Fannish Things We Gave Up In Exchange

Those of you associated with science fiction & fantasy fandom know what “fannish things” are. For those who don’t know, SF fandom is a bit of FIAWOL (Fandom Is A Way Of Life), a bit of FIJAGH (Fandom Is Just A Goddamn Hobby), and a bit of FIJAGWOL (the math is left as an exercise to the student). We had plans to attend Worldcon (the annual World Science Fiction Convention) in Seattle in two weeks, but those plans (sensibly, which is not always a given) were abandoned when we opened escrow at the beginning of July. Probably more short of time and strength than cash, but it’s all a factor.

So, house or Worldcon? Well, we last went to Worldcon in Chicago three years ago, skipped China and Scotland, and were really hoping to get to Seattle (we LIKE Seattle!) but were starting to have a few second thoughts to begin with due to some “issues” with the Worldcon committee, the volunteer group who are running the con. I’m hesitant to get too critical since back in the day I was on a half-dozen-plus con committees and was the con chair for three of them. It’s a tough, thankless gig. But still… Let’s just say that when the house became available, it didn’t take much to be a tipping point and have us cancel our hotel reservations.

The other aspect of the Forever Home adventure vs. Worldcon was time. Worldcon is where the Hugo Awards are presented, and since we have memberships in the Seattle Worldcon we’re entitled to vote for the Hugos. I always try to do that and do it from an informed position, which means reading all of the five or six or seven nominated novels, novellas, novelettes, and short stories, as well as at least peruse the artwork, fanzines, and other nominated works. That takes time, which is generally time well spent since I’m reading what are among the best works of the year. Often I’ve already read a couple, just because I read a lot in the field to begin with.

But this year, I didn’t even get to make a decent effort. Every single brain cycle for the past six weeks has been focused on getting the house and getting into the house and getting out of the old house. Oh, and also keeping my job and putting in my hours there.

Reading recreationally for the Hugos? That might have gone so far onto a back burner that you need the Hubble Space Telescope to see it.

In two weeks I’ll watch to see who won. I’ll look for pictures from friends who are at the con.

And I’ll make plans for next year. Los Angeles.

That should be do-able, even from The High Desert.