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Well, there's a weekend I'll never have back. That's true of all weekends, even those I spend in bed. I often look at opportunities to go to a con and wish I had the energy to go, and here I am wishing I'd stayed home.
I've never been to a World Fantasy Convention, but I've heard a lot of people talking about the industry focus there, and how different it is from conventions with more fannish sensibilities. As I have a day job, I showed up at 5:30 Friday afternoon. That's earlier than I generally get to Boskone or Arisia, but I feel like I missed half the con. There were a surprising number of events scheduled early in the day Friday, and surprisingly few after 4pm Saturday.
Of course, there's a world of difference between an event that looks good in the program guide and an event that actually IS good. I had very bad luck choosing panels to attend. Before Sunday morning, I found spectacular idiocy from panelists, condescending idiocy in the dealers' room, and the worthwhile conversations I had in the consuite were with people I already knew, or with people who turned out to live a short walk from my apartment. So, not a complete waste of time, but not worth the time and money and effort, either. (Sunday, I went to a good panel, and met an interesting stranger who lives almost 3 miles from my apartment.) I spent a few hours as a gopher on Saturday, none of it planned in advance. When I went back to the con Sunday morning, I was uncertain about whether I wanted to work another 3 hours to earn a free membership for next year, or whether I didn't want to come back next year anyhow, so I should save my energy.
When I talked with FJM last night about how dissatisfied I was with programming, she gave me the sort of advice as would be kind and sensible for Boskone or Wiscon or someplace like that...I should volunteer to be on programming next year. Looking at the preponderance of writers, editors, and professional reviewers on programming, I felt rather hesitant about putting myself forward (especially because I'm not a Readercon regular, or an enthusiastic high-energy congoer.) I thought my perception might be skewed somehow, so I went through the program guide's list of participants. All but 3 listed credentials as writers, editors, or reviewers. Of the exceptions, 2 listed credentials as being on award selection committees and the other taught in the field. My role in the Readercon conversation, is to be part of the audience (asking questions in the 5 minutes at the end of each event, not throwing fish) or the support staff (not providing cans of sardines.) Fandom has spoiled me, especially online fandom. I've had so many opportunities to interact with writers and editors as equals that I'm not eager to go sit at their categorical feet.
I've never been to a World Fantasy Convention, but I've heard a lot of people talking about the industry focus there, and how different it is from conventions with more fannish sensibilities. As I have a day job, I showed up at 5:30 Friday afternoon. That's earlier than I generally get to Boskone or Arisia, but I feel like I missed half the con. There were a surprising number of events scheduled early in the day Friday, and surprisingly few after 4pm Saturday.
Of course, there's a world of difference between an event that looks good in the program guide and an event that actually IS good. I had very bad luck choosing panels to attend. Before Sunday morning, I found spectacular idiocy from panelists, condescending idiocy in the dealers' room, and the worthwhile conversations I had in the consuite were with people I already knew, or with people who turned out to live a short walk from my apartment. So, not a complete waste of time, but not worth the time and money and effort, either. (Sunday, I went to a good panel, and met an interesting stranger who lives almost 3 miles from my apartment.) I spent a few hours as a gopher on Saturday, none of it planned in advance. When I went back to the con Sunday morning, I was uncertain about whether I wanted to work another 3 hours to earn a free membership for next year, or whether I didn't want to come back next year anyhow, so I should save my energy.
When I talked with FJM last night about how dissatisfied I was with programming, she gave me the sort of advice as would be kind and sensible for Boskone or Wiscon or someplace like that...I should volunteer to be on programming next year. Looking at the preponderance of writers, editors, and professional reviewers on programming, I felt rather hesitant about putting myself forward (especially because I'm not a Readercon regular, or an enthusiastic high-energy congoer.) I thought my perception might be skewed somehow, so I went through the program guide's list of participants. All but 3 listed credentials as writers, editors, or reviewers. Of the exceptions, 2 listed credentials as being on award selection committees and the other taught in the field. My role in the Readercon conversation, is to be part of the audience (asking questions in the 5 minutes at the end of each event, not throwing fish) or the support staff (not providing cans of sardines.) Fandom has spoiled me, especially online fandom. I've had so many opportunities to interact with writers and editors as equals that I'm not eager to go sit at their categorical feet.
