mrwubbles | MWC29: Wrap Up

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MWC29: Wrap Up

-cringe- I know, I know. I meant to post daily all the wonderfulness of MWC. In typical MWC, I got sucked into conversations, vids, fic ideas, zines, panels and--what do you mean it's Monday, already?! I'll do my best to do a few followup reports. I wanted to post questions here that popped up during Mediawest because conversation, fanfic and friendship was what this con was all about.

And Tim Tams. LOL

The Good, the Bad, and the WTF?
The Good : "Nice to see you again"
The key factor of Mediawest was always the people. The moment I deplaned on Detroit, the familiar faces (sadly, names escape me) were a welcoming sight as we do a pilgrimage to ole Lansing.

It was a little sad some of us couldn't make it, whether due to the economy, timing, etc. Many names floated by of our MIAs like Becky, Waldo, Ginger and many more. Definitely, they were sorely missed in the music vids and art show.

Like all reunions, the first day (whether Thursday or Friday) was spent catching up on a year's worth of fandom. Sure, many of us keep in touch via email, text or LJ, but the exhilarating thrill of person to person conversation can never be imitated. And heck, you can't email hugs. :)

Mediawest was always a non-actor, fanfic/media/fan based convention. It is what we are: sitting around in panels in the comforting knowledge that the person sitting/chatting/squeeing next to you, gets it. It is really awesome especially since most of us understandably celebrate our fannish love incognito.

One thing I got out of this was a huge, mondo list of fic recs, authors (from FF.net, LJ, or their own site) shared and praised, and new shows to check out (although I'm still not sure if that's a good thing or not. LOL.)

Panels were still the big thing here. In fact, I've met a few LJ users there who decided to do a meetup in MWC since they couldn't afford to make one in Cardiff/London?New York/San Diego. It made a heck of lot of sense. Why not? You already got a hotel setup for gatherings, the dealer's room is a fic reader's crack den and frankly, Lansing was cheaper and central enough for many. And if done within the con's deadlines, they could set up panels without the worry of setting up their own fee for conference rooms, facilities, etc. It was a neat idea: these guys made a mini-con within our con. Hey, the more the merrier!

The Bad :
I've been going to Mediawest long enough to know our fanzine offerings this year was nowhere near what there was out there ten years ago. I'm not sure why: we're not short of writers, definitely not short of readers, yet the traditional fanzine--the origin of fanfic for you youngings who thought fanfic was borne out of the loins of the internet (no joke, some had thought fanfic was internet created, lol)--is slowly becoming extinct. Especially gen ones.

It's a puzzle. Really. One some have commented on throughout the con. People have started searching for used zines to find classic fanzines to relive a time when sending LoC for zine fics were a natural courtesy and reading the fics was further enhanced by the feel of cool, crisp pages flipping gently to reveal the next story. Sadly, I have a feeling ten years from now, our newer fans will never know the sensation of reading in the truer sense. We've become too technologically bred that we're starting to fail to appreciate the tactile pleasure of reading. I stubbornly hold onto my books.

The WTF?! Causeway Bay Hotel
To be fair, after many years of Holiday Inn claiming to renovate, we do see signs of the new owner doing exactly that. The timing, sadly, fell over Mediawest.

A fire a few weeks ago had gutted out the fifth floor while they were doing repairs so we arrived to the hotel in mid-renovation. The outside atrium was ripped up, the usual fanzine reading room looked like a Home Depot vomited its inventory in it and odd wires stuck out in the oddest places all over.

As disconcerting this all was, it did give me hope. The hotel, which had need a dire makeover after years of con abuse (not just us, mind you) was finally doing something about it.

Today, looks like the effort was being made: towel racks were updated and reinforced, grouting refreshed, furniture was repaired for the time being. the newly reinstalled bar was gorgeous and the atrium, when done, will be great. It was a shame the fire interrupted the progress. We were left with the odd feeling we've seen this place in a Supernatural episode. LOL.

Number of Hours I Did Not Sleep: 82 Oiiiii.

Number of Conversations That Spontaneous Came up With Strangers (hey, it's MWC, it can happen): 17

Number of Times Bob Evans Was Worshiped Instead of Nutrition: 3 (see? I iz proud. LOL.)

Number of Times Cracker Barrel Was Worshiped Instead of Bob Evans: 2 (see? I iz proud of that, too. LOL.)

Number of Times Combos and Tim Tams were Nutrition: 8 (oops...)

Number Times I Wished I Had Time To Do Door Decorations/Vidding: I lost count.

Number of "Oh, cool! Gotta Have!": 10

Number of Plot Bunnies MWC Gave Me (damn it): 32

The Virtual Door Decoration

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I've been going to Mediawest long enough to know our fanzine offerings this year was nowhere near what there was out there ten years ago. I'm not sure why: we're not short of writers, definitely not short of readers, yet the traditional fanzine--the origin of fanfic for you youngings who thought fanfic was borne out of the loins of the internet (no joke, some had thought fanfic was internet created, lol)--is slowly becoming extinct. Especially gen ones.

I know I'm going to sound like such an old fogey for saying this, but I think the younger the fan, the more likely they are seeking the instant gratification online ficcing gives them. I do not get a ton of feedback either way, but with zines? I DANCE A HAPPY LITTLE CHAIR DANCE when I get an LOC for a zine-submitted story. That's how few I get. I can't see young fanlings accepting that - not with all the shenanigans that go on at The Pit to blackmail, whinge, beg and flounce for reviews. As if a story truly is great if it's got 749 reviews that have been browbeaten/guilted out of people.

Anyway.

I wonder, too, if part of it is fear about the quality. With a zine, you've bought and paid for a bunch of works and you can't backbutton your way out. Sure, you can choose to not read a story, but you've paid for it anyway.

*headdesk* This year was my very very first ever zine submission, and I WILL be doing it again. No, I haven't received any feedback from the zine, but the reward was seeing my art and writing in glorious print.

As for the "feedback whores" (as I call them) at the Pit: the more they gripe and whine about wanting reviews, the less likely I am to review them... and even if I do, it's likely to be constructive criticism (which the poor little dears DON'T seem to want) instead of the squeeing, flailing, rambling gush they want.

I HAVE a story on the Pit with some 1500 reviews... of those, only about 50 are actually quality commentary... and most of those are from the same person. WTF?!

Oh yeah... that's why I've switched mostly to LJ :)

Hey, I meant it generally. It's awesome that you'll continue to write and do art for zines - I'm just not entirely sure many new-to-fandom artists will.

And The Pit is so named for a reason. Still, it's hard not to be frustrated when you see crap being reviewed as if it were the best story in the world, horrendous grammar flubs and all.

I'm cool with LJ, but it's really a pain for me. I'm lazy, so going back and adding links to a multi-part story seriously taxes me. And don't get me started on the people who don't do that. Hehe.

First off...squee for the AJ icon! LOL

Still, it's hard not to be frustrated when you see crap being reviewed as if it were the best story in the world, horrendous grammar flubs and all.

Very. I often wondered about the shift from receiving con crit to the gratification of number of reviews. Mind you, I would get excited about getting a gazillion reviews but I get even more excited when I get a long comment that points out their favorite bits or even what they didn't think work. I appreciate the effort but I think these days, if someone tried that, one of the newer generation writers takes it as a personal attack.

I'm cool with LJ, but it's really a pain for me. I'm lazy, so going back and adding links to a multi-part story seriously taxes me.

Oh yeah, LJ at times gives me a headache. Takes me a while to post my fics because I gotta code and prep the darn file first. Nothing like the good ole listgroups when you can just post and review at the drop of an email...

Geez, that makes me sound old. LOL

Hee hee. I love Simon & Simon. I wish RTN didn't play it so late out here.

Very. I often wondered about the shift from receiving con crit to the gratification of number of reviews. Mind you, I would get excited about getting a gazillion reviews but I get even more excited when I get a long comment that points out their favorite bits or even what they didn't think work. I appreciate the effort but I think these days, if someone tried that, one of the newer generation writers takes it as a personal attack.

I figure some of it must have to come from being active in fandom, though even when I was in the thick of things with SG1 I still didn't get a TON of feedback. Must be something about me, or my writing style. I dunno, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating when people who don't know the difference between then and than get praised like they are the second coming. ;)

Geez, that makes me sound old. LOL

I've been saying that a lot lately! I know what you mean - yahoogroups were really easy to post to, easy to read, easy to give feedback. I kind of miss those days.

I've been saying that a lot lately! I know what you mean - yahoogroups were really easy to post to, easy to read, easy to give feedback. I kind of miss those days.

I miss listgroups. There's a better sense of community in it than in the intethered LJ.

it's likely to be constructive criticism (which the poor little dears DON'T seem to want)

Hence why I'm reluctant sometimes to give feedback. I pointed out once a story where the writer had the main character enter the same room twice and that it's "you're" not "your".

....

Let's say I'm never doing that again. Pity. It was a good story, but I think with a good beta, it could have been a great story. With regret, I deleted the author's site on FF from my bookmarks. Sometimes, it doesn't pay to be helpful.

Ironically, I used to post heavily unbetaed, more "whee!" motivated than anything else. My best break was an email kindly commenting on what he/she enjoyed of my story and then very patiently pointed out some boo boos that would have distracted readers.

Best comment ever.

Betas are gold, I tell you. Gold.

I wonder, too, if part of it is fear about the quality. With a zine, you've bought and paid for a bunch of works and you can't backbutton your way out. Sure, you can choose to not read a story, but you've paid for it anyway.

That is a good point because you're right, there is always that fear with any purchase. I always go with publishers I trust.

With little competition left out there, too, I fear apathy may affect the surviving fanzines.

There are still plenty of people passionate about putting out a quality zine, but declining economies, clueless new fans and lack of encouragement (because some get harassed for making a zine, never mind trying to uphold a tradition), how long can they last? Sigh.

I really, really wish mediawest was longer - there's never enough time to do everything you want to, or see/spend time with everyone you want too, either.

Oh! Iso agree! I went to bed every night at 4 but it still felt like there was so much I wanted to do!

Brotherhood 7 rocks!!!

LOL. Thank you!

Welcome home!! And sorry for all that's in your inbox--we were chatty last night.

I am still so new to fandom, so I have no memories of the mailing-fic-to-each-other days or even the Yahoo Groups days, but it does seem like things are on their way toward a permanent change, from print to ezines and podcasts and basically anything electronic. It's cool in many ways, since it broadens the reach, but there's something that's lost, too...kind of like the switch from handwritten letters to emails. No one will be printing off and saving courting emails to wrap with ribbon and keep in a hope chest to share with their grandkids someday...

*is a little sad*

No one will be printing off and saving courting emails to wrap with ribbon and keep in a hope chest to share with their grandkids someday...

It is a little sad. I used to love writing letters, find pretty stationary...

Me, too. :(

Know what I really miss? Buying pretty notebooks, clean blank pages smelling of ink, the scratch of a pen scribbling across.

Oh, yes...heaven. :)

It all sounds very intriguing. I must admit I never knew cons like that existed, and I only heard about zines themselves when an author I read mentioned having a story in one. As much as my love of fanfic (and indeed discovery of it) revolves around the net I can't imagine how exciting and thrilling it must be to have one of your stories in actual print, or to be asked to contribute in the first place. Maybe one day I'll actually have to see about buying one! *g*

To my mind - as many hours as I spend reading online - you can't beat an actual book in your hand, so to speak.

One thing struck me which was your comment about a lack of good stories and gen in particular. I've noticed that online as well to be honest, and I'm getting genuinely exasperated as more and more slash stories keep popping up in my favourite fandoms. It's not that I have anything against slash, or gay couples, but it irritates me when writers make characters that AREN'T a romantic couple and thus ruin/disregard a heartwarming friendship (in most cases). There also seem to be far more stories these days that just have OTT hurt/comfort at the expense of a decent storyline, or even the characters being 'in' character.

Anyway.. Didn't mean to rant, it's just a pet peeve of mine! I'm glad you had fun at the event though, however tiring it was. I bet something like that really is quite fun to attend :)

I've noticed that online as well to be honest, and I'm getting genuinely exasperated as more and more slash stories keep popping up in my favourite fandoms. It's not that I have anything against slash, or gay couples, but it irritates me when writers make characters that AREN'T a romantic couple and thus ruin/disregard a heartwarming friendship (in most cases). There also seem to be far more stories these days that just have OTT hurt/comfort at the expense of a decent storyline, or even the characters being 'in' character.

Butting in to say "here, here!" I'll admit to sometimes reacting with a humph of dismay when the spnewsletter comes out and again the slash (incest, RPF, all of it) outweighs the gen stories by a great deal. I've nothing against slash at all but my true love will always be a well-plotted gen piece that could fit into the TV schedule without too much squinting.

And a big ditto about the OTT whumping in h/c. I'm an h/c junkie, but it really bugs me when the whole story seems to be based around some pretty unsurvivable hurt. Story? Who needs a plot? It's not the gratuitous hurtin' that makes me love that genre...

Thanks for 'butting in' to agree with what I said! :) I'm glad I'm not alone on this and don't even get me started on the whole 'incest' thing. I remember naievely thinking that when I began to like a few shows with brothers at least I wouldn't have to worry about slash. But apparently not..

I think what irritates me most about the slash thing - given I really do have nothing against slash itself - is the fact that it most often takes a wonderful friendship and distorts it. The favourite bit about most shows for me is seeing those kind of bonds and it bugs me no end that some folks just can't seem to accept two guys have a platonic, brotherly, close relationship. Why??? It's almost insulting to the actors that so often create these great partnerships with chemistry that literally comes off the screen.

I agree absolutely about the h/c thing too. It's not the gratuitous hurt that makes me love the genre either, and when it really is ALL there is to a story it just puts me off completely. Even more so when as a result the characters become so emo or AU that you barely recognise them. I too love to read stories that could fit into the TV schedule easily...

Heh. I do slash, but it's definitely a "what-if" and I have to actually see something could be there beyond the friendship. I don't slash for slashing's sake (I can't pair up two hot guys or two hot girls just because they're hot. Homey don't play that.), and I don't think fanon has much to do with canon (unless people somehow impact TPTB about what they want to see).

Overall I wouldn't say that slashing a couple demeans the canonical friendship, but in the case of incest? Yeah, I sorta feel that way - like authors seem to believe that the only true love is one that involves sex and, well, NO.

It's hard not to get into really sticky, possibly-offensive tones in this kind of talk, so I'm gonna stop. ;)

Overall I wouldn't say that slashing a couple demeans the canonical friendship,

Me neither. A few writers tell me it's more of enhancing what they interpret between a couple.

What irks me is that 'friends can't be just friends, but also lovers' definition that was going around in the con and I suspect, online too.

Sigh

Slash and gen co-existed so nicely back then. Writers could be proud being bi-fictional, but these days, it feels like we have to pick a side. I don't wanna pick sides! I have friends on both genres! They're all cool!

Butting in, too, to say I so agree with this: it bugs me no end that some folks just can't seem to accept two guys have a platonic, brotherly, close relationship. Why???

So many times I have read a story in awe, and then get to the sex part and think...wow, this could have been so great if not for that. I've got nothing against slash as a form (although in my main fandom, Supernatural, it sure is a LOT more awkward). But when it becomes the EVERY STORY theme, it just seems lazy, narratively speaking. Especially when the sex is used to breach an emotional gap. It's not even about squick, but just being unrealistic and too easy (even in real life, sex rarely if ever solves problems).

I do wish, sometimes, that there were a few more experiments in gen.

I think I love you.

I must admit I never knew cons like that existed, and I only heard about zines themselves when an author I read mentioned having a story in one.

Same here. I only heard of fanzines long ago when I was invited to submit something to a zine called "Gateways". Ah, the memories! I went to MI to check it out and found decades worth of fanzines and traditions around fanfic. There was just something about reading fic in printed, beautifully formatted form. Heck, I often took fic and printed out to read. Here, it was done, bound, edited, layout and wow, since then, I was hooked!

I just love the fact that printed fanfic goes as far back as Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes. Granted, fanfic back then was highly regarded as "fictional commentary". LOL

but it irritates me when writers make characters that AREN'T a romantic couple and thus ruin/disregard a heartwarming friendship (in most cases). There also seem to be far more stories these days that just have OTT hurt/comfort at the expense of a decent storyline, or even the characters being 'in' character.

Same here. I have nothing against slash, know a few who write slash too but the evolving (or devolving)definition of gen these days being "sexless, plot driven only, no one are friends" fic irks me. So if the two characters don't have sex (whether het or slash or ship), they can't 'care' for each other? When did sex=love?

That was one depressing aspect of Mediawest that mirrors fandoms these days: the growing divide of slash and gen. When fandom was brought to the media's attention, it's slash brought up and ridiculed, used to represent negatively on the fans as a whole. Gen was never considered and fans are made to look like some deep dark secret of society. Not to mention slash in general was being misrepresented and misunderstood.

Slash, as explained by a long time slash writer/friend far wiser and far more patient than me, used to be regarded as just another form of hurt-comfort. As another way for comfort. It was never meant to be the only thing that can be used as comfort. I like that explanation. It made for a far more beautiful transition than the "sex=care" trend of late. Slash was written as just another form of bond, closeness. It doesn't mean the writer is gay or anti gay if they choose to write slash or gen.

I miss smarm. I do. I've been accused of writing pre-slash, but honestly, that is all in the reader's pov. I liked reading about friends hugging, hold a hand if the pain is too much, a swat to the back of the head if the other goofs off, an arm around the shoulder for support. Do they then need to jump into bed? Not necessarily. It's the writer's choice what happens next. And no one felt like it's wrong either way. Hey, as a favor to a fellow fan, I helped beta a slash fic once. Not my cup of tea, but the fic was beautiful regardless, convincing and ooh look, they didn't have sex. Personally, minus a few sentences of love and thoughts of future sex, it could have been smarm. But it's the writer's prerogative on what the story was. The rigid 'sex or no sex' definition is stifling and frankly, a bit irritating to me because slash doesn't mean they have to have sex.

I wish people didn't automatically assume if two guys were good friends, it meant they were lovers. Sex doesn't automatically mean comfort. Friendship, love, joy is what it is and how the writer translates it to slash or gen should stay an interpretative choice.

Wow. Sorry there

sngeek, I am now officially in fandom long enough to babble about things. LOL.

*lol* No worries, you babble away!

I essentially agree with what you said, I suppose it is each to their own when it comes to the whole slash question (although the brothers/incest thing still gives me the icks).

It's just a shame it's a case of one outweighing the other these days..

"I wish people didn't automatically assume if two guys were good friends, it meant they were lovers."

Me too *sighs*

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MWC29: Wrap Up

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S vs G

Re: S vs G