Preamble: We, the fans and pros of www.peterdavid.net, in order to form a more perfect union of fan/pro interaction, wish to let it be known that: with conventions and the Internet providing extensive opportunities for fan/pro interaction and; with new fans not quite understanding the “rules” and social mores and expectations of conventions and thus feeling uncomfortable or uncertain of what is expected of them and; partly in response to some conventions where fans in general and female fans in particular were targeted for harassment and abuse, and; in order to fill what is perceived as a needed guide for fans and pros to know and/or understand what to expect of each other in order to minimize or eliminate misunderstandings or ill-will; it is hereby resolved that this document will serve as an attempt to fill that need by spelling out the specifics of these matters to the best of our abilities. This is being done unilaterally by an assortment of fans and pros, and all the matters addressed within this document are drawn from genuine, real-life experiences of the participants (as hard as that may be to believe in some cases.) The rights set forth herein are not intended to represent the opinions or policies of any conventions or organizations, and may be considered by some to be merely guidelines. Nevertheless, it is our intent to present a series of simple, common sense, basic rights to which all fans and pros should be entitled.
For the purpose of this document, “fan” will be taken to mean anyone not working professionally in the science fiction/fantasy industry, and “pro” will include writers, artists, actors, or anyone—particularly for the purpose of convention-going—who is an advertised guest and/or panelist and/or is scheduled for autographing sessions and/or is set up with a table at either artist’s alley or the dealer’s room or an exhibition hall. The male pronoun is uniformly used to refer to all pros and all fans, not to give short shrift to the female gender, but simply for convenience sake.
The order in which this list is presented is not intended to reflect on the relative priorities of each right, save for the first one, which we have decided to call:
The Prime Directive
Fans and Pros have the right to be treated by each other with the same courtesy that they themselves would expect to be treated.* Fans and Pros who act like jerks abrogate the right to complain when they themselves are treated like jerks.
*The expectations of masochists notwithstanding.
Right the First
Fans and Pros have a right to a mutual understanding of what is expected and required from each when it comes to the giving and receiving of autographs.
1) Fans have a right to know as early as possible—preferably in the convention advertising and certainly no later than via clearly posted signs at the pro’s table—what will and will not be autographed. (EX: only materials purchased at the table as opposed to items that the fans have already acquired.)
2) Pros have a right not to be embarrassed by, or be made uncomfortable with, unauthorized materials brought for signature (EX: that jerk who brought Emma Watson an 8 x 10 of a paparazzi photograph angled up her dress) or the nature of the object to be autographed (EX: body parts). By the same token, pros should be willing to sign any material that they themselves are selling. If the pro charges for autographs, there should be no hidden costs; a price list, while not required, is extremely helpful.
3) Particularly during advertised, limited-time autograph sessions, the pro should have the right to not have any one individual attempt to monopolize his time. For that matter, the fans have the right not to have to stand there and watch some guy tell the pro his life’s story. In cases of convention-sponsored autographs sessions, conventions should provide one or more monitors to be responsible for keeping the line moving so that pros don’t have to be the bad guy and fans don’t have to shout at their fellow fans to keep moving, and to cap the line so that the pro is not required to remain overtime.
4) Unless there is prior notification otherwise, fans have a right to have their books personalized. If they desire personalization, they should say so up front so the pro doesn’t have to guess. Nor should pros have to guess at the spelling of names. Don’t assume the pro will figure out that your name has a silent “q.” Complicated names should be presented on pieces of paper for convenience. If your name is on your badge but it’s spelled wrong, do not expect the pro to intuit that. Pros should not be asked to sign potentially inflammatory messages because the fan thinks it “will be funny” or “he’ll appreciate it.” (EX: Dear Jim: Why didn’t you show up, you áššhølë? Best wishes.)
5) Fans do not have an automatic right to expect an autograph unless a pro is seated at a table designated as an autograph table. An autograph table is defined as a table specifically established by the convention, or by third-party exhibitors, as a location at which the pro will be appearing for a limited time for the sole purpose of giving autographs (as opposed to artists alley tables or the pro’s own dealer table.) Even then: (1) the pro is under no obligation to sign more than one item unless stipulated by mutual agreement with the convention; (2) the pro has every right, at his discretion, not to autograph items, for any number of reasons including, but not limited to, (i) not having authored the work in question, (ii) fatigue, (iii) the fan showed up just at the signing’s conclusion with a significant number of books, (iv) the fan is acting like a jerk (see: Prime Directive.)
6) Fans with excessive amounts of material to be autographed should be willing to go to the end of the line and wait again in order to accommodate fans with fewer books to be signed. The definition of “excessive” will be the sole discretion of the pro and the convention organizers. If the pro has an absolute maximum beyond which he will not sign under any circumstance, or if the convention has a set limit in order to avoid overcrowdings or excessive lines, this limit should be made clear in the welcome material presented to attendees.
7) If the fan has accomplished the goal of getting an autograph, he should not monopolize a pro’s time even if there’s no one waiting behind him. If the pro has stopped talking and is sitting there simply smiling, take this as an unspoken cue that it’s time to move on. Just standing there for extended periods, waiting for the pro to say or do something clever, makes the pro feel uncomfortable and makes the fan come across as kind of creepy. This is a pro, not a resident of a petting zoo.
8 ) If a fan wishes to approach a pro, he should simply do so. If he doesn’t have the nerve, he should walk away until such time as he’s prepared to approach the guest. Simply standing a short distance away for an extended period while trying to build up one’s nerve can come across as a creepy stalker vibe. Pros have a right not to have to wonder why That Guy Over There has been watching them for fifteen minutes without moving. By the same token, pros should be aware of possible nervous reticence on the part of some fans, and should make every effort to be inviting and approachable, up to and including saying something along the lines of, “Hi, can I do something for you?” to a fan hovering nearby.
9) No matter how long a line is, fans should yield the right of way to a fellow fan with a screaming baby. This may seem unfair, but it’ll make everyone’s life easier, and it beats scowling and profanities.
10) Fans have a right not to be abused, scolded, scowled at or otherwise upbraided if they are clearly planning to profiteer off the autographs (EX: Multiple copies of the same book.) If they resell the books, that will just enable them to make more money to buy more copies of books by the pro that signed them in the first place. It’s capitalism’s circle of life.
11) Pros should never have to remove books or comic books from plastic sleeves, particularly if the flaps are taped down. Comic books should be presented ready for signing; books should be open to the title page or wherever the fan prefers it to be signed. If a fan is frustrated because he’s been waiting for a long time, he should keep that frustration to himself and not toss his comics to or at the pro.
12) Pros have the right to be treated courteously at all times. Fans asking for autographs while simultaneously telling the pro everything that’s “wrong” with his work are exhibiting bad form.
13) If a fan tells a pro that a particular work of his is the fan’s “favorite,” the minimal acceptable response is, “Thank you.” Cringing, making a face, saying, “Are you kidding me?,” “Do you have your taste in your ášš?”, “What is wrong with you?”, “That’s the least favorite thing I’ve ever done,” etc., should all be actively discouraged. If seeing past work of yours upsets you to such a degree that you feel obliged to denigrate both yourself and the fan’s taste, don’t go to conventions.
Right the Second
Fans have a right to wear and/or carry whatever they want to a convention. But one fan’s right to personal expression ends at another fan’s right to personal space.
1) Fans must be aware when accoutrements widen the amount of space they take up, either side-to-side or front to back. Attendees have a right to walk around a convention without being struck by: (1) backpacks; (2) rolling suitcases; (3) wings; (4) shoulder pads; (5) swords, shields, scabbards, bows, giant keys, quivers, bat’leths, batarangs, and any other type of weapon or weapon container; (6) capes; (7) gigantic signs; or any other object that can inflict pain or injury if the wearer/bearer turns around too quickly.
2) Fans and pros have a right to walk through convention space without being impeded by other attendees who are either taking photographs or posing for photographs. Quick photographs taken out of main traffic paths of either fans with pros or fans in costume are not bothersome as long as they do not block traffic. However, large numbers of costumed individuals posing for a battery of photographers poses a traffic hazard. It’s a convention, not the red carpet at the Oscars.
3) Should such blockages occur, fans and pros desiring to get from Point A to Point B should have the right of way and be able to walk directly through the picture-taking area without feeling guilty about ruining other people’s pictures. When passing fans walk in front of people’s cameras, such entries into the picture should, if possible, be accompanied by some manner of warning such as, “Excuse me.” “Coming through.” “Fore.” If photographers aren’t courteous enough to concern themselves about fans and/or pros getting where they need to go, then fans and/or pros shouldn’t have to worry about the photographers getting their pictures of five slave Leias and a Wookiee.
4) Fans have a right not to play along. Everyone appreciates dedication to one’s character; nevertheless, you don’t get a free pass to act a jerk just because you’re cosplaying a Klingon or Lobo.
Right the Third
Pros have as much right to enjoy conventions as anyone else. Pros are typically referred to as “guests,” and even “guests of honor.” If you treat guests in an insensitive manner, they will stop coming to your house.
1) Pros have the right to attend panels as audience members, walk the dealer’s room, or in other ways enjoy the convention without being approached with questions or requests for autographs. Fans who make such approaches do so at their own risk. Pros should make best efforts to extend such extra courtesies when possible, but should not be subjected to subsequent fan excoriation if they choose to demur. (EX: “He refused to sign my program book even though he was just standing there doing nothing.”)
2) As corollary to the above paragraph, the one situation where under no circumstance can pros be approached is when attending to bodily functions. Toilets are to be considered Off Limits for purposes of fan/pro interaction. Do not ever try to hand something to someone to sign while they are peeing. Do not push a comic under a stall door because you know they are in there and can’t get away. Do not decide that a toilet is the best possible place for a photograph with or of your favorite creator. Just… don’t.
3) Pros have as much right to privacy as anyone else. Under no circumstance should fans hover near, spy on, or eavesdrop upon private conversations that pros are having with each other off in a corner somewhere or while walking along a hallway. Such behavior would be considered rude if it’s done with total strangers, much less respected guests; fishing for dirt or leaks about upcoming work is bad form.
4) If an author is sitting around in a bar and you wish to approach him, you should offer to buy him a drink. This is particularly applicable with guests from the U.K. and/or Ireland. The technical term for this is “a bribe.” With conventions in the U.K. or Ireland, the technical term for sitting around in a bar and buying authors drinks is “a panel.”
5) Some authors, because they have no one to watch their artist alley or exhibition table, will choose to eat at their table rather than go out to lunch. They have the right to this personal time without intrusion. Just because a fan says, “I don’t want to interrupt you” before they drop ten books in front of the pro does not make it any less an interruption. Furthermore the pro’s hands may not be clean, which could result in anything from crumbs to mayo stains getting on the material to be autographed, which no one will be happy about.
6) Authors are not your bìŧçhëš (AKA The Neil Gaiman Assertion.)
7) Actors are not your performing monkeys (AKA The Misha Collins Declaration.)
Right the Fourth
Fans and Pros have the right to enjoy panels.
1) Fans and/or convention organizers should reasonably assume they have the right to film or video record panels unless explicit notice is provided at the beginning of the panel that visual recording is forbidden, or a blanket prohibition is published in the program book by the convention.
2) If a fan is so exhausted that he might fall asleep, he should be seated toward the back of the room, not the front row where his sonorous snoring and trickle of drool down his chin provide both audible and visual distractions. If a pro is likewise exhausted, he should beg off being on the panel. Should anyone choose to ignore this advice, the strategic and retaliatory use of air horns by either panelists or fans, while not encouraged, shall be excused. Should air horns be employed, said usage is not to be filmed and put up on Youtube unless it’s really, really funny.
3) Cell phones should be shut off or set to vibrate during panels. If a fan forgets and his phone rings, people are allowed to voice loud annoyance. If a panelist forgets and his cell phone goes off while he’s on the panel, loud annoyance is NOT permitted. However laughter, snarking and Simpson-esque “HA ha!” are not only acceptable but also encouraged.
4) Question and answer sessions are designed for succinctly phrased questions that will, in turn, elicit answers. They are not intended for fan pontifications, declamations, circumlocution, or soliloquies. They are not intended for a fan to try and bond with the panelists or show them how special the questioner is. They are not intended to be preceded by a lengthy preamble that explains how the fan’s entire existence and the fates conspired to bring him to this particular point at this particular time to pose this particular question. This is a panel, not The Bridge of San Luis Rey. Fans choosing to ignore these guidelines proceed at their risk and better hope their personal narrative is compelling enough that audiences will not find it onerous.
5) Audiences have a right to boo or bemoan the following questions: (i) “Can I have a hug?” (ii) “Can I have a kiss?” (iii) “Can I have my picture taken with you?” (iv) “How YOU doin’?” (or any similar come-on or question involving asking for a date.)
6) If there are certain topics or works that are known to be provocative subjects, do not be a smart ášš and bring it up anyway just to get a reaction or show that you’re fearless. If you poke the bear, don’t be surprised if you get the claws (AKA The Ellison Exacerbation). Should a novice fan who poses such a question happen to be ignorant of its provocative nature, he will likely be tipped off by the collective gasp of the audience and the scowl from the pro. In this event, he has the right to withdraw the question, no harm, no foul.
7) Good rule of thumb: if a question sounds like something that would be asked by the main fan geek from Galaxy Quest, avoid asking it. If you must posit technical questions, particularly involving contradictions, save them for writers. Actors have the right to not be their characters, and they do not generally have responses for picayune errata, especially since James Doohan passed away.
8 ) Attendees should not have to put up with redundancy. If you are a latecomer, quietly inquire of people near you if your intended question has already been addressed.
9) Pros have a right to express unpopular or inflammatory opinions on panels or elsewhere without it immediately resulting in fans announcing that henceforth they will never read anything by that author ever again. Pros also have a right to believe monkeys will fly out of their ášš.
10) Fans with children have as much right to enjoy panels as anyone else. Fans without children have a right to enjoy panels without children crying or disrupting them. Pros have a right to express themselves freely without concern as to language or subject matter. Children have a right to be immersed in the conventional culture since they are the future of fandom. Everyone has a right not to have their feet run over by strollers. In instances where any and/or all of these rights conflict, the Tim Gunn rule applies: Make it work.
Right the Fifth
Convention-related rights stem from solid organization, and therefore convention organizers have certain expectations that they should meet.
1) Fans have a right to an efficient registration procedure.
2) Fans have a right to a central information booth, staffed by people who actually either have the answers or can find them quickly.
3) Attendees have the right to be able to read, with no effort, the badges of other attendees. Appropriate place for badges to be worn is either around the neck on a lanyard or in the upper left or right of one’s shirt. Do not place your badge at hip level. No one needs or wants to be made uncomfortable staring at your crotch.
4) Attendees have a right to expect that convention organizers will heed the Maximum Occupancy signs and not endanger the attendees by overselling the convention. Rarely does anyone cosplay a Fire Marshal; if you see one, chances are he’s real and you’re in trouble. Nobody needs this grief.
5) Guest pros being sponsored by the convention have a right to written confirmation of all terms of their convention attendance at least ninety days before the convention, with travel arrangements finalized no later than thirty days prior. Travel in such instances should never be the expense of the pro with subsequent expectation of reimbursement unless the pro agrees to this…in which case, the pro better be dámņëd sure the organizer is good for it, because otherwise he’s on his own.
6) Fans in wheelchairs or similar devices for locomotion have a right to proper accommodations for their personal needs, such as sufficient aisle width. They also have the right: not to have people cut in front of them in line; not to have items they’re considering buying grabbed out of their hands; not to be assumed to be mentally challenged. Which, when you get down to it, all fans have these rights, but those in wheelchairs appear to be victimized by it more often. Non-ambulatory fans should also be given preferential treatment for elevators, since stairs are not an option.
7) Conventions should take security measures and have people designated specifically to handle disruptive individuals, crowd control, etc., as well as an advertised security ombudsmen to whom fans can go if situations of harassment arise. Should the convention opt for security forces composed of local groups of Storm Troopers, Dorsai, Klingons, etc., it should be emphasized to them that they are there for the convenience and safety of the fans, and not to cosplay as bad-áššëš. Security guards should be able to distinguish between groups of fans blocking access as opposed to a single fan who is simply standing still for a minute or two deciding which direction he’s going to go.
The foregoing represents the best efforts of a particular group of individuals to enumerate the rights of fans and guidelines for behavior that will ensure and protect those rights. So say we all.
Copyright (c) 2011 Second Age, Inc.
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Ðámņ that first paragraph’s long, especially the first sentence. Yeah, it’s a riff on the Preamble to the Constitution [cue Schoolhouse Rock earworm], but I really strongly suggest splitting it up/shortening it.
Right the Fifth 3). Add a line something like “It is the convention’s responsibility that an attendee’s name of reasonable length be of sufficient size to be readable (or there at least be sufficient blank space for the attendee to write it as such). Note that the name, location, etc. of the convention is of significantly less importance than the name of the attendee in terms of badge space; people know where they are. They don’t necessarily know the name of the person walking towards them.”
To save you fanboy griping down the road, Wookiee is spelled with two e’s, not one 😉
Otherwise, great stuff!
Fine, fine, fine, I fixed “wookiee.” Let’s not use that as license to start asking for rewrites, okay?
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PAD
Feel like right the second part one might need a mention of laser pointers too. We’ve had problems locally at convention with Borg costumes, and lasers shining in people’s faces.
The thing is, What I’m trying to focus on here is behavior that results from people not necessarily knowing any better of giving the matter any thought. Someone who’s shining a laser pointer (or a flashlight or whatever) in someone’s face isn’t doing it because they were unaware that it was inappropriate behavior. They’re doing it to be a jerk, and that’s covered under the Prime Directive.
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And if you’re saying that people have laser effects in their costumes that hurt people’s eyes, I figure that’s covered under the flat rule about personal expression versus personal space. If I try to enumerate every single thing someone could have on a costume that’s an inconvenience, I’ll go nuts.
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PAD
You’re right. It’s just been a personal problem, and I’m amazed when we tell the folks to turn off the lasers on their costumes.
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They seem shocked that a laser pointer mounted along their line of sight would shine in peoples faces as they looked around.
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“But people love our Borg costumes” is the response I get when I ask them to turn off the lasers.
It’s a long read but a good one. Permission to post and/or link to elsewhere?
Knock yourself out.
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PAD
Guys, no offense, but it’s done. I’m not looking for editorial comments or additional things at this point because, let’s face it, it’ll never end. This is the document. Like it, don’t like it, share it, don’t share it, it’s entirely up to you.
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PAD
This is brilliant and I’m sharing. People should have to sign a copy to get their badges.
This should be a t-shirt.
Intriguing idea, but I don’t see how you fit it all on a t-shirt.
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PAD
Well, it comes complete with its own magnifying glass. It’s a very expensive shirt.
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Put it on a cape.
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Or a duster.
Going for the Firefly market, Jerry?
Do it like the Contract in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on the shirt
Use flaps.
People with wheelchairs, Front of line, check. Access to elevators or ease of access, check. other accesses afforded them, check. Going high speed through the con on your double wide scooter recklessly, asshat move. You forgot that. And i don’t think the many times I’ve seen it happen was because they were out of control.
You forgot the PDA crouch. walking the con blind to anyone around you because your nose is in your device tweeting some useless crap.
Again, what I was trying to focus on were protocols and behavior that people might be ignorant of or hadn’t thought about. So I mention providing sufficient width in the aisles because convention organizers might not think about it. On the other hand, someone doesn’t drive a double wide scooter recklessly because they’re ignorant of protocol. They do it because, as you say, they’re an asshat. General jerk behavior falls under the Prime Directive and doesn’t have to be excessively flogged.
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PAD
But the general jerks and asshats themselves can be excessively flogged right?
For those violating the Prime Directive, I don’t think there’s such a thing as “excessive” flogging.
I agree, the Prime Directive doesn’t have to be excessively flogged. The asshat jerk perpetrator has to be excessively flogged. With a copy of “Eye of Argon.”
Just kidding. Possibly.
oh, forgot to say brilliant. This should be on signs around the convention halls.
This is a terrific set of guidelines — I hope it gets printed on large banners/written on poster board and displayed at the entrance to conventions!
Sadly, it’ll remain a largely idealized document. From what I’ve seen at conventions (and experiences working retail), there is a sizable percentage of the population that have an unshakable sense of entitlement that they feel allows any rudeness, obnoxiousness, etc. I’ll call this The Knights of the Dinner Table Contradiction: people who are so convinced that they’re heroes/the good guys that they see no problem with behavior that’s unheroic/used by the bad guys. (For those who don’t read the comic book THE KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE, it’s about several roleplayers, the core of whom (Bob, Dave, and Brian) frequently perform the most selfish, obnoxious, or evil behavior in-game — and are always surprised when someone points out that they’re anything other than worshiped and loved by all.)
You make a bunch of good points. The PAX Q&A sessions are always filled with a mixture of life stories and “OMG CAN I TOUCH YOU GUYS!”…the former category is mildly interesting at best, but the latter gets creepier every time I hear it.
Wonderfully said.
You could put a QR Reader on a shirt under the Title Fan/Pro Bill of Rights which sent people to a link to the pdf version and sell rights to the page benefiting the CBLDF when people go the page which would be often.
Or to the David Family Holiday Fund 🙂
I like it. It lays out what is and what is not to be expected and/or tolerated by both pros and the fans at a convention. While it will not totally ensure a good time by all, it would definitely be a step in the right direction in helping to clear up some of the chaos currently reigning at some conventions.
Of course, you do know that some idiot is naturally going to claim some degree of exception on their part to a rule or some such that they are guilty of violating …
Right the 4th, #6. I broke that one once. Jim Warren tribute panel in San Diego. Jim had boasted at the start of the panel he was going to tell it as it is and give us the truth.
I had always heard about the nasty split between him and Creepy’s first editor Russ Jones, but I’ve never heard what it was about. I had thought between his boasting and 45 years of time to heal the wound he’d mention what Russ did that pìššëd him off so much. Boy was I wrong. I felt like šhìŧ afterwards.
As a disabled fan, who sometimes must use a scooter…THANK YOU!! I gave up on SDCC because of the hordes who cut me off, separated me from my party/children, and in general made attending a huge PITA. I try hard to be a responsible scooter user…..but folks are often insufferably rude.
Thanks for taking the time to write this – I’ll pass it on to some con organisers I know.
Regarding “Right the Fourth” part 1 (the right to film or video record panels), does that mean that it’s ok to put the video on YouTube afterwards or are you just talking about a private record? I’m not asking for a rewrite, just trying to clarify it for myself. This actually ties into a dilemma I’ve had recently: I wanted to quote a couple of Harlan Ellison’s stories (from “The Wrap Party” where you were a GoH) in my blog, but I was worried that this would be a breach of etiquette since they’re not my stories to tell. If you’re saying that anything at a panel is public by default, that eases my mind.
As somebody that audio records panel I can tell you my experience.
Con’s are usually okay with audio recordings. Video recordings they don’t like. Often the convention is already video recording the panels themselves for multiple reasons. Plus, when it comes to video typically those in them sign release forms so they don’t get sued. Comic creators aren’t photogenic movie stars and aren’t comfortable in front of a camera knowing the video is going to be put online.
Sometimes certain rooms will have notices advising no recording of any type is allowed.
I’m no lawyer but the panelist are speaking into microphones in a public gathering – at a convention with press who regularly attend panels looking for news. So there really shouldn’t be any expectation of privacy. I’m no lawyer but I’m pretty sure you’re allowed to record and put it online, especially if you have a press pass. Press are certainly allowed to extensive, almost transcribing write ups without any issues.
That said conventions generally ask that you get everybody’s permission first and respectively abide by their wishes. I’ve been doing records since 2005 and have had 4 pro’s turn me down for various reasons.
I’m really not sure why people are more sensitive about audio recordings than written reports. There have been a number of dust ups over the years about written coverage of a panel, based on how things look bad in cold text on a screen vs a joking tone said in person. I think they’re more afraid of social gaffs being recorded than anything.
Quick proofreading note: “fire marshal” has but one L, unless you’re discussing Peter Marshall’s little-known game-show host cousin.
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That said, I’ll echo others’ comments: dámņ fine piece of work, and one I wish had been public knowledge at more than a couple of cons I attended back when.
Maybe you can ask an artist to contribute an addendum on “how to ask for a con sketch.” I bet Adam Hughes can write it in his sleep! lol
Interesting and comprehensive list. I’m forwarding a link to my list of Usual Suspects, which includes various SFnal news blogs.
Hi Peter,
It’s nice to see it all written down and all, but…doesn’t it all just come under the heading,
“Good Manners & a Bit of Forward Thinking”
I feel it’s rather a sad thing, that it needs to be written down for people that being nervous (and exhibiting some nervous energy as a result) is one thing but that this should not be used as an excuse to act like an áršë.
Daron, you’ve more or less said the same thing three times. Is it that you think your posts aren’t going up and so you keep rewriting it? Because if that’s what you’re doing, you can stop now.
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PAD
Seriously,
Does this all really need to be written down? It just seems to me like good manners, a bit of consideration and the tiniest bit of forward thinking to me.
Being star struck, or displaying nervous reticence does not excuse behaving like an áršë, from anyone, on any occasion…convention or otherwise.
Are we really so useless as a species (one clearly devolving), we are back to where people need to be told that pushing and shoving, acting like a boarish lout and generally being unpleasant is not going to be tolerated, and that it’s only right and fair to be polite and considerate of other people?
Peter, It’s certainly a fine piece or writing, but I genuinely feel saddened that you have been forced into a position where you’ve had to actually do it.
That’s really not what the document is all about, Daron. I mean, yes, the Prime Directive asserts that when you act like a jerk, you abrogate the right to complain how you were treated. But that’s simply a convention-oriented redo of the Golden Rule, intended to be a catch-all for many unacceptable behaviors that people could cite. I specifically did NOT want it to be a kindergarten-esque primer of social behavior, and I don’t think that’s what it is. There are, in fact, many fans new to conventions who have zero idea of protocols involved. They don’t know how to approach pros, or if they should. They don’t know how many books to get signed is too much or how to find out. And I’ll bet that every person who asks for a hug during a panel thinks they’re the first person to come up with that.
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I don’t think it’s anything to be sad about. If laying out groundrules for behavior in various situations was good enough for God and/or Jesus, it’s good enough for fandom.
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PAD
Are we really so useless as a species
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Yes. Next question.
Good text. I can see some hardcore fans led by a fringe Pro, barricaded in Conference Room D because of a literal/cooky interpretation of one of its articles and talking about World Goverment black scooters.
Yes that is exactly what has been happening. Sorry, it was unintentional.
Nothing objectionable in any of these suggestions, but with all due respect, it’s badly in need of editing. Most of this stuff isn’t even unique to conventions, it’s just basic social interaction stuff. Socially inept people who don’t understand unacceptable behavior at cons don’t understand it ANYWHERE. No number of expounded-upon-at-length rules will change that.
Anyway, made leaner:
Preamble: We, the fans and pros of http://www.peterdavid.net, in order to form a more perfect union of fan/pro interaction, wish to let it be known that in order to fill what is perceived as a needed guide for fans and pros to know and/or understand what to expect of each other, it is hereby resolved that this document will serve as an attempt to fill that need.
The Prime Directive
Fans and Pros have the right to be treated by each other with the same courtesy that they themselves would expect to be treated.
Right the First
Fans and Pros have a right to a mutual understanding of what is expected and required from each when it comes to the giving and receiving of autographs.
1) Fans have a right to know as early as possible—preferably in the convention advertising and certainly no later than via clearly posted signs at the pro’s table—what will and will not be autographed.
2) Pros have a right not to be embarrassed by, or be made uncomfortable with, unauthorized materials brought for signature or the nature of the object to be autographed. By the same token, pros should be willing to sign any material that they themselves are selling. If the pro charges for autographs, there should be no hidden costs.
3) Fans do not have an automatic right to expect an autograph unless a pro is seated at a table designated as an autograph table. Even then: (i) the pro is under no obligation to sign more than one item unless stipulated by mutual agreement with the convention; (ii) the pro has every right, at his discretion, not to autograph items, for any number of reasons.
4) Fans with excessive amounts of material to be autographed should be willing to go to the end of the line and wait again in order to accommodate fans with fewer books to be signed.
5) Pros have the right to be treated courteously at all times.
Right the Second
Fans have a right to wear and/or carry whatever they want to a convention. But one fan’s right to personal expression ends at another fan’s right to personal space.
1) Fans and pros have a right to walk through convention space without being impeded by other attendees who are either taking photographs or posing for photographs.
Right the Third
Pros have as much right to enjoy conventions as anyone else.
1) Pros have the right to attend panels as audience members, walk the dealer’s room, or in other ways enjoy the convention without being approached with questions or requests for autographs.
2) Toilets are to be considered Off Limits for purposes of fan/pro interaction.
Right the Fourth
Fans and Pros have the right to enjoy panels.
1) Fans and/or convention organizers should reasonably assume they have the right to film or video record panels unless explicit notice is provided at the beginning of the panel that visual recording is forbidden, or a blanket prohibition is published in the program book by the convention.
Right the Fifth
Convention-related rights stem from solid organization, and therefore convention organizers have certain expectations that they should meet.
1) Fans have a right to an efficient registration procedure.
2) Fans have a right to a central information booth, staffed by people who actually either have the answers or can find them quickly.
3) Attendees have the right to be able to read, with no effort, the badges of other attendees.
4) Attendees have a right to expect that convention organizers will heed the Maximum Occupancy signs.
5) Guest pros being sponsored by the convention have a right to written confirmation of all terms of their convention attendance at least ninety days before the convention, with travel arrangements finalized no later than thirty days prior. Travel in such instances should never be the expense of the pro with subsequent expectation of reimbursement unless the pro agrees to this
6) Fans in wheelchairs or similar devices for locomotion have a right to proper accommodations for their personal needs, such as sufficient aisle width.
7) Conventions should take security measures and have people designated specifically to handle disruptive individuals, crowd control, etc., as well as an advertised security ombudsmen to whom fans can go if situations of harassment arise.
The foregoing represents the best efforts of a particular group of individuals to enumerate the rights of fans and guidelines for behavior that will ensure and protect those rights. So say we all.
As I’ve said before, there are three things hardwired into human DNA: survival, procreation, and the need to rewrite other people’s stuff. Which is why I said this is it, I’m done, this is the final draft. Because if I continue to take suggestions and direction, I will wind up writing nothing else but this forever.
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So thanks for the effort, but no, I’m not changing a word.
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For some reason Peter, I’m seeing you as Ken Howard and all the correcting/rewriting posters as the rest of Congress.
I wrote ALL of it, Mr. Adams.
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(Notice that there is no mention of a Supreme Being.)
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All very valid points. Was there a recent con experience recently that prompted this? Or is it just a “someone really needs to put this out there and I haven’t seen it” type of thought?
Do we have the right to continually ask DC about Wally West until the point of exasperation?
By all means. Enjoy yourself.
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A very good summary of needed advice. I’m part of a new committee bidding to hold the 2014 DeepSouthCon and I’m going to post the lionk to your blog to the rest of my committee. Thanks for taking the time to write this up. It should at the very least be a good place to start some discussions about how we should all behave amoung others.
i have a question that i do njot see adressed above. What is the The Neil Gaiman Assertion?
thanks
It refers to this blog post:
http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2009/05/entitlement-issues.html
Gaiman’s (brilliant) words remind me of what Harlan Ellison wrote. (I forget the exact source, so I can’t quote him directly, but this is the gist of it.) If you buy something written by an author, you’re entitled to that work — and that’s it. Hopefully the work left you entertained, but you got what you paid for. You’re not the author’s best friend and you don’t get to use the author as your confidante, psychological dumping ground, or punching bag. The author doesn’t owe you anything (besides the story you bought) and doesn’t have to put up with rudeness or other garbage because you “pay his salary.”
Very, very very good. Thank you, sir.
Perfect, as is. No changes needed…except for conventions, fans and pros to follow.
Some percentage of this document is hilarious, and a different percentage is very, very scary. I’m a geek, I’ve been around a while – and moreover, I’m a female geek, so I’ve probably seen more than my fair share of utterly clueless behaviour from the socially-challenged. But are there really fans who consider it acceptable to accost people in toilets? Has someone actually pushed a comic under a stall door, expecting the artist in there to sign it?
I sincerely hope that this is hyperbole for dramatic effect, else I will be losing even more of my faith in human nature :X
If Peter recounts it, then odds are it’s happened. Even at small relaxacons, not much bigger than a couple hundred attendees, I’ve seen some truly stupid behaviour. I was in organized fandom for a good fifteen or more years. Trust me, good manners go flitting out the door the moment some guys walk in.
As I heard it, it was a bathroom encounter that made Alan Moore quit conventions altogether.
When I said in the beginning that absolutely everything that’s represented in this document is in response to stuff that has actually occurred at conventions, that is not hyperbole. The section about bathrooms was taken word for word from a suggestion by another pro to whom this has happened (which is why I’m keeping him nameless since who needs the mental image in their head?)
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This is awesome. All convention goers should get a copy either with their ticket or upon entry to a convention, would save so much drama for all involved.
Fûçkëņáÿbûbbá!
Please make your manifesto a downloadable PDF!
Thank you. No, THANK YOU. I’ve been mulling a similar manifesto for behavior in dealer’s rooms: you wouldn’t mind if I cribbed some of this and gave credit for the inspiration, would you? (At the very least, my wife and I will be vendors at next year’s FenCon, so we can compare notes when you get out there.)
As long as you credit the source, sure.
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You missed one part – fan on fan interactions. Which as a fan who’s been harassed/groped at cons is much needed. Here’s what I can come up with, but I’m sure there are things I’ve missed.
1) Just because a fellow fan is dressed in a way you consider hot does not give you the right to grope him, grab him, or otherwise harass him. The same goes for an outfit you consider wrong.
2) If you wish to take photos, please ask, and if you are considering taking up-skirt photos etc don’t.
3) If you see another fan doing 1 or 2, please report it to security so that he can be disciplined or removed from the con.
4) Hitting on another fan in a closed space, barging into their room, or otherwise trying to isolate them can be threatening. And trying to get someone drunk to increase your chances is not OK; once they’re drunk they cannot consent.
I really wish I lived in a world where this wasn’t necessary, but it probably is: #1 up there applies to “her” fans as well, creepy nerd guys.
Again, the purpose of the BoL is not to advise people on behavior that simple, proper socialization should discourage. Yes, they have no right to grope or grab someone who is dressed in a way they consider hot. But they don’t have that right at a convention, at a beach, or at a nudist resort either. No one ever has the right to snap invasive pictures. Acting like a drunken lout is likewise never okay. If several decades of life lessons haven’t taught certain people this, reading it in the BoL isn’t going to serve as an epiphany.
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Where the BoL DOES address this problem–and I agree, it’s a problem–is the notion that fans have a right to feel safe and secure and therefore cons have an obligation to provide security services and a security ombudsman to whom harassed fans can turn.
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I know this will ruffle some feathers, but as a convention attendee of over 20 years I’d like to add this…. fans should have the right to affordable (not free) autographs. While comic creators do not charge for just a signature at shows, other media guests do and their prices can be disgusting. Shortly after Phantom Menace came out, the guys that played Nute Gunray and Rune Hakko were at the Motor City Comic Convention charging $25 each. I know that’s average to low for an autograph now, but in 1999 that was treading on prices charged by the big stars. Thankfully many fans seemed to agree the price was too high, as there was never a line when I was near their table.
Then there’s Bruce Campbell. When I heard that he was showing up to a convention in Detroit, I was thrilled. Finally I could get his autograph… wait… $100? So a tank of gas (about $50), parking fee, entry to the convention, gotta eat while I’m there, gotta take the day off of work, and all my available funds would have to go towards ONE autograph? I don’t know if that was greed of Mr Campbell or the convention organizers or both, but even without the fact that Michigan has been in an economic quagmire that limits frivolous spending that is disgusting.
I feel I pay well already by seeing the movies, buying the DVD’s (yes, buying, I do not download), etc. I could even understand $25-$40 for someone like Campbell, but fees are way out of control for some people.
No, Scott, they don’t have a right to affordable autographs. What they have a right to do is not buy autographs that they feel are overpriced. And if an actor finds that he’s not moving as many units as other actors who are lower priced, then he’ll get the message. But I have no more right dictating what actors should price their autographs at than I do telling retailers what to charge for their merchandise.
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It’s no different than anything else. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. Simple as that.
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I’ve heard fans complain about exceptionally high prices for autographs, art, or other items, and I’ve also heard the pros charging those prices complaining that they can’t move those items. As I like to put it, “Very occasionally, the invisible hand of the market is both just and fair.” (If Bruce Campbell can get $100 an autograph, then more power to him. Hëll, if he can get $1000, great: that just proves that he has fans who think that this is a fair deal. I just also note that some people, fan and pro alike, have wildly inflated expectations of their value to the universe, mostly because Some Guy told them they were more valuable than they are.)
I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree then, because “it’s ok because they can get away with it” is not and never will be a valid excuse in my opinion.
I didn’t say “It’s okay because they can get away with it.” That’s a sweeping statement that could include everything from overpricing to murder.
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It’s not about “getting away with it.” It’s simple supply and demand. If there’s a demand for pictures from Bruce Campbell to such a degree that he can charge $100 for it, then he’ll supply it at $100 a throw. And if there’s no demand for it, it gets cut down in price. I’m simply in no position to suggest arbitrary strictures on what other people charge for their wares.
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That’s also something that would be hard to address because it’s not always a simple matter. My understanding is that the price is sometimes partially set by the fan con for various reasons. Using the example of Bruce Campbell, that’s not his flat fee. In the last few years, I’ve known people in several states and time zones who have spent $35 for his autograph and $50 for his autograph. I also know one person who dropped $150 on an autograph and picture with Bruce, but a part of the $150 went to the charity event at the con. I’ve also seen conventions that add to the price of the ticket to cover certain autographs.
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No way to address that simply and easily here.
I think the situation is covered by to RtF 1) though. Fans have a right to know as early as possible what sort of fees they might expect. No one should buy the tank of gas, pay the registration fees, and only then find out that autographs they could have reasonably expected to be affordable wouldn’t be.
“Fans have a right to know as early as possible—preferably in the convention advertising and certainly no later than via clearly posted signs at the pro’s table—what will and will not be autographed.”
I know, you’re not changing anything, but still I wish to throw my 2 cents in about this, especially with regard to autographs for money. Fans probably should have the right to be aware of what will and will not be signed, and for how much, *before* they get to the table, especially if there’s a long line. You say they have the right to find out as late as getting to the table itself. I think a staffer should make repeat announcements, or there should be a sign or signs placed before the table is reached. Yes, a fan should also be responsible for trying to find out in advance, but novice fans or novice con-goers (weren’t we all at one time or another?) might not know about autograph charges. It can be very frustrating to wait a long time in a long line, only to find out about the cost at the table, and if the fan’s low on funds, they’ve wasted time and have nothing to show for it. I think they would be understandably unhappy; had they known a simple signature was beyond their budget, they could have done something else. Now, that’s strictly from a rights-versus-money perspective. Admittedly, there’s still the priceless opportunity to shake the pro’s hand, thank them for their work, maybe ask a quick question. And while Pros are not obligated to waive or lower charges (I’m told that some Pros aren’t *allowed* to waive or lower an autograph charge because of contract, which I admit I do not comprehend), I have met some pros who *have* been kind enough to do waive or lower the charge for a fan who is polite and doesn’t ask for special treatment when they admit they can’t afford the signature but want to meet the pro anyway. It might be a nice guideline for pros to remember. Pros aren’t necessarily made of money, but neither are fans.
Wonderful, wonderful piece! I laughed out loud at the airhorns and the Ellison Exacerbation, and was very pleased at the specific suggestions for courtesy to people who use mobility aids.
Regarding §5.3
When I was wearing my badges according to that section, people used it as an excuse to stare at my chest 🙁
I hate to say it, but guys will always find an excuse to stare at a woman’s chest. Sorry.
(I’m thinking of the Twisted Toyfare Theater (done with Mego action figures) where the Invisible Woman tells the Thing, “Yes, it still says ‘Four,’ Ben.”
This is where you tell the person, loudly and bluntly, “It doesn’t take that long to read.”
Wow. This sucker is starting to make the rounds. And apparently I’m “celebrated.” Who knew?
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http://www.ifc.com/news/2011/11/peter-david-fan-pro-bill-of-rights.php
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woot! great job
Very good job all around. I admit I am curious as to the lack of header for elevator protocol, though.
Well done, sir. Should be required reading for all attendees!
Regarding badges: I understand the idea behind your proposed ruling. However, at every con I’ve attended to date, the typical badge contains no useful information. At the most, one person in ten actually has their real name on the badge — except for the pros and panelists, and as a panelist, I’m usually provided with a table tent that shows my name, and I get to introduce myself at every panel, whee.
Not only that; the badge (which contains no usable information) is also not usually printed in a font of a size to be read at any distance.
In fact, the only information a badge reliably conveys is: ‘I have a badge’, aka ‘I am credentialled as a legitimate attendee of this event.’
The only people who need to make note of the badges are the door staff and security staff who need to keep an eye out for con crashers. They aren’t reading the badges, just noting their existence.
So let them wear the bloody badges anywhere they like. In particular, don’t require cosplayers to mess up their gorgeous costumes, which might have taken months to make, by making them hang a stupid badge on a lanyard around the neck (gee, how do I fit THIS over my helmet? my wings? my tentacles?) or pinning it to the torso and causing damage (sequins? beads? feathers? silk chiffon? body paint? LEATHER?).
But you say you want to know someone’s name? ASK.
Whereas many of the conventions *I* have been to do have useful information, including names, which is quite handy when people want me to personalize their comics. Furthermore, those same security and door staff people shouldn’t have to scrutinize a person’s body as they’re coming through the door, because particularly when you have a lot of people coming through at once, it’s VERY easy to miss the badge if they’re wearing it at crotch level or attached to their pants leg (both of which I’ve seen). Which means you then have to stop them and then you wind up causing back-ups.
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I don’t give them a free pass on this topic just because they’re cosplayers. If they chose to dress up, that’s fine, but that doesn’t mean they’re entitled to play hide-the-salami with their badge.
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Regarding badges: I understand the idea behind your proposed ruling. However, at every con I’ve attended to date, the typical badge contains no useful information. At the most, one person in ten actually has their real name on the badge — except for the pros and panelists, and as a panelist, I’m usually provided with a table tent that shows my name, and I get to introduce myself at every panel, whee.
Not only that; the badge (which contains no usable information) is also not usually printed in a font of a size to be read at any distance.
In fact, the only information a badge reliably conveys is: ‘I have a badge’, aka ‘I am credentialled as a legitimate attendee of this event.’
The only people who need to make note of the badges are the door staff and security staff who need to keep an eye out for con crashers. They aren’t reading the badges, just noting their existence.
So let people wear the bloody badges anywhere they like. In particular, don’t require cosplayers to mess up their gorgeous costumes, which might have taken months to make, by making them hang a stupid badge on a lanyard around the neck (gee, how do I fit THIS over my helmet? my wings? my tentacles?) or pinning it to the torso and causing damage (sequins? beads? feathers? silk chiffon? body paint? LEATHER?).
But you say you want to know someone’s name? ASK.
Lets not forget the daily 3-2-1 rule. At least 3 hours sleep, at least 2 full meals and at least one shower. 8)
I heard it called the 5-2-1 rule. 5 hrs sleep vs 3hrs.
And ONCE AGAIN–one hopes for the LAST TIME–the BoR is designed to inform people of things that they might not have considered or might not be aware of because of unfamiliarity with conventions. So will you all, please, for the love of God, stop telling me that I should advise people on fundamental stuff like eating, sleeping and bathing. I’m not their mother, their school nurse, their kindergarten teacher or their hygiene instructor.
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