Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 12:00:01 -0400
From: "Michael Walsh" <MJW at press.jhu.edu>
To: <WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: Ravencon ?
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net>

> twhite8 at cox.net 4/26/2006 11:38:35 AM >>>
>Cathy Green wrote:
>
>[...]
>>
>>  Also, multiple panels gives the pros who come something to do.
>>  People like to be program participants.  More programming gives
them
>>  more opportunity.
>
>After all, pros aren't *people*, let alone *fans* who might want to
meet
>old and new friends, hang out, or do any of the things we've
>traditionally done at cons.  No, they must be *served* like the proper

>*stars* that they are.  Give them all autograph tables.

For Capclave last year I very purposely contacted the various editors
and writers I knew to cajole them into coming to Capclave.

Why?

Well, in the hope that their presence would attract readers to
Capclave.

I think overall that plan succeeded.

Now here I want to try not to step on any toes...  sucking up to pros
because they are pros is not something Capclave should do.  Writers,
editors, fans... program particiapnts in general should be on
programming because they are interesting, clever, etc etc.

The problem Capclave - and other cons - face is with the growth of
self-publishing that there are too many fools who think they're
"pros" and demand, what they believe, is their "proper due".
Feh.

Conventions *should* be a converstion, and a converstion is generally
atleast a two way communication.

My 2 cents worth.

mjw