on con programming

[girliejones]

I'm consistently finding that programmers are programming panels for the indie and writing scene that seem out of touch with what is going on in it. If it were a matter of asking for volunteers and not being able to fill the panels, that would be one thing but I often see a programme after it's done and wonder why I wasn't asked to be on a panel

Comments

[angriest]

What I've seen in recent years is a lot of fairly passive and reactive convention programming - programmers waiting for people to come to them with ideas rather than forming ideas, finding panelists and then developing an interesting and fresh take on a topic with them.

The result of the passive approach is a lot of panels with similar people on them, who are too polite to turn down the request to be on a panel when asked and thus wind up on ten or more things. They get overused, their preparation time is split between two many things and they wind up necessarily doing a half-assed job. I'm wound up in this position myself, and it's not fun for anybody - panelists, programmer or audience.

[girliejones]

I personally have trouble declining an invitation - I feel for the programmer who is trying to fill the programme. But I also am really getting bored myself of the same topic for the one panel I get asked to be on. If you're bored sitting on the panel, what does the audience think?

[angriest]

Absolutely. What the programmer should be doing is coming to you and saying "these are the topics I think should be covered at the con - these ones in particular seemed up your alley, could you suggest more specific topics for them, and maybe a few people to suggest? I'm particularly after people audiences haven't necessarily heard speak before".

[girliejones]

I agree. Or when you tell them the question is flawed they should listen to what you say.

I just don't think I can sit on another panel about the fate of small press or how to get into small press. What about ... what are other small presses around the world doing? What new directions will small press be taking? Small press before and after a worldcon shows up to town - snapshot and predictions. How has the internet and POD affected small press? Just off the top of my head.

ETA: Anthologies have had a resurgence. Why?

Program

[anonymous]

Oh dear - I'll put my hand up as the boring programmer that asked you to be on yet another small press panel. Sorry 'bout that.
I guess it was partly a process thing - you ask for suggestions and someone says Oh, we've gotta have a small press panel and you really must ask Alisa! (just your fame!)
But you're right - it should be something new and fresh every time.
Maybe those interesting topics you raise could be the questions to discuss at a Conflux Panel?
Any way I do apologise - forgive me! I'd be really, really delighted to have your input in the future, especially with Conflux 7 in 2011!
best wishes,
Karen Herkes

Re: Program

[girliejones]

hi Karen!

Sorry that was really not directed specifically at you, you were just the fourth programmer to ask me to be on the same panel this year :)

I'm happy to send you suggestions for next year though that might be more current post Worldcon?

Re: Program

[anonymous]

That would be just fantastic thank you. The next Conflux won't be until after Aussiecon 4, so that will be just great.
best wishes,
Karen H

[jo1967]

What panels would get me out of bed? Too soon to tell just yet, but so far, I'm planning on any panel that involves Torchwood, Dr Who or Designing the Super Villain’s Secret Hideout. But then I'm a fan, not in the Biz!!!

[girliejones]

You say that now, wait till you've a few room parties under your belt and the panel is at 9am :)