Marcon Forums

I've only been a regular attendee for about five years, but as I've gotten to know the con better and better, the more I realize that it is truly a community event.

What I mean by this is that people seem to have the most fun in groups. The couple of years I attended alone were somewhat less than stellar -- the content and programming is always there, but it's hard to break into a community of which you are not already a part. It's nothing personal, of course -- it's just that people are often most comfortable in their own groups, and they don't make new friends easily.

In this vein, I have two general pieces of advice. For the MARCON veteran: be friendly! Strike up a conversation with a complete stranger -- let people know that they are welcome. For the first-time con-goer: talk to us! Let us know that it's your first time at the con, and let us know how we can make your experience more meaningful and enjoyable.

Personally, I look forward to actually meeting some of the familiar faces I see each year.

This couldn't be more true. MARcon is really a family of like-minded individules, and as far as I know everyone who goes to MARcon is usually welcoming of everybody.

So definitely, be comfortable that the MARconites are looking for you to come up, introduce yourself and have a great time, no matter what you are into.

Welcome Traveler, and well met.

-O

Well said, both of you! This year, I expect to be spending most of my time down in Gaming, but will be glad to see anybody just for talk - when not helping Gamemasters or cleaning up, of course...
I too think of Marcon as community, and hope I help that in my actions - we're a group of folks often out of step with the average run, but we all like people too!

Ah, Nick, you would be well advised to spend some time out of the dungeons of the gaming area. Get some light man!

Just playing around. Keep up the good work and best luck with all of the gaming events. We'll see you down in gaming often then.

-O

Yup - just about finished with the schedule, so will be sending the update to Shell for the webpage, and GM lists to Registration and Program Book, along with some thanks to Steve Jackson Games and our local Men In Black, who have been amazingly helpful this year!

I can't claim "n00b" status anymore. I stepped out of the sci-fi fan closet, chopped it up and burned it for kindling, several years ago. I still have a lot to learn, and a few things to share. I can survive a Zombie Apocalypse for five days; luckily, the Necropolis is only three.

But it's a really BIG experience. There is so much to do, to see, to share, to take in, that it can be overwhelming. There are going to be times when there are multiple things you want to do in the same time slot, ithat's just the way it goes. Experiment: if you've always come to MarCon and done the same things, check out something new. There may be times when there really isn't anything in programming, or filk, or media, or gaming, or computer gaming, or the art show, or the dealer's room, or the con suite that interests you, and it's too early (or late) for the dance or to go to a party. It could happen. Really. Those are times to collect yourself. Get food. Get sleep. Get a shower. Please.

Meander through the hallways. Take pictures. If you're in costume, expect people to ask for your picture. Wear a costume. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, or adhere to the costumer's guild requirements, unless you're competing in the masquerade. Do it just for fun, and because it gives people an excuse to come up and talk to you. Get your fortune told. Get a henna design. Participate in a Trivia Contest, Trick or Treat, a Scavenger Hunt. (In the Necropolis, the Scavengers might come hunting YOU!)

Resign yourself to the fact that the elevators are too crowded and take forever; that's not going to change. If you're waiting for an elevator, and there's space available, get on it. Doesn't matter if it's going up or down; it will get to the floor you want quicker than waiting for the next one. If you're good at getting lost (like I am; I can end up in the wrong place with "it's down the hall, turn left") check out the hotel map next to the information table. If you need directions or have other questions, the information table is a good place to ask them. The person sitting behind the table might not know the answer, but s/he won't just make stuff up, no matter what his or her badge ribbon says.

In an earlier post, someone said that MarCon is best as a group experience. I agree. This doesn't mean that one can't come alone and have a fabulous time. It means that shared enjoyment multiplies. Talk to people who said interesting things in panels. Talk to people sitting behind fan tables. Talk to people crammed into--or waiting for--the elevators. Celebrate what's great about being a fan, or bitch about what isn't. Talk to me. I'll be the person running around with screaming neon green hair and a badge ribbon that says "I Make Stuff Up."

That's what I've got. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you. See you in the City!

Mandy
Fan Liaison