-home shadow-con for San Diego Comic-con. Part convention satire, part larp, people are playing along, pretending their work desk is a guest signing table or posting about their clever memorabilia finds.
Play along on your blog or twitter, if you want, and I'll save you a seat in the Thundercats/Voltron crossover movie panel.
Twitter posts for FakeSDCC
After seeing fakesxsw posts from people who couldn't be at SXSW, I started up fakeSDCC, a stay-at-home shadow-con for San Diego Comic-con. Part convention satire, part larp, people are playing along, pretending their work desk is a guest signing table or posting about their clever memorabilia finds.
Play along on your blog or twitter, if you want, and I'll save you a seat in the Thundercats/Voltron crossover movie panel.
Twitter posts for FakeSDCC
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Thoughts on a convention Hotel
The science fiction convention season is upon us again. Every year I read various tips and guides to see if there is anything I'm missing, or if my convention experience can be improved in any way.
In all my reading I have found that people have a very conflicted relationship with the convention host hotels. We demand everything from them, and begrudge the cost such demands require.Here are some of my tips I have regarding convention hotels.
Make a Budget
Hotel rooms cost money, get over it. I understand that not everyone has the same income, and splitting a room 8 ways, or staying in a cheaper place down the road is unavoidable for some. If that is what it takes to get you there, so be it. However conventions typically get good rates for their members so griping about the price is ultimately pointless and not very classy.
Not getting a hotel room and trying to camp out in the video room or bathroom is really not a responsible option unless you are attending Hobocon. Shitty behaviour like this can ruin a convention's reputation with a hotel.
Room and food costs at the hotel are the biggest portion of a convention budget, even including airfare. Recognize this before the convention and make a budget you can live with. I'm always amazed when people scramble a month before a convention trying to make last minute cash, especially when the event occurs yearly. A little planing will make for a less stressful event. I have a spread sheet for each convention I go to, that basically does this:
Room rate x number of nights / number of people = Room Cost
Food per Diem x number of days = Food Cost
Room Cost + Food Cost + Membership + Spending allowance + Airfare = Total cost
Total Cost / 12 = Amount you need to save per month to afford the convention.
Some numbers are fixed like the room rate and airfare, buy adjusting the food costs and spending allowance I can make the final cost something I can work with. It is easier to save a little every paycheck for a big event than it is to scrounge a bunch of cash together in a month.
Respect the amenities
Anytime you are on vacation, you should treat the hotel as part of the trip. At conventions there are constant panels and parties that are the real reason for attending, making your room not much more than a pit stop for the weekend. However, you will enjoy the experience more, and grouse the cost less, if you take in at least one hotel activity during your stay.
These hotels hire good chefs for their restaurants, so treat yourself to one high-end meal. Or go to the pool, get a massage, or treat yourself room service. Not every day, obviously, but doing one fun "away from home" activity will make your trip more enjoyable. It is a shame to stay in a four star hotel, eating nothing but ichiban out of a coffee pot.
Also, eating at the hotel really helps out the convention. The total cost to the convention organizers is dependant on how many rooms the event fills, and how much food and drink revenue the event generates.
Finally, Remember the rules apply there too
Many treat the convention space as a private compound, where the laws of man and God have no meaning. Destruction of property, public nudity, wielding weapons, non-consensual groping are not appropriate at a convention, or anywhere else. I think this is part of the chaotic neutral world we live in, where each values his own liberty but doesn't strive to protect others' freedom.
In all my reading I have found that people have a very conflicted relationship with the convention host hotels. We demand everything from them, and begrudge the cost such demands require.
Make a Budget
Hotel rooms cost money, get over it. I understand that not everyone has the same income, and splitting a room 8 ways, or staying in a cheaper place down the road is unavoidable for some. If that is what it takes to get you there, so be it. However conventions typically get good rates for their members so griping about the price is ultimately pointless and not very classy.
Not getting a hotel room and trying to camp out in the video room or bathroom is really not a responsible option unless you are attending Hobocon. Shitty behaviour like this can ruin a convention's reputation with a hotel.
Room and food costs at the hotel are the biggest portion of a convention budget, even including airfare. Recognize this before the convention and make a budget you can live with. I'm always amazed when people scramble a month before a convention trying to make last minute cash, especially when the event occurs yearly. A little planing will make for a less stressful event. I have a spread sheet for each convention I go to, that basically does this:
Room rate x number of nights / number of people = Room Cost
Food per Diem x number of days = Food Cost
Room Cost + Food Cost + Membership + Spending allowance + Airfare = Total cost
Total Cost / 12 = Amount you need to save per month to afford the convention.
Some numbers are fixed like the room rate and airfare, buy adjusting the food costs and spending allowance I can make the final cost something I can work with. It is easier to save a little every paycheck for a big event than it is to scrounge a bunch of cash together in a month.
Respect the amenities
Anytime you are on vacation, you should treat the hotel as part of the trip. At conventions there are constant panels and parties that are the real reason for attending, making your room not much more than a pit stop for the weekend. However, you will enjoy the experience more, and grouse the cost less, if you take in at least one hotel activity during your stay.
These hotels hire good chefs for their restaurants, so treat yourself to one high-end meal. Or go to the pool, get a massage, or treat yourself room service. Not every day, obviously, but doing one fun "away from home" activity will make your trip more enjoyable. It is a shame to stay in a four star hotel, eating nothing but ichiban out of a coffee pot.
Also, eating at the hotel really helps out the convention. The total cost to the convention organizers is dependant on how many rooms the event fills, and how much food and drink revenue the event generates.
Finally, Remember the rules apply there too
Many treat the convention space as a private compound, where the laws of man and God have no meaning. Destruction of property, public nudity, wielding weapons, non-consensual groping are not appropriate at a convention, or anywhere else. I think this is part of the chaotic neutral world we live in, where each values his own liberty but doesn't strive to protect others' freedom.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
My Fandom History: Part 2
In part one of my fandom history, I relayed how I found where fandom was gathering. At this point I was still not part of the group, but I had found the tribe. Now I tell the tale of WesterCon 58, 2005.
Having found the community of science fiction and fantasy fandom in Calgary, and discovering that it is a participatory event I did two things.
1) I helped form the Calgary Star Wars Fanforce
2) I endeavoured to be as big a part of WesterCon 58 as I could
At the time, I didn't think that these were related but now that I form a mental time-line, the parallel effort and intent is more clear. For the first part, it meant gathering together all the individuals in Calgary who were sure they were an isolated Star Wars fan in the big city. This was done through regular meetings and events. It was great to be part of a big group for the premier of "Revenge of the Sith."
For the second part, I did all I could do at WesterCon. I got a room in the hotel, I had multiple costumes set out for the weekend, I entered the costume contest with a group of friends, I bought art at the art show, I drank, danced, and even hosted a panel. Being only one person, I did all I could do without bending space and time. At the end of it all I had a great time, though I still felt something was missing.
Perhaps the programing could be more catholic. There were plenty of local fan groups not represented, or under-utilized, and established and growing fandoms being sidelined. I heard many people say what I had said myself: "There is nothing here for me". It seemed that although the gathering and fellowship was a good start, much of the content of these local conventions skewed toward only a few of the many facets of fandom. Writing and publishing was well supported, though horror, anime, comics, furry fandom, most television and film fandoms were not well represented.
With my brief experience with being on a panel, and talking with a few more experienced con-goers, I knew that simply complaining about what I wanted improved was not the answer. These events are run by fans for fans. There is no external "other" putting on the convention for profit, but rather it was planned and staffed by people like myself for the good of the community.
With this in mind, I knew that if I wanted a better convention experience for myself and my friends, I had to step up and bring myself to the mountain, as it were. That fall I attended a planning meeting for the following summer's convention: ConVersion 22.
What transpired then, is a topic for another post.
Previously on Slashboing
Having found the community of science fiction and fantasy fandom in Calgary, and discovering that it is a participatory event I did two things.
1) I helped form the Calgary Star Wars Fanforce
2) I endeavoured to be as big a part of WesterCon 58 as I could
At the time, I didn't think that these were related but now that I form a mental time-line, the parallel effort and intent is more clear. For the first part, it meant gathering together all the individuals in Calgary who were sure they were an isolated Star Wars fan in the big city. This was done through regular meetings and events. It was great to be part of a big group for the premier of "Revenge of the Sith."
For the second part, I did all I could do at WesterCon. I got a room in the hotel, I had multiple costumes set out for the weekend, I entered the costume contest with a group of friends, I bought art at the art show, I drank, danced, and even hosted a panel. Being only one person, I did all I could do without bending space and time. At the end of it all I had a great time, though I still felt something was missing.
Perhaps the programing could be more catholic. There were plenty of local fan groups not represented, or under-utilized, and established and growing fandoms being sidelined. I heard many people say what I had said myself: "There is nothing here for me". It seemed that although the gathering and fellowship was a good start, much of the content of these local conventions skewed toward only a few of the many facets of fandom. Writing and publishing was well supported, though horror, anime, comics, furry fandom, most television and film fandoms were not well represented.
With my brief experience with being on a panel, and talking with a few more experienced con-goers, I knew that simply complaining about what I wanted improved was not the answer. These events are run by fans for fans. There is no external "other" putting on the convention for profit, but rather it was planned and staffed by people like myself for the good of the community.
With this in mind, I knew that if I wanted a better convention experience for myself and my friends, I had to step up and bring myself to the mountain, as it were. That fall I attended a planning meeting for the following summer's convention: ConVersion 22.
What transpired then, is a topic for another post.
Previously on Slashboing
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
My Fandom History: Part 1
This is the first part in an autobiographical series about my involvement in science fiction and fantasy fandom. Follow me down the rabbit hole, will you?
I don't know where my enjoyment of science fiction literature and films started, but come high school I was elbow deep in it. But it was a solitary hobby, as there was no obvious SF&F fandom community to be a part of. This was pre-internet and there was no dedicated comic book shop in my small town. I had heard of "conventions" were fans would gather, but these were far away in large cities, and were clearly for other people.
Fast-forward to the turn of the millennium. The internet made for all sorts of connections between fans, I had moved to the big city of Calgary, and the domestication of the dog continued unabated. I still heard of conventions, but they were still in other cities, where I would never travel. I thought a few fan message boards were enough to satiate my fandom needs, until I heard about ConVersion. Some friends had returned from the local convention, and it sounded like a lot of fun. I was shocked that such a thing existed in Calgary. Why had I not heard about it sooner? Why wasn't I at this event?
I waited the year for the next ConVersion to come around. Having no clue what these events were like, and having a wife that wasn't really that interested, I only attended the Saturday. We did the best we could for first timers. We looked through the art show, we attended a panel, was subjected to filk, walked through the dealers room, and watched the costume contest. This endeavour had two equal and opposite reactions.
1) Both my wife and I were underwhelmed by the offerings of the event
2) Having seen the costume contest, I wanted to participate in it
Seeing various costumers online was one thing, but seeing talented, educated adults make and present elaborate science fiction costumes was enough to make me want to come back. I figured part of our disappointment in the event steamed from the fact that we attended, observed, but didn't fully participate. Yes, we spoke up in the panel, but that was about all the interaction I can remember.
Through the meagre offerings, I could see that that there was fun to be had, if I reached for it. I knew NEXT year would be the big year. I would do more, see more, and participate more. As luck would have it the next year was not ConVersion, a local convention, but Westercon 58, a travelling regional convention.
This is the subject for the next instalment.
I don't know where my enjoyment of science fiction literature and films started, but come high school I was elbow deep in it. But it was a solitary hobby, as there was no obvious SF&F fandom community to be a part of. This was pre-internet and there was no dedicated comic book shop in my small town. I had heard of "conventions" were fans would gather, but these were far away in large cities, and were clearly for other people.
Fast-forward to the turn of the millennium. The internet made for all sorts of connections between fans, I had moved to the big city of Calgary, and the domestication of the dog continued unabated. I still heard of conventions, but they were still in other cities, where I would never travel. I thought a few fan message boards were enough to satiate my fandom needs, until I heard about ConVersion. Some friends had returned from the local convention, and it sounded like a lot of fun. I was shocked that such a thing existed in Calgary. Why had I not heard about it sooner? Why wasn't I at this event?
I waited the year for the next ConVersion to come around. Having no clue what these events were like, and having a wife that wasn't really that interested, I only attended the Saturday. We did the best we could for first timers. We looked through the art show, we attended a panel, was subjected to filk, walked through the dealers room, and watched the costume contest. This endeavour had two equal and opposite reactions.
1) Both my wife and I were underwhelmed by the offerings of the event
2) Having seen the costume contest, I wanted to participate in it
Seeing various costumers online was one thing, but seeing talented, educated adults make and present elaborate science fiction costumes was enough to make me want to come back. I figured part of our disappointment in the event steamed from the fact that we attended, observed, but didn't fully participate. Yes, we spoke up in the panel, but that was about all the interaction I can remember.
Through the meagre offerings, I could see that that there was fun to be had, if I reached for it. I knew NEXT year would be the big year. I would do more, see more, and participate more. As luck would have it the next year was not ConVersion, a local convention, but Westercon 58, a travelling regional convention.
This is the subject for the next instalment.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
DragonCon Ends
I'm back from Dragon*con 2008! I have started uploading pictures to my Flickr account, so watch that space.
I will be posting a full report later, but I'm still in decompression mode, trying to stave off the Post Con Blues. After the big emotional high and physical challenges of a big convention, coming home is a shock to the system. No matter how well things go, I leave feeling inadequate, believing I could have done things better. I could have gone to more panels. My costumes could have been better. I could have been more adventurous. I could have taken more pictures. I could have been less of the person I am, and more of the person I want to be.
This year was probably the best yet, and we will return, because I don't think I can stand missing moments like the one captured here:
I will be posting a full report later, but I'm still in decompression mode, trying to stave off the Post Con Blues. After the big emotional high and physical challenges of a big convention, coming home is a shock to the system. No matter how well things go, I leave feeling inadequate, believing I could have done things better. I could have gone to more panels. My costumes could have been better. I could have been more adventurous. I could have taken more pictures. I could have been less of the person I am, and more of the person I want to be.
This year was probably the best yet, and we will return, because I don't think I can stand missing moments like the one captured here:
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Dragon*Con 2007 Trip report 1
Here is my the first of my "obligatory post-convention summary reports" for Dragon*Con 2007.
The plan from last year worked so well we reenacted it for this trip. Arrive on the Wednesday before, see some sights in Atlanta on Thursday, enjoy the convention till its ending on Monday, decompress, and fly out on Tuesday. It really is the perfect way to enjoy this event. You get an easy check-in, while on Thursday the Horde moves in. While the bulk of con goers teem and trolley out on Monday, you can watch and order another drink in the bar. Sure it means a few more nights in a nice hotel and a few more days away from work, but I'm willing to make those kind of sacrifices.
During the check-in process at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, The Phelps Twins were checking-in next to us. A more outgoing member of our entourage invited them to dinner with us at Trader Vic's. They politely declined, and we politely went on without them. Good thing I saw them at this point in the trip, because I wouldn't see them during the convention. More on that later.
Trader Vic's was as fun as it was last time. I petitioned the Head Chef, Maitre'd and the waiter to seriously suggest to management to open a location in Calgary. There are four Trader Vic's in the Islamic United Arab Emirates, but none in Canada. Does that sound right to you? Dinner was fantastic, drinks copious, and the Bunnies flew fast and frantic.
The next day brought a return to the Georgia Aquarium. It is a great spot to leisurely spend the day out from under the sweltering Atlanta heat. Many of our party had not been before, and those that had got to re-live all the best bits with fresh eyes.
Returning to the hotel complex, we got our convention passes with little ruckus, but there were about ten times more people in the queue than last time. Still a well handled process, but this was to be a taste things to come.
Dinner this second night was also at Trader Vic's. We met up with several convention buddies and LJ friends. We had to continue calling over more chairs and tables to make room for a group that I think topped out at fourteen. The restaurant was rather full this time, rife with sci-fi fans so eager for the convention to start they already began donning the ceremonial emblems of fandom. A hot rockabilly band was playing, and had there been room to dance, I would have done so with gusto.
A relatively early night on Thursday, because big things awaited on Friday, and you will have to wait another day for the next instalment of my report.
My Flickr photos from events prior to the Convention can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drhaggis/tags/atlanta2007precon/
Previously on Slashboing:
The plan from last year worked so well we reenacted it for this trip. Arrive on the Wednesday before, see some sights in Atlanta on Thursday, enjoy the convention till its ending on Monday, decompress, and fly out on Tuesday. It really is the perfect way to enjoy this event. You get an easy check-in, while on Thursday the Horde moves in. While the bulk of con goers teem and trolley out on Monday, you can watch and order another drink in the bar. Sure it means a few more nights in a nice hotel and a few more days away from work, but I'm willing to make those kind of sacrifices.
During the check-in process at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, The Phelps Twins were checking-in next to us. A more outgoing member of our entourage invited them to dinner with us at Trader Vic's. They politely declined, and we politely went on without them. Good thing I saw them at this point in the trip, because I wouldn't see them during the convention. More on that later.
The Tiki Girls
Trader Vic's was as fun as it was last time. I petitioned the Head Chef, Maitre'd and the waiter to seriously suggest to management to open a location in Calgary. There are four Trader Vic's in the Islamic United Arab Emirates, but none in Canada. Does that sound right to you? Dinner was fantastic, drinks copious, and the Bunnies flew fast and frantic.
The next day brought a return to the Georgia Aquarium. It is a great spot to leisurely spend the day out from under the sweltering Atlanta heat. Many of our party had not been before, and those that had got to re-live all the best bits with fresh eyes.
The Group watches the Beluga, and the Beluga watches right back
Returning to the hotel complex, we got our convention passes with little ruckus, but there were about ten times more people in the queue than last time. Still a well handled process, but this was to be a taste things to come.
Dinner this second night was also at Trader Vic's. We met up with several convention buddies and LJ friends. We had to continue calling over more chairs and tables to make room for a group that I think topped out at fourteen. The restaurant was rather full this time, rife with sci-fi fans so eager for the convention to start they already began donning the ceremonial emblems of fandom. A hot rockabilly band was playing, and had there been room to dance, I would have done so with gusto.
A relatively early night on Thursday, because big things awaited on Friday, and you will have to wait another day for the next instalment of my report.
My Flickr photos from events prior to the Convention can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drhaggis/tags/atlanta2007precon/
Previously on Slashboing:
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Frak me like you mean it
San Diego Comic-Con
Originally uploaded by mystphoto.
Sunday Flickr favourites time again. Here we see some Cylon Centurions standing guard at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. The knowledge that situations like occur make me happy in ways I can't articulate.
By your command.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
So Morpheus, Neo and Soundwave walk into Otakon 2007...
Morpheus2.0, Neo & Soundwave
Originally uploaded by MorpheusBlade.
No words can add to the awesomeness of this picture. Enjoy!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Project: Steampunk!
After DragonCon (D*C) last year, I came a conclusion that I have yet to post about, despite promising to do so last year. I ran a cost/benefit analysis on my hobby of making and wearing science fiction and fantasy costumes and found it to be more trouble than it was worth. It is fun, but expensive, and the burdens aren't always overcome by the joys.
But I was fine. I already had enough lightsabers, my "Silent Bob" is done (and fantastic) and my Uruk-hai was tucked away in a Rubbermaid bin with an unknown next-wear-date. I don't really have the physique for most costumes, and I don't have anywhere near the skills needed to take commissions. I thought I was done, save a few exceptions; I would still finish off my Pirate costume, and I bought some simple elements for a Ravenclaw outfit for the big Harry Potter festivities next month.
That changed after I returned from Celebration IV. Seeing all those great costumes made me want to take on a new task, but I wasn't sure what form it would take. I greatly enjoyed not having to haul down and wear a costume at Celebration, but D*C is a different creature. While the D*C programming has so much more to offer than just costumes, the joy of the evening parties is really enhanced by having something awesome to wear. But what to make?
Enter Issue 2 of Steampunk Magazine. In that zine, there is a short manifesto on steampunk fashion. Since I've loved steampunk before I even knew it had a name, reading the article was just the DIY kick in the pantaloons I needed to start a anachronistic Victorian era costume in time for DragonCon 2007.
My Character: Baron Von Haggis, PhD, Airship Captain. A former military man turned adventurer. Overly original? No. Awesome? Yes.
I have recruited the Lady Faraway, as well as a Doctor of Physick, a Botanist of Renown, a Mechanical Lady and an Expert in Mutagenesis in a group expedition to Terminus, Georgia. Do you wanna come with me? If you do then I should warn you, you're gonna see all sorts of things. It won't be quiet, and it won't be calm. But I'll tell you what it will be: the trip of a lifetime.
But I was fine. I already had enough lightsabers, my "Silent Bob" is done (and fantastic) and my Uruk-hai was tucked away in a Rubbermaid bin with an unknown next-wear-date. I don't really have the physique for most costumes, and I don't have anywhere near the skills needed to take commissions. I thought I was done, save a few exceptions; I would still finish off my Pirate costume, and I bought some simple elements for a Ravenclaw outfit for the big Harry Potter festivities next month.
That changed after I returned from Celebration IV. Seeing all those great costumes made me want to take on a new task, but I wasn't sure what form it would take. I greatly enjoyed not having to haul down and wear a costume at Celebration, but D*C is a different creature. While the D*C programming has so much more to offer than just costumes, the joy of the evening parties is really enhanced by having something awesome to wear. But what to make?
Enter Issue 2 of Steampunk Magazine. In that zine, there is a short manifesto on steampunk fashion. Since I've loved steampunk before I even knew it had a name, reading the article was just the DIY kick in the pantaloons I needed to start a anachronistic Victorian era costume in time for DragonCon 2007.
My Character: Baron Von Haggis, PhD, Airship Captain. A former military man turned adventurer. Overly original? No. Awesome? Yes.
I have recruited the Lady Faraway, as well as a Doctor of Physick, a Botanist of Renown, a Mechanical Lady and an Expert in Mutagenesis in a group expedition to Terminus, Georgia. Do you wanna come with me? If you do then I should warn you, you're gonna see all sorts of things. It won't be quiet, and it won't be calm. But I'll tell you what it will be: the trip of a lifetime.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
No Sleep til Celebration 4
I'm off to Los Angeles this week for Celebration 4, the convention marking the thirtieth anniversary of Star Wars. As is, I'm sure, about 50 percent of my readers.
I plan on bringing down the laptop so I can post blog updates from the field, so expect some semi-regular convention posts.
There is a Flickr group dedicated the event, which I hope will fill up quickly with some awesome pictures:http://www.flickr.com/groups/celebration4/
Stay tuned.
I plan on bringing down the laptop so I can post blog updates from the field, so expect some semi-regular convention posts.
There is a Flickr group dedicated the event, which I hope will fill up quickly with some awesome pictures:http://www.flickr.com/groups/celebration4/
Stay tuned.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo
What are you doing reading Slashboing, when you could be at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo? It is a fantastic show if you like comic books, art, anime, Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, improv comedy, and all other forms of awesome.
Last year was fantastic, and this year is shaping up to be even better.
Go now. The interwebs will still be here when you get back.
Related Posts
Firefly actresses to attend Expo
Battle of Yavin Medal for Chewbacca
Last year was fantastic, and this year is shaping up to be even better.
Go now. The interwebs will still be here when you get back.
Related Posts
Firefly actresses to attend Expo
Battle of Yavin Medal for Chewbacca
Monday, April 23, 2007
Hail Atlanta!
I'm getting very excited for DragonCon 2007.
The convention is fan-tastic, and Atlanta is a wonderful city, though I have this scene from the Futurama episode "The Deep South" playing in my head the entire time I'm walking around the town.
The convention is fan-tastic, and Atlanta is a wonderful city, though I have this scene from the Futurama episode "The Deep South" playing in my head the entire time I'm walking around the town.
Friday, March 30, 2007
A Modest Proposal for Con-version
I have a modest proposal for Con-version, the annual science fiction and fantasy convention in Calgary. Given that many author guests and host hotels of science fictions conventions are put off by costumed attendees, would it help the convention in the long run to make it a costume-free event like World Fantasy Con?
A "no hall costume" policy could encourage better guests every year. A low Klingon Quotient would make many important people very happy.
The Fan Guest of Honour at CV22 made it very clear that people who show up to science fiction conventions in costume were trivial to the process, and rather undesirable. The convention is like a big circus tent, he said, and people who wear costumes are only the popcorn machine. No one comes to see the popcorn machine, and it really wouldn't be missed if it was gone. The real show is the centre ring, which contains the author guests. When the press comes to document the event and they only see Spock ears and lightsabers, it makes the whole event look foolish and dissuades some authors from attending.
This point was also made by Robert J Sawyer in a interview with Scifidimensions in 2000.
There are additional benefits to preventing costumed folk from attending. Since most Star Wars fans don't read "real" science fiction, or read anything else notable for that matter, banning them from bringing their white armour and Jedi bathrobes could keep these "fringe fans" away. Wouldn't these arrested and overweight adolescents be happier at home anyway? Although it would mean no women in skimpy Slave Leia costumes to ogle, so clearly some exceptions would have to be made.
Also consider, no costumes means no furries. The Calgary Fur community consists of well over a hundred writers, artists and fans, but a small percentage of these have those costumes. Some see this kink-garb as wearable textile arts, comparable to sculpture or jewelry, but we really know what these people are up to, don't we? Should this be acceptable behaviour at Con-version?
It should also be noted that most of the getups seen today are only recreations of "media" costumes and props. Back in the day costumers would build imaginative and futuristic creations to amaze and entertain. Then came the onslaught of pseudo-science fiction television shows and wiz-bang Hollywood blockbusters, which are not only devoid of any social commentary or literary merit, but also serve as the petri dish which spawns the fungus on fandom that media costuming has become.
How do costumes relate to the Hotel? Remember that hotels are run by mundanes. When they see a mass of costumed folk they get worried. They realize that they are getting a group of people that rather sleep in the video room, or the lobby bathroom then pay for a room. They assume that large amount of outside food and drink will be brought into their convention space in violation of the catering agreements made with the con-com. They worry that the consuite will be so loud that they will have to comp the adjacent rooms. Let us set the hotel straight by saying that none of this would ever happen at Con-version, and we are willing to remove a visible minority to prove it.
So until Con-version lives up to its literary roots and does the right thing, we will have to live with this minority fandom subculture. Next time you see someone dressed up in some a "media" inspired outfit, it is fair to assume that this person likely has some form of learning or reading difficulty, so deal with them accordingly. It is also widely known that since they come from the passive "viewer" culture of film and television, they haven't contributed one ounce of work toward putting the convention together, so keep this in mind when deciding on programing content and guest selection.
Yours in Fandom
DrHaggis
A "no hall costume" policy could encourage better guests every year. A low Klingon Quotient would make many important people very happy.
The Fan Guest of Honour at CV22 made it very clear that people who show up to science fiction conventions in costume were trivial to the process, and rather undesirable. The convention is like a big circus tent, he said, and people who wear costumes are only the popcorn machine. No one comes to see the popcorn machine, and it really wouldn't be missed if it was gone. The real show is the centre ring, which contains the author guests. When the press comes to document the event and they only see Spock ears and lightsabers, it makes the whole event look foolish and dissuades some authors from attending.
This point was also made by Robert J Sawyer in a interview with Scifidimensions in 2000.
"As much as I love going to science fiction conventions, but I always question the clarity of thought of those who put on the Mr. Spock ears, or the Stormtrooper costume, because [...] the local news [...] will always find the one clown with a lobster on his forehead pretending to be a Klingon, and plaster him on page one of the entertainment section. [...] what the public gets crammed into their face is some arrested, overweight adolescent who's putting on a Halloween costume, and it's nowhere near October 31st."
There are additional benefits to preventing costumed folk from attending. Since most Star Wars fans don't read "real" science fiction, or read anything else notable for that matter, banning them from bringing their white armour and Jedi bathrobes could keep these "fringe fans" away. Wouldn't these arrested and overweight adolescents be happier at home anyway? Although it would mean no women in skimpy Slave Leia costumes to ogle, so clearly some exceptions would have to be made.
Also consider, no costumes means no furries. The Calgary Fur community consists of well over a hundred writers, artists and fans, but a small percentage of these have those costumes. Some see this kink-garb as wearable textile arts, comparable to sculpture or jewelry, but we really know what these people are up to, don't we? Should this be acceptable behaviour at Con-version?
It should also be noted that most of the getups seen today are only recreations of "media" costumes and props. Back in the day costumers would build imaginative and futuristic creations to amaze and entertain. Then came the onslaught of pseudo-science fiction television shows and wiz-bang Hollywood blockbusters, which are not only devoid of any social commentary or literary merit, but also serve as the petri dish which spawns the fungus on fandom that media costuming has become.
How do costumes relate to the Hotel? Remember that hotels are run by mundanes. When they see a mass of costumed folk they get worried. They realize that they are getting a group of people that rather sleep in the video room, or the lobby bathroom then pay for a room. They assume that large amount of outside food and drink will be brought into their convention space in violation of the catering agreements made with the con-com. They worry that the consuite will be so loud that they will have to comp the adjacent rooms. Let us set the hotel straight by saying that none of this would ever happen at Con-version, and we are willing to remove a visible minority to prove it.
So until Con-version lives up to its literary roots and does the right thing, we will have to live with this minority fandom subculture. Next time you see someone dressed up in some a "media" inspired outfit, it is fair to assume that this person likely has some form of learning or reading difficulty, so deal with them accordingly. It is also widely known that since they come from the passive "viewer" culture of film and television, they haven't contributed one ounce of work toward putting the convention together, so keep this in mind when deciding on programing content and guest selection.
Yours in Fandom
DrHaggis
Friday, March 02, 2007
Nexus of Fandom: May 25th 2007
May 25th, 2007 will be a nexus, of sorts, for science fiction/fantasy fandom. The day is significant for several reasons:
Set two weeks after his death, Towel Day is intended to be a wake in honour of the memory of Science Fiction author Douglas Adams, and his contribution to the geek canon with the increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy. To mark Towel Day, one shows how much of a hoopy frood one is by proudly displaying a towel all day.
So if at the end of May you see someone in a feathered tricorne hat, polishing a lightsaber with a nice mauve towel, you will know the reason why.
- 30th anniversary of the theatrical release of Star Wars
- Opening night of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End"
- Towel Day, in honour of Douglas Adams.
Set two weeks after his death, Towel Day is intended to be a wake in honour of the memory of Science Fiction author Douglas Adams, and his contribution to the geek canon with the increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy. To mark Towel Day, one shows how much of a hoopy frood one is by proudly displaying a towel all day.
So if at the end of May you see someone in a feathered tricorne hat, polishing a lightsaber with a nice mauve towel, you will know the reason why.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
DragonCon Solstice
DragonCon is the best and largest science fiction/fantasy/pop culture/awesome convention known to mortal fans. The end of February marks the longest time between these events, so just as the memories of the last event have faded, and the seasons have changed twice, we see on the horizon a new event.
As the winter solstice is where the days are the shortest and the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, I dubbed this long, dark time between conventions "Draco Symstice," borrowing terms from both Latin and Greek. Obviously 'Draco' is Latin for 'dragon', while 'syn–' or 'sym–' is Greek for 'together' or 'united', as in 'symposium'. '-stitium' is Latin for a stoppage. I could have minted the term as "Draco Constice," which would make the phrase completely of Latin origin, but it doest have the same ring to it. When you make up a holiday of your own, you get a certain latitude in naming it.
We mark the winter solstice with Christmas festivities, which are based heavily on the pagan Yuletide festivities. Since DragonCon is such a wonderful event and a decidedly pagan kick-ass party, Draco Symstice needs to have similar observations of fellowship and feasting. Stay tuned with details on how the fans of Calgary marked the occasion.
Happy Draco Symstice everyone!
As the winter solstice is where the days are the shortest and the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, I dubbed this long, dark time between conventions "Draco Symstice," borrowing terms from both Latin and Greek. Obviously 'Draco' is Latin for 'dragon', while 'syn–' or 'sym–' is Greek for 'together' or 'united', as in 'symposium'. '-stitium' is Latin for a stoppage. I could have minted the term as "Draco Constice," which would make the phrase completely of Latin origin, but it doest have the same ring to it. When you make up a holiday of your own, you get a certain latitude in naming it.
We mark the winter solstice with Christmas festivities, which are based heavily on the pagan Yuletide festivities. Since DragonCon is such a wonderful event and a decidedly pagan kick-ass party, Draco Symstice needs to have similar observations of fellowship and feasting. Stay tuned with details on how the fans of Calgary marked the occasion.
Happy Draco Symstice everyone!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
2007 Convention Calender
Here are some of the interesting conventions I am planning on attending this year. Some other events have not finalized their dates, so they have not made the list.
March 25
Edmonton Collectible Toy and Comic Show - Edmonton, Alberta
This is run by Shane Turgeon of Tattoos and Toys and RebelScum.com, so you know it is a good show.
April 29
Comic and Entertainment Expo - Calgary
A new, but well run expo by Kandrix Foong. I'm really looking forward to this one, hopefully we have another good Star Wars Fanforce turnout again this year.
May 19-20
Otafest - Calgary, Anime Convention
A fun time, even if you only have a passing interest in Anime. There is lots of Japanese Cultural content as well.
May 24-28
Celebration IV - Los Angeles, Official Star Wars Convention
2007 is the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars. This convention will be a mecca for all Star Wars fans.
August 31 - September 3
Dragon*Con 2007 - Atlanta Georgia, Multi-genre Convention
If every sub-genre of fandom called a truce for four days, and had a party in three fantastic hotels, this is what you get. Pure fandom bliss.
October 27 - 28
Manitoba Comic Con & Sci Fi Expo - Winnipeg, MN
This show has David Prowse, so I think it is worth the road trip for our Star Wars Fan Club.
March 25
Edmonton Collectible Toy and Comic Show - Edmonton, Alberta
This is run by Shane Turgeon of Tattoos and Toys and RebelScum.com, so you know it is a good show.
April 29
Comic and Entertainment Expo - Calgary
A new, but well run expo by Kandrix Foong. I'm really looking forward to this one, hopefully we have another good Star Wars Fanforce turnout again this year.
May 19-20
Otafest - Calgary, Anime Convention
A fun time, even if you only have a passing interest in Anime. There is lots of Japanese Cultural content as well.
May 24-28
Celebration IV - Los Angeles, Official Star Wars Convention
2007 is the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars. This convention will be a mecca for all Star Wars fans.
August 31 - September 3
Dragon*Con 2007 - Atlanta Georgia, Multi-genre Convention
If every sub-genre of fandom called a truce for four days, and had a party in three fantastic hotels, this is what you get. Pure fandom bliss.
October 27 - 28
Manitoba Comic Con & Sci Fi Expo - Winnipeg, MN
This show has David Prowse, so I think it is worth the road trip for our Star Wars Fan Club.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Firefly Fans Hold the Line
I read today that the much anticipated Serenity/Firefly convention in Burbank, California called "Flanvention II" is on the brink of cancellation. "Booster Events," a convention running company, seems to be in financial crisis, and if they can't get it together by December 1st, they will pull the plug on what promised to be the biggest Sereniverse convention yet.
But as Browncoats know, you can't just sit around and wait for others to do for you. When the going gets tough, you do it for yourself. The California Browncoats have rallied and are planning to make sure that anyone who chooses to come out anyway, will have something to do when they get there.
If I had deeper pockets I would love to send down some cash to help out the cause, and buy tea and dumplings for everyone who still shows up to the party, even when the planners are nowhere to be found.
For more information on the topic, here are some useful links:
Keep flying.
But as Browncoats know, you can't just sit around and wait for others to do for you. When the going gets tough, you do it for yourself. The California Browncoats have rallied and are planning to make sure that anyone who chooses to come out anyway, will have something to do when they get there.
If I had deeper pockets I would love to send down some cash to help out the cause, and buy tea and dumplings for everyone who still shows up to the party, even when the planners are nowhere to be found.
For more information on the topic, here are some useful links:
Keep flying.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Con-version 23
Are you guys excited for Con-version 23 next year? Con-version is Calgary Science Fiction and Fantasy Society's yearly convention.
There was a plan to re-brand the event to "Nexus" to shake off the bad feelings and perceptions "Con-version" had. A recent vote of 20-18 decided to keep the name "Con-version."
See you all there.
There was a plan to re-brand the event to "Nexus" to shake off the bad feelings and perceptions "Con-version" had. A recent vote of 20-18 decided to keep the name "Con-version."
See you all there.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
DragonCon 2006: Last Day Monday
Monday is a little more sedate at DragonCon. Even though programming runs until 5:00, many people spend the morning checking out of the hotel to save on an extra night.
We spent the previous night shaking our groove things at the Drum Circle after the Yule Ball so we slept in a little. The drum circle made veritate and Lexial want to take up bellydancing again, and made defender75 and I want to hit the Gym. We are coming back to D*Con as bronzed gods.
I honestly don't remember much of Monday. I don't think I wore a costume beyond my geek patch shirt. I had a nice little lunch then off to some panels.
First up was "Unsolved Codes" hosted by Elonka Dunin, a noted cryptographer. First she debunked the Da Vinci Code as the load fiction that it is. Then she gave a brief review of her work with Kryptos, the Code challenge sculpture on the CIA grounds. She is the leading expert on Kryptos and is very passionate about the work, the artist and its eventual solution.
She also reviewed some of the world's famous unsolved codes, including the Voynich Manuscript. I was a little disappointed to find out that she thinks the work is a hoax, as it has intrigued me for several years. I will save a detailed explanation of the Voynich Manuscript for another post, but I will include a sample page to show why it is so compelling.
The next panel up was "The Wikipedia Effect" which I was quite excited for as I am a strong supporter of Wikipedia, but the presentation was directed towards convincing neophytes of the value of the project, and not to long time contributors. I left this panel early.
And then the event was done. Not with a bang but with a *sigh, that was fun lets do it all again soon*.
Our whole squad got together for the first time Monday in preparation for dinner. Individual schedules kept us in smaller "fireteams" through the weekend so it was nice to see everyone all at once.
(missing from this picture is iRob/iJenn as they had to leave early for home)
We all want to go back again sometime, though for me it may be an every-other-year thing to save money. I will eventually post some conclusions I came to during my trip, but that will have to wait.
Yours in Fandom
Drhaggis.
Technorati Tags:
Dragoncon 2006, Elonka Dunin, Kryptos, Convention report, Fandom
We spent the previous night shaking our groove things at the Drum Circle after the Yule Ball so we slept in a little. The drum circle made veritate and Lexial want to take up bellydancing again, and made defender75 and I want to hit the Gym. We are coming back to D*Con as bronzed gods.
I honestly don't remember much of Monday. I don't think I wore a costume beyond my geek patch shirt. I had a nice little lunch then off to some panels.
First up was "Unsolved Codes" hosted by Elonka Dunin, a noted cryptographer. First she debunked the Da Vinci Code as the load fiction that it is. Then she gave a brief review of her work with Kryptos, the Code challenge sculpture on the CIA grounds. She is the leading expert on Kryptos and is very passionate about the work, the artist and its eventual solution.She also reviewed some of the world's famous unsolved codes, including the Voynich Manuscript. I was a little disappointed to find out that she thinks the work is a hoax, as it has intrigued me for several years. I will save a detailed explanation of the Voynich Manuscript for another post, but I will include a sample page to show why it is so compelling.
The next panel up was "The Wikipedia Effect" which I was quite excited for as I am a strong supporter of Wikipedia, but the presentation was directed towards convincing neophytes of the value of the project, and not to long time contributors. I left this panel early.
- Panel Count Monday: Two
- Total Panel Count: Seven, a record?
And then the event was done. Not with a bang but with a *sigh, that was fun lets do it all again soon*.
Our whole squad got together for the first time Monday in preparation for dinner. Individual schedules kept us in smaller "fireteams" through the weekend so it was nice to see everyone all at once.
(missing from this picture is iRob/iJenn as they had to leave early for home)Yours in Fandom
Drhaggis.
Technorati Tags:
Dragoncon 2006, Elonka Dunin, Kryptos, Convention report, Fandom
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