I agree with you on a lot of this, but wanted to respond to this part:
*Of the panels offered pre-con, 47 "fannish lifestyle" panels this year and only 12 art, 12 filk, and 8 costume panels is not treating all things equally.
Yes, there were a bit too many "fannish lifestyle" panels - but you're forgetting to mention the literature panels (which is how most of us got into fandom in the first place! :) ), the comics panels, the (too few, but still there) science panels, the media panels, the readings... when viewed as a whole, it does look a bit more balanced. I was on six panels this year (down from the original nine, yeek!), and only one was Fannish Lifestyle. Myth and Folklore in Fantasy, in particular, evolved into a fascinating and largely academic discussion.
That said - yes, I agree on the attitude issue, though for me it was mostly the self-appointed elevator nazis. (Not the officially appointed ones. They were cool.) There were a few too many people who were just nasty and bitchy. The problem with a con is that you're limited to who volunteers, and sometimes people want to volunteer not to make it a better con, but to have a) a little power or b) just to get in free.
Most of the people I encountered were great (special props to everyone involved with feeding us weary and hungry panelists!). There are always a few bad apples. It sucks, but I can't think of a solution for it.
no subject
*Of the panels offered pre-con, 47 "fannish lifestyle" panels this year and only 12 art, 12 filk, and 8 costume panels is not treating all things equally.
Yes, there were a bit too many "fannish lifestyle" panels - but you're forgetting to mention the literature panels (which is how most of us got into fandom in the first place! :) ), the comics panels, the (too few, but still there) science panels, the media panels, the readings... when viewed as a whole, it does look a bit more balanced. I was on six panels this year (down from the original nine, yeek!), and only one was Fannish Lifestyle. Myth and Folklore in Fantasy, in particular, evolved into a fascinating and largely academic discussion.
That said - yes, I agree on the attitude issue, though for me it was mostly the self-appointed elevator nazis. (Not the officially appointed ones. They were cool.) There were a few too many people who were just nasty and bitchy. The problem with a con is that you're limited to who volunteers, and sometimes people want to volunteer not to make it a better con, but to have a) a little power or b) just to get in free.
Most of the people I encountered were great (special props to everyone involved with feeding us weary and hungry panelists!). There are always a few bad apples. It sucks, but I can't think of a solution for it.
I think a "Back to Basics" theme would be great!