People seem to have this misconception about conventions (be they furry, or SF, or SCA, or any large fannish gathering), that they are these big, faceless monolithic entities whose movements are mysterious and unknowable. Here’s a secret for you: they are made up of volunteers, people just like you.
Convention policies do not rise from the mysterious depths, spoken by blind oracles; they are arrived at through (hopefully) intelligent and thoughtful consideration by responsible adults. Do you have a problem with a convention policy? Have you considered maybe discussing it with the person responsible? It’s a wacky, crazy idea, but one that you just might want to take into consideration.
The people who help run conventions donate their time and effort and sometimes money so that others can have a good time. What do they get out of it? In most cases, absolutely nothing. With luck, they get the satisfaction of a job well done, of seeing the enjoyment of those around them having a good time, of hearing and seeing good reports after the convention. And if there’s criticism to be had (and of course there will be – I’ve been doing Registration for Midwest FurFest for four years and I have no illusion that it’s perfect, or that it will ever be perfect), it is perfectly reasonable to expect that that criticism might be offered constructively.
Do you have a problem with how something is done? Instead of saying, “I hate the way they did X!” try, “I didn’t like the way they did X, but perhaps it might work better if they tried Y instead.” Be prepared that solution you offered may not be used – there are many different ways to do the same thing, and there may be other factors involved that you haven’t taken into consideration. If this occurs, it isn’t because someone hates you, I assure you. There can always be a discussion about possible solutions, and possibly compromises to be made.
This isn’t a plea for sympathy, or a cheap attempt to garner attaboys for working for furry conventions. It is meant as a reality check, and a reminder to people that at the core of these conventions are people who are making sacrifices so others can have a good time. Show a little respect, be reasonable, and everyone can have a good time.
Ponk.
Ponk.
Ponk.
I see the work that folks put into all volunteer organizations like that and shake my head in amazement, trying to make sure give them the kudos they deserve if not a helping hand when possible. I would give you a “furry fettered crane” if I could. 🙂 Much love to you!
Did I miss some drama somewhere? I feel left out.
And tonight, it’s going to be Rusty’s version of Can’t Sleep, Con Will Eat Me. I have a date with a registration server. Hope you don’t mind if I name it after a bear.
Very well said. I think all in all, MFF does a very good job. You know bitter I can be about some conventions I have been to. No point in recapping that, save to say that MFF is a refreshing change from that. The con has a really nice cozy feel to it. My only worry is that it could be a victim of it’s own sucess, as the cliche goes. I worry that the community feel of it could be lost if it grows to big or to quick.
People are either part of the problem, or they are part of the solution. Anyone can tear something down on thier own, but not just anyone can work together to make something. It’s a pleasure working with the staff at MFF, and I’m satisfied about the many hours I’ve spent helping to get programming together. It’s a wonderful thing to give when you are given back so much from others there! It makes it all worth well. 🙂