Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 00:58:56 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Keith F. Lynch" <kfl at KeithLynch.net>
To: WSFAList at KeithLynch.net
Cc: mike.nelson at seahunt.org
Subject: [WSFA] Fwd: "concerns about the number of new fan-oriented events"
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 00:47:53 -0400
From: "Mark A. Santillo" <santillo at mac.com>

Dear Convention Organizers and Club Officers,

    I am writing to you on behalf of several peer organizations in
Pennsylvania and New Jersey who have some concerns about the number of new
fan-oriented events [sci-fi/fantasy, gaming, etc.] being scheduled in the
region.  To address these concerns, we invite you to send representation to
a meeting being planned for the end of August or early September in
Philadelphia.

    We are sending this invitation to convention organizers and club
officers from southern New York to Washington DC in the hope of developing
greater cooperation and mutual support among our groups, particularly in the
areas of event scheduling and coalition-building.

    While we recognize the interest each group has in developing its own
initiatives, we understand that, fundamentally, our community is a small one
which would benefit from greater cooperation.  By coordinating our efforts,
we can develop a system whereby one event feeds another, helping all to
succeed.  We envision a regional coalition which fosters cross-promotion and
encourages group attendance at member events.

    Please give serious consideration to these issues and let me know if you
would be able to attend a meeting on either Sunday, August 25th or Sunday,
September 8th at 2:00 in Philadelphia.  We recognize that this may involve
significant travel for some, but we believe that the results will be worth
the effort.  Also, please forward this invitation to other clubs and
conventions in your area.  We ask the courtesy of a reply by August 15th.

Best regards,

Mark A. Santillo
President, Active Imagineering Inc.