Penguicon

[steuard]

This weekend, Kim and I are going to Penguicon, a "Science Fiction and Open Source Software Convention" near Detroit. I've never actually been to a con before, so it should be a fun experience. This one's a little unusual with its "open source" aspect, but Kim figures that's a plus for me: if there's a time when the sci-fi side of things doesn't match my interests, I can go hang out with a bunch of Linux geeks and pretend I never abandoned them for a Mac. :) (I've still got at least some open source cred, since I've contributed a few bits of code to Firefox in the past.)

Any advice for how to have an enjoyable con experience? (I wonder if I should try to perform my Silmarillion-inspired Simon and Garfunkel parody at one of the Open Filk nights. Hmm.)

Comments

[kirin]

Hmm. I've been to a lot of cons, but I'm not sure there really is any "generic con advice" other than "don't be a jerk" and "don't stress over other people being idiots", which you've probably got covered. And I'm sure most people there will be awesome. Have fun!

Oh, I guess another useful tip is bring a bottle of water you can fill up from drinking fountains so as not to be buying overpriced concession drinks all day. Possibly pocketable snacks as well.

[steuard.livejournal.com]

another useful tip is bring a bottle of water you can fill up from drinking fountains so as not to be buying overpriced concession drinks

Apparently the con suite at Penguicon is the envy of all other cons: snacks, soft drinks, and beer are always available and always free (hard cider, too, we hear). We'll see how well it holds up to its advance billing. But that suggests that a water bottle may not be quite as pressing... though it's probably still a good idea.

don't stress over other people being idiots

Can I at least get actively upset if I see some creepy dude pawing at people without their consent? 'Cause I hear that's sometimes a problem at cons, and the very notion that such a thing could be a persistent problem (in my culture, no less) makes me want to knock someone down. (Note: I promise not to knock anyone down.) (Unless they've gone way past "pawing", anyway.)

[kirin]

Oh, by all means, not stressing doesn't preclude telling people being dumb-asses to knock it the hell off. As event warrant.

At most large cons, I wouldn't always count on the con quite being easy to access. That does sound like an awesome con suite, though. And huh, Pengiuncon looks pretty darn substantial now that I glance at the web page. Say hi to Tom Smith when you stop by the filk room!

[chalgaryn.livejournal.com]

I would have invited you to join us if it was any other weekend :-)

And, apparently, Tom Smith lives in Michigan so he comes to all the cons up here. Yay!