Comments on: Thoughts on 30 year Old Convention Programming http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/2009/11/thoughts-on-30-year-old-convention-programming/ Science Fiction For Old Farts Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:35:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Kevin Standlee http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/2009/11/thoughts-on-30-year-old-convention-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-12296 Kevin Standlee Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:58:18 +0000 http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/?p=5585#comment-12296 Richard: To over-simplify, "SF/F-themed folksinging." See the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filk_music" rel="nofollow">Wikipedia entry</a>. It's been a standard part of general-SF genre conventions since before I started attending them (1984). Richard:

To over-simplify, “SF/F-themed folksinging.” See the Wikipedia entry. It’s been a standard part of general-SF genre conventions since before I started attending them (1984).

]]> By: Richard Robinson http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/2009/11/thoughts-on-30-year-old-convention-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-12294 Richard Robinson Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:11:41 +0000 http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/?p=5585#comment-12294 Hmmm. What the heck is "filk"? Hmmm. What the heck is “filk”?

]]> By: EricH. http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/2009/11/thoughts-on-30-year-old-convention-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-12293 EricH. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:54:42 +0000 http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/?p=5585#comment-12293 Well, I can't say anything with regard to Balticons prior to the 90s, but I've been to many since then. The programming has grown a great deal, both in terms of time allotments and tracks. Times for panels now run from 9 or 10 in the morning until 11 at night. There aren't any white spaces and many things run directly across meal times - no breaks. The hotel has actually taken to setting up an additional food area (run by the hotel staff) where you can get an $8 hamburger while dashing between panels (if you so chose). The tracks are numerous as well. Childrens' programming, filk, writing, art, costuming and science along with "regular" panels with authors. Game and film rooms run 24 hours for the duration of the con. Book launch parties have become quite popular recently as well. It's a jam packed weekend. Here is the key. When I go, I go with the understanding that there are somethings I won't get to see. There is a need to create your own "white space". This isn't always an easy decision (there always seems to be at least one thing I want to see at dinner time), but it's one that must be made. There is still time to see friends and enjoy a meal together, but it's time you make not time you're given. Well, I can’t say anything with regard to Balticons prior to the 90s, but I’ve been to many since then. The programming has grown a great deal, both in terms of time allotments and tracks.
Times for panels now run from 9 or 10 in the morning until 11 at night. There aren’t any white spaces and many things run directly across meal times – no breaks. The hotel has actually taken to setting up an additional food area (run by the hotel staff) where you can get an $8 hamburger while dashing between panels (if you so chose).
The tracks are numerous as well. Childrens’ programming, filk, writing, art, costuming and science along with “regular” panels with authors. Game and film rooms run 24 hours for the duration of the con. Book launch parties have become quite popular recently as well. It’s a jam packed weekend.
Here is the key. When I go, I go with the understanding that there are somethings I won’t get to see. There is a need to create your own “white space”. This isn’t always an easy decision (there always seems to be at least one thing I want to see at dinner time), but it’s one that must be made. There is still time to see friends and enjoy a meal together, but it’s time you make not time you’re given.

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