From The Republican (Springfield, MA):
http://www.masslive.com/living/repub...0605324210.xml
Sci-fi conventions are luring fewer fans
Thursday, November 04, 2004
By RAY KELLY
The technological advances once dreamt of by fantasy lovers are now killing science-fiction fan conventions.
In today's wired world, sci-fi fans e-mail each other and discuss their favorite shows on message boards, chat on-line with actors and authors, and buy autographed mementos on eBay.
As a result, conventions, a sci-fi staple of the 1970s, have dwindled in number and attendance, said Paul Aldred, organizer of this weekend's United Fan Con at the Springfield Marriott.
"These used to be community events," he said. "It is bad for the introverted fans. The conventions used to help them become more extroverted. Now, you can do it all from your own home."
Aldred, a parts manager for an eastern Massachusetts Toyota dealership, will continue to press on, even though attendance is not what it once was.
Sci-fi conventions have been staged annually in downtown Springfield for 14 years, sometimes drawing almost 2,000 guests. Last year's three-day gathering attracted 750.
United Fan Con's main celebrity guest is Gates McFadden, who co-starred as Dr. Beverly Crusher in the long-running television series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and three subsequent movies.
She will be joined by three cast members of "Stargate SG-1" - Tony Amendola (Master Bra'Tac"), Gary Jones ("Sgt. Walter Harriman") and John Novak ("Col. William Ronson"), as well as Deborah Watling, who portrayed "Victoria Waterfield" on the BBC series, "Doctor Who."
"'Stargate' is the new 'Star Trek' essentially," Aldred said. "People came from all over the country to see our 'Stargate' guests."
In addition to the popularity of "Stargate SG-1" over "Star Trek," Aldred said he has seen a new breed of fan emerging - one interested solely in meeting celebrity guests and obtaining autographs.
"The 'new fan' doesn't want to get involved in the whole convention scene," he added.
For the traditional fans, United Fan Con has more than celebrities and autograph sessions to offer.
There will be a dealers' room selling videotapes, model kits, books, and other sci-fi themed mementos. Also, a dance, masquerade, charity auction, and karaoke party are on tap.
In addition, United Fan Con will place a greater emphasis on anime and horror films than in the past.
There will be a banquet on Saturday night with celebrity guests in attendance. Tickets for the banquet are an additional $75 at the door. Likewise, there will be breakfast with the stars on Sunday morning for an additional $35 at the door.
Tickets for the convention are $25 for Friday and $50 for Saturday or Sunday. A three-day admission ticket costs $60.
Further information may be obtained on-line at:
http://www.unitedfancon.com/
©2004 MassLive.com
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Morjana
SG1-Spoilergate
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/SG1-Spoilergate/
Richard Dean Anderson Fans
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/rdandersonfans/
Proof-Positive
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Proof-Positive
http://www.masslive.com/living/repub...0605324210.xml
Sci-fi conventions are luring fewer fans
Thursday, November 04, 2004
By RAY KELLY
The technological advances once dreamt of by fantasy lovers are now killing science-fiction fan conventions.
In today's wired world, sci-fi fans e-mail each other and discuss their favorite shows on message boards, chat on-line with actors and authors, and buy autographed mementos on eBay.
As a result, conventions, a sci-fi staple of the 1970s, have dwindled in number and attendance, said Paul Aldred, organizer of this weekend's United Fan Con at the Springfield Marriott.
"These used to be community events," he said. "It is bad for the introverted fans. The conventions used to help them become more extroverted. Now, you can do it all from your own home."
Aldred, a parts manager for an eastern Massachusetts Toyota dealership, will continue to press on, even though attendance is not what it once was.
Sci-fi conventions have been staged annually in downtown Springfield for 14 years, sometimes drawing almost 2,000 guests. Last year's three-day gathering attracted 750.
United Fan Con's main celebrity guest is Gates McFadden, who co-starred as Dr. Beverly Crusher in the long-running television series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and three subsequent movies.
She will be joined by three cast members of "Stargate SG-1" - Tony Amendola (Master Bra'Tac"), Gary Jones ("Sgt. Walter Harriman") and John Novak ("Col. William Ronson"), as well as Deborah Watling, who portrayed "Victoria Waterfield" on the BBC series, "Doctor Who."
"'Stargate' is the new 'Star Trek' essentially," Aldred said. "People came from all over the country to see our 'Stargate' guests."
In addition to the popularity of "Stargate SG-1" over "Star Trek," Aldred said he has seen a new breed of fan emerging - one interested solely in meeting celebrity guests and obtaining autographs.
"The 'new fan' doesn't want to get involved in the whole convention scene," he added.
For the traditional fans, United Fan Con has more than celebrities and autograph sessions to offer.
There will be a dealers' room selling videotapes, model kits, books, and other sci-fi themed mementos. Also, a dance, masquerade, charity auction, and karaoke party are on tap.
In addition, United Fan Con will place a greater emphasis on anime and horror films than in the past.
There will be a banquet on Saturday night with celebrity guests in attendance. Tickets for the banquet are an additional $75 at the door. Likewise, there will be breakfast with the stars on Sunday morning for an additional $35 at the door.
Tickets for the convention are $25 for Friday and $50 for Saturday or Sunday. A three-day admission ticket costs $60.
Further information may be obtained on-line at:
http://www.unitedfancon.com/
©2004 MassLive.com
|*|(*)|*|(*)|*|
Morjana
SG1-Spoilergate
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/SG1-Spoilergate/
Richard Dean Anderson Fans
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/rdandersonfans/
Proof-Positive
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Proof-Positive
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