BayCon 2009's Journal
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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in
BayCon 2009's LiveJournal:
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| Thursday, June 18th, 2009 | 11:04 am
[jennifer_brozek]
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| | Thursday, June 11th, 2009 | 9:29 am
[themanabides]
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First-time observations
My sister and I grew up in fandom and faire, and due to our parents' early, widespread involvement have a certain amount of geek cred that has nothing to do with our own minimal accomplishments. We don't advertise and don't seek it, but sometimes people heap praise upon our parents vicariously through us, so to speak. I'm writing this because I think the following comments from a good friend and first-time BayCon attendee make us out to be some kind of celebrities, which we certainly are not. I think it's fair to say she has exaggerated things to a grandiose level (including just how "famous" our parents may be).
I wanted to post her comments because it was her first time at any con, and she loved it, heaping praise on all involved. She also has some sobering observations about the health of fans that are not necessarily news to any of us. We can argue and debate the merits of what she wrote and the causes (real and/or imagined) thereof, but having discussed it with her and received permission to relay her words, I know that saying what she did came from a genuine concern for what she describes as "her people". As does my post.
( Disclaimer over. Here's what she wrote. ) | | Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 | 10:34 am
[jennifer_brozek]
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Apex Book Company forums
Hello all, Remember when I gave out the Apex Book Company Toastmistress coupon code for 20% off all purchases until BayCon 2010 (BROZEK522 if you forgot)? Well, the Apex Book Company now has a forum where all of its authors and editors reside. Look what we are all up for the Apex Book Company and beyond. http://apexbookcompany.com/board/index.phpThanks! Jennifer | | Sunday, May 31st, 2009 | 8:33 pm
[pentaclemoon]
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Assistance with Lost Cell Phone
Dear BayCon Members: One of our attendees lost a pink Nokia flip-phone on Monday afternoon during BayCon 2009. The attendee believes that the contents of the phone are sufficiently valuable as to merit offering a significant reward for the return of the cell phone, no questions asked. If you are in possession of the phone, or know who might be in possession, we ask that you please contact us at chairman09 @ baycon.org. All communication will be considered confidential. Sincerely, The BayCon Management Team Current Mood: busyCurrent Music: Henry V in the background | 4:38 pm
[ann_wilkes]
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My 2 part BayCon report with pics
I've put together some pictures and highlights over at Science Fiction and Other ODDysseys. Please have a look. Next con on my tour is SpoCon in Spokane, WA. Then Silicon and World Fantasy Con back in San Jose. Contastic! Ohhh, that will have to be the word of the week over on my Science Fiction Matters. I love makin' up words! | | Saturday, May 30th, 2009 | 9:50 pm
[aatheus]
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Jade Falcon Photography
D'oh, my brain has failed. Someone mentioned that Jade Falcon Photography (dba WyldFire Studios) is offering a complimentary digital copy of their Masquerade photo. Does anyone have the contact info for Jade Falcon Photography? Their Contact page is 404ed. Thanks! | 9:04 pm
[themanabides]
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| 1:55 pm
[sylvan]
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Grants Pass Contest
If you want to win a prize, including items from Grants Pass, a note from Kayley Allard, and other fun stuff, spread the word about the Grants Pass pre-order link during the week of 29 May and 6 June and link your post to the original contest entry here. Also, pre-order my first paid, published story! ( Book Trailer behind the cut ) | | Thursday, May 28th, 2009 | 8:16 pm
[activegnome]
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Book Trailer: Grants Pass
Moderator: If this is inappropriate, please feel free to delete it. This is the project I've been working on with Jennifer Brozek, the BayCon Toast Mistress for 2009, for her anthology "Grants Pass", an collection of stories about what happens after the world comes to an end and civilization's thin veneer is wiped away. The project features stories from authors like Ed Greenwood, Jay Lake, Cherie Priest, and Seanan McGuire, just to name a few. A fair number of whom have been to or involved with BayCon in some fashion over the years. "This is a unique anthology that deserves attention. You’ll hear echoes of Stephen King’s The Stand, David Brin’s The Postman and even Cormac McCarthy’s The Road as you read this series of stories about the survivors of a great plague. The stories are varied and lively, and their talented authors lead you (sometimes kicking and screaming) toward sanctuary. If you’re reading these words now, dive into these pages, and meet the survivors at Grants Pass."
-- Patrick Swenson, editor of Talebones Magazine. "Each story from Grants Pass draws from the same well of emotions and horror as Stephen King's THE STAND and Robert McCammon's SWAN SONG. It'll take you to the darker sides of humanity and yet, at the end of the road, Grants Pass will show you the hope and possibilities of the human spirit."
-- Jason Sizemore, Stoker-nominated editor-in-chief of Apex Book Company and author of Irredeemable. "Grants Pass is a remarkable, disturbing, and worthwhile read, and one that is likely to stay with the reader for some time to come. I’m predicting that this anthology will be up for a swag of awards come the next round of Aurealis, Ditmar and Australian Shadows nominations."
-- Chuck McKenzie, HorrorScope Available for pre-order from Morrigan Books. Current Mood: accomplished | 5:26 pm
[ladycrim]
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My wrap-up and photos
I'd like to thank all the BayCon staff and members for a wonderful and truly memorable convention! It was my first year on staff, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! If you're interested, I've written a very long, very detailed (you've been warned) wrap-up of my con experience here. Photos and video of the cakes I made for the Dead Dog party are here. Hope to see you all next year! Current Mood:  cheerful | | Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 | 6:31 pm
[aatheus]
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Mein BayCon Fotos
hello all! A grand time was had at BayCon this year by I. I took very few phots, only ~ 100, due to costuming more than in years past. Here is the link to my gallery: http://bit.ly/c56TXEnjoy! Leave comments if so desiring! | 2:02 pm
[weirdodragoncat]
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Pictures
I'm actually on top of things this time and have uploaded my pics to the Baycon Flicr group and am in the process of doing the same with Facebook. If anyone recognizes themselves and would like me to email them a copy directly, please send your request to weirdodragoncat at gmail dot com. Thanks and enjoy! Current Mood: busyCurrent Music: Dead Can Dance: The End of Words | 12:04 pm
[jennifer_brozek]
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Toasts from the (now former) Toastmistress
BayCon was a pretty amazing experience with my first time as a Toastmistress. I learned an awful lot about what to expect, what to ask for and generally what is needed to be a GoH. It also cured my fear of adlibbing in front of hundreds of people at a time. A toast to Programming Operations for making my experience wonderful. I know how hard it was to get scheduling right with all of the problems that went on. I appreciated all of the little things you guys did. Kate – for shoving water down my throat. Meg – for always having a smile to greet me. Kimmie – the box my gift basket came in has been claimed by the cats as a new bed. Chris, Jim, Tycho and Shane – for not killing me when you discovered what the 'problem with my room' was. A toast to the Jackals and all their hard work. I know, as well as anyone, just how hard it is to get a publication out the door. You guys did amazing work in such a short time. A toast to Steve and Stephen for my first ever podcast. Thank you for allowing Seanan to do the interviewing while you guys added in the comments. Plus, best end of the interview question ever. A toast to everyone who came to my first ever reading. Especially with the time/location change. Doing stuff in public for the first time is always difficult. You guys made it so much easier. A toast to my biggest fan and support system. The handsome man with me all weekend was my husband, Jeff. He was responsible for getting me to where I needed to be on time. He carried all my stuff, collected business cards and made sure I ate. Thanks to him, I was coherent the whole weekend. Thank you for inviting to be your Toastmistress. I had a wonderful time and am already planning on coming back to BayCon as the usual pro-panelist guest. Sincerely, Jennifer | 10:35 am
[dcamville]
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BayCon Thanks, Highs and Lows
Unpacked and recovered from BayCon 2009. Good times indeed! A HUGE thanks to all the Departments...from Registration to Program Ops...everyone was professional, helpful and seemed to be in great spirits. Absolutley an AMAZING job by all involved! Without these hard working, passionate and creative folks there would not be a BayCon for us all to enjoy! Again THANK YOU and KNOW that you are appricated! The hyatt Staff is "getting used" to us...they were much more attuned to the needs of attendees this year and it showed. Great job by the hotel staff! Tempest rocked (as usual). Great to see Dead Ratz On Stix again. Plastic wrap on the party floor…you knew SOMETHING interesting was going to happen! Fun and finky themese to be sure! Great party hosts and great people to share some unique momenets with! Thanks to all the Party Hosts! The Masquerade was well run and was a pleasure to see. The Klingon Slave Action was, as always, unique and fun to witness! It was great to see old friends and make new ones! Interesting panel selection this year. Some were awesome, some were thought provoking and some were…well…not as well done as one would hope. Was it my imagination or were there less attendees there this year? The Con felt less crowded this year. Could be my imagination or the layout of where everything was. The Chateau de Camville team was happy to play to TWO “standing room only” crowds! We literally had folks standing out in the hall trying to see our Armored Combat Show. Our ushers (yeah we have them) tried to fit everyone in that we could but we maxed out the seating REALLY fast. We want to thank EVERYONE who attended, checked out the arts and crafts, stood in the halls to see the shows, asked questions, gave up their cheers and applause...you all ROCK and are the reason we keep coming back each year! Hope you enjoyed the "warrior stone" tokens our combatants handed out as a thank you! We were asked if we were going to do more than one per day! Whew. That is sweaty work, especially when wearing sixy pounds of armor and fighting full speed for one and half hours inside! For the record it is usually one Pas d’ Arms per day and some other panels for us. Did not happen quite that way this year. Hopefully next time! At least we got two Pas d' Arms on the schedule! I know that the folks from St. Michael’s Salle/Davenrich Academy had the same situation for their panels. The Winchester Room is simply too small for these VERY popular, very interactive panels. The Lafayette room might be better next year. I know that the panels offered in the Lafayette room were not as well attended or needed as much space (I saw less than ten folks in one of them, including the panelist). We got asked if we were doing the Knight Templar panel again. Nope, maybe next year. Of course we were asked about our involvement in the Renaissance Armor/Weapons 101 panels on Monday. Nope, not us. We suggested the concept but we were not involved in those panels. If you WANT to see a panel WRITE A NOTE TO PROGRAMMING! We (Chateau de Camville) submit some suggestions for panels each year. Usually we also suggest a panelist/moderator to help out but there are not always a fit for what Programing has in mind. If YOU want it, it will come. Write your notes! My personal pet peeves were as follows: PANEL EDIQUETTE: When I go to a panel I expect that the Panelist and Moderator are in “control” of the panel. I expect that the folks on the panel to KNOW what they are talking about and to have some experience RELATED to the panel! I want to hear what THEY, the panelist have to say FIRST. Seeing panelists interrupted by attendees who have to chime in all the time is annoying. If you are on a panel or ar the Moderator of said panel PLEASE “control” the room. Let the attendees know that questions and comments will be taken AFTER the panelists are done making THEIR comments and observations. Unless said panel is an open discussion forum like many BOF gatherings, the constant interruptions make it hard to follow the panel itself. PANEL EXPERTS: Please, if you are on a panel, KNOW SOMETHING about the topic! Know your subject matter. I attended a panel that the Moderator was a one person host. The moderator knew less about the topic than the attendees. Questions asked by the attendees were either not answered or were only semi-answered. The moderator told lots of “I stories” as in I did X or I did Y and used terminology without definition that just put off lots of the attendees. When folks attending a panel have to talk to each other to get correct information and insights that the moderator cannot provide…it just seems wrong. Just something to think about. All in all it was a great BayCon! Looking forward to 2010! Current Mood:  upbeat | 10:30 am
[jennifer_brozek]
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2009 Toastmistress Information
I figured since I spent so much time talking about the various projects I am working on or am a part of, I thought I would do a quick follow-up with more information and links. The GRANTS PASS anthology: The pre-order link came up over the BayCon weekend. Pre-order your copy today. Newest review from HorrorScope is here. Wily Writers: My story, HONORING THE DEAD, is up on the Wily Writers website in text and audio form to enjoy for free. It is read by Nathan Crowder. War is hell. No one knows that better that Guard Commander Waithe. What people do not talk about is the hell that comes after for those in command who survive. Not one to shirk his duty, Waithe honors his dead. (26 min) The Apex Book Company: As one of the Submission Editors, the publisher, Jason Sizemore, decided to grant us all a BayCon Toastmistress coupon code for 20% off of any purchase for the next year. Yep. Until the next BayCon, you can get 20% off of everything you buy from the company. The code is: BROZEK522 BayCon Podcast: Of course, I cannot forget the fabulous time I had being interviewed by Seanan McGuire in my first official podcast ever. More thoughts on the convention itself coming soon. Also, if anyone captured pictures of me, please let me know. Thanks, Jennifer | 6:19 am
[flotsomnjetsom]
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| 1:12 am
[sojournscoffe]
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A wonderful thanks to all
MY husband and I would like to thank all of you who helped and checked on us the day after and were involved with helping my son and ourselves on Sunday, with out your help we would have been a mess the day after. The little man is doing a little better and we are seeing his doc and nero next week. Thank you for everything you guys did. Current Mood: lucky and thankful | 12:33 am
[kshandra]
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A personal note of thanks....
...to everyone who understood this weekend that I was the same person, whether I was on two feet or four wheels. Renting the "spoon conservation device" (as ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) zyxwvut dubbed it Friday on the party floor) was an emotionally-charged decision for me; those of you to whom I am close outside of con knew this going in, but everyone was wonderful about it. Holding doors and elevators for me, helping me clear a path to back out of a room, grabbing me a plate of food in Staff Lounge so I didn't have to get off the scooter - all of it handled in a matter-of-fact fashion, without a hint of pity or resentment - it all made a difference. The scooter itself was a huge success for me, and (barring drastic improvements in my overall health and mobility) will be making a return next year. Thank you all again, Kirsten crossposted with minor revisions from the convention staff mailing list | | Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 | 7:24 pm
[trinsf]
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A belated reminder about closet space at the Hyatt
I forgot to post this *before* the convention, but some of you may want to take note for future years. Ever since Baycon moved to the Hyatt, the hotel has had a solution available for the closet problem. If you ask when you check in (or any other time), they will put an expandable rolling garment rack in your room. This isn't a bell cart -- it's a metal rack for hanging clothes. There are a number of places you can put them in the rooms, depending on which floorplan you have. Fully expanded, they nearly *quadruple* the hanging space you have. It doesn't cost anything, and they're very quick about sending them up. (When we asked, it took less than 10 minutes to have them put in place.) They can also be adjusted up or down, which makes them accessible for wheelchair-using attendees. So, next year, instead of grumbling about the lack of closet space, ask for more! The Hyatt would love to oblige you! | | Monday, May 25th, 2009 | 11:09 pm
[mactavish]
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I think this is my favorite baycon photo so far:  ( Bunches more...) I missed out this year. *sigh* |
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