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You're going to be in Toronto for the TorCon? Yey!

Are you going as a guest, or only a visitor? Check their site: www.torcon3.com for information.

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So, does that meen you're coming, Dragon?

We'll have such a party! Anyone else? ">

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There's the TorCon3 in Toronto from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1 2003, and I am of a mind to drive down there to visit. George R.R. Martin will be there. What goes on at these conventions? What I don't understand is that they mention 'membership' fees. Can't anyone attend these conventions? How does that work?

Oh well... I'm green, I guess! (No, I'm not a toad, nor a lizard)

Edited by: Manon at: 8/29/02 6:58:56 am

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I wanted to go to Toronto to see RUSH play, missed them and can't afford them.

Maybe when they are on the next LAST EVER TOUR

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I just checked-out the site. Martin and Spider Robinson...very impressive.

Adios

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I've never been a member of any convention, I have just paid on the day and entered.

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I'm pretty new to this myself, Manon. Firstly it is my intention to be at that Con in 2003 so I will see you there. Next, Brad in California is the guy to ask about this as he goes to many conventions and is probably at WorldCon in San Jose right now. I'll email him now so he can come back to you swiftly on this.

As I understand it from Westercon which I went to a month or so ago, you can either pay for the whole convention and then choose when you want to attend i.e. each day or any day(s) of your choice. And I think when you do this, you are considered a member.

Others, like Steve mentions, just roll up for a single day and pay at the door. It is a more expensive way to go, of course but some people might only be able to spare a single day.

If you're making the effort to drive down, you will probably want to lurk around the convention for a few days and attend as many of the panels and sessions as you can.

But let's wait and see what Brad says. He's an old pro at it. Back soon. ">

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The only way I could afford to get there would be if I stowed-away in Fiona's luggage...and the way airport security is these days, I don't like my chances.

I've actually been to Toronto, and thoroughly enjoyed the place...'till some fool took me up that needle thing and stood me out on the glass floor. Heights and I don't get along...it was a very strange experience.

Adios

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Reading that I nearly wet myself! "> I am terrified of heights. I assume that was some sort of viewing platform made of glass so it's as if you are standing above a huge drop. Actually it's a brilliant idea, though.

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You got it in one Cerhis...but what makes it even more fun, is that this needle thing is so tall, that you actually look DOWN on clouds.

Fiona has to check this out while she's there.

Adios

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Maybe you could go in a cage instead, Dragon. Pass for Fiona's pet... ">

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Thanks Brad for all that wonderful information. It sounds really interesting, and I think my decision is pretty much made up: I'll go! I can't pass an opportunity like this. It's not often that I get to see these things on my side of the continent. Everything seems to happen in LA or San Jose! So yep, TorCon is going to have my name in their annals! ">

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Ah, conventions. Yes, if you're interested in writing, Manon, definitely try to get to one. Even if you're a fan and want to visit some of the authors, it's a great forum to do so.

So, memberships.... For some odd reason, they call "tickets to get in" memperships. Even a 1 day thingy at the door is called a 1 day membership. They track who goes to these things in the annals of the con. Not really sure why they picked the name. That's just the way it is. *Some* of them allow you to vote for major awards. Like the one I just went to, WorldCon in San Jose, has voting for the Hugos. If you join early enough, you can vote for the Hugo nominees. Kind of neat.

As for what goes on, it depends on the size of the con, I think. The largest will have many, many panels on various things. How to write, how to publish, how to get agents, hard sci-fi topics, misc. fantasy topics, fan sessions with authors.

There can also be readings by the authors. Those are really fun. I was priveleged enough to hear Tad Williams read from his new book, War of the Flowers, and China Mieville read from The Scar. Great readers, both of them.

WorldCon had Kaffee Klatsches with the authors. ***WARNING, MAJOR NAME DROPPING IMMINENT *** For instance, I went to one of those with George Martin (just a few days ago). 10 people get to sit down with the author for an hour and just chat. It was great. George is a really nice, funny guy. So, I suppose it's what Fiona does as she wanders Australia book signings, but there's more than 1 Fiona and you have to sign up to get in.

The smaller ones may only have panels. The cons seem to, annoyingly enough, only put up schedules when the convention is right around the corner. I guess they have to get confirmations from the authors for what they'll attend. So, you can keep checking their website for a list of events/panels.

Brad.

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You'll have great fun (would that be great crack in Ireland?). Happy Con'ing!

Brad.

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What about ye? Brad the would be crack in Ireland.

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Your accents are appalling...and it's spelt craik.

Adios

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My accent is quite well defined... lived in Belfast for 5 years.

Craic isn't it?

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"Survived Belfast for 5 years." is the correct expression I believe Soldierblue.

Adios

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DN

Had a great time in Belfast... the people there are amazing and I think the friendliest in the world... I know some would not agree...

I had a ball and loved every second... Great Place, Great people and the Craic was great.

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Soldierblue, my affection for you grows and grows...but your accent still needs work.

Adios