A Fan's Guide to Conventions
Jul. 16th, 2009 09:17 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wraithfodder@apndrgn on twitter asked if I'd do a 'how to behave at cons' for fans since I'd done an Actors Guide to Stargate Fandom already. So, go beneath the cut for my point of view as a fan...
There are probably a gazillion things to say, but here are some general pointers.
1. Bathe. Seriously. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a convention and had someone (usually male) go by and waft of eeeeeuuu-when-did-you-last-take-a-bath?? It's just common courtesy and face it, if you're a guy, and your favorite actress is there and you pose with her, don't let her last memory of you be "wish he'd used a deoderant!"
2. Dress appropriately. Sure, wear your favorite t-shirt with a silly saying, Dress up as your favorite character, but use common sense. If you're 300 pounds, don't wear spandex. Wear enough so that you don't get yanked aside and be told to cover up.In fact, please please please use a mirror, or ask a friend who can be honest, if your outfit looks okay. Unless you don't mind the comments, make sure you're not wearing clothing two sizes too small. And oh yes, you really shouldn't wear t-shirts with profanity on them. It doesn't impress the actors, and peeves adults who bring kids. If you do a LARGE con like Comic Con, wear comfortable walking shoes or else you might end up with plantar faciitis (I speak from experience!)
3. Children. The old adage of children shoudl be seen and not heard can apply to a degree at cons. If you go to a convention, remember that many actors like to tell stories that might not be appropriate for children. Babies should simply be left with a babysitter, because a) they can scream at the wrong time, and b) if that diaper suddenly needs changed, you'll miss out on the talks while you run off to fix the problem.
4. Bring enough money. Cons are not cheap. Not really. Most Creation cons are at airport hotels or sort of locked in, and the food prices can be high. if you can afford it, stay at the host hotel. This means you can stay up late and not risk getting flattened by an SUV while crossing the road. It's simply a matter of planning ahead. I have seen fans just literally flat broke at the end of a con and wondering how they'll get home. Scary.
5. Food. This depends on the con you attend. Some have food stations (can be pricey), others have restaurants, others you're on your own. It's always wise to bring along some snacks and bottled water. If you go to a Comic Con, yes, bring survival rations, cuz they are HUGE cons.
6. Sitting in the Audience. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But so much can go wrong. The people behind you who can't stop talking, the ones who insist on yelling out something to EVERY question. Believe me, the rest of us do NOT want to hear it.
7. Don't be a snob. That may sound weird, but it happens. You're a Stargate fan, but you ONLY like Daniel Jackson. Don't diss other fans if they like Jonas Quinn, etc. etc. While yuo can say you don't like something, don't put it down like "only idiots like that," etc.
8 Have fun, but remember that in this day and age, nothing you do or say in a public place could end up on YouTube. Yes, people take photos left and right, take videos, post this stuff on the net, so if you call in sick and your video shows up on YouTube and your boss finds it....
One of the best ways to have fun at a con is to go with a friend, or meet up with fans you've met on the net, etc. In other words, socialize! And oh yes, if you like to buy, bring a comfy backpack. Comes in handy for bringing back the loot :)
Okay, onward to the big stuff, the actors, producers, etc.
1. Actors are people. They are human beings. THey are not action figures to hug, grab their ass or other parts of the anatomy, etc. without their express permission. Many actors may shake hands, but try to feel them out (not literally!) if that's okay. The men usually don't mind, but women may be a little more less touchy. And for heaven's sake, if you run into any of the celebs in the bathroom, let them be!! The facilities is NOT the place to ask for photos or autographs or anything else!
2. The false sense of familiarity problem. As fans, we know a LOT about the actors. Iti's all over the web. Actor A has a chihuahua named Spike, he likes to run and eats Chinese on Sunday morning. If you run up to an actor and start blathering all this, it might unnerve them. They know zip about you, after all. So, show common sense. There are fans whom the actors do know (the fans do a lot of cons). However, do NOT abuse this informal relationship by taking up extra time in autograph lines, etc. .
3. Q&A sessions. They are for the benefit of ALL the people in the room, so please don't a) ask the actor to sing happy birthday to you or yours (especially if the actor doesn't want to sing or can't sing - yes, some cannot sing, believe me), b) tell them how much you adore them, etc. etc. (save that for a fan letter) or c) insist on giving them a present. Q&As are a finite time period. Those types of things eat up precious that a fan could have asked a question. When asking questions, don't ask boxers/briefs. Unless of course you want to tell them what YOU wear first *cough*. It is also NOT the place to sing a song to the guests (cringing at that fan at Comic Con last year or before- argh!) Ask a sensible question. Don't start your question with a lengthy preamble that goes on for two minutes. Don't ask "Why should I watch your show? I heard it sucks" (Yes I heard that question once!). Ask something you'd find interesting to hear the reply on, and something you think others might know. Stay away from personal questions of the actors. ALso, the actors can't recite an episode word for word, or remember what was on the table in episode #202, etc. .
4. Autograph lines. Don't ask the actor to sign your boobs or butt (it's just, well, tacky!). Don't ask an actor to sign fan fiction (particularly slash - just cuz you like it doesn't mean they like it even know what it is!). Many cons have rules on what can be signed, so check before you go to the con to make sure you don't drag along something that can't be signed, or to make sure you buy something that can. Even if you're shy, this is basically your one real chance for a brief one-on-one chat, so if you like their work, tell them that. They do appreciate knowing that fans like what they do.
5. Photo Ops. Well, it's up to you what you wear. Or don't wear, etc. Many actors are fine with just side by side posing, and others will ham it up immensely. Depends on the con, on the actor, on their frame of mind. As in rule #1, make sure you wear deoderant and spare the actor an unpleasant experience (not to mention the rest of us) and ladies, don't overdue the perfume ;)
6. Those pricey lunch/drink things. Many cons are now doing 'yes, you can have a one hour drink/lunch/brunch with so and so and 8 other fans.' These cost an and a leg (hundreds). Let's say you can afford it. Just don't monopolize the actor with questions (and this goes for the cheaper 'dessert parties' too).
That's about it. I did this quickly, so I'm sure I missed something and have no problem updatnig/correcting, etc. So much is just common sense. Remember that while the actors are there making an impression on you, you too are making an impression on the actors, producers, dealers, etc.
Oh, and if you take pictures, bring batteries. buying them at a hotel can be $$$$. Rechargeables are good.
I've done a lot of cons, both pro and fan, and have seen the best and worst in both. Some conventions are more like events (Creations - everything ala carte, expensive) while fan cons like Shore Leave etc. have more paneling, more stuff to do. And one huge huge reminder. NO actor/guest is guaranteed to be a convention, even if you shelled out $$$$ to see him/her. They all have it written in their contract that if they have conflict (i.e., a job) they can cancel, and frankly, wouldn't you rather see your favorite actor wokring than at a convention?
Anyway, that's it. Feel free to add comments below or tweet me at wraithfodder at twitter.
Ah, here's a good guide too! http://www.stevebacic.com/w_conguide.shtml.
There are probably a gazillion things to say, but here are some general pointers.
1. Bathe. Seriously. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a convention and had someone (usually male) go by and waft of eeeeeuuu-when-did-you-last-take-a-bath?? It's just common courtesy and face it, if you're a guy, and your favorite actress is there and you pose with her, don't let her last memory of you be "wish he'd used a deoderant!"
2. Dress appropriately. Sure, wear your favorite t-shirt with a silly saying, Dress up as your favorite character, but use common sense. If you're 300 pounds, don't wear spandex. Wear enough so that you don't get yanked aside and be told to cover up.In fact, please please please use a mirror, or ask a friend who can be honest, if your outfit looks okay. Unless you don't mind the comments, make sure you're not wearing clothing two sizes too small. And oh yes, you really shouldn't wear t-shirts with profanity on them. It doesn't impress the actors, and peeves adults who bring kids. If you do a LARGE con like Comic Con, wear comfortable walking shoes or else you might end up with plantar faciitis (I speak from experience!)
3. Children. The old adage of children shoudl be seen and not heard can apply to a degree at cons. If you go to a convention, remember that many actors like to tell stories that might not be appropriate for children. Babies should simply be left with a babysitter, because a) they can scream at the wrong time, and b) if that diaper suddenly needs changed, you'll miss out on the talks while you run off to fix the problem.
4. Bring enough money. Cons are not cheap. Not really. Most Creation cons are at airport hotels or sort of locked in, and the food prices can be high. if you can afford it, stay at the host hotel. This means you can stay up late and not risk getting flattened by an SUV while crossing the road. It's simply a matter of planning ahead. I have seen fans just literally flat broke at the end of a con and wondering how they'll get home. Scary.
5. Food. This depends on the con you attend. Some have food stations (can be pricey), others have restaurants, others you're on your own. It's always wise to bring along some snacks and bottled water. If you go to a Comic Con, yes, bring survival rations, cuz they are HUGE cons.
6. Sitting in the Audience. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But so much can go wrong. The people behind you who can't stop talking, the ones who insist on yelling out something to EVERY question. Believe me, the rest of us do NOT want to hear it.
7. Don't be a snob. That may sound weird, but it happens. You're a Stargate fan, but you ONLY like Daniel Jackson. Don't diss other fans if they like Jonas Quinn, etc. etc. While yuo can say you don't like something, don't put it down like "only idiots like that," etc.
8 Have fun, but remember that in this day and age, nothing you do or say in a public place could end up on YouTube. Yes, people take photos left and right, take videos, post this stuff on the net, so if you call in sick and your video shows up on YouTube and your boss finds it....
One of the best ways to have fun at a con is to go with a friend, or meet up with fans you've met on the net, etc. In other words, socialize! And oh yes, if you like to buy, bring a comfy backpack. Comes in handy for bringing back the loot :)
Okay, onward to the big stuff, the actors, producers, etc.
1. Actors are people. They are human beings. THey are not action figures to hug, grab their ass or other parts of the anatomy, etc. without their express permission. Many actors may shake hands, but try to feel them out (not literally!) if that's okay. The men usually don't mind, but women may be a little more less touchy. And for heaven's sake, if you run into any of the celebs in the bathroom, let them be!! The facilities is NOT the place to ask for photos or autographs or anything else!
2. The false sense of familiarity problem. As fans, we know a LOT about the actors. Iti's all over the web. Actor A has a chihuahua named Spike, he likes to run and eats Chinese on Sunday morning. If you run up to an actor and start blathering all this, it might unnerve them. They know zip about you, after all. So, show common sense. There are fans whom the actors do know (the fans do a lot of cons). However, do NOT abuse this informal relationship by taking up extra time in autograph lines, etc. .
3. Q&A sessions. They are for the benefit of ALL the people in the room, so please don't a) ask the actor to sing happy birthday to you or yours (especially if the actor doesn't want to sing or can't sing - yes, some cannot sing, believe me), b) tell them how much you adore them, etc. etc. (save that for a fan letter) or c) insist on giving them a present. Q&As are a finite time period. Those types of things eat up precious that a fan could have asked a question. When asking questions, don't ask boxers/briefs. Unless of course you want to tell them what YOU wear first *cough*. It is also NOT the place to sing a song to the guests (cringing at that fan at Comic Con last year or before- argh!) Ask a sensible question. Don't start your question with a lengthy preamble that goes on for two minutes. Don't ask "Why should I watch your show? I heard it sucks" (Yes I heard that question once!). Ask something you'd find interesting to hear the reply on, and something you think others might know. Stay away from personal questions of the actors. ALso, the actors can't recite an episode word for word, or remember what was on the table in episode #202, etc. .
4. Autograph lines. Don't ask the actor to sign your boobs or butt (it's just, well, tacky!). Don't ask an actor to sign fan fiction (particularly slash - just cuz you like it doesn't mean they like it even know what it is!). Many cons have rules on what can be signed, so check before you go to the con to make sure you don't drag along something that can't be signed, or to make sure you buy something that can. Even if you're shy, this is basically your one real chance for a brief one-on-one chat, so if you like their work, tell them that. They do appreciate knowing that fans like what they do.
5. Photo Ops. Well, it's up to you what you wear. Or don't wear, etc. Many actors are fine with just side by side posing, and others will ham it up immensely. Depends on the con, on the actor, on their frame of mind. As in rule #1, make sure you wear deoderant and spare the actor an unpleasant experience (not to mention the rest of us) and ladies, don't overdue the perfume ;)
6. Those pricey lunch/drink things. Many cons are now doing 'yes, you can have a one hour drink/lunch/brunch with so and so and 8 other fans.' These cost an and a leg (hundreds). Let's say you can afford it. Just don't monopolize the actor with questions (and this goes for the cheaper 'dessert parties' too).
That's about it. I did this quickly, so I'm sure I missed something and have no problem updatnig/correcting, etc. So much is just common sense. Remember that while the actors are there making an impression on you, you too are making an impression on the actors, producers, dealers, etc.
Oh, and if you take pictures, bring batteries. buying them at a hotel can be $$$$. Rechargeables are good.
I've done a lot of cons, both pro and fan, and have seen the best and worst in both. Some conventions are more like events (Creations - everything ala carte, expensive) while fan cons like Shore Leave etc. have more paneling, more stuff to do. And one huge huge reminder. NO actor/guest is guaranteed to be a convention, even if you shelled out $$$$ to see him/her. They all have it written in their contract that if they have conflict (i.e., a job) they can cancel, and frankly, wouldn't you rather see your favorite actor wokring than at a convention?
Anyway, that's it. Feel free to add comments below or tweet me at wraithfodder at twitter.
Ah, here's a good guide too! http://www.stevebacic.com/w_conguide.shtml.
no subject
Date: 2009-07-17 01:18 pm (UTC)For #3, Children, though, I'm not exactly certain what you're saying.
The old adage of children shoudl be seen and not heard can apply to a degree at cons. If you go to a convention, remember that many actors like to tell stories that might not be appropriate for children.
The first part seems reasonable to me: if a child can't sit fairly quietly and enjoy a session, he or she probably shouldn't be there. But should I not bring my child who can sit quietly and enjoy a session because the actor might want to tell a story inappropriate for her? It seems to me that your comment that this is a job for the actor applies here: if the actor finds himself or herself facing a room that has children, then it's his or her job to adjust to the audience, the same way he or she adjusts if the audience doesn't find dirty jokes funny--or if they do. (Years ago, I saw John DeLancie at a con. He was filthy-mouthed; I was very turned off. I've since heard he's a lovely man and doesn't usually talk dirty. I can only assume he was playing to the audience, which mostly seemed to think he was uproariously funny, where I thought he was disgusting.) I do think daytime sessions are different than evening ones. But if the con is happy to sell my daughter a seat (and even offers some programming directed at children), and I know she can behave, I generally don't think I need to worry about cramping the actor's style. Obviously, though, I have a personal investment in this; we can maybe agree to disagree, but I'm curious to what extent you think children should be limited because an actor might not want them present--and, more importantly to me, whether there's any way for fen to know in advance.
Do you know if there are specific actors I should not let my daughter see? She has seen Michael Shanks and Christopher Judge; I can't remember if she was with me at Brent Spiner's panel or not, but his would have been fine for her, too. I've heard Dominic Keating is incredibly foul-mouthed (but see my one experience with John DeLancie above, which was years before we had Small Child).
I'd also add two more things, if I may?
1. Don't assume you know other fen, either. Funny you should mention showers: my husband had a friend with a skin condition that made him smell bad, and until they found the right medication, the more he showered, the worse he smelled. Guess where I met him? At a con! Probably 99% of the people you think should shower really ought to shower, but you can't assume that and go off on someone.
Of course, you also shouldn't go off on a stranger for the zines or photos you see them buy ("Why are you getting that? That actor stinks, and she's ugly too!"), and so on.
2. Be courteous to hotel and restaurant staff. Don't trash your room. Tip well. If you are too poor to tip, you are too poor to stay in that hotel or to go to that restaurant.
no subject
Date: 2009-07-21 12:37 am (UTC)As for limting what an actor can say. I think it truly is up to the convention to let the actor know (since it's tough to see if kids are sitting in the audience) if it's got a large section of young folk. I did attend one con with Jason Momoa and well, he used the "F" word rather loudly, unaware I guess there were tykes in the audience. For me, that's the extent of bad language I've heard, although I've heard one or two SG1 actors certainly have a vocabulary! ;) And I think in one of those instances it was a nighttime caberet event.
I don't think there's any perfect solution to this but have no probelm agreeing to disagree ;)
When I've come across folks who are, well, odorous, I normally just hold my breath and get upwind. I've never gone 'take a bath!' otherwise i would have told a few coworkers that a few years ago... Have never heard a skin condition like that, but that's very interesting to hear about.
Oh yes, be courteous to hotel/restaurant staff! I'd like to think that goes without saying, but...
no subject
Date: 2009-07-21 12:55 am (UTC)Sadly, it doesn't. When I was in college, I reserved two rooms in my name for a big group of us. At check-out time, I did my OCD check of both rooms, just to make sure no one had left anything. I hadn't been in the other room before since the first day.
I was mortified. The other group had left a mess. There was garbage from meals they'd brought in, and for a tip they had left in a heap all the change they had. Canadian coins were neatly on top of the pile--and this con was in Chicago. It wasn't as if the staff was going to slip over the border to spend them. I only had a few minutes to clean it up. I managed to get up a little of the trash. I took the Canadian coins myself and tossed a small bill or two on the pile; it was all the cash I had left. The pile of coins was big enough that I could hope it was worth the staff's while--but I had to think it was just plain insulting to them. (I never took a second room again. My friends were all in the one room with me, and these were friends of friends.... In retrospect, it was stupid, and I should just be glad they didn't do actual damage for which I'd have been liable. But I was young and foolish then.)
Thanks for telling me about Jason Momoa. Good to know in case of future cons with Small Child. I might have suspected anyway--I've heard from several people that he puts away a fair amount of beer before and during panels and autograph sessions! Chris Judge and Michael Shanks were fine for the cons we attended, but I heard about another one where Chris started cussing, then said he'd give a dollar to every kid in the audience each time he did it again, and he did it at least twice more. He did pay up, though! (I can only imagine that my child would gladly relieve him of his money and then later say, "Ooh, Mom, did you hear what he said?", but he did nothing of the sort at the Vulkon we attended.)
no subject
Date: 2009-07-21 02:11 am (UTC)Well, yeah, have heard (and read) that Jason was busy drinking beer at Shore Leave. I've heard that chris and Michael together can be something else. Don't know if it still occurs. In fact, I think that was Shore Leave too!
no subject
Date: 2009-07-21 02:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-07-22 12:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-07-21 02:31 am (UTC)Absolutely. Unless the service has been LOUSY, tip high. The difference between 15% and 20% may seem minimal to you compared to the cost of the meal, hotel, etc., but the wait-staff will appreciate it. Also, do NOT blame the on-site staff for "lousy service" that's due to management not having enough people working the restaurant on a convention weekend. Far too often, I see hotel restaurants where ONE poor overworked waitress is trying to serve twice the usual number of tables 'cause her moron boss didn't add staff in consideration of higher (convention) demand. When you see some poor waiter scrambling, TELL them you understand, cut 'em some slack, and leave a big tip. Then fill out a "comment card" so the MANAGEMENT knows they have to add extra staff the next time there's a con there. Next con, you'll likely see enough staff, AND they'll have a good impression of con-goers. (At many repeating cons, the hotel has staff who'll ASK to work the weekends we're there.)
Hotel-room tips: leave at least $1/person/day, EACH day, since you may not get the same person cleaning the room every day. If you need extra stuff (towels, shampoo, soap, pillows), leave a note for the Housekeeper along with the tip... If you have extra people in the room, but you tip generously, the maids won't "rat you out" to management.