Media West Con 28 (Day 5 & Wrap-Up Thoughts)

[bradygirl_12]

Generally Monday is just farewell day, and so I said my goodbyes to Khylara and others and headed for the Lansing airport.

My stress levels weren’t good as we were delayed on the tarmac (I had to make a connection in Detroit) but then I get to my gate in Detroit just in time to learn we’d be delayed at least an hour! Argh!!! So at least this

Comments

[quyllur]

I'm zeroing in on the sky blue feather hair ornament! It will go so well with the blue padawan braid! *g*

Maybe you are correct with the aging of fandom, but I think the economy may be a very big culprit. I'm always trying to limit the amount of time I'm using the car to save gas money so I can spend more money to buy the same amount of groceries!

[bradygirl_12]

I'm zeroing in on the sky blue feather hair ornament! It will go so well with the blue padawan braid! *g*

That's why I bought it! ;)

Maybe you are correct with the aging of fandom, but I think the economy may be a very big culprit. I'm always trying to limit the amount of time I'm using the car to save gas money so I can spend more money to buy the same amount of groceries!

It's utterly ridiculous. Let the right-wingers natter that the President isn't responsible for the economy (they wouldn't give Clinton credit for the good times when he was in office). His policies have affected the economy; I don't care what anyone says!

[rocaw]

Awww, it's always sad when something that's been around for so long draws to a close. I just attended my first con (WonderCon in S.F.) this past February and it lacked the intimacy that Media West seems to have.

I enjoyed reading about your time there. Thanks for sharing, Brady! =)

[bradygirl_12]

Awww, it's always sad when something that's been around for so long draws to a close. I just attended my first con (WonderCon in S.F.) this past February and it lacked the intimacy that Media West seems to have.

Yes, the larger cons don't have the intimacy that Media West is famous for. :)

As for drawing to a close, it's just speculation. I'd love to see it continue for ten more years at least! ;)

And just to emphasize, there are no rumors or anything going around. Just people wondering how long the con will continue, especially with less attendees.

I enjoyed reading about your time there. Thanks for sharing, Brady! =)

You're very welcome, Catwoman! :)

[notnormal23224]

Yes the intimacy of Media West is one of the things I normally attend it for it's a different head space than the larger conventions. While it covers the same material it's more geared to participation rather than display/audience vibe. I had a right up about the pros and cons of my con attendance decision this year. I found myself sticking to the filk rooms of Balticon for that close knit feeling, that I had to miss out on this year from Media West.a I really miss the door decorations, and attendees open door policies, all other conventions are outright sterile once you leave the programming area when compared to MWC.

[bradygirl_12]

I've been to other cons, too, and MW does seem to be the most open and friendly.

[wraithfodder]

Some good points. I don't know what the future holds for the con. I've been attending it since, yup, '79. Long time! Fandom has changed and many fans believe cons must have actors in order to be enjoyed, not knowing what they're missing out on. the internet is a great way to meet fellow fans, but there's nothing like face-to-face contact.

[bradygirl_12]

Some good points.

Thank you! :)

I don't know what the future holds for the con. I've been attending it since, yup, '79. Long time!

Ah ha, an original! ;)

Fandom has changed and many fans believe cons must have actors in order to be enjoyed, not knowing what they're missing out on.

I've enjoyed the actor cons I've attended, but Media West is just so much more relaxed without all that.

The internet is a great way to meet fellow fans, but there's nothing like face-to-face contact.

The Internet has helped me keep up with fandom for sure, but it's also fun for that face-to-face. A friend of mine says I used to be a quiet little mouse when I started attending and now I'm a chatterbox! ;) Well, at least at the con. Must save it up all year. ;)

[towerbridge2006]

I really enjoyed the con a lot this year, too. I have to wonder if some of the mellow flavor was due to fewer attendees. I know I did lots of socializing and entertaining in my room. I loved that!

I've also heard the rumors of two more years for mwc. I've been attending since 1989. I would really miss the con and it's members, so I hope it will continue.

Thanks for your posts. :-)

[bradygirl_12]

I really enjoyed the con a lot this year, too. I have to wonder if some of the mellow flavor was due to fewer attendees. I know I did lots of socializing and entertaining in my room. I loved that!

I did the most socializing I've ever done this year! :)

I've also heard the rumors of two more years for mwc. I've been attending since 1989. I would really miss the con and it's members, so I hope it will continue.

Oh, I'd really miss it, too!

Thanks for your posts. :-)

Glad to share! :)

[bradygirl_12]

A lot of people, including dealers, couldn't make it because either they were ill or had an ill parent to take care of. Like it or not, the majority of people who attend MWC, like me, are middle-aged now and getting older, which brings along health issues and the like.

Very true! I've had to miss cons due to family issues, too.

MWC increased attendance over the years to around 1500, when you added in the gophers, etc. My first MWC was 007, btw, and the only one I missed was number 11, aka the Double Wedding con (no, not attendees, just a stupid bit of the Hilton Hotel breaking its contract by booking 2 weddings at the same time as the con. I returned for MWC12 at the new/current hotel and haven't missed any since.

I was a supporting member for the Double Wedding con, and it was quite interesting to read about it! Glad MWC got out of there! :)

But I don't do fanac anymore. I go to see friends and for the art show/auction. The rest isn't what interests me these days and that's often what happens. People lose interest. Or have to

[bradygirl_12]

Yes, the Double Wedding con is infamous! :)

I'd heard about the Dagobah Swamp, too. :)