It's taken a couple of days, but I feel like I've recuperated a bit from WorldCon. I definitely learned a few lessons.
Not the longest string of badge ribbons by a long shot, but a solid effort
- I overscheduled myself like crazy. I was on two panels, took part in one workshop, and was the solo lead of a second workshop, and I volunteered for a total of about 12 hours. For some people, this would be a workable schedule; for me, it was on the verge of too much. I missed out on things and people that I would have loved to spend my time doing and meeting because I was simply drained. I need to guard my energy more carefully.
- Having said that, I am capable of more than I think I am. I was able to be on a panel with Gail Carriger, and tell a room full (!) of people about the history of tomato ketchup off the cuff. I was able to lead a workshop on my own, teaching a full (!) room of people how to cross stitch and do blackwork embroidery, and get some of them excited about the crafts.
I taught under keen surveillance.
- Seeing friends from the internet in 3D will never not be awesome. There were a number of members of the Lady Astronauts' Club who found each other and spending time with them off-screen was simultaneously super-exciting and incredibly soothing. There are few things I enjoy as much as being around my people.
- Getting business cards printed (shout out to Moo was a random idea and, it turned out, a very good one. There were several times I was able to hand over a card and make connections on the spot, and it also gave me an easy way to point people here for links to the resources I put together for my panels and such.
Overall, now that I've had a couple of days to rest and think back on things, I'm glad I did as much as I did. I'm always more comfortable at a convention when I'm doing something, rather than just attending, and now I have "WorldCon panelist" as something to add to my list of achievements. That, I must admit, is pretty danged neat.
No comments:
Post a Comment