Obviously, SF Media fandom can be considered to be part of a larger overall SF fandom, sharing some terminology and traditions (including fan-run conventions).
Fandom is a many splendored (and, in some cases, splintered) thing. Fandom is made up of individuals and, as such, includes a wide variety of interests, opinions, attitudes, and behaviors.
There is a variety of types of fan-run conventions as well. There are conventions with varying degrees of specialization; some concentrate on particular areas of fannish interest, such as media, gaming, costuming, filking, etc.. General SF conventions tend to be largely book-oriented, but the better ones also have programming reflecting a variety of fannish interests. It is advisable to find out as much as you can about a convention to see if it will have programming of interest to you. Of course, a good way to make sure a con has such programming is to volunteer your help in planning and putting on the con.
MediaWest*Con is one of the oldest ongoing SF/Media cons, beginning with T'Con in 1978 (see A Brief History of MediaWest*Con).
The World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) is probably the most venerated of general SF cons, traditionally running for 5 days including Labor Day. Worldcon is held in a different location each year, and offers supporting and attending memberships; as members of the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), Worldcon members may nominate and vote for the Hugo awards each year, vote for the location of future Worldcons, and participate in other Worldcon business.
As Worldcon is held in a different place each year, the size, amount, and types of programming, guests, etc. vary, as determined by the choices made by the con committee each year. Worldcons outside the US tend to be smaller. In recent years, Worldcons have been held in Anaheim CA (LA Con III), San Antonio TX (LoneStarCon 2), Baltimore MD (BucConeer), Melbourne Australia (Aussiecon 3), Chicago IL (Chicon 2000), The Millennium Philcon was in Philadelphia PA in 2001, ConJose was in San Jose CA in 2002, Torcon 3 was in Toronto Canada in 2003, Noreascon 4 was in Boston MA in 2004, and Interaction will be in Glasgow, UK in 2005.
The cost of Worldcon attending memberships varies from year to year, but is generally more expensive than other cons, usually with rate increases as it gets closer to the con. Those who participate in the site selection process can get in at the lowest rate (with the possible exception of those who may get reimbursed for working on the con).
Hugos: Rather than complain about what gets nominated or wins a Hugo, why not do something about it? All it takes to be eligible to nominate for the Hugo (and John W. Campbell) awards is a supporting Worldcon membership every two years! Make your voice heard. Supporting membership for Interaction (2005) is $45.
If you want your interests represented, participate! The future of fandom is in your hands.
There are links to several convention lists on the MediaWest*Con Media Links page. There are also Worldcon links on the Media Links page.
"Worldcon," "World Science Fiction Society," "WSFS," and "Hugo Award" are service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society.
The name "MediaWest*Con" is a service mark of MediaWest*Con.
This official MediaWest*Con page was updated December 14, 2004
