{"id":1352,"date":"2014-04-15T12:14:00","date_gmt":"2014-04-15T19:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comic-con.org\/toucan\/?p=1352"},"modified":"2023-12-18T12:17:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T20:17:51","slug":"devourer-of-words-015-convention-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comic-con.org\/toucan\/devourer-of-words-015-convention-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Devourer of Words 015: Convention Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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MARC BERNARDIN’S DEVOURER OF WORDS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devourer of Words 015: Convention Season<\/h1>\n\n\n
Marc Bernardin<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Toucan<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Marc<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We are, this very week, kicking Convention Season into high gear. WonderCon Anaheim, then San Diego Comic-Con in July, with dozens more, big and small, from here until the end of the year. You will be attending at least a few of these, either for fun or profit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth talking a little about how one should behave, as a writer, when hitting these shows\u2014whether you are an established pro or a rookie looking to break in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it\u2019s not enough to just say, \u201cact professional,\u201d because there are plenty of professionals who wouldn\u2019t know what that meant if it rapped them on the hands with a ruler. We\u2019re gonna break this down according to location:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Publisher\u2019s Booth<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll likely be swinging through these booths looking to either meet editors for the first time, reinforce contacts or\u2014yes, pros can be fans, too\u2014get something signed. Follow the signs, obey the traffic patterns\u2014i.e., the crazy lines that snake all over for various signings\u2014and treat everyone like you\u2019re a guest in their house. Because you never know who is in one of the company\u2019s color-coordinated T-shirts. Could be an intern, could be the VP of sales. The last thing the aspiring writer wants is to make enemies at any level. And, as tempting as it might be to loiter here because companies like DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse spring for the good carpet that soothes the savage feet, try not to. Don\u2019t be the guy everyone notices because you spend hours in the booth every day. Move along. Find the person you\u2019re looking for or find out when they\u2019ll be back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artists\u2019 Alley<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Understand that those manning these tables are there to make money. They\u2019ve spent money on those tables and have to earn to make a con worthwhile. If you\u2019re admiring their work\/wares, feel free to do so. Those can be long days and a smile from someone who appreciates your work can make all the difference. If you\u2019re looking for potential collaborators, buy something\u2014don\u2019t ask for a freebie. Show the artist that you take their work seriously and understand that they are worth it. But whatever you do, if you\u2019re not actively making a purchase, make way for people who want to\u2014don\u2019t clog the artist\u2019s access to a paying customer just because you want to make small talk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bathroom<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Not a place for small talk. With anyone. Seriously, the horror stories I\u2019ve been told about people asking for autographs in the loo \u2026 Don\u2019t be that guy. (And it\u2019s almost always a guy. Don\u2019t be him.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Floor<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Everyone is there to get something different out of a con. Do your best to let them, within reason, of course. Some people want to shop, some are hawking their wares, others are trying to secure work, while others still want to show off in costumes they spent weeks on. Don\u2019t harsh anyone\u2019s mellow, if you can avoid it. But be respectful. If you want to take someone\u2019s picture, ask. If you want to pose with them, ask. The minute you want to share someone\u2019s personal space, ask. If they say no, move along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bar<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Simple rule of thumb: Don\u2019t be the most drunk person in whatever group you\u2019re with. If you\u2019re an aspiring writer, you don\u2019t want to be the sloppiest person there\u2014no one gives out assignments because you can drink the most. If you\u2019re an established pro, no need to give anyone else fresh gossip. And you want to be sober enough to remember what you did or didn\u2019t do. Don\u2019t buy anyone a drink who doesn\u2019t want it\u2014though we are a hardy lot who tends to like the grog. Respect boundaries and, if necessary, help others do the same. You\u2019ll all feel better in the morning. Not good \u2026 but better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Opposite Sex<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Much has been made\u2014perhaps not enough\u2014of the difficulties women have when going to cons, either as professionals or as attendees, both in and out of costume. Here is another very simple rule to follow: No one is entitled to anything. If you, for a second, think you are \u2026 you\u2019re not. We are, all of us, fans of one thing or another. We come to these conventions because we love that thing, or those things, or everything. And everyone should be allowed to love that thing without being afraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay, that\u2019s the one thing you\u2019re entitled to: Safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have fun and don\u2019t be a tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marc Bernardin\u2019s Devourer of Words appears the third Tuesday of each month here on<\/em> Toucan!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Written by<\/p>\n\n\n

Marc Bernardin<\/div>\n\n\n

Published<\/p>\n\n\n