Wiscon '08: The Year We Were Bitchy

May 27, 2008 23:51

Let me say at the outset that I love Wiscon, I always love Wiscon, and this year was no different. I am bitchier than usual about it this year for a number of reasons, including that four panels turns out to be just too many for me to be on, and that I didn't get organized enough to write my notes before I left, so I missed a lot of stuff I wanted ( Read more... )

wiscon, wiscon 32

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Comments 115

dilletante May 28 2008, 15:46:38 UTC
those years of study sound like fun. :)

these are probably good rules for a lot of discussion fora. i'll try to keep them handy myself...

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coffeeandink May 28 2008, 15:49:36 UTC
I kept looking for you but I did not see you at all! I am sad. Next year would you be interested in making a meal date ahead of time?

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vito_excalibur May 29 2008, 01:31:14 UTC
Yes! I think that would be a good idea. I was looking for you too, especially after starkeymonster confirmed that you were there. Sigh.

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That's what the moderator is for. apostle_of_eris May 28 2008, 16:03:31 UTC
There are a couple of great fannish tipsheets for being a good moderator, but unfortunately, my wished-for database for bookmarks isn't finished yet . . .  There's Convention Panel Etiquette, v 0.1 from Emma Bull, who is a well-rounded veteran, and I notice that one of the first people mentioned is Elise! Nice circularity.

I was once actually complimented by a couple of people, after a panel I moderated, for gently but decisively cutting off someone's hobbyhorse during the questions.

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Re: That's what the moderator is for. vito_excalibur May 29 2008, 01:31:26 UTC
Good link, thanks!

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coniraya May 28 2008, 16:59:52 UTC
Well Said.

I'm sorry I couldn't be at the Elves & Dwarves panel but from everyone I talked to you did a great job of trying to get folks back on track and to stop them from being crazypants.

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#7a, 7b kateyule May 28 2008, 17:33:57 UTC
Key audience members should be issued water pistols, specifically for use on anyone who says "I don't know why I'm on this panel."

Because I would dearly love to be able to stand up and say "In that case, please come sit in the audience," but it probably wouldn't go over well....

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Re: #7a, 7b badgerbag May 28 2008, 17:44:43 UTC
I think it would be super awesome and we could do more of it! In nearly any audience at WisCon you could say "Who could do a good job on this panel" and there'd be people. And, a lot of the spirit of Wiscon is in exactly that sort of anarchic approach. Stand up and say "Maybe you could give up your spot to someone who has more to say on the subject" and suggest someone from the audience if you know they're a Buffy expert or whatever.

The best panels for me have some or all of these qualities -

* panelists who are well prepared and have definite points to make on a subject
* moderators who draw out panelists to think and respond to each other
* not a sharp division btwn panel and audience, more of a group discussion with several leaders

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Re: #7a, 7b vito_excalibur May 29 2008, 01:32:26 UTC
I really ought to make a list of things you should say when on a panel at Wiscon, too...

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Re: #7a, 7b vito_excalibur May 29 2008, 01:31:50 UTC
I'm in favor of this. It works with cats, right? :)

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