[pshrynk]

How to describe a WorldCon?

Think of being a strange, introverted, book-loving, SF and Fantasy reading teenager. Think of how much you wanted to have friends who understood wha the fark you were talking about when you got excited about learning orbital mechanics. Think of the wish you once had to be in a group of people who could recite passages from LOTR my heart and were not at all appalled by the fact that you like Middle Earth a LOT more than the real one.

WorldCon is not like that. But, you can meet authors face to face. I once had Robert Silverberg ask to use my program to help him find the panel he was supposed to be at. I had supper with Rob Sawyer, Lois McMaster Bujold, David Gerrold, and their spouses, all because I offered to take Rob to dinner. He took me up on the offer, and then asked me if it was okay that we joined the rest of them. Sure, I said, but they better be interesting. But I digress. I have sat at the table with Terry Pratchett and was nearly killed when he threw out the new miniatures that he'd just been given and said, "Here have some." I still have The Luggage. I once follwed a guy who had a badge that said, "As a matter of fact, I am arocket scientist into a panel and heard about the conception of the replacement for the shuttles before the press release came out. I got to touch one of the props used in Starship Troopers (a dead bug.)

But mostly, I have had a rousing good time with friends whom I have made through the years on-line who get together for these things so they can manage to meet actual real people. It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on if you are a booknerd.