My last full day of Worldcon has left me more certain than ever that this is a community I want to stay involved with. Where else can you listen to entire panels about food in speculative fiction novels, or chat with NASA scientists, or speak with independent bookstore owners about the things that excite them?
People who attend science fiction conventions sometimes get stereotyped as a bunch of socially awkward geeks seeking escape from the real world. That isn’t true of everyone. It is true of some of us, but it’s not a bad thing. Regardless, while it has its problems like every community, the general spirit is one of inclusivity and enthusiasm. I value that.
I don’t have much new to say about today’s experience, though I enjoyed it just as much as the previous days, if not a tad more. I got to have more conversations with published authors, got to hear some great panels, got to feel out of my intellectual depth in a few conversations in the best way possible. I was tired enough today that I didn’t strike up quite so many conversations with strangers, but I did enjoy lurking in the background and eavesdropping on other people.
I wouldn’t say I’m sad that Worldcon is almost over, exactly. Things like this can’t last forever, and they wouldn’t be as special if they did. I also know that my ebullient view of it is influenced by this being my first major experience with fandom. But I’m hopeful that I’ll get to attend another Worldcon someday in the future, and visit smaller, nearby conventions before then.
Tomorrow is only a half-day at the con. I’ll be posting one more blog tomorrow evening, then it’s back to life as usual. Thanks for reading.
Luke Wildman 