In the last few days the SF writer and fan communities discovered that apparently the WorldCon committee found a fresh pile of poo to step into. If you are not familiar with a science-fiction convention, and that is a different thing than a Star Trek or other Media focused convention, there are few standard and well loved elements to these gatherings; there are art shows where professional and fan artists display lovely pieces that often go up for auction, there are dances and parties, there are costume competitions and room after room of panel discussions.
These panel discussion ranges in topics form the nuts and bolts of the SF publishing and art businesses, to the latest films and television sensations. For me going to the panels is a central reason for attending conventions. The exposure to new ideas, breaking science, and writers that I have not been exposed to enrich my own writing, expand my knowledge, inspire new ideas, and introduce me to new favorite authors. Having a good mix of people on panels is a critical aspect to their success.
Before is get into the mess that appears to be this year’s Worldcon one more aspect that is important to understand, it is at the WorldCon where the Hugo awards, the best known and longest running award within in the SF and Fantasy community. Being nominated for a Hugo in any category is a big deal and a sign that an author or artist not only is talented but also has an active base of fans, as it is the WorldCon attendees that nominate the slate of potential winners. Winning a Hugo is a tremendous step up for a newly emerging artist or writer.
The 2018 WorldCon is held next month in San Jose and panel participants have been notified of their panel assignments. With WorldCon, a very important convention in the community, more people volunteer t appear on panels than can ever been accommodated. I myself submitted to appear, as I often do with smaller, local conventions. However I was not surprised when I was not invited to participate in any panels. I am still establishing myself but apparently a number of Hugo nominees have also been given the cold shoulder and were not invited to sit on any panels. The implication was that theses Hugo Nominees were not well known enough to get panel assignments.
This is madness.
A good panel should have a mix of opinions, styles, and experience. Not only are panels a great way for lesser known authors and artist to expand their audience, reaching new people, but fresh perspectives are critical to any growth of the medium. Authors and artists that are well established have much wisdom to share but also their views may be out of date and newer entrants into the field can give critical insights to the way things are working now.
A number of established authors have already publicly announced that they are willing to surrender their panel positions to make way for emerging people, a wonderful example of paying it forward.
This issue is not the only one to explode over the upcoming WorldCon and I hope that the committee is able to right this ship and host an inclusive, fun, and exciting convention next month.
