Peter David Fan/Pro Convention Bill of Rights

[Jan]

There are a number of us here who attend conventions and some who help run or even are guests at cons. Peter David has put together a Bill of Rights for both Fans and Pros alike that makes good reading.

Note that he deliberately did *not* include any notes on hygiene.

http://www.peterdavid.net/index.php/...ill-of-rights/

Jan

[DGTWoodward]

Well, yes it does, but I do have one observation.

Is it really necessary? Are we such that such things as this need to be written down like that?

The reason I say this is, as a seasoned convention attendee...is that it all seems (to me) to be a combination-dose of common sense, good manners and a tiny bit of forward thinking. Well all know that some newer folks will exhibit some nervous reticence or be a little bit star-struck, but that does not mean that it is OK for said person, or any person there, to act like a jerk.

Did it really need to be written down that we should all behave well at conventions?

[Jan]

I think that sometimes people need a reminder, for instance about being aware of how much space you and your backpack or whatever take up. And that for folks who are new to cons, it might help to know some of the protocols.

Is it necessary? I've hung out with a few pros and it can be shocking how they're importuned during private time and even in the restroom. At least two that I know have been asked to autograph fan's bodies in areas that made them uncomfortable.

Can't hurt, might help.

Jan

[SmileOfTheShadow]

Read it this morning. I wonder what prompted him to write that. Does this mean I shouldn't ask JMS sign my scandalous paparazi photos of him?

[Jan]

Heck, if he signed your Snow White play, he probably wouldn't balk at some candid photo. Since he doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs, how scandalous could it be?

Apparently at a fairly recent con there was a really creepy sort harrassing several women. I read about it in a couple of places and Peter references it in this thread: http://www.peterdavid.net/index.php/...ill-of-rights/ That may have been the catalyst.

Jan

[Andrew_Swallow]

{snip}
Did it really need to be written down that we should all behave well at conventions?

Yes, rules are for the badly behaved.

[OmahaStar]

Yes, rules are for the badly behaved.

Ah, crap.

[SmileOfTheShadow]

Heck, if he signed your Snow White play, he probably wouldn't balk at some candid photo. Since he doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs, how scandalous could it be?

It's the ones who don't drink, smoke or do drugs that you have to watch out for!!!

Apparently at a fairly recent con there was a really creepy sort harrassing several women. I read about it in a couple of places and Peter references it in this thread: http://www.peterdavid.net/index.php/...ill-of-rights/ That may have been the catalyst.

Jan

Well that's a bummer. Hopefully that sort of thing stops. Would suck to have less girls at cons.

[Jan]

It's the ones who don't drink, smoke or do drugs that you have to watch out for!!!

Only if you think sex is scandalous...considering that he's single.

Well that's a bummer. Hopefully that sort of thing stops. Would suck to have less girls at cons.

From what I read, it was a situation where the creep was complained about several times before the con finally threw him out...or possibly made sure he stayed out, I'm not entirely sure since there were different reports. Unfortunately, it's too often the case that con volunteers or convention center/hotel employees don't know what to do and the ball gets dropped.

Jan