On Enjoying My Con
Apr. 11th, 2007 12:17 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sarrenI'm in that headspace where I really want to blog and I really don't want to blog, because I'm tired and distracted and I've been procrastinating by reading a totally unconvincing PotC OT4 fic which goes to show really.
I was pretty intimidated, my first couple of cons. Here were all these intelligent, articulate, well-read people discussing and enjoying books in ways I used to, before I discovered fanfic and the internet. I felt a bit like I was there under false pretences. Most of the authors I hadn't read, or not for many years anyway, and quite a lot I'd never heard of, especially the Australian ones. I went to a lot of panels, sometimes on things I'd never heard of, or wasn't interested in, but felt I should. I went to book readings; things that required participation; launches; everything. And I still felt weird.
Then, about my third year, suddenly slash was on the agenda, big time. I was on a panel or two, people knew 'the slash girls', and it was like we had a presence even if it was one some people didn't like. Most people accepted us. But even that identity felt wrong, like it wasn't enough to justify my presence.
The couple of years we organised the Quidditch games helped a lot. I interacted with more fans than ever before or since. People from many different corners of fandom came toinflict violence on each other play together. Plus, fans + exercise = hilarious.
I think finally feeling at home there has been about just finding what works for me.
Which is...
I go to the panels that appeal to me, but don't stress about it if they conflict with something else interesting, or a clothes swap, or an extended lunch.
I go to the authors' talks because it gives me a sense of whether I might want to pick up a book of theirs and give them a go.
I rarely stay up very late at the video stream or room parties, because trying not to nod off in panels is uncomfortable and makes going to them ultimately pointless.
I don't have the best hearing, especially when there is background interference. I am easily irritated by noises that prevent me from hearing clearly, or are just plain annoying, like someone eating an entire bag of caramel popcorn right in front of me. Bastard. Or a crying or loudly whinging child, even at the back of the room. So instead of getting annoyed nowadays, I simply leave and go do something else.
I avoid panels with BNFs who like the sound of their own voice too much. Or like to argue with each other whether they're actually a panellist or not.
I spend more time mooching, I stop and sit and chat more than I used to. I randomly abduct other people's small children and blow bellybutton kisses and play chasey and go up and down stairs.
I go the Masquerade/launches/ceremonies if I feel like it, and leave when I've had enough.
I eat a lot, though I feel there's probably room for more alcohol. I'm clearly not planning this well enough.
I love my Swancon experience now. I get to spend more time with my homies, and also spend time with friends I only see at Swancon, or on livejournal.
It's time out of the real world where we can be fannish at each other, and that experience can be whatever we want it to be.
I was pretty intimidated, my first couple of cons. Here were all these intelligent, articulate, well-read people discussing and enjoying books in ways I used to, before I discovered fanfic and the internet. I felt a bit like I was there under false pretences. Most of the authors I hadn't read, or not for many years anyway, and quite a lot I'd never heard of, especially the Australian ones. I went to a lot of panels, sometimes on things I'd never heard of, or wasn't interested in, but felt I should. I went to book readings; things that required participation; launches; everything. And I still felt weird.
Then, about my third year, suddenly slash was on the agenda, big time. I was on a panel or two, people knew 'the slash girls', and it was like we had a presence even if it was one some people didn't like. Most people accepted us. But even that identity felt wrong, like it wasn't enough to justify my presence.
The couple of years we organised the Quidditch games helped a lot. I interacted with more fans than ever before or since. People from many different corners of fandom came to
I think finally feeling at home there has been about just finding what works for me.
Which is...
I go to the panels that appeal to me, but don't stress about it if they conflict with something else interesting, or a clothes swap, or an extended lunch.
I go to the authors' talks because it gives me a sense of whether I might want to pick up a book of theirs and give them a go.
I rarely stay up very late at the video stream or room parties, because trying not to nod off in panels is uncomfortable and makes going to them ultimately pointless.
I don't have the best hearing, especially when there is background interference. I am easily irritated by noises that prevent me from hearing clearly, or are just plain annoying, like someone eating an entire bag of caramel popcorn right in front of me. Bastard. Or a crying or loudly whinging child, even at the back of the room. So instead of getting annoyed nowadays, I simply leave and go do something else.
I avoid panels with BNFs who like the sound of their own voice too much. Or like to argue with each other whether they're actually a panellist or not.
I spend more time mooching, I stop and sit and chat more than I used to. I randomly abduct other people's small children and blow bellybutton kisses and play chasey and go up and down stairs.
I go the Masquerade/launches/ceremonies if I feel like it, and leave when I've had enough.
I eat a lot, though I feel there's probably room for more alcohol. I'm clearly not planning this well enough.
I love my Swancon experience now. I get to spend more time with my homies, and also spend time with friends I only see at Swancon, or on livejournal.
It's time out of the real world where we can be fannish at each other, and that experience can be whatever we want it to be.
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(no subject)
Date: 2007-04-10 05:41 pm (UTC)Well, damn -- there go my panels :-)
(no subject)
Date: 2007-04-10 05:47 pm (UTC)I was wondering if I should put a disclaimer on that bit *g* I was specifically referring to Dave Luckett and Ian NIchols.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-04-11 01:19 am (UTC)Nicho and Dave Luckett - the Statler and Waldorf of Perth fandom.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-04-11 09:14 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-04-12 01:34 am (UTC)Also!
Date: 2007-04-10 05:52 pm (UTC)Re: Also!
Date: 2007-04-11 09:15 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-04-10 11:37 pm (UTC)There hasn't been anything that has really interested me for the last few years in terms of panels. This year's program has been the most interesting and yet, no. Now, I just attend to visit my friends, swap media, and steal a couple of late night panels. And you know what? The vbest con I've been to in a long time. Two panels was plenty fine with me. And to be fair, I spent a lot of money at the auction on stupid a frivolous things so I feel justified not paying a day pass.
I at least now know where to get rid of some of my not so well loved books without feeling guilty.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-04-10 11:51 pm (UTC)I really liked this more than I have words at 7.30am to say.
yup really....just sat here for a few more minutes, brain blank. zip. nada.
(20 mins later...) I personally think... that the space is made to be as wide as possible, it will appeal to as many people as not, and from the various discussions I've had, people are much happier when they find their own con experience and enjoyment from that whole. I also like that there is also room for constant improvement :)
I love that you also enjoy the stepping out of reality for a few days - that's actually the part that won me first, and continues to win me.