Re: [UUPoly-L] UUPA literature at SF conventions

["Victor J. Raymond" <vraymond@iastate.edu>]

> Victor,
> 
> Thanks for the suggestions! I don't know the flavors of most of the
> cons, and that's the kind of advice I'm looking for.
> 
> If I'm going to carry the ball, this is what I have in mind to do:
> Create a calendar of the large and/or appropriate cons. Find out who's
> in charge of the freebie tables. 

Good so far.  :)

> Ten days beforehand, mail this person
> a small packet of handouts -- from UUPA and probably other poly
> organizations -- with a note asking that they be put out. Maybe with a
> comment about the overlap that exists between science fiction/fantasy
> fandom and poly interest.

Not bad, but I might find out from each con what their policy is regarding
freebie table stuff.  Some of them might want it much earlier, for others ten
days might be enough.

You might also see if there is anyone on the UUPA mailing lists who might be
planning to attend - and if you find out far enough in advance, you might see if
they could do a panel discussion.  Something like:

"Spirituality, relationships, and the future
"Human beings in multiple partner committed relationships have been a part of
science fiction and fantasy for a long time.  From Heinlein's The Moon Is A
Harsh Mistress to Diane Duane's The Door Into Fire, we've explored how this
might work.  But there's also a spiritual side to this, which this panel will
explore.  Bring your favorite stories and be ready to talk about their
connections to our beliefs and faith."

..you could come up with several variations on this theme or something
completely different.  Again, gotta recruit people to actually moderate these
panels.

> 
> Suggestions for proceeding? Where can I find the best con calendar?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction_convention

..is an okay place to start.  Somewhere around here I have a print calendar
that comes out quarterly.  You're better off doing this through a snowball
sample - where are people actually going?

> Could you go through such a calendar and tick off particular ones to
> include or skip?

This might be of limited utility, as my preferences might not actually suit the
UUPA's needs.  I'd do it, but only with caveats about my own biases.


Victor Raymond
vraymond@iastate.edu