I actually enjoyed Eastercon!
Seriously, although there are things in Eastercons I enjoy there is also the problem for me that it is Too Big (and yes, Worldcons are even bigger, that's why I seldom go to them). Too many people, too much to do (like buses, there's nothing I want to see for ages and then three come along at once), and too little chance of actually meeting people I want to see (see the previous two reasons).
But those clever folks who also run Redemption, and manage to make a 500 person con feel like a 200 person one, managed to do it again with Eastercon. I wasn't horribly overwhelmed, and enjoyed it, and got to talk with people as well as going to programme items I wouldn't have found elsewhere.
Unusually for me, I wasn't working tech (OK, I helped with microphones a couple of times) and was being Main Hall Manager twice (I'd never done that before). This resulted in me going to programme items to which I wouldn't otherwise have gone, notably two GoH interviews (Iain M. Banks and Liz Williams), the 2000AD panel, Ben Goldacre's "Bad Science", and the BSFA Awards. Perhaps I've been missing out -- I thought that awards ceremonies were pretty dry things, but with Ian Watson and Donna Scott hosting it was great fun.
Incidentally, kudos to the tech team, they got very good sound distribution in the hall from microphones which were often quite a way from the speakers (which also meant a lack of 'popping' and a much better coverage when the speakers moved). The cameras and large screen at the front were also very much appreciated, and the cuts and framing were of a quality I would be happy to see broadcast live.
Other items: having the Clangers Symposium immediately after "Black Holes for Beginners" was surreal and inspired. (I was, however, disappointed that the latter wasn't a workshop! But next year is planned to have Quantum Teleportation, and at least one person volunteered to be teleported...) Mitch Benn was 'adult' and fun entertainment; I'd heard about him but never seen him. The Ceilidh on Friday was great (although numbing myself with Old Rosie -- which unfortunately ran out before Doctor Who on Saturday -- meant that I was suffering the next day; the problem with anaesthetics is that I don't realise that I'm doing more damage).
Ah yes, damage. Already having my right knee somewhat painful was one thing. And my back, as always. And then just before Liz Williams' interview I turned away from the stage and didn't quite miss the steps up to the stage, landing heavily on my left knee. Which hurt a lot, and still does (it's actually tender when I apply Ibuprofen gel to it). Since it still bends I'm assuming that it's bruised and will recover, I'll look at getting it investigated If This Goes On... (Oh, and I have band practice this evening. What fun...)
But those clever folks who also run Redemption, and manage to make a 500 person con feel like a 200 person one, managed to do it again with Eastercon. I wasn't horribly overwhelmed, and enjoyed it, and got to talk with people as well as going to programme items I wouldn't have found elsewhere.
Unusually for me, I wasn't working tech (OK, I helped with microphones a couple of times) and was being Main Hall Manager twice (I'd never done that before). This resulted in me going to programme items to which I wouldn't otherwise have gone, notably two GoH interviews (Iain M. Banks and Liz Williams), the 2000AD panel, Ben Goldacre's "Bad Science", and the BSFA Awards. Perhaps I've been missing out -- I thought that awards ceremonies were pretty dry things, but with Ian Watson and Donna Scott hosting it was great fun.
Incidentally, kudos to the tech team, they got very good sound distribution in the hall from microphones which were often quite a way from the speakers (which also meant a lack of 'popping' and a much better coverage when the speakers moved). The cameras and large screen at the front were also very much appreciated, and the cuts and framing were of a quality I would be happy to see broadcast live.
Other items: having the Clangers Symposium immediately after "Black Holes for Beginners" was surreal and inspired. (I was, however, disappointed that the latter wasn't a workshop! But next year is planned to have Quantum Teleportation, and at least one person volunteered to be teleported...) Mitch Benn was 'adult' and fun entertainment; I'd heard about him but never seen him. The Ceilidh on Friday was great (although numbing myself with Old Rosie -- which unfortunately ran out before Doctor Who on Saturday -- meant that I was suffering the next day; the problem with anaesthetics is that I don't realise that I'm doing more damage).
Ah yes, damage. Already having my right knee somewhat painful was one thing. And my back, as always. And then just before Liz Williams' interview I turned away from the stage and didn't quite miss the steps up to the stage, landing heavily on my left knee. Which hurt a lot, and still does (it's actually tender when I apply Ibuprofen gel to it). Since it still bends I'm assuming that it's bruised and will recover, I'll look at getting it investigated If This Goes On... (Oh, and I have band practice this evening. What fun...)