NEWS: Wil Wheaton's Geek in Review: Concerning Conventions

Without a doubt you are the man.

That was a good read - I've never attended a con (just horror movie festivals which I suppose are similar) but it's nice that some people appreciate the fans

A long-ass time ago I was the least-talented member of a reasonably good band.

Since then I've watched musicians, and particularly the front-men. 90% of the job is just plain being decent and friendly to the nice people who come up and stroke your ego after the show.

You know, its funny that you mention the fans that go to these without even thinking of having a good time. I work at the 'Bux and although I don't see many of them, there are always customers that come in regularly to the same store and continue getting the same drink and having the same bad time. I used to think 'why are you coming in again when its obvious you don't like the service or the drink?' but one day I realized that that is sadly how they live their life. They get enjoyment from being a curmudgeon. Its good to see that it isn't just my line of work that deals with them.

Well done! So true, everything you said. Showering and not being a dick are the most important from my poitn of view, but everything you said was dead on the money. It is nice when people actually talk from experience and want to make future experiences better for everyone.

What you said is absolutely true.I have been to numerous conventions,waited in line for countless hours to meet a celebrity,only to be disappointed because you feel like you are just like part of a herd of cattle.I also understand that the celebrities don't always get to interact with the fans due to time constraints or the amount of people in line,but at least shake their hand,maybe say something...anything & sign their stuff.I remember once where I had met a model @ Wizard World a few years back & I asked her if I could get a picture with her.She was gonna charge me to take a picture with her,it was pretty lame.I refused to pay for it.This was AFTER I had already paid for a magazine & her signing it.

Going to Boskone in a month and volunteer run entirely .. but still get some cool panelists ...

I go to have fun with people are maybe hear some interesting debates .. great piece ...

organize your own convention, dude. show those greedy vendors and promoters who's boss. i mean really, these things aren't that hard to pull off; you get Johnathan Frakes, Mitch Pileggi, Stan Lee and MC Chris in a room together--boom, convention. Wil Wheaton Presents Don't-be-a-Dick Con 2012.

Nice writeup on Cons... having only been to a few (3), I certainly left unimpressed with the general atmosphere and milling about within the sales arena / convention floor. Glad you are holding up (more than) your end, and really happy to hear it is putting your son through school.

With your experience, are there cons that still put on a good fan-oriented show? Maybe a top 5 of annual cons worth the trip?

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION OF 4-YEARS-IN-THE-PAST WIL WHEATON.

I love this article. I think so many people agree with his point of view. Cons have really gone down hill which is quite sad if you ask me. I think he should make his own con! I know I would help if I could!!!
Also 150% agree with the showering thing! I once stood behind a guy that smelled RANCID for 2 hours waiting for the masquerade line...I felt like I was going to vomit! Me and my friends were going to dress up as the DEO RANGERS! at a con handing out deodorant and soap to stinky people! Also probably squirt them with febreeze!

How does one get a booth at the Don't-be-a-Dick Con 2012?