The SF scene may not be any different in the basic sense, but given so many fans pride themselves on being broad-minded, forward thinking, and welcoming change, the attitude behind many groups shows that that is mostly bullshit.
I don't mean they don't wish to change, many do, but that the way they approach the potential is tentative to the point of paranoia. I make no bones about the fact that I have no idea how to make cons and clubs relevant to the latest generation, I have some basic ideas, but I'm 40, not 14, and the world is radically different to when I was that age.
What needs doing in a basic sense is to listen to the younger fans with an open mind and a willingness to take a few risks for their benefit - and to include them in the process so they have a first-hand idea of why something did or didn't work, rather than having the freedom to simply claim 'you did it wrong' if you fail.
Swancons can certainly take some punts on trying new things, because they have a solid core audience that will turn up regardless.
WorldCons should have an entire stream of new takes on stuff that can be tested out. But hell, you're flat out getting a video-programme through because many organisers are still against media fans, and don't want them included.
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Date: 2007-10-24 10:25 pm (UTC)I don't mean they don't wish to change, many do, but that the way they approach the potential is tentative to the point of paranoia. I make no bones about the fact that I have no idea how to make cons and clubs relevant to the latest generation, I have some basic ideas, but I'm 40, not 14, and the world is radically different to when I was that age.
What needs doing in a basic sense is to listen to the younger fans with an open mind and a willingness to take a few risks for their benefit - and to include them in the process so they have a first-hand idea of why something did or didn't work, rather than having the freedom to simply claim 'you did it wrong' if you fail.
Swancons can certainly take some punts on trying new things, because they have a solid core audience that will turn up regardless.
WorldCons should have an entire stream of new takes on stuff that can be tested out. But hell, you're flat out getting a video-programme through because many organisers are still against media fans, and don't want them included.