WorldCon 2005 in Glasgow, UK

[Hmpf]

I'm going to be at this year's WorldCon, as it happens to come to Europe for a change ;-), and I'd like to do something for Farscape there. If necessary I'll do it alone, but it would be easier, not to mention more fun, to do something with other Scapers! So, is anyone going to be there, as well?

Here's a link to the website:

http://www.interaction.worldcon.org.uk/

[norweigan_scaper]

yup, i'll definately be there....i'll be in edinburgh at the time, short trip....so count me in

we could have a watchfarscape table...a telly with pkw screening .... we could fly celebreties in, like fmd's own browderchick, who45 and jadescape

i'm sure we could get our hands on some swag to hand out as well

[Hmpf]

Fly celebrities in? I don't think so! I can barely afford my own ticket! ;-)

I filled in the programme participants questionnaire yesterday, meaning that I will talk about Farscape if they let me. But a table in addition to that would be nice. But we'd have to start planning *now*, and I think we need more people than just the two of us, or both of us won't get a chance to see much of the convention - we'd have to be at the table all the time.

Frell... I still have to find a place to stay in Glasgow... *worried*

[grapeshot]

Hey, FarOps members have quite a few left over stuff that we could send over!! PM me or akimbo or ctegan.

[scrape_medic]

The Worldcon, or World Science Fiction Convention, is the annual convention of the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS). Worldcons have been held each year since 1939 with the exception of four years during World War II. Locations have included the United States, Canada, Australia, England, Scotland, Germany, and The Netherlands. Science fiction and fantasy fans have traveled from all over the world to attend, including Japan, Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Norway, Finland, Croatia, New Zealand, and Russia.

The various Fan Funds (TAFF, DUFF, GUFF, etc.) will send their delegates to the Worldcon if they can, and sometimes will delay a year to make sure they can.

The Hugo Awards are presented at a highlighted ceremony. The awards themselves are nominated and voted upon by the members of the Worldcon.

Other highlights of the Worldcon Program have included Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, scientists, writers, editors, publishers, artists, and fans.

Special prestige is given to the Guests of Honor of the Worldcon. Biographical and bibliographical data are written in the publications. They often present Guest of Honor speeches, participate in interviews, and are treated with respect honoring their years in the Science Fiction community. Past Guests of Honor have included Andre Norton, Isaac Asimov, John Campbell, Jr., Gene Wolfe, Gordon R. Dickson, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Robert A. Heinlein, Ursula K. Le Guin, Hal Clement, Anne McCaffrey, Samuel R. Delany, and others.

The Masquerade (another highlight of the program) is spectacular, as the costumers prepare their best work for this event. There are concerts and artists' and writers' workshops. The film program will usually include the Hugo-nominated Best Dramatic Presentations. Major TV and film studios will often preview their new work at the Worldcon. Worldcon attendees were the first to find out about Star Trek, Star Wars, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and others.

Both original artwork and prints can be purchased at the Art Show from new and established artists, to suit all budgets. In the Dealers' Room, one can buy books (new, used and collector's items), jewellery, toys, t-shirts, and other science fiction & fantasy related merchandise. There's also music, filking, dancing, videos, gaming, exhibitions, parties, author readings & autographings, and things you won't believe until you see them.

Worldcons are run by fan volunteers, ages four to ninety-four, working from one hour to many years to produce the best event for their fellow fans.

That sounds like it could be fun.....

[Hmpf]

It is. I've never been to a WorldCon, but I've been to EasterCon, which is similar but smaller. If you're interested in SF (beyond Farscape) and related topics, this is definitely an event you will enjoy. There's discussions, panels, talks about anything you can imagine, and you meet lots of likeminded folks.

[Hmpf]

Originally Posted by grapeshot

Hey, FarOps members have quite a few left over stuff that we could send over!! PM me or akimbo or ctegan.

Well, so far we don't have quite enough people for a real table yet, I think - two people just aren't enough to man a table for five days! - but I'll try and ask around on some more Brit-centred boards, as well, and I'll write to the WorldCon organisers to inquire about the possibility of having a fan table there, just in case. And if we get one, we'll certainly let you know! :-)

[grapeshot]

I might add that a table costs a lot. HOWEVER, I think FarOps and FWA can help you out with a deposit, and I think 'Scapers will all chip in when it comes time to pay the full amount. In my opinion, you've got a fair bit of time yet to round up volunteers, and you'll be surprised at how they come out of the woodwork -- especially at the last minute. That's the way it has always gone for us (FarOps) at the very large Cons. (At GenCon people were positively tripping over each other behind the booth.) Also, you don't have to have the table manned for absolutely every minute, nor for absolutely every day.

I'd say go ahead and get a booth reserved. My motto about conventions has always been "if you build it, they will come". The fandom might be very small, but Farscape fans are everywhere.

[Hmpf]

The problem may be that this is in Britain. In my experience the British Scapers are very reluctant to scape cons. I've tried to motivate them before... but at EasterCon I was the only Scaper among 700 visitors. Anyway, I've posted my suggestion at FarscapeWorld forums and on the Scaping the UK mailing list. :-)

[Bandana Girl]

Also I'd like to point out if there are people in the area who can't afford to go to World con but would like to there are ways. I can link a thread to what I did when World con came to Toronto .

[norweigan_scaper]

i know a couple of uk scapers who don't frequent fmd, i'll drop them a line and see if they're interested....

[Hmpf]

I've posted on Farscape World Forums, Kansas, and on the Scaping the UK Mailing List. Any ideas where else I might find volunteers? So far, no one has replied. (What is it with BritScapers??? Are they all terminally shy or something?)

[Hmpf]

Info on prices and sizes of tables: http://www.interaction.worldcon.org....lers.htm#rules

I'd feel more comfortable booking one if there were more than two people to man it.

[Hmpf]

I tried to send my appeal through the SaveFarscapeAnnouncements list yesterday, but it seems it wasn't cleared by the admins.

I'm not sure if the almost non-existent echo so far from all the places I've posted to is due to low European visitor numbers of those places or due to general disinterest. Either way, I'm saddened. :-(

[norweigan_scaper]

most of the uk scapers i know post on this message board http://www.breezer.34sp.com/board/st...p?webtag=&msg=

i'll start a thread.....if i can only find my password.....