deathpixie | Dexcon: Don't it always seem to go...

People on my friendslist may or may not be aware that [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] registration has opened. The problem this year is, we're struggling to get the minimum number we need to actually book venues and cover insurance and pay for the band. So far we have 16 registrations. The bare minimum we need is 20, but 25 would be better and cheaper for those who have signed on.

A lot of people are saying "oh, I can't make it this year, I'll come next year." But the thing is, if we can't run Dexcon this year, there won't be a next year. A con lasts only as long as there are numbers to justify it and if we don't have those numbers, if we have to struggle and cajole and blackmail people into coming each year, then it's not really worth putting the work in. The problem is, I think, that we're not getting the new blood through to replace those that have dropped out over the years. But it's not like we haven't got new friends around that might be interested, who will miss out on this chance if they don't take advantage of it now.

There's about two more weeks before we absolutely have to book things or miss out. If you've ever thought of coming to Dexcon, this is the year you should. Register at the Dexcon site - you'll need to create a new sign in, if you're an old hand, since it's a new server - and enjoy three days of good, clean, geeky fun. Meet people you've only ever talked to online and discover it's like you've known each other all your lives. Rock out to Johnny and the Demons. Dress up for the formal dinner and enjoy being able to relax and say whatever comes to mind. Support Dexcon, because as Joni Mitchell said "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone".

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Worst comes to worst - think of it as a reboot. This will be just like the first one. Somebody find Wire.

He wasn't AT the first one. ;)

I think I registered. I did, right?

You did indeed. :) Thank you.

I think for many people it's harder to justify a plane ticket alone that costs over $700, a hostel/hotel fee, and the fact that for many of us, Canada is no longer a cheaper option because of the weak american dollar. I understand your position, but I don't think Dexcon is high on the priority list for people - and if it ceases to exist, it still won't prevent people from flying across the country (and oceans) to get together. There is also nothing wrong with considering the idea that maybe such a convention would enjoy better attendance if it were every two years.

For me it's mostly a matter of bad timing - I won't even start working until June 23rd, and I don't want to ask for time off in the first few months. While I will finally have regular income after nearly a year of unemployment, I also have to consider the fact I get to pay a pretty hefty penny to join a union. :)

That's a good point. The flight from DC to Toronto is barely an hour and a half, and the cheapest tickets (which include one or two stopovers) are $500 minimum. It's not going to be cheap this year :(

*coughs gently* I used to pay $3000 just in airfares to come when I lived in Australia, and I was earning only $35,000 a year. I knew the Con was on every year, so I saved for it.

That's also on the other side of the world :P And these tickets are more expensive than what I paid for last year and for New Year's. I saved up and expected higher prices, but not this much. It's a strain for some people, especially when you consider the other costs. (Thankfully Nute found cheap lodging, so I'll ultimately be paying less for travel and hotel this year than I did last year.)

Which wasn't really my point. Yes, Australia is a long way away, but it's also six times more expensive to come to Canada. And I didn't have the option of doing a road trip to make it cheaper. But yet I still managed, because I wanted to come.

Can you email me the name of this wonderful place? I am looking at couple of things, still trying to figure out the best variant.

Which is great! Go you! But that was your choice. Don't make people feel guilty for choosing not to go when their situations are better than yours was. (which I don't think is your intention, btw.)

No, I wasn't trying to make people feel guilty. I'm inclined to say "okay, if you don't want to come, you don't have to", but there is the reminder that we can't run the con for a handful of people, so if people want to have a Dexcon, they need to stop taking it for granted. Which is what's been happening this year a bit.

I didn't think you were, but that's sorta how that type of line comes off. :) (Although I'll be fair, I'm sensitized to it because that type of talk is used as one-upmanship of who has the worse situation at school.)

My personal plight is that I wouldn't feel particularly relevant at a DexCon anymore because I'm no longer fannish and I've grown apart from many of you. It also doesn't help that I started a new job and had to fight to get my AnimeNEXT days off free.

Dexcon was always more than "fannish" tho'. It might have started that way, but we've gradually expanded as people have moved onto other things to the point where it's a gathering of like-minded friends who enjoy writing in general.

The time off issues, I'll give you. ;)

Heck, I didn't write at all and never had a problem joining in on the discussion. ;)

What about the "I've grown apart from some of you and I don't know if I'd still be welcome" issues?

at least the flight from LA to Toronto is five hours. 500 for an hour and a half flight? YIKES!

Man. I remember complaining about a nearly 500 dollar ticket a couple of years ago. I could only wish it was that low :)

I wish I could come, but there's just no way it's possible. Uni and a complete and utter lack of money. (Stoopid having an income of <$20,000...)

Hey, I tried creating a new login for the site last week but I never got an e-mail confirmation and then eventually just forgot to e-mail you guys and ask. But I'm definitely planning on attending :)

Your username is buttercup_ and I'll LJ message you with your new password.

Thanks Frito :)

Should be registered now.

So you guys hit the mark on the regs yet?

Dexcon: Don't it always seem to go...

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