The problem isn't so much cons becoming writers festivals -- though I like very diverse cons myself, a very writerly/lit focussed con would also be fine as long as it isn't the only game in town.
The problem is really cons organised as giant writers workshops, with the attitude that most content is aimed at wannabe writers. It doesn't work - and not just because fans that aren't writers (even very involved ones, who take a very critical stance) don't want it, but also because real pros (who already know how to write, and know that they could write in other genres but they write SF because they love it, and they enjoy talking about it) don't want to attend an event aimed at wannabe professionals.
An event aimed at actual professionals is different to an event aimed at wannabe professionals. World Fantasy is a good example of the former, and the professionals I know who attend love it, and good for them. Not all cons need to be fannish. But the event aimed at wannabe professionals sits in an awkward place in between, and I think if you want to organise a giant writers workshop, do it, just don't pretend it is a general interest con.
no subject
The problem is really cons organised as giant writers workshops, with the attitude that most content is aimed at wannabe writers. It doesn't work - and not just because fans that aren't writers (even very involved ones, who take a very critical stance) don't want it, but also because real pros (who already know how to write, and know that they could write in other genres but they write SF because they love it, and they enjoy talking about it) don't want to attend an event aimed at wannabe professionals.
An event aimed at actual professionals is different to an event aimed at wannabe professionals. World Fantasy is a good example of the former, and the professionals I know who attend love it, and good for them. Not all cons need to be fannish. But the event aimed at wannabe professionals sits in an awkward place in between, and I think if you want to organise a giant writers workshop, do it, just don't pretend it is a general interest con.