Convention Review from a first timer: Ad Astra 2018 - Toronto (Part 5 of 5) - Parting Thoughts
So, I’ve gotten five posts out of a day and a half’s
exposure to a sci-fi convention. Obviously
I like to talk. But I also like to
reflect. It’s been a long time since I’ve
experienced something completely new like this. I did most of my traveling when I was younger
and the things I’m either too afraid (skydiving) or unable (space) to do, I can
usually get close enough through video games or videos. Living vicariously is a good idea whenever
real danger is involved, especially when the facsimiles are getting so good.
This is one of the reasons I like science fiction so much is
because it allows us to tell stories and have experiences with settings and people
that exist entirely outside of real life.
All in the safety of our favorite reading place (I assume most reading
places are fairly safe).
This is something I’m sure I’ve said before.
Conventions are like mini-communities, in that they offer a place
for people who share interests and ideas to get together. It’s not that you’re going to meet a ton of
people (or anyone if you don’t want), it’s just nice to be around a bunch of
people who are just as weird as you are.
Or I am. Of course there’s always
going to be a few outliers – people who are a little too invested in their
chosen hobby, but that’s true of anything.
Virtually any human activity can be taken too far. And usually someone has.
But for the rest of us, for Jo – who I met after one of the
less enjoyable sessions discussed previously and who was great fun to talk to
about all things editing, and Bradley – who was rocking a braided red beard and
practically oozing energy – it’s just nice to know that we’ve got a wider group
of peers than we might expect.
And to the authors and publishers and editors – basically
anyone trying to sell their work to this audience – that sense of community is what
keeps you afloat. It’s a co-dependent
relationship: the community spends its
money in search of good science fiction (and on having fun with fellow fans),
and the sellers rely on that money to support their production of more
stories.
The more we help each other, the better that give and take
relationship gets. And that’s better for
everyone.
And with that, I’ll say goodbye to Ad Astra for this
year. To the organizers and volunteers
who put the events together – thank you for such a great time. For the presenters and panelists and authors
and vendors – keep up the good work. And
to my fellow fans of the genre (and all the cos-players brave enough to don your
armor and strut your stuff) – stay awesome.
I’ll be seeing you next year!
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