[Gary Wassner]

Is anyone planning on attending the convention? Has anyone ever attended one before? I look forward to your thoughts and feedback.
This convention begins on October 31, 2002 and runs until November 3, 2002. It is being sponsored by Dreamhaven Books.

[Llama]

I will be there.

[kater]

What does it involve and how far from Chicago is Minneapolis please?

[Llama]

http://2002.worldfantasy.org/

[Rob B]

I would love to go but I have a goddamned business trip at the same time.

[Crysania]

I've always wondered what it would be like to go to one of those things. No one I know would go with me so that would be odd... what are they like?

Anyway, my play opens on Nov. 1 so it's out for me even if I could afford it. Still, I'm curious...

[Gary Wassner]

I am planning on going. But, I was wondering how many authors actually go and find it worthwhile. I am not really very good as socializing and trying to promote myself. I have been told by other writers that it is the kind of venue where you need to do that. you meet agents and publishers and sit around and talk etc in a social situation.
have any authors here had any positive experience with conventions of this type?

[Llama]

I have actually never been to a convention. From what I've been told WFC is very professional, mostly authors and industry types, and not particularly fannish. My original interest was actually in going to the book dealer's room, which I understand is excellent. But as it turns out a number of people I've met online will be there so it will be an opportunity to meet them in person, plus some authors I've met (e.g. China Mieville, Kelly Link) have told me they'll be attending, so it will give me a chance to say hi.

[Radthorne]

It is my understanding as well that this is *the* place to go to interact and network with other professionals in the industry. Most of the networking takes place outside of the official panels, etc. of the actual convention; there are informal meetings in the bar, at things like publisher parties held in a couple of adjoining suites upstairs, that sort of thing. If one is serious about getting a NY publishing contract, it's one of those "have to do" things. I had actually purchased a ticket a couple of years ago, but changed my mind at the last moment (it ain't cheap to go to one of these things...)

Like you, Gary, I too am not very fond of the networking aspect of marketing oneself. It is, unfortunately, pretty necessary. Traditional publishing is still populated by a lot of people who know each other via conferences like this one. But like marketing of almost any kind, the results are hard to assess and might take some time (like going to the convention for a few years) before you get a payoff from the networking contacts you make.

[Gary Wassner]

Are you going to this one, Kevin?
I registered and booked a room, but I haven't yet made any flight arrangements. The idea of trying to worm my way into discussions and pubisher get togethers with the hope of making some kind of worthwhile contact is not appealing to me. If it is a necessary evil in the industry, I guess I need to get used to it. I just find the prospect so difficult to digest.
Is there any way to put a brighter face on it all?