Before AWP, I wrote a post about how panels and conference talks in general often don't deliver what they promise, either because of misleading abstracts or poor organization. I said that I would see how the two panels on my schedule that I thought would be the most likely to mislead would go.
I'm pleased to report that those two panels did exactly what was promised in a well-organized and helpful way. In fact, the most disappointing panel I attended was one of the so-called "safe" panels--essentially a how-to on a certain topic that I thought would unearth more useful tips. I don't want to call anyone out, but know that if you are disappointed in a panel, it's probably not your fault. After all, it's your time and money at stake! Like any public talks, panels must keep the audience's attention and offer information and relatable conversation. Panels are inherently inefficient forms of information conveyance because they stress the human factor. I do wish that AWP's talks varied in format, because there are some topics that would do better with one or two presenters rather than a full panel. But I doubt that's going to change. Instead, let me offer some helpful notes to keep in mind when running, evaluating, or judging panels:
0 Comments
I don't think it's quite worth spending the conference fee just to go to the bookfair, but it's close. I had a fantastic time walking around and talking to some great people about their presses, lit mags, and schools. I took home some great resources and books as well:
It's gotten to the point where I'm familiar with a lot of lit mags because of submission guideline research. Buying one-offs is always fun, and I'd like to leave some room in the budget for that, but I like having some special markets, not necessarily the big names either, that I can support with pride. I'll be posting more on AWP and on my reading list in the next few days. I've just been, well, reading... Super Adventure Box, Guild Wars' new/old event, has returned for the month of April and eaten into the economy, raid pugs, other activities, and guildies's time. It's really fun. It captures all the nostalgia of old-style games and provides an absurd contrast with Guild Wars' art style, while at the same time embodying Guild Wars and making perfect sense. It's also really annoying for those of us who are trying to get anything else done. Not only do I feel like I *should* be doing it on top of everything else, but tons of other people are trying for the achievements and cosmetic items associated with this limited time event and can't do other activities. In short, it's awesome and awful at the same time. I understand why it's not year round, but it's here for such a small time relative to how long it takes if you're learning it that it's hard to spend only a little bit of time on it. I'm debating just paying someone to take me through the course before the devs patch some of the LFR/selling aspects away.
And I'm looking forward to May, when I don't have this nagging feeling of guilt for not being able to enjoy or grind an event that impedes almost everything else I'm trying to do. |
Archives
June 2020
Topics
All
|