Are we entering a phase of Convention Overkill? Over the past few years, fans have seen an expansion of SF/Anime/Comic related conventions, all vying for our attention, and hard-earned dollars. There's been an explosion of Cons here in New England; besides the usual fare like ConnectiCon and Boston Comiccon, there have been other conventions at Casinos in Connecticut, and smaller events in Massachusetts.
Is this good news or bad for SF fans and convention lovers? I say it's a mixed bag. I enjoy ConnectiCon, the Sci Fi Journal crew had a great time there recently, but I passed on the new Convention at the aforementioned casino, cause quite frankly, I didn't want to get burned out. The only Convention I will be attending between July and November is R.I. Comiccon, even though there are a few others in the area before that event.
Plus, conventions can be expensive. If you're from way out of town, there are hotel fees, entrance fees, parking, food costs, costume costs, the list goes on. Who can afford to work, pay all your other bills, and still afford all these conventions? Not me.
So if you really love these events, I suggest you do some research. Check out the Guest list, and total your expenses before spending a dime. If there's a Celebrity attending that you really admire, and you need to get that autograph, go for it. But be careful that you don't overdo it, or you'll get that "too much of a good thing has soured it for me" feeling, and that just hurts fandom.
So have fun at the Summertime conventions, and I'll see you in November.
Marc
Is this good news or bad for SF fans and convention lovers? I say it's a mixed bag. I enjoy ConnectiCon, the Sci Fi Journal crew had a great time there recently, but I passed on the new Convention at the aforementioned casino, cause quite frankly, I didn't want to get burned out. The only Convention I will be attending between July and November is R.I. Comiccon, even though there are a few others in the area before that event.
Plus, conventions can be expensive. If you're from way out of town, there are hotel fees, entrance fees, parking, food costs, costume costs, the list goes on. Who can afford to work, pay all your other bills, and still afford all these conventions? Not me.
So if you really love these events, I suggest you do some research. Check out the Guest list, and total your expenses before spending a dime. If there's a Celebrity attending that you really admire, and you need to get that autograph, go for it. But be careful that you don't overdo it, or you'll get that "too much of a good thing has soured it for me" feeling, and that just hurts fandom.
So have fun at the Summertime conventions, and I'll see you in November.
Marc
