I found the Arisia staff to be extremely helpful and nice all weekend. That being said, I was not on staff, so I don't know how Arisia staff interact with each other or others who were meeting their needs. I am also extremely sympathetic given this year is a 4 day con and by Monday morning, I was extremely impressed with the staff because I was exhausted and less than at my best, but the staff were still helpful and receptive.
But what I am writing to comment, specifically, about is the panels. The "alternative lifestyle" panels were the ones late at night and I thought their inclusion was a good way to (a) make sure that the other panels got the space during the day and (b) include them and meet the needs of that fan population. However, I would agree with you that the quality of panels was lacking this year. I am a panel girl and enjoy going each year, but generally don't want to lead a panel. This year, there were fewer panels I was excited to attend, and even fewer that I enjoyed attending. I think that, unfortunately, not all panels are created equal and some of the panelists seemed to be phoning it in a great deal.
I think the way to remedy the thoughts about panel disappointment, however, is to make suggestions for next year and to become involved in the process.
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Date: 2008-01-21 06:15 pm (UTC)I found the Arisia staff to be extremely helpful and nice all weekend. That being said, I was not on staff, so I don't know how Arisia staff interact with each other or others who were meeting their needs. I am also extremely sympathetic given this year is a 4 day con and by Monday morning, I was extremely impressed with the staff because I was exhausted and less than at my best, but the staff were still helpful and receptive.
But what I am writing to comment, specifically, about is the panels. The "alternative lifestyle" panels were the ones late at night and I thought their inclusion was a good way to (a) make sure that the other panels got the space during the day and (b) include them and meet the needs of that fan population. However, I would agree with you that the quality of panels was lacking this year. I am a panel girl and enjoy going each year, but generally don't want to lead a panel. This year, there were fewer panels I was excited to attend, and even fewer that I enjoyed attending. I think that, unfortunately, not all panels are created equal and some of the panelists seemed to be phoning it in a great deal.
I think the way to remedy the thoughts about panel disappointment, however, is to make suggestions for next year and to become involved in the process.