[Writer Post] Be Our Guest
Split Professional Personalities, gotta love them – though they can be tough to balance. In this, I’m not talking about Writer Pro vs. Day Job Pro. There’s tons of advice on balancing that…and life. This is the Fandom Balancing act. I am both a Writer Guest/Panelist/Participant and a Convention Organizer. I’m on staff of FenCon working in Guest Relations.
This past weekend we had InstaCon here in Dallas. InstaCon is our area’s Convention Runners’ convention when SMOFCon is not in a reasonable travel distance. We gather to try to learn how to do our jobs better, interact with other conventions, see what we can all do better. This year there were three panels on Guest…stuff…from how some conventions pick their Guests of Honor, to how to deal with tons of professionals wanting to be a guest and conventions having only so much room, to a panel from the Guest’s POV. I was one this one (as well as in the audience for the other two).
It all boils down to Perspective and Professionalism. A good chunk of PR and marketing advice tells writers (and other professionals) to get out there and SELL, sell, sell (themselves, their books, etc). We’re awesome. We’re the best EVER. Everyone should love us and never take “No” for answer. And that’s where some professionals get in trouble. They push too hard and too far. If a convention tells you “no” it’s like publishers — most of the time it’s not personal. They’ve filled their roster, or they’re a Steampunk convention and you’re the next hardcore Steven King Horror writer (not a lot there for you), or any number of other reasons. That’s not saying you shouldn’t try to expand your horizons, but if a convention says no then take the no and find someone else to say yes.
There are some articles out there on this that are good advice. There are also “word of mouth” rules. A lot of them say the same thing, so I’m going to outline some of what *I* consider to be my “Guidelines for Being a Good Guest” – take it for what it’s worth.
1. Be On Time – to both the convention and to your programming items. If you can actually get to the convention early…even better, but sometimes unpreventable. If you’re going to be late to something… TELL THE CONVENTION STAFF.
2. COMMUNICATE – this goes with number one. If you are doing a presentation or something that requires tech or something — TELL THE CONVENTION STAFF EARLY so they can prepare. If you made a mistake on your programming form and are put on a panel you have nothing to say about – TELL THE CONVENTION STAFF EARLY, they’ll fix it. If something happens and you’ll have to miss a panel – TELL THE CONVENTION STAFF when it happens so they can adjust.
3. Don’t Hide in Your Room! – Conventions are not for the painfully shy or severely introverted. I know it’s painful for some writers to be “out there”, but it’s necessary. Guests who show up to panels and then disappear into their rooms and don’t come out? They’re not looked on with favor – by fans or convention staff. Down time is required by all of us, just don’t make it every minute you’re not scheduled for something.
4. Go to Parties! – I started out as an assistant to an actor. I learned a lot from him. One of his “rules” was the “Midnight Rule” – he had a guideline that said we had to be out and involved with the evening activities – parties, masquerade, etc – until AT LEAST Midnight. Try to put in an appearance at all the parties, be visible, be friendly. This is an “unwritten” rule, but it works.
5. Reasonable Expectations – the convention wants to know you’re going to be a good investment. You need the convention to be a good investment. Most fan run conventions can only pay the way of Guests of Honor. Regional guests will be expected to pay their way. 90% of fan run conventions will comp the membership to the convention itself. In turn they will expect a reasonable amount of work on your part – such as a minimum of 3-5 programming items a weekend up to 3-5 programming items A DAY (depending on size and number of guests). Guests have the reasonable expectation of being treated respectfully and professionally by the convention for their work.
There are exceptions to several of these rules:
1. Extreme deadlines – if you have a book/script/etc. due two days after the convention. You might have to hide out in your room some to meet said deadline. That’s okay IF – you tell the convention up front, and make an honest attempt to participate to best of your ability.
2. Health issues/concerns – these can take a toll on a body. Again, do what you have to to NOT get an entire convention sick, take care of yourself, etc. TELL THE CONVENTION.
It’s still the “Don’t be a Jerk” rule of professionalism. Respect the convention. They’ll respect you. Treat others with professionalism, it will be returned. Being a jerk hurts all of us.