I don't know about WorldCons in general. The media/lit split doesn't really exist in Perth, to any noticeable degree. And it wasn't such a big deal in Melbourne in the 80s, but slowly became one.
Aussiecon 2 in 85 managed to get all the fan clubs going to it, it worked hard to make itself relevant to them. There were reps at most club meetings for a good year before the con, slowly building the buzz and finding out what people wanted by actively seeking their ideas, rather than sitting back and saying "you come to us."
Aussiecon 3's attitude seemed very much, 'It's the WorldCon! The media fans should come because it's the WorldCon. If they want stuff in there, let them make proposals and explain why we should put it on.'
no subject
Aussiecon 2 in 85 managed to get all the fan clubs going to it, it worked hard to make itself relevant to them. There were reps at most club meetings for a good year before the con, slowly building the buzz and finding out what people wanted by actively seeking their ideas, rather than sitting back and saying "you come to us."
Aussiecon 3's attitude seemed very much, 'It's the WorldCon! The media fans should come because it's the WorldCon. If they want stuff in there, let them make proposals and explain why we should put it on.'