I find simply being polite at cons to be almost impossible at times and it makes me terribly frustrated and sad. People often come a long way for something as simple as a hello or a book signing, or a long-time email friend may want nothing more complicated than a hug and a moment of face-to-face time, but the mere act of trying to attend every panel and signing you’re scheduled for often leaves no time even for those small niceties. At some point, just doing what you’ve agreed to do on the schedule means leaving some people disappointed, either as you’re departing or arriving.

I am far from the biggest name in comics and at this con, I often had four or more separate people talking to me at once even while simply walking to the restroom or rushing to a panel. I attempted a few meetings with some fairly high-powered people but still made every effort to be nice to those other people who came up to say hello during such times. But I’m certain I missed some people just through the sheer din and velocity of the convention.

I think most of us long ago gave up the idea of getting much actual business done at the better-attended cons, preferring instead to take the breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings away from the convention halls. It may be getting that way for even the semi-business of taking photos and answering journo questions outside of signing lines and podcast alleys. It’s unfortunate, but I don’t know what can really be done about it. I feel terribly guilty when I have to cut someone short, politely, or can’t really even say a proper hello for whatever reason, but it’s never because I’m mean or selfish, it’s simply me trying to keep my con commitments. I remember once, I was terribly sick at a con, but I felt that cancelling my appearance might disappoint some folks, so I went and did the very best I could to be as nice as I could to everyone. Sure enough, someone wrote that I was harsh and cold because I wasn’t able to speak much. I guess the answer is just to try to do the best you can and hope people understand when not everything goes perfectly.

That said, I don’t quite get the no photographs thing. It seems a pretty small thing to allow, especially for a noted and long-time journalist and commentator. Maybe people are simply too harried, but it seems almost the least one could do under the circumstances.

“…I’ve had far more hostile and unpleasant experiences.”

It may have to do with you being associated for so long with The Comics Journal/Fantagraphics.

It obviously doesn’t make it right, but people have long memories.

I do, however, appreciate the lessons on how to be a journalist. Thanks, guys!

I couldn’t agree more. Because it was my first Con, further, I definitely didn’t know what to expect. It seems to be (and need to be?) all of these things, for all of these audiences, but maybe with an eye to doing some things a little better (marketing info, product info, media). Maybe a little more BEA-type influence (but not too much)?

PAD

I know I saw DC have problems with sites that felt they could just jump in to interview creators while they were scheduled for autograph sessions at the DC booth. But I’m pretty sure that’s not the sort of thing that Spurgeon is talking about.

I should be so lucky some day to be able to get to a New York or San Diego convention, yet those that get to go regularly cry about how they weren’t treated like royalty. Feh.

I think we all need a few hugs after that weekend.