I’ve always enjoyed science fiction (speculative fiction) and fantasy. Reading Alex Raymond’s Flash Gordon and watching those old 1950’s films as a child probably started it. While I know I read books, the first time I recall actually needing to read something was in the late 1970’s right after Star Wars came out. Alan Dean Foster had written a sequel Splinter of the Mind’s Eye and at one point after the book had sat on my shelf I had an overwhelming need to find out what happened next. This was long before I knew there was going to be sequel. From there I was lost. I spent most of middle school with my nose in a book, most were science fiction. I have a couple of people to thank (besides my dad who bought me that first volume of Flash Gordon). First my friend Eric. Eric was a few years older than I was and handed me the books he was reading in the Science Fiction class he was taking in high school. This was my introduction to Robert Heinlein among others. His first suggestion was Orphans of the Sky. The second massive influence I’ve mentioned before was the teacher of that Science Fiction class, Mr. David Calkins. I not only took that class but was also asked to take Science Fiction Advanced Projects the next semester. I was exposed to so many amazing authors and stories during that time. Hence my love for speculative fiction and fantasy. Without those influences I might have been “normal.”
Which brings me to the World Science Fiction Convention in the guise of LAcon V. First of all I only attended three of the five days. Why? I really don’t know. I think at the time I felt it was cost prohibitive. I actually did a lot of this trip on “points” trying to cut costs as much as possible. I finally pulled the trigger on the trip due to a cheap airfare email and an excuse to visit my dad.
Is This My Tribe?
It’s interesting being a “multifaceted geek” I think I have many tribes, but as I start to settle I’m realizing a few things about myself what I’m not. I’m not a LEGO geek anymore. I’m not much of a board game geek. I’m not as diehard a MINI Cooper geek. I’m moving away from being the comic book geek or at least being more selective. I enjoy curling, but am still just starting out. I like to draw and want to spend more time at a drawing table, and most importantly,I still enjoy reading, especially science/speculative fiction and fantasy. Also, I’m a cat person (Crazy? Probably - but “my mother had me tested.”)
WorldCon or The World Science Fiction Convention had been a late addition to my bucket list, but I’m very happy I attended even for just a few days. After attending San Diego Comic Con, New York Comic Con, C2E2, Gen Con, blah, blah, blah… the list goes on. Those conventions tend to be flashy and chaotic. Navigating through crowds is a skill I have honed over the years. My brothers even commented on it this year at Gen Con how I could move through the aisles. I was pleasantly surprised that this was a smaller convention which made it a nice change. Unlike so many of those conventions the attendees seemed interested in more than the typical con crowd. In fact this seemed to be a mix of the pop culture/comic book and the educational conventions I used to attend as a teacher. The exhibit hall wasn’t crowded with dealers which was a nice surprise. Not saying I didn’t buy stuff, but it was nice to not have row upon row of 3D printed junk or “. Most exhibitors were actually exhibiting and not just hawking stuff.
The art show embraced from the amateur to professional artist along with people just wanting to see things in their collections. Many items were for sale and I definitely picked up cards from so many artists. I wish I had the money to buy some things, but I had decided to hold off after last year and consider what I really wanted and (being old) what would happen to this stuff in the future.
Another interesting bit was that the celebrities were authors not stars talking about their latest TV show or film so a very different vibe. I found it interesting that George R.R. Martin showed up at, I guess, the last minute. They rushed to create an autograph time for him. But I think he did this to avoid the throngs of non-literary fans who would descend and take over. Yes, LAcon would have gotten a massive boost in attendance numbers, but I think everyone would have had a way different experience. Then again, what do I know?Also I didn’t see anyone charging for an autograph or photo. At the autograph tables there were tickets given to those in line for some people, but mostly it was people with a few treasured volumes. Yes, some authors had limits, but mostly it was civilized and respectful of everyone.
Tie a Yellow Ribbon?
Like Gen Con, ribbons seem to be a trade item. There were a number of unique cool ribbons that I figured out you had to find the individual person. Ribbons were an ice breaker. Besides the “normal” ribbons. Some interesting ribbons:
Spaceballs the Ribbon
1.6 gHz
I Like Moss
Restore Roe
No Kings
Chaos Gremlin
Elbows Up! (Montreal WorldCon)
TANSTAAFL
I Grok Heinlein
There were many more, some I got, some I didn’t. I still haven’t found an “imposter” ribbon - guess I know what I need to create.
The Sessions (or as I like to call it- Level 2)
The sessions seemed to be more intellectual and while I did not attend all the sessions I had planned either because of time or just being exhausted (mentally & physically) there were other options that made it more unique.
I can’t say I had a favorite session, each was unique and good. Some I could listen and multitask. I found it interesting the number of sessions did not have graphics or slides. I think mostly because I attended a number of panels.
One thing that was awesome was voice to text. I’ve mentioned it before, but it was a nice added benefit even for those in the audience who weren’t deaf.
Sign Up Events
A number of events had a limit on how many people could attend. Unlike many cons these were not a line up the night before if you want in. Instead you signed up digitally the day before and received an email if you got picked in the lottery. A waitlist was also created at the same time. The also posted if there were seats available after the lottery.
One other piece I did not try for (talking with people I admire makes my brain go blibity blobity) were Table Talks. These were small groups who would spend time chatting with an author. Pretty much about… anything. Something to try for next time.
The Big Events & Parties
Years and years ago I read Sharyn McCrumb’s Bimbos of the Death Sun and having been to a few comic book conventions I found it hard to see the convention in the book similar to any one I had attended. I figured I just wasn’t one of the “cool kids” or maybe wasn’t geeky enough to have been granted access behind the curtain. Now I realize that she was actually writing about a con like this. There are signature events - the masquerade, and the award ceremony. There are also other events and get togethers. Groups bidding for a future WorldCon throwing a party, authors DJing. Heck the Hilton had a floor with suites that I guess was party central. I say “I guess” because I didn’t attend any.
Sue got me to at least stop by Scalzi’s Discotheque, but introversion, social anxiety, and exhaustion made me turn into a pumpkin way before midnight.
Peoples is Peoples
As I look for my tribe it’s not the events or the vendors, or the things that make up a convention that creates tribe. It’s the people. WorldCon had an eclectic mix of people, but they were all welcoming and friendly and here’s the crazy part- many more of them “got me” than at most cons I’ve attended. How do I know this? My jacket. My “extrovert cosplay” battle jacket. People remember the jacket long before they remember me. At WorldCon most people who commented that they liked my jacket went a step further. They actually pointed out a specific patch they liked, usually an obscure one. One person commented at how they had to smile at the Science Fiction Double Feature patch and how sad it was to lose Tim Curry. Another commented and relayed the story of “The Winslow” -Phil Foglio was in attendance, but he didn’t have that patch at his table. More than a few passed the geek test - by naming the IP from each of the patches on my right arm… this doesn’t happen to me, ever. I get “love your jacket” or just weird looks never have I had people actually understand the significance of what in on that jacket what it says about me and in turn, them. To paraphrase CE3K “I am not alone” - knowing that makes me happy. Maybe I have actually found my tribe.
What’s Next?
I see myself probably limiting my attendance at comic book conventions (the exception is CXC) unless I’m promoting something or looking for something specific. I still love HeroesCon and Baltimore Comic Con. I liked the National Cartoonist Society’s conference and the people in it, however I’m conscious that I’m not at this point a member, a cartoonist. Therefore I only see myself attending if it is close due to cost, because if I were to go, I want to do everything. I still consider Gen Con fun for the gaming aspect, and it is local.
WorldCon? I can see myself doing this again and using it as a convenient excuse to travel someplace new and put more pins in the map. 2027 Montréal, that’s an easy drive unless politics get in the way. 2028 Brisbane? Darn! I’d have to visit Australia which leaves only Antarctica to check off visiting all the continents.
I kind of came in blind, not knowing what to expect or how things worked. Things I’d do differently:
Stay at the host hotel. I think being closer to the action, even by just a few yards would be nice. I think this is something to consider for most Cons.
Attend a table talk
Submit something to the art show
Make a unique ribbon
Vote for the Hugo Awards. I read all the novels and bunch of other categories, but I didn’t vote 🙄
Go to a party or is that crash a party?
Attend the entire convention, not just three days
Thank you to the organizers and volunteers, you did an amazingly amazing job. As a first timer- it was great and I really have nothing to complain about - especially since you’ve probably heard enough from “experts” online who have mentioned anything and everything under the Sun. 🙄😱
Bruce travelled far to get to this convention and obviously enjoyed it. There are many avenues Sci-Fi can go down and Bruce seems to have a passport to all! Do wish him well in his 'should do this in the future' - ex: enter artwork because we all know he'll come out a winner! Thanks Bruce for these updates and thank Sue for making sure you had the time!