Don't call me newbie

[threemonkeys]

I have just confirmed that I am running the item for first time sf con goers at Conspiracy 2. Now I have been involved in these a few times in the past. They usually go something like this: "it isn't just the programme items", "people talk funny", "socialise/party hard", "look after yourself". Then it devolves into a bunch of hardened con veterans telling tales of past exploits more designed to scare than inform. That is all well and good, but I really think something is missing from these talks. For example, I have never seen anybody attempt to reassure new to con folks that their expression of being a fan is valid. It can be intimidating when you hear somebody talking about something you don't know about. You may doubt that you should be there. I want to reassure people that they are welcome and genuinely help them over the culture shock.

So I am asking you. What is the one thing you most wish you had been told at the start of your first con? Alternatively, what is the one thing that you were told that benefited you the most?

Comments

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

Thanks - good points. In particular I hadn't even considered geek one-upmanship.

[angriest.livejournal.com]

It's a massive problem, and one I am hopefully less guilty of today than I was 10 years ago.

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure how big an issue it is over here. I haven't really been conscious of it that much. Then again that might just be me being all oblivious again. I will certainly cover it in the talk.

[angriest.livejournal.com]

I've seen it in both Perth and Melbourne. Some fans have a specific manner of speaking that comes across - generally unintentionally - of expressing to one another relatively superior levels of science fictional knowledge and trivia.

I exaggerate when I say it's a massive problem. There is a minority of fans who do it, but who are often loud and very hard to miss.

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

Oh - them! Yes, now I'm with you. Something to include along with the notion that there are lots of different ways to express your fandom and not be intimidated by anyboy elses.