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

[deathpixie]

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".

Comments

[ashlan.livejournal.com]

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.)

[deathpixie]

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.

[ashlan.livejournal.com]

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.)

[trishalynn.livejournal.com]

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.

[deathpixie]

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. ;)

[ashlan.livejournal.com]

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

[trishalynn.livejournal.com]

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