Danielle Ackley-McPhail (mod)
Professional Science Fiction editors of magazines and anthologies explain what they are looking for and discuss the nature of the Science Fiction and Fantasy short fiction market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gardner Dozois, Neil Clarke, Danielle Ackley-McPhail
You know the drill -- find out what they are looking for in the current market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Ty Drago, Neil Clarke, Neal Levin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Brian Koscienski
An anthology is not a magazine. It presents a much more unified package, often arranged around a theme. Current anthologists explain how such books are edited and sold.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Gardner Dozois, Keith R.A. DeCandido
The year's not over yet, but compare the contenders: stop-motion ("Coraline"), traditional 2D ("Ponyo"), or CGI (most everything else)? Drama, humor, or the SF easter eggs of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"?
Deb Lieven (mod), Walter Amos, Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Michael A. Ventrella
Remember that show with that guy who did that thing? You know, with that...thing he had? Take a look at some of our fondest anime-induced memories. Who knows? You just might find a new favorite of your own.
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Stephanie Burke, Joe Foering, Amy Howard Wilson, Brian T. Price
What's new out there this year and what should go back to the drawing board...literally! Do we just love our old favorites from years gone by, or do we like the new stuff? These questions and other serious topics will be tackled. (e.g.: Exactly what the heck is a Scooby Snack?!)
Robert Fenelon (mod), Tony Finan, Walter Amos, Brian T. Price
There is more to the profession of "Princessing" than glittering gowns, fuzzy woodland creatures and sporadic spunkiness. We will explore differences between being a princess and a generic "strong female character". Maybe "Princessing" involves leadership over your kingdom, tribe, clan or other socio-economic peer group?
Walter Amos (mod), Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Jon Kilgannon
Bored with the tired cliches of American storytelling? Where does a cultural reference cross the line into stereotype? Ever catch yourself asking "Hey! I'm American, but why do all these "westerners" have blonde hair and blue eyes? And why do "Asians" in American cartoons keep saying "honor" in every sentence?"
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Orenthal Hawkins, Brian T. Price, Stephanie Burke
How do aliens do it? Use imagination.
Phil Kahn (mod), Muriel Hykes, James Daniel Ross, Oz Drummond, Camille Anthony, Jonathan Wright
How does technology change the law? What happens when you want to have sex with a robot? What happens when a robot has an opinion on this? What could be illegal in the future which is merely impossible today?
Stephanie Burke (mod), Ef Deal, Camille Anthony, Gail Z. Martin, Michael A. Ventrella
When most people think about music and SF, they think of the theme from Star Trek, or Darth Vader's March. But music and SF have been intertwined from the beginning. From Jeff Wynne's "War Of The Worlds" to the steampunk music of Abney Park, find out how these two art forms have related to each other through their histories.
Catherine Asaro (mod), Crystal Paul, Roberta Rogow, Steve Vertlieb, Donald Wolcott
All the Broad Universe authors in attendance give a short reading, creating a kind of “snack sampler” for the audience.
Christine Norris (mod), Catherine Asaro, Dina Leacock, E. F. Watkins, Gail Z. Martin, Victoria Janssen
A lot of rock and roll seems to deal with challenging the norm. A major subtext of science fiction and fantasy is change and rebellion. Do the two genres derive from similar roots?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Michael D'Ambrosio, Nikki Cohen, Patricia Wake
How has easy access to technology changed the way that we read, write and think? How is this reflected in the more recent novels of the field?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Catherine Asaro, Rebecca Maines, Tom Purdom
Interview of our Principal Speaker Catherine Asaro and of musician Donald Wolcott
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott
There are any number of Science Fiction stories about artists, painters, sculptors, dancers, singers or practitioners of new art forms that the author has invented. Spider & Jeanne Robinson's STARDANCE is about dance, for example. Cite other examples. How does the writer convincingly present other art forms in fiction?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Jonathan Maberry, Tom Purdom, Patricia Wake
Modern physics has two fundamental models of reality - Quantum mechanics and general relativity. The first describes the world of fundamental particles, the second explains gravity in terms of warped space time. A theory of quantum gravity would unite these two models and finally bring gravity into the unified field theory, along with the other three fundamental forces. The current leading contender is string theory, but there are others, such as loop quantum gravity, supergravity and nonoummutative geometry. Which, if any, of these theories will prove to be the answer?
Catherine Asaro (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Karl Kofoed
Is the cross over between Science Fiction and Fantasy and the romance genre cresting or still on the rise? Where is it going? Is it affecting the whole field?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Catherine Asaro, L.A. Banks, Oz Drummond
Catherine Asaro (mod)
The "Singularity" is a theoretical point in the future where something happens beyond which we cannot imaging what life will be like. Artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, virtual reality, and genetic engineering have all been suggested as possible triggers for this supposed future event. But is the singularity even feasible, and if so, will it be in a form that we can even recognize?
John Ashmead (mod), Tom Doyle, Christopher Weuve
As silicon chips come closer to their limits of speed and miniaturization, new computing technologies being researched. Biological computers are one possibility. Simple computes using DNA, enzymes and living neurons (taken from leeches) have all been built. What is the potential for biological computing, and where might it take us?
JJ Brannon (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Robert Kauffmann
Lovecraft shows up in the strangest of places, everything from plush toys to games to bedroom slippers and children's cartoons. Exploring his continuing and spreading influence.
John Ashmead (mod), Onezumi Hartstein, C.J. Henderson, James Chambers, Gary Frank, Chris Pisano
Philip K. Dick immediately comes to mind, as an author obsessed with the idea that reality is not what it seems and that They are very likely out to get us. But the theme has been with us for a very long time. Think of Fred Pohl's ""The Tunnel Under the World"" or Heinlein's ""They"" or Harness's THE PARADOX MEN. Inevitably the ""paranoid delusion"" proves to be anything but. Is this merely delusional or is it a clearer perception of the nature of reality?
John Ashmead (mod), John Moore, Alexis Gilliland
Modern physics has two fundamental models of reality - Quantum mechanics and general relativity. The first describes the world of fundamental particles, the second explains gravity in terms of warped space time. A theory of quantum gravity would unite these two models and finally bring gravity into the unified field theory, along with the other three fundamental forces. The current leading contender is string theory, but there are others, such as loop quantum gravity, supergravity and nonoummutative geometry. Which, if any, of these theories will prove to be the answer?
Catherine Asaro (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Karl Kofoed
A good early-con panel of general interest--How to use what you may have on hand for marvelous effects.
Donna Dube (mod), Lisa Ashton
A good Friday evening panel to attract a lot of fans interested in costuming of all kinds, both experienced costumers and others.
Byron Connell (mod), Tina Connell, Toni Lay, Lisa Ashton
A 90-120 minute workshop--Participants may buy a kit with Fabric, needles, thread and learn to make a fabric flower with ribbonwork techniques and beaded centers. No pre-reg required.
Lisa Ashton (mod)
Costuming is a diverse hobby, and offers something for everyone. Take a look at some of these "newer" hot trends, how to build them, where to get inspiration.
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lisa Ashton
All those wonderful fantasy corsets that we dream about on our female heroes--learn from our experts about the real historical corsets that they are based on.
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lisa Ashton, Tina Blanco-Finan, Nikki Cohen
In yoreHERO the board game, be any superhero, collect the clues, battle villains, and save the day! (Two hours.)
Keith Atkins (mod)
Continued.
Keith Atkins (mod)
Play-test this new board game: be a superhero, collect clues, and avert doomsday. (Two hours or as demanded.)
Keith Atkins (mod)
Continued.
Keith Atkins (mod)
What do we mean by pulp fiction? Is it a synonym for trash or does it represent a vigorous type of popular fiction that continues to appeal? If someone calls your book ""pulp"", is that an insult or a compliment?
Michael J. Walsh (mod), C.J. Henderson, Jared Axelrod, James Daniel Ross, Eric Avedissian
Are your characters all you want them to be? What do you want to create as a persona? What have you tried that's been a real disaster?
KT Pinto (mod), Eric Avedissian, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J.R. Blackwell, Neal Levin
Ladies and Gentlemen of stern and noble character are invited to participate in a salon whereupon we shall discuss the genre and lifestyle known to the rabble as "steampunk". What is it, where did it come from, and what is with those brass goggles?
Jared Axelrod (mod), Matt Black, Nikki Cohen, Christine Norris, Jeff Mach
What do we mean by pulp fiction? Is it a synonym for trash or does it represent a vigorous type of popular fiction that continues to appeal? If someone calls your book ""pulp"", is that an insult or a compliment?
Michael J. Walsh (mod), C.J. Henderson, Jared Axelrod, James Daniel Ross, Eric Avedissian
In general, fans tend to be a rather... sedentary... group. What simple things can we do to improve our health and life a better life?
James Prego (mod), Alyce Wilson, Jared Axelrod
A number of magazines have opened dedicated to the art of the quick-fic. Pros and cons of flash fiction (under 1,000 words), nanofiction (under 40 words), and Twitter fiction (under 140 characters).
Nathan Lilly (mod), Michael Swanwick, Ef Deal, Dina Leacock, Jared Axelrod
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror have moved out of the SF section of the bookstore. "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" are in the young adult sections. "World War Z" and "Soon I Will Be Invincible" are housed with mainstream fiction. And the romance section of your bookstore is FULL of tales of other worlds, other times, and monsters. What are some of the great things out there that aren't being marketed as SF?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, David M. Axler, Stuart Jaffe
These kids, with their anime and their steampunk! They're ruining our con! And those old farts, with their beanies and weird inside jokes that they don't explain, are making us feel really unwelcome! It seems like the long-time battle of the old vs. the young is still going strong in fandom. Is there any way to bridge the gap?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Samantha Kwait, David M. Axler, Patricia M. Cryan, Tobias Cabral
RaceFAIL'09. MammothFAIL. The Open Source Boob Project. SF writers, editors, and fans publicly commenting on race, faith, or sexual issues that other find offensive. Lately it seems that issues about racism, sexism, and other types of prejudice have exploded all over professional SF and its fandom. Is fandom rife with bigotry? Or are people being too sensitive or making something out of nothing? Or is the truth somewhere in between? And, maybe most importantly, is it even POSSIBLE to have a civil conversation about any of this? Well, we're going to give it a try. Wish us luck. (Note: this panel will fill a 2 hour block. The panelists and moderator will discuss with each other well in advance how best to handle the sensitive topics that will probably surface during this discussion.)
Hugh Casey (mod), David M. Axler, Orenthal Hawkins, Stephanie Burke, David Silverman
It seems that SF fandom attracts a large number of people who engage in "alternative" sexual lifestyles. Or is it that those lifestyles attract a large number of fans? We'll take a serious look at the relationship between fandom and "kink", and what it means for fans in general.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), David M. Axler, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Tobias Cabral
Why do some webcomics last and last? How do the creators of webcomics keep them fresh.
Rob Balder (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Jon Kilgannon, Ruth Lampi, J. Andrew World, Phil Kahn
Online and elsewhere: Where to find filk these days
Rob Balder (mod), Harold Stein, Steve Brinich, Kathy Sands
Where to go online to find the best webcomics
Onezumi Hartstein (mod), James Harknell, Orenthal Hawkins, Rob Balder, Ruth Lampi, Tony DiGerolamo
Maybe you're an author who wants to use their website for promotional purposes. Maybe you've started a blog. Or you could be an IT professional with on online resume. What should you know, and be concerned about, regarding your presence on the Internet?
Rob Balder (mod), Ray Ridenour, Dusti Lewars, Walter Hunt, D.E. Christman
The weirdest inspirations: the wildest filksongs
Cathy Dougherty (mod), Rob Balder, Ariel Cinii, Roberta Rogow
Solo Performances
Rob Balder (mod), Steve Haug
Girl Genius. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. And soon Buck Rogers will be a webseries, from the creators of Star Trek: New Voyages. What sort of opportunities does the internet offer to SF fans, and to creators as well?
John Drew (mod), Jon Kilgannon, Rob Balder, J.R. Blackwell, Eric Raymond
What are the historical antecedents to today's paranormal romance sub-genre? Is there a link between gothic fiction and paranormal romance?
Stephanie Burke (mod), L.A. Banks, Gail Z. Martin, J.R. Blackwell, Nikki Cohen
L.A. Banks (mod)
What is the psychological appeal of this?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Desirina Boskovich, L.A. Banks, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Nina Ely, Stephanie Burke
The continuing legacy of a great editor who gave science fiction its Golden Age.
Tom Purdom (mod), Alexis Gilliland, Andrew C. Murphy, L.A. Banks
Our special guest, L.A. Banks, talks about her books and her experiences as a writer
L.A. Banks (mod)
Is the cross over between Science Fiction and Fantasy and the romance genre cresting or still on the rise? Where is it going? Is it affecting the whole field?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Catherine Asaro, L.A. Banks, Oz Drummond
How do you illustrate something you can't get a reference for; from hardware and spaceships to monsters and magical powers.
Alan Beck (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, Robert Kauffmann, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid
How does an artist set prices for their art? Should a one of a kind oil painting cost more than a digital piece that took the same amount of time to make? Do buyers understand the value of art?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Luke Stelmaszek, Alan Beck, Thomas Nackid, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Online marketing and promotion. Ways to create a professional web presence.
D.E. Christman (mod), James Harknell, Heidi Hooper, Alan Beck, Sally Wiener Grotta
Artist Alan Beck demonstrates his painting method.
Alan Beck (mod)
When photography first emerged, the argument was whether or not it was art. All these years later, we get back to the same argument. How is digital photography impacting the art and illustration markets?
Alan Beck (mod), Daniel Grotta, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid, Emily Tullis
The major print magazines have suffered a large loss of circulation and many smaller magazines have gone out of business altogether. Is there a future for genre fiction magazines or are they going the way of the dinosaur?
Alan Beck (mod), Gardner Dozois, Thomas Nackid, Tony DiGerolamo, Tom Purdom, Neil Clarke
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
With NASA struggling with budget restrictions, and other governments around the world facing economic crises, the private sector may now be poised to become the main route to space. What is happening in private space development? What's planned? What's likely and what's not? And is this a good or bad thing for the future of space exploration and development?
Laura Burns (mod), Mark Wolverton, Frank O'Brien, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Karl Kofoed, Earl Bennett
Ladies and Gentlemen of stern and noble character are invited to participate in a salon whereupon we shall discuss the genre and lifestyle known to the rabble as "steampunk". What is it, where did it come from, and what is with those brass goggles?
Jared Axelrod (mod), Matt Black, Nikki Cohen, Christine Norris, Jeff Mach
Panel will explore why this is such a phenomenom in the fannish world. Why does it have such universal appeal. Does is speak to the geeky part in all of us that longs to be understood and liked. Discuss the archtypes in the movie, the great singing, the painfully achling good lyrics, etc.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Stuart Jaffe, Matt Black, Suzanne Rosin, Samantha Kwait
They are everywhere, movies, books, tv shows. etc. What is going on. Sure, vampires were never out of fashion, but what's with the explosion of them in all genres and media? We will discuss all the latest vampire trends in the media culture. What is driving this passion for the undead?
KT Pinto (mod), Matt Black, Rebecca Marcus, James Prego, Laura Anne Gilman
What sort of things are going on in the the Greater Philadelphia area that fans would be interested in? LOTS! Come hear our panelists talk about the events, groups, cons, and other great genre-related things taking place in the area. And share any events you know about that we miss!
Tony Finan (mod), Kristyn Souder, Phillip Thorne, Matt Black
What are the historical antecedents to today's paranormal romance sub-genre? Is there a link between gothic fiction and paranormal romance?
Stephanie Burke (mod), L.A. Banks, Gail Z. Martin, J.R. Blackwell, Nikki Cohen
The way zombies are portrayed varies from culture to culture.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith
Have you heard that success in writing depends on who you know? Is there an element of truth in that statement? How do you get to know the folks who may be able to help your career?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, J.R. Blackwell, Michael A. Ventrella
Are your characters all you want them to be? What do you want to create as a persona? What have you tried that's been a real disaster?
KT Pinto (mod), Eric Avedissian, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J.R. Blackwell, Neal Levin
It seems that SF fandom attracts a large number of people who engage in "alternative" sexual lifestyles. Or is it that those lifestyles attract a large number of fans? We'll take a serious look at the relationship between fandom and "kink", and what it means for fans in general.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), David M. Axler, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Tobias Cabral
Girl Genius. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. And soon Buck Rogers will be a webseries, from the creators of Star Trek: New Voyages. What sort of opportunities does the internet offer to SF fans, and to creators as well?
John Drew (mod), Jon Kilgannon, Rob Balder, J.R. Blackwell, Eric Raymond
What about a LARP attracts and keeps the interest of its participants
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Heidi Hooper, Joe Foering, Michael A. Ventrella, Jon Kilgannon
How do you illustrate something you can't get a reference for; from hardware and spaceships to monsters and magical powers.
Alan Beck (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, Robert Kauffmann, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid
Artists discuss how they work through a piece. Ideally, several artists in different media (i.e.: sculpture, painting, digital, etc...) would give a quick overview of their processes. Could be divided into multiple slots if there is enough interest. Please mention your media/technique in the "Additional Information" section of your reply.
Charlene Taylor D'Alessio (mod), Robert Kauffmann, N. Taylor Blanchard, Karl Kofoed, Sally-Rouge Pax, Jo Blu Pax
Launched in May 2009 by the European Space Agency, Planck and Herschel will help provide answers to some of the most important questions in modern science, such as the origin, evolution and future of the Universe and the formation of stars and galaxies.
Eric Kotani (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, David Goldberg, Frank O'Brien
The mantle of Dr. Who is soon going to fall on a new actor... the ELEVENTH to play the good Doctor. What are some of the great Dr. Who moments? How does new Who compare to the Old School? And where should it go from here?
Tina Blanco-Finan (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Wayne Zimmerman, Nikki Cohen, Terri Osborne
What are notions--ideas that people get into their heads?--NO--they are supplies in sewing and building costumes that have many applications: from buttons and zippers, to hem tape, boning and more.
Toni Lay (mod), Donna Dube, Tina Blanco-Finan
All those wonderful fantasy corsets that we dream about on our female heroes--learn from our experts about the real historical corsets that they are based on.
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lisa Ashton, Tina Blanco-Finan, Nikki Cohen
Time travel is one of the essential ingredients in compelling science fiction. Given that we've never built a time machine, how do we separate the "science" from the "fiction?" The authors of "A User's Guide to the Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty" will give you the physics perspective on this. They'll describe how to build a practical time machine and what you can do with it once you're done. Following a short talk, the session will be open to general questions and discussion on the science of time travel.
David Goldberg (mod), Jeff Blomquist
What is the psychological appeal of this?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Desirina Boskovich, L.A. Banks, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Nina Ely, Stephanie Burke
Who is your favorite writer among those whose work is not readily available? Why should we still be reading him or her?
Desirina Boskovich (mod), Chris Logan Edwards, Jonathan Maberry
He wrote some fantasy, no science fiction but a number of Science Fiction writers have been influenced by him. What is his appeal?
Deb Lieven (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Richard Stout, Gregory Frost
Are pastiches by other hands inevitable?
Marilyn Brahen (mod), Daniel Grotta, Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Walter Hunt
Pull up a chair, clear your throat and maybe learn a song or two. (Performers subject to change.)
Roberta Rogow (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Gary Ehrlich, Kathy Sands
A Saturday night filk concert
Marilyn Brahen (mod), Kathy Sands
Mega-Tsunamis smashing into the East Coast of the US. Supervolcanos under Yellowstone. And there's always that asteroid with our name on it. What kind of massive disasters can we expect, either in the near or far future, and what can we do about them?
David Silverman (mod), JJ Brannon, Michael D. Pederson, Gail Z. Martin
What are the books we know aren't ""good"" but which we enjoy anyway?
Nikki Cohen (mod), Ef Deal, JJ Brannon, Laura Anne Gilman, Larry Hodges
As silicon chips come closer to their limits of speed and miniaturization, new computing technologies being researched. Biological computers are one possibility. Simple computes using DNA, enzymes and living neurons (taken from leeches) have all been built. What is the potential for biological computing, and where might it take us?
JJ Brannon (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Robert Kauffmann
There has been much progress in stem cell research in recent years, with new discoveries coming regularly. In January 2009, Geron received FDA clearance to begin the first human clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells. What is happening today and what still remains to be done before the promise of stem cell therapy becomes reality?
Jed Shumsky (mod), JJ Brannon, John Cmar, Jay Wile
How many science fiction or fantasy stories truly changed the field? What effect did they have? What stories or books have had this effect? We might suggest, A PRINCESS OF MARS, ""A Martian Odyssey,"" ""The Call of Cthulhu,"" THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and NEUROMANCER as examples. Is this sort of transformative change something an author can set out to do on his or her own or does it just happen? Do conditions have to be right or does a great story MAKE the conditions right. (Think of this as The Great Story theory of science fiction.)
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), Lee Gilliland, JJ Brannon, Jonathan Maberry
Online and elsewhere: Where to find filk these days
Rob Balder (mod), Harold Stein, Steve Brinich, Kathy Sands
An overview of Filk Conventions, by those who run them
Harold Stein (mod), Steve Brinich, Ariel Cinii, Gary Ehrlich, Crystal Paul
Filking for the Vocally Challenged: instrumental, archiving etc.
Steve Brinich (mod), Harold Stein, Steve Haug
We'd like anyone who participated in last night's Masquerade to come and show off their costumes and costume pieces and show us how they did it Come & see it all up close and personal.
Dora Buck (mod), Byron Connell, Marty Gear
You don't have to go ""all medieval on me"" to write fantasy. What are the best examples of fantasy not based on European backgrounds to date?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Stephanie Burke, James L. Cambias, Christine Norris, Tom Doyle
What are the historical antecedents to today's paranormal romance sub-genre? Is there a link between gothic fiction and paranormal romance?
Stephanie Burke (mod), L.A. Banks, Gail Z. Martin, J.R. Blackwell, Nikki Cohen
Remember that show with that guy who did that thing? You know, with that...thing he had? Take a look at some of our fondest anime-induced memories. Who knows? You just might find a new favorite of your own.
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Stephanie Burke, Joe Foering, Amy Howard Wilson, Brian T. Price
Laurel K. Hamilton, Orson Scott Card and Jim Butcher are just a few of the authors whose works have recently been translated into comic book versions of the originals. How much of the flavor of the original gets through in the comic book version? Does the comic book version add anything to the original work?
Bill Spangler (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Ray Ridenour, Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Burke
Outsider Art is art created by those with no formal training or those with mental disabilities. Islandia by Austin Tappan Wright, an author who created his world as a hobby and never intended to publish it may be an example in the genre. The novels of Patience Worth are supposed to have been written entirely by Ouija board. Our panelists discuss examples of their own.
Stephanie Burke (mod), Tom Doyle, John Grant, Jim Stratton
RaceFAIL'09. MammothFAIL. The Open Source Boob Project. SF writers, editors, and fans publicly commenting on race, faith, or sexual issues that other find offensive. Lately it seems that issues about racism, sexism, and other types of prejudice have exploded all over professional SF and its fandom. Is fandom rife with bigotry? Or are people being too sensitive or making something out of nothing? Or is the truth somewhere in between? And, maybe most importantly, is it even POSSIBLE to have a civil conversation about any of this? Well, we're going to give it a try. Wish us luck. (Note: this panel will fill a 2 hour block. The panelists and moderator will discuss with each other well in advance how best to handle the sensitive topics that will probably surface during this discussion.)
Hugh Casey (mod), David M. Axler, Orenthal Hawkins, Stephanie Burke, David Silverman
What is the psychological appeal of this?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Desirina Boskovich, L.A. Banks, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Nina Ely, Stephanie Burke
Even people who say that they hate poetry love his work. What are your favorite Poe poems in the fantasy and horror genres?
Richard Stout (mod), Alyce Wilson, Stephanie Burke, John Drew
The treatment of sex in Science Fiction.
Victoria Janssen (mod), Lawrence M. Schoen, Michael Swanwick, Stephanie Burke, Lee Gilliland
How does technology change the law? What happens when you want to have sex with a robot? What happens when a robot has an opinion on this? What could be illegal in the future which is merely impossible today?
Stephanie Burke (mod), Ef Deal, Camille Anthony, Gail Z. Martin, Michael A. Ventrella
Bored with the tired cliches of American storytelling? Where does a cultural reference cross the line into stereotype? Ever catch yourself asking "Hey! I'm American, but why do all these "westerners" have blonde hair and blue eyes? And why do "Asians" in American cartoons keep saying "honor" in every sentence?"
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Orenthal Hawkins, Brian T. Price, Stephanie Burke
These are writers who grew up in a science fictional world of computers, space travel, virtual reality and robots. How does this affect their approach to the subject matter and technique of their work?
James Daniel Ross (mod), Neil Clarke, Stephanie Burke
A discussion and exploration of the phenomenon of anime, its influence on western science fiction/fantasy and its incorporation of our own cultural nuances.
Brian T. Price (mod), Robert Fenelon, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Stephanie Burke, Ruth Lampi, Michael Ryan
A fun and educational discussion about the U.S. space program.
Laura Burns (mod)
With NASA struggling with budget restrictions, and other governments around the world facing economic crises, the private sector may now be poised to become the main route to space. What is happening in private space development? What's planned? What's likely and what's not? And is this a good or bad thing for the future of space exploration and development?
Laura Burns (mod), Mark Wolverton, Frank O'Brien, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Karl Kofoed, Earl Bennett
How has Hard Science Fiction changed in the last decade? Is Science Fiction still predominantly the literature of scientific ideas?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Caroline Cox, David Goldberg, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Jerome Stueart, Laura Burns
Death rays. Earthquake generators. Ice Ages that cover New York in 24 hours. SF books, movies, and TV have offered up some STRANGE science over the years. Here's a panel to talk about some of the Weird Science we've seen.
Christopher Gay (mod), Laura Burns, Eric Schulman, Caroline Cox
These kids, with their anime and their steampunk! They're ruining our con! And those old farts, with their beanies and weird inside jokes that they don't explain, are making us feel really unwelcome! It seems like the long-time battle of the old vs. the young is still going strong in fandom. Is there any way to bridge the gap?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Samantha Kwait, David M. Axler, Patricia M. Cryan, Tobias Cabral
It seems that SF fandom attracts a large number of people who engage in "alternative" sexual lifestyles. Or is it that those lifestyles attract a large number of fans? We'll take a serious look at the relationship between fandom and "kink", and what it means for fans in general.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), David M. Axler, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Tobias Cabral
For many of us, science fiction and fantasy are simply entertaining escapes. But for some of us, they are much, much more. For some people, they become a lifeline. Come and hear stories from our panelists, and share your own.
Hugh Casey (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Jay Smith, Crystal Paul, Ray Ridenour, Tobias Cabral
You don't have to go ""all medieval on me"" to write fantasy. What are the best examples of fantasy not based on European backgrounds to date?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Stephanie Burke, James L. Cambias, Christine Norris, Tom Doyle
Why do we seem to be better able to predict changes in our technology than changes in our way of life? Very few Science Fiction authors predicted changes in our society that allowed, for example, an African American to be elected President, legalized gay marriages or changes in gender roles. What future changes are the majority of our authors failing to predict now?
Kimberly Ann Kindya (mod), Walter Hunt, Jon Kilgannon, James L. Cambias, Michael A. Ventrella
Which authors have presented aliens in the most believable way? For example, Hal Clement in ""Mission of Gravity"".
Bud Sparhawk (mod), James L. Cambias, Eric Kotani, Frank Wu, Jed Shumsky
What games shaped your interest in gaming? If you could find them in a closet or at a flea market, what games would you want to teach your friends?
Christopher Weuve (mod), James L. Cambias, John Drew, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge
ZOMGWTFBBQ! Come and hang out with your fellow LJers, DWers, FBers, Tweeters, and any other *ers we haven’t thought of yet at Philcon! Hopefully this year we'll be able to answer the age-old question...Is there anyone here who's NOT on Hugh's friends list?
Hugh Casey (mod)
Maybe it is your first Philcon, and your're wondering what there is to do. Or maybe you've been here before , but feel like you're missing something. Stop by and we'll tell you what you need to know.
Hugh Casey (mod), Suzanne Rosin, Emily Tullis
RaceFAIL'09. MammothFAIL. The Open Source Boob Project. SF writers, editors, and fans publicly commenting on race, faith, or sexual issues that other find offensive. Lately it seems that issues about racism, sexism, and other types of prejudice have exploded all over professional SF and its fandom. Is fandom rife with bigotry? Or are people being too sensitive or making something out of nothing? Or is the truth somewhere in between? And, maybe most importantly, is it even POSSIBLE to have a civil conversation about any of this? Well, we're going to give it a try. Wish us luck. (Note: this panel will fill a 2 hour block. The panelists and moderator will discuss with each other well in advance how best to handle the sensitive topics that will probably surface during this discussion.)
Hugh Casey (mod), David M. Axler, Orenthal Hawkins, Stephanie Burke, David Silverman
First we had Monkeys. Then Robots. Then Mad Scientists. Now, Philcon's most fun panel is back... now with BLOODSUCKERS! Watch as our panelists are each assigned one of these four character archetypes, and then BATTLE IT OUT to see who reigns SUPREME! Or at least, SUPREMELY FUNNY!
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Sally-Rouge Pax, Ruth Lampi
J.J. Abrams rebooting/revisioning of STAR TREK seems to have re-invigorated what many thought was a dying franchise. But where should it go from here, and what kind of stories should it tell? Is it still true to Roddenberry's vision, and how important is it that it remain so?
Keith R.A. DeCandido (mod), Hugh Casey, Terri Osborne, Lawrence M. Schoen, Samantha Kwait
The stereotypical fan is someone who lacks a bit in the social skills department. So, if you're one of those fans, how do you go about learning them? Simple... you go to this panel! Bring a sense of humor, and you may learn something along the way.
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Jo Blu Pax, KT Pinto
For many of us, science fiction and fantasy are simply entertaining escapes. But for some of us, they are much, much more. For some people, they become a lifeline. Come and hear stories from our panelists, and share your own.
Hugh Casey (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Jay Smith, Crystal Paul, Ray Ridenour, Tobias Cabral
How does an artist set prices for their art? Should a one of a kind oil painting cost more than a digital piece that took the same amount of time to make? Do buyers understand the value of art?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Luke Stelmaszek, Alan Beck, Thomas Nackid, Brianna Spacekat Wu
A discussion of steampunk artists.
Kyle Cassidy (mod), D.E. Christman, Thomas Nackid
Photographer Kyle Cassidy shows his work.
Kyle Cassidy (mod)
What draws artists to do horror art? What draws fans to love these images of gore and creepiness?
D.E. Christman (mod), Mark E. Rogers, Kyle Cassidy, Thomas Nackid, Onezumi Hartstein
Just because everyone can have a blog does that mean everyone should? Panelists discuss what kind of personal responsibility comes with putting your thoughts out there for the world to read.
Orenthal Hawkins (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Alyce Wilson, Terri Osborne, KT Pinto
Jane Austen spinning in her grave. The current fascination of all things zombie.
Tony Finan (mod), Michael Swanwick, D.E. Christman, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry
Are we now living in Philip K. Dick's future dystopia?
Diane Weinstein (mod), Mark Wolverton, David Louis Edelman, Bernie Mojzes, James Chambers
Lovecraft shows up in the strangest of places, everything from plush toys to games to bedroom slippers and children's cartoons. Exploring his continuing and spreading influence.
John Ashmead (mod), Onezumi Hartstein, C.J. Henderson, James Chambers, Gary Frank, Chris Pisano
In September, The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Comics for $4 billion. How will this affect the landscape of comics, and what will this mean for some of our favorite Marvel characters? Will the Mouse make Wolverine sheath his claws? Or will the House of Mouse leave the House of M to do what they've always done?
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), J. Andrew World, Tony DiGerolamo, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Are there any scientifically plausible theories for reanimation?
Ty Drago (mod), D.E. Christman, Jonathan Maberry, Michael D. Pederson, James Prego
Jane Austen spinning in her grave. The current fascination of all things zombie.
Tony Finan (mod), Michael Swanwick, D.E. Christman, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry
A discussion of steampunk artists.
Kyle Cassidy (mod), D.E. Christman, Thomas Nackid
Maybe you're an author who wants to use their website for promotional purposes. Maybe you've started a blog. Or you could be an IT professional with on online resume. What should you know, and be concerned about, regarding your presence on the Internet?
Rob Balder (mod), Ray Ridenour, Dusti Lewars, Walter Hunt, D.E. Christman
Online marketing and promotion. Ways to create a professional web presence.
D.E. Christman (mod), James Harknell, Heidi Hooper, Alan Beck, Sally Wiener Grotta
What draws artists to do horror art? What draws fans to love these images of gore and creepiness?
D.E. Christman (mod), Mark E. Rogers, Kyle Cassidy, Thomas Nackid, Onezumi Hartstein
When it becomes possible for a conceptual artist to turn the Moon into a gigantic smiley face, no doubt someone will. When we can change our shape or gender on a whim, what are parents to do when it becomes a fad for kids to have tentacles? What will be the frivolous face of technological change?
Tom Purdom (mod), James Daniel Ross, Ariel Cinii, Eric Kotani
Hands on parody workshop
Roberta Rogow (mod), Ariel Cinii, Cathy Dougherty, Kathy Sands, Crystal Paul
An overview of Filk Conventions, by those who run them
Harold Stein (mod), Steve Brinich, Ariel Cinii, Gary Ehrlich, Crystal Paul
The weirdest inspirations: the wildest filksongs
Cathy Dougherty (mod), Rob Balder, Ariel Cinii, Roberta Rogow
Filkers have to follow each other's filk with one that is almost that is almost, but not quite, a follower
Roberta Rogow (mod), Gary Ehrlich, Ariel Cinii, Kathy Sands
If you go to any of the older cities of Europe, you will see buildings that have been inhabited for a thousand years or more and adapted to modern purposes. We think of medieval Tuscan hill towns with TV aerials on the roofs and motorcycles driving up the narrow streets where no car could ever go. We see medieval rearrangements of ancient Roman leftovers of even more ancient (such as an Egyptian obelisk) which the Caesars swiped for their own purposes. Try to imagine what New York or Philadelphia will be like when they are old enough that you can see this ""layer cake effect"" of history right before your eyes.
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Michael F. Flynn, Daniel Grotta, Ariel Cinii
Solo Performances
Ariel Cinii (mod), Dr. H. Paul Shuch
Professional Science Fiction editors of magazines and anthologies explain what they are looking for and discuss the nature of the Science Fiction and Fantasy short fiction market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gardner Dozois, Neil Clarke, Danielle Ackley-McPhail
You know the drill -- find out what they are looking for in the current market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Ty Drago, Neil Clarke, Neal Levin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Brian Koscienski
There have been dramatic declines in magazine subscriptions in recent years. Is the short story medium on its way out or is it an essential part of the genre? Or is it all going digital?
Neil Clarke (mod), Larry Hodges, Lawrence M. Schoen, Dina Leacock
These are writers who grew up in a science fictional world of computers, space travel, virtual reality and robots. How does this affect their approach to the subject matter and technique of their work?
James Daniel Ross (mod), Neil Clarke, Stephanie Burke
The major print magazines have suffered a large loss of circulation and many smaller magazines have gone out of business altogether. Is there a future for genre fiction magazines or are they going the way of the dinosaur?
Alan Beck (mod), Gardner Dozois, Thomas Nackid, Tony DiGerolamo, Tom Purdom, Neil Clarke
There has been much progress in stem cell research in recent years, with new discoveries coming regularly. In January 2009, Geron received FDA clearance to begin the first human clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells. What is happening today and what still remains to be done before the promise of stem cell therapy becomes reality?
Jed Shumsky (mod), JJ Brannon, John Cmar, Jay Wile
What are the most important unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions in science? Which are closest to being solved?
Eric Kotani (mod), Eric Schulman, David Goldberg, John Cmar, Frank O'Brien
Obesity is a growing problem around the world, and increasing research has revealed the causes to be much more complex than just "eating too much." Medicine now recognizes that some people will gain more fat from the same amount of calories than others. Hormones, gut bacteria, brown fat, neurotransmitters, metabolic pathways, viral infections, circadian rythms and many other factors are all now implicated in weight gain and loss. Are we closer to understanding the causes of and solutions to the obesity epidemic?
John Cmar (mod), Muriel Hykes, Jed Shumsky, James Prego, Lawrence Kramer
The mantle of Dr. Who is soon going to fall on a new actor... the ELEVENTH to play the good Doctor. What are some of the great Dr. Who moments? How does new Who compare to the Old School? And where should it go from here?
Tina Blanco-Finan (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Wayne Zimmerman, Nikki Cohen, Terri Osborne
What are the historical antecedents to today's paranormal romance sub-genre? Is there a link between gothic fiction and paranormal romance?
Stephanie Burke (mod), L.A. Banks, Gail Z. Martin, J.R. Blackwell, Nikki Cohen
What are the books we know aren't ""good"" but which we enjoy anyway?
Nikki Cohen (mod), Ef Deal, JJ Brannon, Laura Anne Gilman, Larry Hodges
Ladies and Gentlemen of stern and noble character are invited to participate in a salon whereupon we shall discuss the genre and lifestyle known to the rabble as "steampunk". What is it, where did it come from, and what is with those brass goggles?
Jared Axelrod (mod), Matt Black, Nikki Cohen, Christine Norris, Jeff Mach
A lot of rock and roll seems to deal with challenging the norm. A major subtext of science fiction and fantasy is change and rebellion. Do the two genres derive from similar roots?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Michael D'Ambrosio, Nikki Cohen, Patricia Wake
If only the Sci-Fi, sorry Sy Fy Channel, could be half as good. With great shows like "Dr. Who," ""Torchwood," and now "Being Human" even with limited SF choices, is BBC America the next big place fandom will get its fix? What are they doing with their programming that we are not getting in this country? Is their programming too adult, too intense for the American market? What other tv shows and movies are coming out of the UK that perhaps are little known in the USA but could use a plug from the members of the audience.
Terri Osborne (mod), Nikki Cohen, Michael D. Pederson, Kathy Sands, J. Andrew World
What are in the influences which have shaped Dr. Who over the years?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Nikki Cohen, David Silverman, Terri Osborne
All those wonderful fantasy corsets that we dream about on our female heroes--learn from our experts about the real historical corsets that they are based on.
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lisa Ashton, Tina Blanco-Finan, Nikki Cohen
A good Friday evening panel to attract a lot of fans interested in costuming of all kinds, both experienced costumers and others.
Byron Connell (mod), Tina Connell, Toni Lay, Lisa Ashton
SF and Fantasy you may not
Mary Spila (mod), Byron Connell, Walter Hunt, Gail Z. Martin
We'd like anyone who participated in last night's Masquerade to come and show off their costumes and costume pieces and show us how they did it Come & see it all up close and personal.
Dora Buck (mod), Byron Connell, Marty Gear
A good Friday evening panel to attract a lot of fans interested in costuming of all kinds, both experienced costumers and others.
Byron Connell (mod), Tina Connell, Toni Lay, Lisa Ashton
There are some books we read over and over again. What qualities do these books have that make them worth visiting again?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Michael J. Walsh, KT Pinto, Caroline Cox, Lawrence Kramer, Theodore Krulik
How has Hard Science Fiction changed in the last decade? Is Science Fiction still predominantly the literature of scientific ideas?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Caroline Cox, David Goldberg, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Jerome Stueart, Laura Burns
What is being taught about Science Fiction at the university and high school levels?
Ef Deal (mod), Caroline Cox, Jed Shumsky
Death rays. Earthquake generators. Ice Ages that cover New York in 24 hours. SF books, movies, and TV have offered up some STRANGE science over the years. Here's a panel to talk about some of the Weird Science we've seen.
Christopher Gay (mod), Laura Burns, Eric Schulman, Caroline Cox
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror have moved out of the SF section of the bookstore. "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" are in the young adult sections. "World War Z" and "Soon I Will Be Invincible" are housed with mainstream fiction. And the romance section of your bookstore is FULL of tales of other worlds, other times, and monsters. What are some of the great things out there that aren't being marketed as SF?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, David M. Axler, Stuart Jaffe
The mantle of Dr. Who is soon going to fall on a new actor... the ELEVENTH to play the good Doctor. What are some of the great Dr. Who moments? How does new Who compare to the Old School? And where should it go from here?
Tina Blanco-Finan (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Wayne Zimmerman, Nikki Cohen, Terri Osborne
In the early days of radio, we had The Shadow and Orson Wells's War Of The Worlds. Today, we have audiobooks and SF creators who distribute audio plays online. Is this old art part of the future of SF?
Jay Smith (mod), Andrew C. Ely, Orenthal Hawkins, Patricia M. Cryan, Nina Ely
These kids, with their anime and their steampunk! They're ruining our con! And those old farts, with their beanies and weird inside jokes that they don't explain, are making us feel really unwelcome! It seems like the long-time battle of the old vs. the young is still going strong in fandom. Is there any way to bridge the gap?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Samantha Kwait, David M. Axler, Patricia M. Cryan, Tobias Cabral
What are in the influences which have shaped Dr. Who over the years?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Nikki Cohen, David Silverman, Terri Osborne
For many of us, science fiction and fantasy are simply entertaining escapes. But for some of us, they are much, much more. For some people, they become a lifeline. Come and hear stories from our panelists, and share your own.
Hugh Casey (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Jay Smith, Crystal Paul, Ray Ridenour, Tobias Cabral
Artist Charlene Taylor D'Alessio demonstrates and instructs participants in her dot painting technique.
Charlene Taylor D'Alessio (mod)
Artists discuss how they work through a piece. Ideally, several artists in different media (i.e.: sculpture, painting, digital, etc...) would give a quick overview of their processes. Could be divided into multiple slots if there is enough interest. Please mention your media/technique in the "Additional Information" section of your reply.
Charlene Taylor D'Alessio (mod), Robert Kauffmann, N. Taylor Blanchard, Karl Kofoed, Sally-Rouge Pax, Jo Blu Pax
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror have moved out of the SF section of the bookstore. "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" are in the young adult sections. "World War Z" and "Soon I Will Be Invincible" are housed with mainstream fiction. And the romance section of your bookstore is FULL of tales of other worlds, other times, and monsters. What are some of the great things out there that aren't being marketed as SF?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, David M. Axler, Stuart Jaffe
What is the impact of the current recession on publishing and on the subject matter of written science Fiction?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, Gary Feldbaum, James Daniel Ross, Phillip Thorne
A lot of rock and roll seems to deal with challenging the norm. A major subtext of science fiction and fantasy is change and rebellion. Do the two genres derive from similar roots?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Michael D'Ambrosio, Nikki Cohen, Patricia Wake
Are they mutually exclusive? Can they co-exist? Should they co-exist?
Michael F. Flynn (mod), Bud Sparhawk, Alexis Gilliland, Michael D'Ambrosio, Eric Kotani
Have you heard that success in writing depends on who you know? Is there an element of truth in that statement? How do you get to know the folks who may be able to help your career?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, J.R. Blackwell, Michael A. Ventrella
Costuming is a diverse hobby, and offers something for everyone. Take a look at some of these "newer" hot trends, how to build them, where to get inspiration.
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lisa Ashton
All those wonderful fantasy corsets that we dream about on our female heroes--learn from our experts about the real historical corsets that they are based on.
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lisa Ashton, Tina Blanco-Finan, Nikki Cohen
Which writers work never lived up to their early promise?
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lee Gilliland, Evelyn Leeper
What are the books we know aren't ""good"" but which we enjoy anyway?
Nikki Cohen (mod), Ef Deal, JJ Brannon, Laura Anne Gilman, Larry Hodges
What is being taught about Science Fiction at the university and high school levels?
Ef Deal (mod), Caroline Cox, Jed Shumsky
How does technology change the law? What happens when you want to have sex with a robot? What happens when a robot has an opinion on this? What could be illegal in the future which is merely impossible today?
Stephanie Burke (mod), Ef Deal, Camille Anthony, Gail Z. Martin, Michael A. Ventrella
Ef Deal (mod)
A number of magazines have opened dedicated to the art of the quick-fic. Pros and cons of flash fiction (under 1,000 words), nanofiction (under 40 words), and Twitter fiction (under 140 characters).
Nathan Lilly (mod), Michael Swanwick, Ef Deal, Dina Leacock, Jared Axelrod
Keith R.A. DeCandido (mod)
Reputedly, the worst story in the genre's history. Just try and read it without laughing.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Lawrence M. Schoen, Phil Kahn, Hildy Silverman, Victoria Janssen
Laurel K. Hamilton, Orson Scott Card and Jim Butcher are just a few of the authors whose works have recently been translated into comic book versions of the originals. How much of the flavor of the original gets through in the comic book version? Does the comic book version add anything to the original work?
Bill Spangler (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Ray Ridenour, Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Burke
J.J. Abrams rebooting/revisioning of STAR TREK seems to have re-invigorated what many thought was a dying franchise. But where should it go from here, and what kind of stories should it tell? Is it still true to Roddenberry's vision, and how important is it that it remain so?
Keith R.A. DeCandido (mod), Hugh Casey, Terri Osborne, Lawrence M. Schoen, Samantha Kwait
What is it like to write with another writer and develop a unique voice which is not that of either partner but something new? Various authors who have collaborated explain how it is done.
Michael Swanwick (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Mike McPhail, Chris Pisano, Brian Koscienski
Why ""Don't Quit Your Day Job"" Is Such Good Advice.
Sally Wiener Grotta (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Laura Anne Gilman, Christine Norris, Oz Drummond
An anthology is not a magazine. It presents a much more unified package, often arranged around a theme. Current anthologists explain how such books are edited and sold.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Gardner Dozois, Keith R.A. DeCandido
Why do some webcomics last and last? How do the creators of webcomics keep them fresh.
Rob Balder (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Jon Kilgannon, Ruth Lampi, J. Andrew World, Phil Kahn
How has personal finances been portrayed in the past in Science Fiction and how will it be portrayed in the future? Will there be such a thing as money in the future?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Nina Ely
Where to go online to find the best webcomics
Onezumi Hartstein (mod), James Harknell, Orenthal Hawkins, Rob Balder, Ruth Lampi, Tony DiGerolamo
In September, The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Comics for $4 billion. How will this affect the landscape of comics, and what will this mean for some of our favorite Marvel characters? Will the Mouse make Wolverine sheath his claws? Or will the House of Mouse leave the House of M to do what they've always done?
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), J. Andrew World, Tony DiGerolamo, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry, Brianna Spacekat Wu
The major print magazines have suffered a large loss of circulation and many smaller magazines have gone out of business altogether. Is there a future for genre fiction magazines or are they going the way of the dinosaur?
Alan Beck (mod), Gardner Dozois, Thomas Nackid, Tony DiGerolamo, Tom Purdom, Neil Clarke
Our Featured Guest Speaks About Copyright Issues
Cory Doctorow (mod), Rock Robertson
The internet is a force to be reckoned with. Trolling message boards and hacking e-mail accounts are child’s play. The internet is organized. DDoS Attacks, MySpace Hacking, forum raids. Last year there was a global IRL Scientology protest organized by anonymous strangers. Sometimes they claim to do what they do for a cause like freedom of speech, other times it’s “just for the lulz”. The panelists discuss: internet superheroes, or hackers on steroids? What effects do groups like this have on the existing culture of the internet?
Cory Doctorow (mod), J. Andrew World, Gary Feldbaum, Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Eric Raymond
If the singularity actually happens and the future becomes incomprehensible, what will Science Fiction writers write about?
Tom Purdom (mod), Cory Doctorow, Bud Sparhawk, David Louis Edelman, Jon Kilgannon
Cory Doctorow (mod)
Past science fiction used to take place predominantly in the future. Why do there seem to be more and more novels set in the past? Is this a temporary phase or a fundamental shift in the field?
David Louis Edelman (mod), Cory Doctorow, Tom Purdom, Gregory Frost, Lawrence M. Schoen
We have a bad habit in science fiction of assuming that our basic social patterns will last forever. There was a time -- many times, in many eras of the past -- when the nation state as we know it simply did not exist. In feudal times, loyalties were to persons. The ancient empires were often completely ""international"" and inter-tribal, but they could be ordained and run by a priest-king who was regarded as a living god. These ideas have passed away. How will societies be organized when the ""nation"" is as obsolete as a Egyptian pharaoh?
Tom Purdom (mod), Jeff Lyman, Michael F. Flynn, Cory Doctorow, Christopher Weuve
How do our fantasies create our environment, architecture, and our future?
Nina Ely (mod), Cory Doctorow, Dusti Lewars, Crystal Paul, Brian Siano
Hands on parody workshop
Roberta Rogow (mod), Ariel Cinii, Cathy Dougherty, Kathy Sands, Crystal Paul
The weirdest inspirations: the wildest filksongs
Cathy Dougherty (mod), Rob Balder, Ariel Cinii, Roberta Rogow
Solo Performances
Cathy Dougherty (mod), Gary Ehrlich
The "Singularity" is a theoretical point in the future where something happens beyond which we cannot imaging what life will be like. Artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, virtual reality, and genetic engineering have all been suggested as possible triggers for this supposed future event. But is the singularity even feasible, and if so, will it be in a form that we can even recognize?
John Ashmead (mod), Tom Doyle, Christopher Weuve
You don't have to go ""all medieval on me"" to write fantasy. What are the best examples of fantasy not based on European backgrounds to date?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Stephanie Burke, James L. Cambias, Christine Norris, Tom Doyle
Why does there seem to be very little Science Fiction about labor unions in the future? Is this a good or bad thing? What will industry look like in the future?
Tom Doyle (mod), Gail Z. Martin, Stuart Jaffe
Outsider Art is art created by those with no formal training or those with mental disabilities. Islandia by Austin Tappan Wright, an author who created his world as a hobby and never intended to publish it may be an example in the genre. The novels of Patience Worth are supposed to have been written entirely by Ouija board. Our panelists discuss examples of their own.
Stephanie Burke (mod), Tom Doyle, John Grant, Jim Stratton
Professional Science Fiction editors of magazines and anthologies explain what they are looking for and discuss the nature of the Science Fiction and Fantasy short fiction market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gardner Dozois, Neil Clarke, Danielle Ackley-McPhail
An anthology is not a magazine. It presents a much more unified package, often arranged around a theme. Current anthologists explain how such books are edited and sold.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Gardner Dozois, Keith R.A. DeCandido
The major print magazines have suffered a large loss of circulation and many smaller magazines have gone out of business altogether. Is there a future for genre fiction magazines or are they going the way of the dinosaur?
Alan Beck (mod), Gardner Dozois, Thomas Nackid, Tony DiGerolamo, Tom Purdom, Neil Clarke
Are there any scientifically plausible theories for reanimation?
Ty Drago (mod), D.E. Christman, Jonathan Maberry, Michael D. Pederson, James Prego
Ty Drago (mod)
You know the drill -- find out what they are looking for in the current market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Ty Drago, Neil Clarke, Neal Levin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Brian Koscienski
Have you heard that success in writing depends on who you know? Is there an element of truth in that statement? How do you get to know the folks who may be able to help your career?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, J.R. Blackwell, Michael A. Ventrella
What new skillsets are lurking in Chuck's head? Will Casey now respect Chuck and his kung-fu download? Will we see the General step out from behind her desk? Will Bryce be coming back from the dead... again? Will Jeffster win a Grammy?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D. Pederson, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Tony Ruggiero
We're living the future. Information distribution is instantaneous, and so are everyone's opinions. Panelists discuss how new ways of distributing information are changing the face of journalism.
Laura Anne Gilman (mod), John Drew, Alyce Wilson
Poe was a master of the short form. How has his work influenced later writers?
Richard Stout (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gregory Frost, Evelyn Leeper, John Drew
Even people who say that they hate poetry love his work. What are your favorite Poe poems in the fantasy and horror genres?
Richard Stout (mod), Alyce Wilson, Stephanie Burke, John Drew
What games shaped your interest in gaming? If you could find them in a closet or at a flea market, what games would you want to teach your friends?
Christopher Weuve (mod), James L. Cambias, John Drew, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge
Girl Genius. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. And soon Buck Rogers will be a webseries, from the creators of Star Trek: New Voyages. What sort of opportunities does the internet offer to SF fans, and to creators as well?
John Drew (mod), Jon Kilgannon, Rob Balder, J.R. Blackwell, Eric Raymond
How do aliens do it? Use imagination.
Phil Kahn (mod), Muriel Hykes, James Daniel Ross, Oz Drummond, Camille Anthony, Jonathan Wright
How do you find a good one? Are they even necessary?
Oz Drummond (mod), Gary Frank, Laura Anne Gilman, Lawrence M. Schoen, Larry Hodges
New writers can submit short stories to be read and critiqued by professional authors.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Oz Drummond, Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
Why are so many people in science Fiction and fantasy fascinated by Jane Austen? We don't just mean ""Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"" but that is a good place to start.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Tom Purdom, Oz Drummond, Nick Wolven
Why ""Don't Quit Your Day Job"" Is Such Good Advice.
Sally Wiener Grotta (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Laura Anne Gilman, Christine Norris, Oz Drummond
Is the cross over between Science Fiction and Fantasy and the romance genre cresting or still on the rise? Where is it going? Is it affecting the whole field?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Catherine Asaro, L.A. Banks, Oz Drummond
A good early-con panel of general interest--How to use what you may have on hand for marvelous effects.
Donna Dube (mod), Lisa Ashton
Our expert panelists offer solutions to all your presentation conundrums, whether it's music, lighting, stage fighting or just choreography, it's all about the story.
Marty Gear (mod), Donna Dube, Toni Lay
What are notions--ideas that people get into their heads?--NO--they are supplies in sewing and building costumes that have many applications: from buttons and zippers, to hem tape, boning and more.
Toni Lay (mod), Donna Dube, Tina Blanco-Finan
The predecessors of Philip K. Dick. Dick was not the first author to turn your brain into a pretzel. A discussion of the writers who influenced him.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Nick Wolven, David Louis Edelman, J. Andrew World
Are we now living in Philip K. Dick's future dystopia?
Diane Weinstein (mod), Mark Wolverton, David Louis Edelman, Bernie Mojzes, James Chambers
If the singularity actually happens and the future becomes incomprehensible, what will Science Fiction writers write about?
Tom Purdom (mod), Cory Doctorow, Bud Sparhawk, David Louis Edelman, Jon Kilgannon
Past science fiction used to take place predominantly in the future. Why do there seem to be more and more novels set in the past? Is this a temporary phase or a fundamental shift in the field?
David Louis Edelman (mod), Cory Doctorow, Tom Purdom, Gregory Frost, Lawrence M. Schoen
David Louis Edelman (mod)
C.S. Lewis said that good books need good readers. How do we train good readers? Can you make people who do not see the merit in a work see it? Is appreciation itself a kind of talent, not shared by all?
Gordon Linzner (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, David Louis Edelman, Rebecca Maines
Our annual game show based on the JeoXXXXy TV show. Oz Fontecchio and Hildy Silverman, co-moderate.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Hildy Silverman, Andrew C. Murphy, Roman Ranieri, Lee Gilliland, Chris Logan Edwards
Who is your favorite writer among those whose work is not readily available? Why should we still be reading him or her?
Desirina Boskovich (mod), Chris Logan Edwards, Jonathan Maberry
An overview of Filk Conventions, by those who run them
Harold Stein (mod), Steve Brinich, Ariel Cinii, Gary Ehrlich, Crystal Paul
Solo Performances
Cathy Dougherty (mod), Gary Ehrlich
Pull up a chair, clear your throat and maybe learn a song or two. (Performers subject to change.)
Roberta Rogow (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Gary Ehrlich, Kathy Sands
In honor of the 1969 moon landing
Dr. H. Paul Shuch (mod), Gary Ehrlich, Roberta Rogow
Filkers have to follow each other's filk with one that is almost that is almost, but not quite, a follower
Roberta Rogow (mod), Gary Ehrlich, Ariel Cinii, Kathy Sands
Everybody, everybody’s heard of REPO! The Genetic Opera. No? Well don’t be shy! Our panelists will do a little testifying for you. Abandoned by Lionsgate Films it took a grassroots movement by the cast and the fans to advertise the movie. Now REPO! is being called the next Rocky Horror Picture Show, with midnight viewings, shadow casts, and audience partici...pation. Now the first film company to turn them down for production is wrapping up a movie with an eerily similar plot and a blockbuster budget
Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (mod), Samantha Kwait, Dusti Lewars, Christopher Stout, Jeff Mach
The audience comes up with the combatants, and the panelists figure out who would win. Forget Alien vs. Predator... how about Bugs Bunny vs. Doctor Doom!
Tony Finan (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Alyce Wilson, Frank Wu, Andrew C. Ely
What is the psychological appeal of this?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Desirina Boskovich, L.A. Banks, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Nina Ely, Stephanie Burke
Are your characters all you want them to be? What do you want to create as a persona? What have you tried that's been a real disaster?
KT Pinto (mod), Eric Avedissian, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J.R. Blackwell, Neal Levin
There is more to the profession of "Princessing" than glittering gowns, fuzzy woodland creatures and sporadic spunkiness. We will explore differences between being a princess and a generic "strong female character". Maybe "Princessing" involves leadership over your kingdom, tribe, clan or other socio-economic peer group?
Walter Amos (mod), Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Jon Kilgannon
Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (mod)
The stereotypical fan is someone who lacks a bit in the social skills department. So, if you're one of those fans, how do you go about learning them? Simple... you go to this panel! Bring a sense of humor, and you may learn something along the way.
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Jo Blu Pax, KT Pinto
It seems that SF fandom attracts a large number of people who engage in "alternative" sexual lifestyles. Or is it that those lifestyles attract a large number of fans? We'll take a serious look at the relationship between fandom and "kink", and what it means for fans in general.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), David M. Axler, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Tobias Cabral
What games shaped your interest in gaming? If you could find them in a closet or at a flea market, what games would you want to teach your friends?
Christopher Weuve (mod), James L. Cambias, John Drew, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge
Yeah we all know that asteroid was a potato, that doesn’t mean they need to re-shoot the entire movie 30 years later! Hollywood is on an updating rampage, everything from “The Prisoner” to “The Smurfs” is scheduled for 21st century makeover. My childhood is rolling in it’s grave. And that not even mentioning everything they’ve already gotten their “artistic license” on! Panelist will discuss the influence the modern world has on the various TV shows and movies we have grown up with and whether the "modernization" was for the better. Do the remakes make the grade?
Richard Stout (mod), Christopher Stout, Tony Finan, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J. Andrew World
C.S. Lewis said that good books need good readers. How do we train good readers? Can you make people who do not see the merit in a work see it? Is appreciation itself a kind of talent, not shared by all?
Gordon Linzner (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, David Louis Edelman, Rebecca Maines
In the early days of radio, we had The Shadow and Orson Wells's War Of The Worlds. Today, we have audiobooks and SF creators who distribute audio plays online. Is this old art part of the future of SF?
Jay Smith (mod), Andrew C. Ely, Orenthal Hawkins, Patricia M. Cryan, Nina Ely
The audience comes up with the combatants, and the panelists figure out who would win. Forget Alien vs. Predator... how about Bugs Bunny vs. Doctor Doom!
Tony Finan (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Alyce Wilson, Frank Wu, Andrew C. Ely
Spooky stories for all ages.
Andrew C. Ely (mod)
How has personal finances been portrayed in the past in Science Fiction and how will it be portrayed in the future? Will there be such a thing as money in the future?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Nina Ely
In the early days of radio, we had The Shadow and Orson Wells's War Of The Worlds. Today, we have audiobooks and SF creators who distribute audio plays online. Is this old art part of the future of SF?
Jay Smith (mod), Andrew C. Ely, Orenthal Hawkins, Patricia M. Cryan, Nina Ely
What is the psychological appeal of this?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Desirina Boskovich, L.A. Banks, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Nina Ely, Stephanie Burke
How do our fantasies create our environment, architecture, and our future?
Nina Ely (mod), Cory Doctorow, Dusti Lewars, Crystal Paul, Brian Siano
The internet is a force to be reckoned with. Trolling message boards and hacking e-mail accounts are child’s play. The internet is organized. DDoS Attacks, MySpace Hacking, forum raids. Last year there was a global IRL Scientology protest organized by anonymous strangers. Sometimes they claim to do what they do for a cause like freedom of speech, other times it’s “just for the lulz”. The panelists discuss: internet superheroes, or hackers on steroids? What effects do groups like this have on the existing culture of the internet?
Cory Doctorow (mod), J. Andrew World, Gary Feldbaum, Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Eric Raymond
What is the impact of the current recession on publishing and on the subject matter of written science Fiction?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, Gary Feldbaum, James Daniel Ross, Phillip Thorne
He's in Library of America these days. Irony of irony, his science fiction has achieved mainstream acceptance, even though his mainstream fiction never did. What has caused this academic/critical awakening?
John Moore (mod), Bernie Mojzes, Gary Feldbaum, Andrew C. Murphy
The year's not over yet, but compare the contenders: stop-motion ("Coraline"), traditional 2D ("Ponyo"), or CGI (most everything else)? Drama, humor, or the SF easter eggs of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"?
Deb Lieven (mod), Walter Amos, Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Michael A. Ventrella
Remember that show with that guy who did that thing? You know, with that...thing he had? Take a look at some of our fondest anime-induced memories. Who knows? You just might find a new favorite of your own.
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Stephanie Burke, Joe Foering, Amy Howard Wilson, Brian T. Price
What's new out there this year and what should go back to the drawing board...literally! Do we just love our old favorites from years gone by, or do we like the new stuff? These questions and other serious topics will be tackled. (e.g.: Exactly what the heck is a Scooby Snack?!)
Robert Fenelon (mod), Tony Finan, Walter Amos, Brian T. Price
There is more to the profession of "Princessing" than glittering gowns, fuzzy woodland creatures and sporadic spunkiness. We will explore differences between being a princess and a generic "strong female character". Maybe "Princessing" involves leadership over your kingdom, tribe, clan or other socio-economic peer group?
Walter Amos (mod), Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Jon Kilgannon
Bored with the tired cliches of American storytelling? Where does a cultural reference cross the line into stereotype? Ever catch yourself asking "Hey! I'm American, but why do all these "westerners" have blonde hair and blue eyes? And why do "Asians" in American cartoons keep saying "honor" in every sentence?"
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Orenthal Hawkins, Brian T. Price, Stephanie Burke
A discussion and exploration of the phenomenon of anime, its influence on western science fiction/fantasy and its incorporation of our own cultural nuances.
Brian T. Price (mod), Robert Fenelon, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Stephanie Burke, Ruth Lampi, Michael Ryan
Jane Austen spinning in her grave. The current fascination of all things zombie.
Tony Finan (mod), Michael Swanwick, D.E. Christman, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry
What's new out there this year and what should go back to the drawing board...literally! Do we just love our old favorites from years gone by, or do we like the new stuff? These questions and other serious topics will be tackled. (e.g.: Exactly what the heck is a Scooby Snack?!)
Robert Fenelon (mod), Tony Finan, Walter Amos, Brian T. Price
The audience comes up with the combatants, and the panelists figure out who would win. Forget Alien vs. Predator... how about Bugs Bunny vs. Doctor Doom!
Tony Finan (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Alyce Wilson, Frank Wu, Andrew C. Ely
OK, so the dead have risen from their graves, the saucers are over our cities, and Things Man Was Not Meant To Know have made themselves known. NOW what do you do? Well, our panelists will try to come up with a few survival strategies for you.
Tony Finan (mod), Dusti Lewars, Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith, Ruth Lampi
Yeah we all know that asteroid was a potato, that doesn’t mean they need to re-shoot the entire movie 30 years later! Hollywood is on an updating rampage, everything from “The Prisoner” to “The Smurfs” is scheduled for 21st century makeover. My childhood is rolling in it’s grave. And that not even mentioning everything they’ve already gotten their “artistic license” on! Panelist will discuss the influence the modern world has on the various TV shows and movies we have grown up with and whether the "modernization" was for the better. Do the remakes make the grade?
Richard Stout (mod), Christopher Stout, Tony Finan, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J. Andrew World
What sort of things are going on in the the Greater Philadelphia area that fans would be interested in? LOTS! Come hear our panelists talk about the events, groups, cons, and other great genre-related things taking place in the area. And share any events you know about that we miss!
Tony Finan (mod), Kristyn Souder, Phillip Thorne, Matt Black
Are they mutually exclusive? Can they co-exist? Should they co-exist?
Michael F. Flynn (mod), Bud Sparhawk, Alexis Gilliland, Michael D'Ambrosio, Eric Kotani
Michael F. Flynn (mod)
If you go to any of the older cities of Europe, you will see buildings that have been inhabited for a thousand years or more and adapted to modern purposes. We think of medieval Tuscan hill towns with TV aerials on the roofs and motorcycles driving up the narrow streets where no car could ever go. We see medieval rearrangements of ancient Roman leftovers of even more ancient (such as an Egyptian obelisk) which the Caesars swiped for their own purposes. Try to imagine what New York or Philadelphia will be like when they are old enough that you can see this ""layer cake effect"" of history right before your eyes.
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Michael F. Flynn, Daniel Grotta, Ariel Cinii
We aren't seeing many translations. We aren't seeing many stories from non-English speaking authors. What are we missing?
Michael Swanwick (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Michael F. Flynn, Phillip Thorne
We have a bad habit in science fiction of assuming that our basic social patterns will last forever. There was a time -- many times, in many eras of the past -- when the nation state as we know it simply did not exist. In feudal times, loyalties were to persons. The ancient empires were often completely ""international"" and inter-tribal, but they could be ordained and run by a priest-king who was regarded as a living god. These ideas have passed away. How will societies be organized when the ""nation"" is as obsolete as a Egyptian pharaoh?
Tom Purdom (mod), Jeff Lyman, Michael F. Flynn, Cory Doctorow, Christopher Weuve
Remember that show with that guy who did that thing? You know, with that...thing he had? Take a look at some of our fondest anime-induced memories. Who knows? You just might find a new favorite of your own.
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Stephanie Burke, Joe Foering, Amy Howard Wilson, Brian T. Price
The pain! Oh dear God, the pain!! How could you ever allow these shows to see the light of day?! We take no responsibility for any psychological damage done when we show (re: inflict upon) you some of the worst of the worst. And they say 'Cruel & Unusual Punishment' is illegal in this country!
Brian T. Price (mod), Joe Foering, Jon Kilgannon
What about a LARP attracts and keeps the interest of its participants
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Heidi Hooper, Joe Foering, Michael A. Ventrella, Jon Kilgannon
Our annual game show based on the JeoXXXXy TV show. Oz Fontecchio and Hildy Silverman, co-moderate.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Hildy Silverman, Andrew C. Murphy, Roman Ranieri, Lee Gilliland, Chris Logan Edwards
Reputedly, the worst story in the genre's history. Just try and read it without laughing.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Lawrence M. Schoen, Phil Kahn, Hildy Silverman, Victoria Janssen
Members of the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society Book Discussion Group and the audience discuss a classic in the genre.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Evelyn Leeper
Readers tell us their notions of what would make for a good book discussion.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Lawrence Johnson, Evelyn Leeper, Mary Spila
How do you find a good one? Are they even necessary?
Oz Drummond (mod), Gary Frank, Laura Anne Gilman, Lawrence M. Schoen, Larry Hodges
Lovecraft shows up in the strangest of places, everything from plush toys to games to bedroom slippers and children's cartoons. Exploring his continuing and spreading influence.
John Ashmead (mod), Onezumi Hartstein, C.J. Henderson, James Chambers, Gary Frank, Chris Pisano
Fantastic fiction without the spiritually based supernatural content, Fantastic Horror in an Atheistic World.
Roman Ranieri (mod), Gary Frank, Gordon Linzner, Gregory Frost, C.J. Henderson
Poe was a master of the short form. How has his work influenced later writers?
Richard Stout (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gregory Frost, Evelyn Leeper, John Drew
He wrote some fantasy, no science fiction but a number of Science Fiction writers have been influenced by him. What is his appeal?
Deb Lieven (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Richard Stout, Gregory Frost
New writers can submit short stories to be read and critiqued by professional authors.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Oz Drummond, Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
The critique continues
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
Past science fiction used to take place predominantly in the future. Why do there seem to be more and more novels set in the past? Is this a temporary phase or a fundamental shift in the field?
David Louis Edelman (mod), Cory Doctorow, Tom Purdom, Gregory Frost, Lawrence M. Schoen
Gregory Frost (mod)
Fantastic fiction without the spiritually based supernatural content, Fantastic Horror in an Atheistic World.
Roman Ranieri (mod), Gary Frank, Gordon Linzner, Gregory Frost, C.J. Henderson
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
A French critic was recently quoted as saying, ""Science fiction, well, it is finished."" Some say science fiction is purely a Baby Boomer phenomenon now heading demographically toward its sunset. We at Philcon have a different view. This panel aims to list as many reasons as possible why science fiction is not finished.
Alexis Gilliland (mod), Walter Hunt, Darrell Schweitzer, Charles E. Gannon, David Walton
There was a time, not all that long ago, when the very subject of complicated games (role-playing or otherwise) played on a computer WAS science fiction. What has been the effect of computer games on written Science Fiction? Has there been some genuine and fruitful cross-fertilization going on here?
Brian Siano (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jay Wile, Charles E. Gannon, Orenthal Hawkins
Charles E. Gannon (mod)
How has Science Fiction treated eternal life? As we experience longer life spans, how has our view of extended life spans changed? Why has our literature's view of longevity been so largely pessimistic?
Jeff Lyman (mod), E. F. Watkins, Charles E. Gannon, Christopher Weuve, Theodore Krulik
Death rays. Earthquake generators. Ice Ages that cover New York in 24 hours. SF books, movies, and TV have offered up some STRANGE science over the years. Here's a panel to talk about some of the Weird Science we've seen.
Christopher Gay (mod), Laura Burns, Eric Schulman, Caroline Cox
Assemble a quick and nifty SF/F costume from bits-n-bobs (two hours). Concurrent with "Toon" Game 2 (two hours).
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Owen Hutchins, Emily Tullis
Joint session: Costuming continued, origami encore.
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Mark Leeper
Our expert panelists offer solutions to all your presentation conundrums, whether it's music, lighting, stage fighting or just choreography, it's all about the story.
Marty Gear (mod), Donna Dube, Toni Lay
Marty Gear demonstrates makeup techniques for costumes and stage and answers questions
Marty Gear (mod), Raven, Kayleigh
We'd like anyone who participated in last night's Masquerade to come and show off their costumes and costume pieces and show us how they did it Come & see it all up close and personal.
Dora Buck (mod), Byron Connell, Marty Gear
A French critic was recently quoted as saying, ""Science fiction, well, it is finished."" Some say science fiction is purely a Baby Boomer phenomenon now heading demographically toward its sunset. We at Philcon have a different view. This panel aims to list as many reasons as possible why science fiction is not finished.
Alexis Gilliland (mod), Walter Hunt, Darrell Schweitzer, Charles E. Gannon, David Walton
Any programming guest may offer to give a guided tour of the art show.
Alexis Gilliland (mod)
Are they mutually exclusive? Can they co-exist? Should they co-exist?
Michael F. Flynn (mod), Bud Sparhawk, Alexis Gilliland, Michael D'Ambrosio, Eric Kotani
Homosexuality in horror. Whose writing it? What are the best examples?
Drew White (mod), Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Alexis Gilliland
Philip K. Dick immediately comes to mind, as an author obsessed with the idea that reality is not what it seems and that They are very likely out to get us. But the theme has been with us for a very long time. Think of Fred Pohl's ""The Tunnel Under the World"" or Heinlein's ""They"" or Harness's THE PARADOX MEN. Inevitably the ""paranoid delusion"" proves to be anything but. Is this merely delusional or is it a clearer perception of the nature of reality?
John Ashmead (mod), John Moore, Alexis Gilliland
The continuing legacy of a great editor who gave science fiction its Golden Age.
Tom Purdom (mod), Alexis Gilliland, Andrew C. Murphy, L.A. Banks
Our annual game show based on the JeoXXXXy TV show. Oz Fontecchio and Hildy Silverman, co-moderate.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Hildy Silverman, Andrew C. Murphy, Roman Ranieri, Lee Gilliland, Chris Logan Edwards
The treatment of sex in Science Fiction.
Victoria Janssen (mod), Lawrence M. Schoen, Michael Swanwick, Stephanie Burke, Lee Gilliland
We stood by them when they gave us Mansquito. We kept watching when they added WWE wrestling. And then they said “The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements…” and changed their name to Syfy. And yet we still return to watch shows like Warehouse 13, Eureka and Sanctuary. Do they know us better than we know ourselves?
Terri Osborne (mod), Richard Stout, Phillip Thorne, Lee Gilliland, James Daniel Ross
Which writers work never lived up to their early promise?
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lee Gilliland, Evelyn Leeper
How many science fiction or fantasy stories truly changed the field? What effect did they have? What stories or books have had this effect? We might suggest, A PRINCESS OF MARS, ""A Martian Odyssey,"" ""The Call of Cthulhu,"" THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and NEUROMANCER as examples. Is this sort of transformative change something an author can set out to do on his or her own or does it just happen? Do conditions have to be right or does a great story MAKE the conditions right. (Think of this as The Great Story theory of science fiction.)
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), Lee Gilliland, JJ Brannon, Jonathan Maberry
We're living the future. Information distribution is instantaneous, and so are everyone's opinions. Panelists discuss how new ways of distributing information are changing the face of journalism.
Laura Anne Gilman (mod), John Drew, Alyce Wilson
What are the books we know aren't ""good"" but which we enjoy anyway?
Nikki Cohen (mod), Ef Deal, JJ Brannon, Laura Anne Gilman, Larry Hodges
How do you find a good one? Are they even necessary?
Oz Drummond (mod), Gary Frank, Laura Anne Gilman, Lawrence M. Schoen, Larry Hodges
How does the literature of the genre influence the creators of other media, including movies, television, games and other media?
Laura Anne Gilman (mod), James Daniel Ross, Stuart Jaffe, Kimberly Ann Kindya
They are everywhere, movies, books, tv shows. etc. What is going on. Sure, vampires were never out of fashion, but what's with the explosion of them in all genres and media? We will discuss all the latest vampire trends in the media culture. What is driving this passion for the undead?
KT Pinto (mod), Matt Black, Rebecca Marcus, James Prego, Laura Anne Gilman
Why ""Don't Quit Your Day Job"" Is Such Good Advice.
Sally Wiener Grotta (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Laura Anne Gilman, Christine Norris, Oz Drummond
Time travel is one of the essential ingredients in compelling science fiction. Given that we've never built a time machine, how do we separate the "science" from the "fiction?" The authors of "A User's Guide to the Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty" will give you the physics perspective on this. They'll describe how to build a practical time machine and what you can do with it once you're done. Following a short talk, the session will be open to general questions and discussion on the science of time travel.
David Goldberg (mod), Jeff Blomquist
Launched in May 2009 by the European Space Agency, Planck and Herschel will help provide answers to some of the most important questions in modern science, such as the origin, evolution and future of the Universe and the formation of stars and galaxies.
Eric Kotani (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, David Goldberg, Frank O'Brien
How has Hard Science Fiction changed in the last decade? Is Science Fiction still predominantly the literature of scientific ideas?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Caroline Cox, David Goldberg, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Jerome Stueart, Laura Burns
What are the most important unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions in science? Which are closest to being solved?
Eric Kotani (mod), Eric Schulman, David Goldberg, John Cmar, Frank O'Brien
Outsider Art is art created by those with no formal training or those with mental disabilities. Islandia by Austin Tappan Wright, an author who created his world as a hobby and never intended to publish it may be an example in the genre. The novels of Patience Worth are supposed to have been written entirely by Ouija board. Our panelists discuss examples of their own.
Stephanie Burke (mod), Tom Doyle, John Grant, Jim Stratton
New Wave and Cyberpunk, for example. What are your favorites?
Walter Hunt (mod), John Grant, Daniel Grotta
Are pastiches by other hands inevitable?
Marilyn Brahen (mod), Daniel Grotta, Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Walter Hunt
When photography first emerged, the argument was whether or not it was art. All these years later, we get back to the same argument. How is digital photography impacting the art and illustration markets?
Alan Beck (mod), Daniel Grotta, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid, Emily Tullis
If you go to any of the older cities of Europe, you will see buildings that have been inhabited for a thousand years or more and adapted to modern purposes. We think of medieval Tuscan hill towns with TV aerials on the roofs and motorcycles driving up the narrow streets where no car could ever go. We see medieval rearrangements of ancient Roman leftovers of even more ancient (such as an Egyptian obelisk) which the Caesars swiped for their own purposes. Try to imagine what New York or Philadelphia will be like when they are old enough that you can see this ""layer cake effect"" of history right before your eyes.
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Michael F. Flynn, Daniel Grotta, Ariel Cinii
New Wave and Cyberpunk, for example. What are your favorites?
Walter Hunt (mod), John Grant, Daniel Grotta
Online marketing and promotion. Ways to create a professional web presence.
D.E. Christman (mod), James Harknell, Heidi Hooper, Alan Beck, Sally Wiener Grotta
Why ""Don't Quit Your Day Job"" Is Such Good Advice.
Sally Wiener Grotta (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Laura Anne Gilman, Christine Norris, Oz Drummond
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the most powerful accelerator in history, has been in the news because of fears that it could produce mini-black holes that might grow and threaten the Earth. In this presentation, Paul Halpern, author of Collider: The Search for the World's Smallest Particles, will show how there is nothing to fear from the LHC, but rather much to hope for--including the prospect of solving some of the deepest dilemmas of physics such as the mystery of dark matter.
Paul Halpern (mod)
Where to go online to find the best webcomics
Onezumi Hartstein (mod), James Harknell, Orenthal Hawkins, Rob Balder, Ruth Lampi, Tony DiGerolamo
Online marketing and promotion. Ways to create a professional web presence.
D.E. Christman (mod), James Harknell, Heidi Hooper, Alan Beck, Sally Wiener Grotta
Where to go online to find the best webcomics
Onezumi Hartstein (mod), James Harknell, Orenthal Hawkins, Rob Balder, Ruth Lampi, Tony DiGerolamo
Lovecraft shows up in the strangest of places, everything from plush toys to games to bedroom slippers and children's cartoons. Exploring his continuing and spreading influence.
John Ashmead (mod), Onezumi Hartstein, C.J. Henderson, James Chambers, Gary Frank, Chris Pisano
What draws artists to do horror art? What draws fans to love these images of gore and creepiness?
D.E. Christman (mod), Mark E. Rogers, Kyle Cassidy, Thomas Nackid, Onezumi Hartstein
Bawdy Ballads
Kathy Sands (mod), Steve Haug, Crystal Paul
Solo Performances
Rob Balder (mod), Steve Haug
Filking for the Vocally Challenged: instrumental, archiving etc.
Steve Brinich (mod), Harold Stein, Steve Haug
There is a new web series, there is a new comic book series. Why the resurgence?
Nathan Lilly (mod), Lawrence Johnson, C.J. Henderson, Orenthal Hawkins, Ted Rickles, Bill Spangler
In the early days of radio, we had The Shadow and Orson Wells's War Of The Worlds. Today, we have audiobooks and SF creators who distribute audio plays online. Is this old art part of the future of SF?
Jay Smith (mod), Andrew C. Ely, Orenthal Hawkins, Patricia M. Cryan, Nina Ely
Where to go online to find the best webcomics
Onezumi Hartstein (mod), James Harknell, Orenthal Hawkins, Rob Balder, Ruth Lampi, Tony DiGerolamo
RaceFAIL'09. MammothFAIL. The Open Source Boob Project. SF writers, editors, and fans publicly commenting on race, faith, or sexual issues that other find offensive. Lately it seems that issues about racism, sexism, and other types of prejudice have exploded all over professional SF and its fandom. Is fandom rife with bigotry? Or are people being too sensitive or making something out of nothing? Or is the truth somewhere in between? And, maybe most importantly, is it even POSSIBLE to have a civil conversation about any of this? Well, we're going to give it a try. Wish us luck. (Note: this panel will fill a 2 hour block. The panelists and moderator will discuss with each other well in advance how best to handle the sensitive topics that will probably surface during this discussion.)
Hugh Casey (mod), David M. Axler, Orenthal Hawkins, Stephanie Burke, David Silverman
There was a time, not all that long ago, when the very subject of complicated games (role-playing or otherwise) played on a computer WAS science fiction. What has been the effect of computer games on written Science Fiction? Has there been some genuine and fruitful cross-fertilization going on here?
Brian Siano (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jay Wile, Charles E. Gannon, Orenthal Hawkins
Bored with the tired cliches of American storytelling? Where does a cultural reference cross the line into stereotype? Ever catch yourself asking "Hey! I'm American, but why do all these "westerners" have blonde hair and blue eyes? And why do "Asians" in American cartoons keep saying "honor" in every sentence?"
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Orenthal Hawkins, Brian T. Price, Stephanie Burke
Just because everyone can have a blog does that mean everyone should? Panelists discuss what kind of personal responsibility comes with putting your thoughts out there for the world to read.
Orenthal Hawkins (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Alyce Wilson, Terri Osborne, KT Pinto
There is a new web series, there is a new comic book series. Why the resurgence?
Nathan Lilly (mod), Lawrence Johnson, C.J. Henderson, Orenthal Hawkins, Ted Rickles, Bill Spangler
What do we mean by pulp fiction? Is it a synonym for trash or does it represent a vigorous type of popular fiction that continues to appeal? If someone calls your book ""pulp"", is that an insult or a compliment?
Michael J. Walsh (mod), C.J. Henderson, Jared Axelrod, James Daniel Ross, Eric Avedissian
Lovecraft shows up in the strangest of places, everything from plush toys to games to bedroom slippers and children's cartoons. Exploring his continuing and spreading influence.
John Ashmead (mod), Onezumi Hartstein, C.J. Henderson, James Chambers, Gary Frank, Chris Pisano
Fantastic fiction without the spiritually based supernatural content, Fantastic Horror in an Atheistic World.
Roman Ranieri (mod), Gary Frank, Gordon Linzner, Gregory Frost, C.J. Henderson
What are the books we know aren't ""good"" but which we enjoy anyway?
Nikki Cohen (mod), Ef Deal, JJ Brannon, Laura Anne Gilman, Larry Hodges
How do you find a good one? Are they even necessary?
Oz Drummond (mod), Gary Frank, Laura Anne Gilman, Lawrence M. Schoen, Larry Hodges
Can Satan as a major character or plot engine be scary rather than trivial?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Jeff Lyman, Roman Ranieri, Larry Hodges
There have been dramatic declines in magazine subscriptions in recent years. Is the short story medium on its way out or is it an essential part of the genre? Or is it all going digital?
Neil Clarke (mod), Larry Hodges, Lawrence M. Schoen, Dina Leacock
Give a tour of the art show, discuss artist's styles and techniques. Please include preferred time in the "Additional Scheduling Information" section of your reply.
Heidi Hooper (mod)
Online marketing and promotion. Ways to create a professional web presence.
D.E. Christman (mod), James Harknell, Heidi Hooper, Alan Beck, Sally Wiener Grotta
What about a LARP attracts and keeps the interest of its participants
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Heidi Hooper, Joe Foering, Michael A. Ventrella, Jon Kilgannon
Remember that show with that guy who did that thing? You know, with that...thing he had? Take a look at some of our fondest anime-induced memories. Who knows? You just might find a new favorite of your own.
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Stephanie Burke, Joe Foering, Amy Howard Wilson, Brian T. Price
Many anime-related panels focus on the content and characters of anime. But what about the people who bring them to life and give them their unique voice? A candid look at the voice acting business, from cattle call, to audition, all the way to the recording booth. All this and more from the mouths of the professionals themselves.
Amy Howard Wilson (mod), Kristen Nelson
Massive Multi-player Online games are one of the largest entertainment industries today. Games like World of Warcraft, Star Wars Galaxies, and City of Heroes have changed the way we look at gaming. What will we be seeing next?
Robert Hranek (mod), Jay Wile, Kristyn Souder
From Quests for meaning in World of Warcraft to helping shape the universe of EVEonline, how to get the most out of your Massively Multiplayer Online experience. Whether your interest is as a player, parent, or concerned significant other, this panel will introduce you to MMOs, why we love them so much, and the perils of becoming an MMO addict.
Robert Hranek (mod), David Moore, Michael Ryan, Tim Souder, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Dominating over half of a multi-billion dollar market with its 11.5 million players, Blizzard’s World of Warcraft had to have its own panel. Details on all aspects of WoW are up for grabs: choosing a race, class, and profession; leveling your character; choosing a guild; performing quests; auctioning items; PvE vs PvP; performing raids; and managing your RL (Real Life!) time.
Robert Hranek (mod), Phil Kahn, David Moore, Jay Wile
Who are the groups in the Greater Delaware Valley where you can you and play?
Robert Hranek (mod), Michael Ryan
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
Science Fiction authors list the core books and concepts for an understanding of the Science Fiction genre.
Michael J. Walsh (mod), Walter Hunt, Ted Rickles, Gail Z. Martin, Michael Swanwick
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
A French critic was recently quoted as saying, ""Science fiction, well, it is finished."" Some say science fiction is purely a Baby Boomer phenomenon now heading demographically toward its sunset. We at Philcon have a different view. This panel aims to list as many reasons as possible why science fiction is not finished.
Alexis Gilliland (mod), Walter Hunt, Darrell Schweitzer, Charles E. Gannon, David Walton
The influence of Victorian era styling on steam punk and time travel novels.
Walter Hunt (mod), Neal Levin, Mary Spila, Richard Stout, John Moore
Are pastiches by other hands inevitable?
Marilyn Brahen (mod), Daniel Grotta, Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Walter Hunt
Maybe you're an author who wants to use their website for promotional purposes. Maybe you've started a blog. Or you could be an IT professional with on online resume. What should you know, and be concerned about, regarding your presence on the Internet?
Rob Balder (mod), Ray Ridenour, Dusti Lewars, Walter Hunt, D.E. Christman
Why do we seem to be better able to predict changes in our technology than changes in our way of life? Very few Science Fiction authors predicted changes in our society that allowed, for example, an African American to be elected President, legalized gay marriages or changes in gender roles. What future changes are the majority of our authors failing to predict now?
Kimberly Ann Kindya (mod), Walter Hunt, Jon Kilgannon, James L. Cambias, Michael A. Ventrella
SF and Fantasy you may not
Mary Spila (mod), Byron Connell, Walter Hunt, Gail Z. Martin
New Wave and Cyberpunk, for example. What are your favorites?
Walter Hunt (mod), John Grant, Daniel Grotta
Easy to learn and fun to play, "Toon" is an action-packed, rollicking RPG with "Loony Tunes" dynamics (two hours).
Owen Hutchins (mod)
Continued.
Owen Hutchins (mod)
Another fun adventure awaits. It's okay if you missed the first session because in "Toon" anything can happen.
Owen Hutchins (mod)
Assemble a quick and nifty SF/F costume from bits-n-bobs (two hours). Concurrent with "Toon" Game 2 (two hours).
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Owen Hutchins, Emily Tullis
How do aliens do it? Use imagination.
Phil Kahn (mod), Muriel Hykes, James Daniel Ross, Oz Drummond, Camille Anthony, Jonathan Wright
Obesity is a growing problem around the world, and increasing research has revealed the causes to be much more complex than just "eating too much." Medicine now recognizes that some people will gain more fat from the same amount of calories than others. Hormones, gut bacteria, brown fat, neurotransmitters, metabolic pathways, viral infections, circadian rythms and many other factors are all now implicated in weight gain and loss. Are we closer to understanding the causes of and solutions to the obesity epidemic?
John Cmar (mod), Muriel Hykes, Jed Shumsky, James Prego, Lawrence Kramer
Assemble a quick and nifty SF/F costume from bits-n-bobs (two hours). Concurrent with "Toon" Game 2 (two hours).
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Owen Hutchins, Emily Tullis
Joint session: Costuming continued, origami encore.
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Mark Leeper
Bring your favorite Science Fiction/Fact/Fantasy book for round-table discussion.
Deb Lieven (mod), Christine Norris, Scheherazade Jackson
Readers tell us their notions of what would make for a good book discussion.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Lawrence Johnson, Evelyn Leeper, Mary Spila
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror have moved out of the SF section of the bookstore. "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" are in the young adult sections. "World War Z" and "Soon I Will Be Invincible" are housed with mainstream fiction. And the romance section of your bookstore is FULL of tales of other worlds, other times, and monsters. What are some of the great things out there that aren't being marketed as SF?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, David M. Axler, Stuart Jaffe
Why does there seem to be very little Science Fiction about labor unions in the future? Is this a good or bad thing? What will industry look like in the future?
Tom Doyle (mod), Gail Z. Martin, Stuart Jaffe
Edgar Allen Poe recently celebrated his 200th birthday. Besides Poe, Lovecraft, Kutner and Howard's work are arguably full of them. What is your favorite horror story dealing with a phobia?
Ray Ridenour (mod), E. F. Watkins, Gordon Linzner, Stuart Jaffe
Panel will explore why this is such a phenomenom in the fannish world. Why does it have such universal appeal. Does is speak to the geeky part in all of us that longs to be understood and liked. Discuss the archtypes in the movie, the great singing, the painfully achling good lyrics, etc.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Stuart Jaffe, Matt Black, Suzanne Rosin, Samantha Kwait
How does the literature of the genre influence the creators of other media, including movies, television, games and other media?
Laura Anne Gilman (mod), James Daniel Ross, Stuart Jaffe, Kimberly Ann Kindya
You don't have to go ""all medieval on me"" to write fantasy. What are the best examples of fantasy not based on European backgrounds to date?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Stephanie Burke, James L. Cambias, Christine Norris, Tom Doyle
There are some books we read over and over again. What qualities do these books have that make them worth visiting again?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Michael J. Walsh, KT Pinto, Caroline Cox, Lawrence Kramer, Theodore Krulik
Reputedly, the worst story in the genre's history. Just try and read it without laughing.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Lawrence M. Schoen, Phil Kahn, Hildy Silverman, Victoria Janssen
All the Broad Universe authors in attendance give a short reading, creating a kind of “snack sampler” for the audience.
Christine Norris (mod), Catherine Asaro, Dina Leacock, E. F. Watkins, Gail Z. Martin, Victoria Janssen
Victoria Janssen (mod)
What is the psychological appeal of this?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Desirina Boskovich, L.A. Banks, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Nina Ely, Stephanie Burke
The treatment of sex in Science Fiction.
Victoria Janssen (mod), Lawrence M. Schoen, Michael Swanwick, Stephanie Burke, Lee Gilliland
Is the cross over between Science Fiction and Fantasy and the romance genre cresting or still on the rise? Where is it going? Is it affecting the whole field?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Catherine Asaro, L.A. Banks, Oz Drummond
There is a new web series, there is a new comic book series. Why the resurgence?
Nathan Lilly (mod), Lawrence Johnson, C.J. Henderson, Orenthal Hawkins, Ted Rickles, Bill Spangler
Readers tell us their notions of what would make for a good book discussion.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Lawrence Johnson, Evelyn Leeper, Mary Spila
Why do some webcomics last and last? How do the creators of webcomics keep them fresh.
Rob Balder (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Jon Kilgannon, Ruth Lampi, J. Andrew World, Phil Kahn
How do aliens do it? Use imagination.
Phil Kahn (mod), Muriel Hykes, James Daniel Ross, Oz Drummond, Camille Anthony, Jonathan Wright
Reputedly, the worst story in the genre's history. Just try and read it without laughing.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Lawrence M. Schoen, Phil Kahn, Hildy Silverman, Victoria Janssen
Dominating over half of a multi-billion dollar market with its 11.5 million players, Blizzard’s World of Warcraft had to have its own panel. Details on all aspects of WoW are up for grabs: choosing a race, class, and profession; leveling your character; choosing a guild; performing quests; auctioning items; PvE vs PvP; performing raids; and managing your RL (Real Life!) time.
Robert Hranek (mod), Phil Kahn, David Moore, Jay Wile
The internet is a force to be reckoned with. Trolling message boards and hacking e-mail accounts are child’s play. The internet is organized. DDoS Attacks, MySpace Hacking, forum raids. Last year there was a global IRL Scientology protest organized by anonymous strangers. Sometimes they claim to do what they do for a cause like freedom of speech, other times it’s “just for the lulz”. The panelists discuss: internet superheroes, or hackers on steroids? What effects do groups like this have on the existing culture of the internet?
Cory Doctorow (mod), J. Andrew World, Gary Feldbaum, Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Eric Raymond
First we had Monkeys. Then Robots. Then Mad Scientists. Now, Philcon's most fun panel is back... now with BLOODSUCKERS! Watch as our panelists are each assigned one of these four character archetypes, and then BATTLE IT OUT to see who reigns SUPREME! Or at least, SUPREMELY FUNNY!
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Sally-Rouge Pax, Ruth Lampi
How do you illustrate something you can't get a reference for; from hardware and spaceships to monsters and magical powers.
Alan Beck (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, Robert Kauffmann, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid
As silicon chips come closer to their limits of speed and miniaturization, new computing technologies being researched. Biological computers are one possibility. Simple computes using DNA, enzymes and living neurons (taken from leeches) have all been built. What is the potential for biological computing, and where might it take us?
JJ Brannon (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Robert Kauffmann
Artists discuss how they work through a piece. Ideally, several artists in different media (i.e.: sculpture, painting, digital, etc...) would give a quick overview of their processes. Could be divided into multiple slots if there is enough interest. Please mention your media/technique in the "Additional Information" section of your reply.
Charlene Taylor D'Alessio (mod), Robert Kauffmann, N. Taylor Blanchard, Karl Kofoed, Sally-Rouge Pax, Jo Blu Pax
Marty Gear demonstrates makeup techniques for costumes and stage and answers questions
Marty Gear (mod), Raven, Kayleigh
Why do some webcomics last and last? How do the creators of webcomics keep them fresh.
Rob Balder (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Jon Kilgannon, Ruth Lampi, J. Andrew World, Phil Kahn
If the singularity actually happens and the future becomes incomprehensible, what will Science Fiction writers write about?
Tom Purdom (mod), Cory Doctorow, Bud Sparhawk, David Louis Edelman, Jon Kilgannon
Why do we seem to be better able to predict changes in our technology than changes in our way of life? Very few Science Fiction authors predicted changes in our society that allowed, for example, an African American to be elected President, legalized gay marriages or changes in gender roles. What future changes are the majority of our authors failing to predict now?
Kimberly Ann Kindya (mod), Walter Hunt, Jon Kilgannon, James L. Cambias, Michael A. Ventrella
There is more to the profession of "Princessing" than glittering gowns, fuzzy woodland creatures and sporadic spunkiness. We will explore differences between being a princess and a generic "strong female character". Maybe "Princessing" involves leadership over your kingdom, tribe, clan or other socio-economic peer group?
Walter Amos (mod), Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Jon Kilgannon
Diane Weinstein (mod), Richard Stout, Jon Kilgannon, Mary Spila
The pain! Oh dear God, the pain!! How could you ever allow these shows to see the light of day?! We take no responsibility for any psychological damage done when we show (re: inflict upon) you some of the worst of the worst. And they say 'Cruel & Unusual Punishment' is illegal in this country!
Brian T. Price (mod), Joe Foering, Jon Kilgannon
Girl Genius. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. And soon Buck Rogers will be a webseries, from the creators of Star Trek: New Voyages. What sort of opportunities does the internet offer to SF fans, and to creators as well?
John Drew (mod), Jon Kilgannon, Rob Balder, J.R. Blackwell, Eric Raymond
What about a LARP attracts and keeps the interest of its participants
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Heidi Hooper, Joe Foering, Michael A. Ventrella, Jon Kilgannon
Between the release of 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968 until Star Wars in 1977, SF and fantasy in the movies and on TV seemed to be in a state of hibernation. Or was it? We'll discuss the films and shows through the early '70's that were successful, not so successful, and eventually influential.
Christopher Stout (mod), Brian Siano, Toni Lay, Steve Vertlieb, Kimberly Ann Kindya
Why do we seem to be better able to predict changes in our technology than changes in our way of life? Very few Science Fiction authors predicted changes in our society that allowed, for example, an African American to be elected President, legalized gay marriages or changes in gender roles. What future changes are the majority of our authors failing to predict now?
Kimberly Ann Kindya (mod), Walter Hunt, Jon Kilgannon, James L. Cambias, Michael A. Ventrella
What new skillsets are lurking in Chuck's head? Will Casey now respect Chuck and his kung-fu download? Will we see the General step out from behind her desk? Will Bryce be coming back from the dead... again? Will Jeffster win a Grammy?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D. Pederson, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Tony Ruggiero
How does the literature of the genre influence the creators of other media, including movies, television, games and other media?
Laura Anne Gilman (mod), James Daniel Ross, Stuart Jaffe, Kimberly Ann Kindya
This is it. The 6th and final season of LOST is coming. It’s been a wild ride and they really dropped a bombshell last season. How do you think they’ll be able to wrap up all the loose ends of the series without incident? Theories are all we’ve got at this point so lets hear ‘em!
Hildy Silverman (mod), Kimberly Ann Kindya, Andrew C. Murphy, Wayne Zimmerman, Emily Tullis
A discussion and exploration of the phenomenon of anime, its influence on western science fiction/fantasy and its incorporation of our own cultural nuances.
Brian T. Price (mod), Robert Fenelon, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Stephanie Burke, Ruth Lampi, Michael Ryan
How do you illustrate something you can't get a reference for; from hardware and spaceships to monsters and magical powers.
Alan Beck (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, Robert Kauffmann, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid
Artists discuss how they work through a piece. Ideally, several artists in different media (i.e.: sculpture, painting, digital, etc...) would give a quick overview of their processes. Could be divided into multiple slots if there is enough interest. Please mention your media/technique in the "Additional Information" section of your reply.
Charlene Taylor D'Alessio (mod), Robert Kauffmann, N. Taylor Blanchard, Karl Kofoed, Sally-Rouge Pax, Jo Blu Pax
With NASA struggling with budget restrictions, and other governments around the world facing economic crises, the private sector may now be poised to become the main route to space. What is happening in private space development? What's planned? What's likely and what's not? And is this a good or bad thing for the future of space exploration and development?
Laura Burns (mod), Mark Wolverton, Frank O'Brien, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Karl Kofoed, Earl Bennett
When photography first emerged, the argument was whether or not it was art. All these years later, we get back to the same argument. How is digital photography impacting the art and illustration markets?
Alan Beck (mod), Daniel Grotta, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid, Emily Tullis
Modern physics has two fundamental models of reality - Quantum mechanics and general relativity. The first describes the world of fundamental particles, the second explains gravity in terms of warped space time. A theory of quantum gravity would unite these two models and finally bring gravity into the unified field theory, along with the other three fundamental forces. The current leading contender is string theory, but there are others, such as loop quantum gravity, supergravity and nonoummutative geometry. Which, if any, of these theories will prove to be the answer?
Catherine Asaro (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Karl Kofoed
You know the drill -- find out what they are looking for in the current market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Ty Drago, Neil Clarke, Neal Levin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Brian Koscienski
What is it like to write with another writer and develop a unique voice which is not that of either partner but something new? Various authors who have collaborated explain how it is done.
Michael Swanwick (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Mike McPhail, Chris Pisano, Brian Koscienski
When it becomes possible for a conceptual artist to turn the Moon into a gigantic smiley face, no doubt someone will. When we can change our shape or gender on a whim, what are parents to do when it becomes a fad for kids to have tentacles? What will be the frivolous face of technological change?
Tom Purdom (mod), James Daniel Ross, Ariel Cinii, Eric Kotani
Eric Kotani (mod)
Launched in May 2009 by the European Space Agency, Planck and Herschel will help provide answers to some of the most important questions in modern science, such as the origin, evolution and future of the Universe and the formation of stars and galaxies.
Eric Kotani (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, David Goldberg, Frank O'Brien
Are they mutually exclusive? Can they co-exist? Should they co-exist?
Michael F. Flynn (mod), Bud Sparhawk, Alexis Gilliland, Michael D'Ambrosio, Eric Kotani
What are the most important unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions in science? Which are closest to being solved?
Eric Kotani (mod), Eric Schulman, David Goldberg, John Cmar, Frank O'Brien
Which authors have presented aliens in the most believable way? For example, Hal Clement in ""Mission of Gravity"".
Bud Sparhawk (mod), James L. Cambias, Eric Kotani, Frank Wu, Jed Shumsky
There are some books we read over and over again. What qualities do these books have that make them worth visiting again?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Michael J. Walsh, KT Pinto, Caroline Cox, Lawrence Kramer, Theodore Krulik
Obesity is a growing problem around the world, and increasing research has revealed the causes to be much more complex than just "eating too much." Medicine now recognizes that some people will gain more fat from the same amount of calories than others. Hormones, gut bacteria, brown fat, neurotransmitters, metabolic pathways, viral infections, circadian rythms and many other factors are all now implicated in weight gain and loss. Are we closer to understanding the causes of and solutions to the obesity epidemic?
John Cmar (mod), Muriel Hykes, Jed Shumsky, James Prego, Lawrence Kramer
There are some books we read over and over again. What qualities do these books have that make them worth visiting again?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Michael J. Walsh, KT Pinto, Caroline Cox, Lawrence Kramer, Theodore Krulik
How has Science Fiction treated eternal life? As we experience longer life spans, how has our view of extended life spans changed? Why has our literature's view of longevity been so largely pessimistic?
Jeff Lyman (mod), E. F. Watkins, Charles E. Gannon, Christopher Weuve, Theodore Krulik
Everybody, everybody’s heard of REPO! The Genetic Opera. No? Well don’t be shy! Our panelists will do a little testifying for you. Abandoned by Lionsgate Films it took a grassroots movement by the cast and the fans to advertise the movie. Now REPO! is being called the next Rocky Horror Picture Show, with midnight viewings, shadow casts, and audience partici...pation. Now the first film company to turn them down for production is wrapping up a movie with an eerily similar plot and a blockbuster budget
Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (mod), Samantha Kwait, Dusti Lewars, Christopher Stout, Jeff Mach
These kids, with their anime and their steampunk! They're ruining our con! And those old farts, with their beanies and weird inside jokes that they don't explain, are making us feel really unwelcome! It seems like the long-time battle of the old vs. the young is still going strong in fandom. Is there any way to bridge the gap?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Samantha Kwait, David M. Axler, Patricia M. Cryan, Tobias Cabral
Get ready to sing everyone. Whether you are a first time viewer or watched the movie 20 times, come on out to the sing a long and join in the fannish craze that will make you laugh and cry. Come in costume as your favorite character and model for your fellow singers. Even if you don't want to sing, that's okay, come for the laughs and enjoy the show.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Suzanne Rosin, Hildy Silverman, Samantha Kwait
Panel will explore why this is such a phenomenom in the fannish world. Why does it have such universal appeal. Does is speak to the geeky part in all of us that longs to be understood and liked. Discuss the archtypes in the movie, the great singing, the painfully achling good lyrics, etc.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Stuart Jaffe, Matt Black, Suzanne Rosin, Samantha Kwait
J.J. Abrams rebooting/revisioning of STAR TREK seems to have re-invigorated what many thought was a dying franchise. But where should it go from here, and what kind of stories should it tell? Is it still true to Roddenberry's vision, and how important is it that it remain so?
Keith R.A. DeCandido (mod), Hugh Casey, Terri Osborne, Lawrence M. Schoen, Samantha Kwait
Assemble a quick and nifty SF/F costume from bits-n-bobs (two hours). Concurrent with "Toon" Game 2 (two hours).
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Owen Hutchins, Emily Tullis
Joint session: Costuming continued, origami encore.
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Mark Leeper
Why do some webcomics last and last? How do the creators of webcomics keep them fresh.
Rob Balder (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Jon Kilgannon, Ruth Lampi, J. Andrew World, Phil Kahn
Where to go online to find the best webcomics
Onezumi Hartstein (mod), James Harknell, Orenthal Hawkins, Rob Balder, Ruth Lampi, Tony DiGerolamo
First we had Monkeys. Then Robots. Then Mad Scientists. Now, Philcon's most fun panel is back... now with BLOODSUCKERS! Watch as our panelists are each assigned one of these four character archetypes, and then BATTLE IT OUT to see who reigns SUPREME! Or at least, SUPREMELY FUNNY!
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Sally-Rouge Pax, Ruth Lampi
OK, so the dead have risen from their graves, the saucers are over our cities, and Things Man Was Not Meant To Know have made themselves known. NOW what do you do? Well, our panelists will try to come up with a few survival strategies for you.
Tony Finan (mod), Dusti Lewars, Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith, Ruth Lampi
A discussion and exploration of the phenomenon of anime, its influence on western science fiction/fantasy and its incorporation of our own cultural nuances.
Brian T. Price (mod), Robert Fenelon, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Stephanie Burke, Ruth Lampi, Michael Ryan
Sculpt your Claydonian, designate its special power, and squidge across the field of battle! (I.e., the tabletop.) A streamlined version of David Cook's 1987 "Clay-O-Rama."
Deb Lieven (mod), Ruth Lampi
A good Friday evening panel to attract a lot of fans interested in costuming of all kinds, both experienced costumers and others.
Byron Connell (mod), Tina Connell, Toni Lay, Lisa Ashton
Our expert panelists offer solutions to all your presentation conundrums, whether it's music, lighting, stage fighting or just choreography, it's all about the story.
Marty Gear (mod), Donna Dube, Toni Lay
Between the release of 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968 until Star Wars in 1977, SF and fantasy in the movies and on TV seemed to be in a state of hibernation. Or was it? We'll discuss the films and shows through the early '70's that were successful, not so successful, and eventually influential.
Christopher Stout (mod), Brian Siano, Toni Lay, Steve Vertlieb, Kimberly Ann Kindya
What are notions--ideas that people get into their heads?--NO--they are supplies in sewing and building costumes that have many applications: from buttons and zippers, to hem tape, boning and more.
Toni Lay (mod), Donna Dube, Tina Blanco-Finan
All the Broad Universe authors in attendance give a short reading, creating a kind of “snack sampler” for the audience.
Christine Norris (mod), Catherine Asaro, Dina Leacock, E. F. Watkins, Gail Z. Martin, Victoria Janssen
New writers can submit short stories to be read and critiqued by professional authors.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Oz Drummond, Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
The critique continues
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
There have been dramatic declines in magazine subscriptions in recent years. Is the short story medium on its way out or is it an essential part of the genre? Or is it all going digital?
Neil Clarke (mod), Larry Hodges, Lawrence M. Schoen, Dina Leacock
A number of magazines have opened dedicated to the art of the quick-fic. Pros and cons of flash fiction (under 1,000 words), nanofiction (under 40 words), and Twitter fiction (under 140 characters).
Nathan Lilly (mod), Michael Swanwick, Ef Deal, Dina Leacock, Jared Axelrod
Dina Leacock (mod)
Poe was a master of the short form. How has his work influenced later writers?
Richard Stout (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gregory Frost, Evelyn Leeper, John Drew
Members of the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society Book Discussion Group and the audience discuss a classic in the genre.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Evelyn Leeper
Which writers work never lived up to their early promise?
Susan de Guardiola (mod), Lee Gilliland, Evelyn Leeper
Readers tell us their notions of what would make for a good book discussion.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Lawrence Johnson, Evelyn Leeper, Mary Spila
The fine art of Japanese paper-folding, creating fun and beautiful objects without glue or scissors. (Encore session tomorrow.)
Mark Leeper (mod)
Joint session: Costuming continued, origami encore.
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Mark Leeper
The influence of Victorian era styling on steam punk and time travel novels.
Walter Hunt (mod), Neal Levin, Mary Spila, Richard Stout, John Moore
You know the drill -- find out what they are looking for in the current market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Ty Drago, Neil Clarke, Neal Levin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Brian Koscienski
Are your characters all you want them to be? What do you want to create as a persona? What have you tried that's been a real disaster?
KT Pinto (mod), Eric Avedissian, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J.R. Blackwell, Neal Levin
Season Two has just ended of True Blood, the HBO adaptation of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. For the most part they’ve kept to the main story arcs but they’ve added so much to the show it’s like watching something new! What are some of our favorite moments from the show? Things that we could seriously do without? Do you love the additions, or do they make you wanna do bad things to the screen writers?
Emily Tullis (mod), Jonathan Maberry, Dusti Lewars, Terri Osborne
Everybody, everybody’s heard of REPO! The Genetic Opera. No? Well don’t be shy! Our panelists will do a little testifying for you. Abandoned by Lionsgate Films it took a grassroots movement by the cast and the fans to advertise the movie. Now REPO! is being called the next Rocky Horror Picture Show, with midnight viewings, shadow casts, and audience partici...pation. Now the first film company to turn them down for production is wrapping up a movie with an eerily similar plot and a blockbuster budget
Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (mod), Samantha Kwait, Dusti Lewars, Christopher Stout, Jeff Mach
The internet is a force to be reckoned with. Trolling message boards and hacking e-mail accounts are child’s play. The internet is organized. DDoS Attacks, MySpace Hacking, forum raids. Last year there was a global IRL Scientology protest organized by anonymous strangers. Sometimes they claim to do what they do for a cause like freedom of speech, other times it’s “just for the lulz”. The panelists discuss: internet superheroes, or hackers on steroids? What effects do groups like this have on the existing culture of the internet?
Cory Doctorow (mod), J. Andrew World, Gary Feldbaum, Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Eric Raymond
Maybe you're an author who wants to use their website for promotional purposes. Maybe you've started a blog. Or you could be an IT professional with on online resume. What should you know, and be concerned about, regarding your presence on the Internet?
Rob Balder (mod), Ray Ridenour, Dusti Lewars, Walter Hunt, D.E. Christman
First we had Monkeys. Then Robots. Then Mad Scientists. Now, Philcon's most fun panel is back... now with BLOODSUCKERS! Watch as our panelists are each assigned one of these four character archetypes, and then BATTLE IT OUT to see who reigns SUPREME! Or at least, SUPREMELY FUNNY!
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Sally-Rouge Pax, Ruth Lampi
OK, so the dead have risen from their graves, the saucers are over our cities, and Things Man Was Not Meant To Know have made themselves known. NOW what do you do? Well, our panelists will try to come up with a few survival strategies for you.
Tony Finan (mod), Dusti Lewars, Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith, Ruth Lampi
The stereotypical fan is someone who lacks a bit in the social skills department. So, if you're one of those fans, how do you go about learning them? Simple... you go to this panel! Bring a sense of humor, and you may learn something along the way.
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Jo Blu Pax, KT Pinto
How do our fantasies create our environment, architecture, and our future?
Nina Ely (mod), Cory Doctorow, Dusti Lewars, Crystal Paul, Brian Siano
"Harry Potter," "Twilight," "Meatballs" and "Wild Things" -- among others. You read and then watched -- or vice-versa? What does each version gain or lose?
Deb Lieven (mod), Christine Norris, Greg Fishbone
You've returned from the fossil beds of deepest Mongolia to your university; now carefully extract and assemble the fossils hidden within each sample.
Deb Lieven (mod), Rebecca Marcus
The year's not over yet, but compare the contenders: stop-motion ("Coraline"), traditional 2D ("Ponyo"), or CGI (most everything else)? Drama, humor, or the SF easter eggs of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"?
Deb Lieven (mod), Walter Amos, Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Michael A. Ventrella
He wrote some fantasy, no science fiction but a number of Science Fiction writers have been influenced by him. What is his appeal?
Deb Lieven (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Richard Stout, Gregory Frost
Bring your favorite Science Fiction/Fact/Fantasy book for round-table discussion.
Deb Lieven (mod), Christine Norris, Scheherazade Jackson
Sculpt your Claydonian, designate its special power, and squidge across the field of battle! (I.e., the tabletop.) A streamlined version of David Cook's 1987 "Clay-O-Rama."
Deb Lieven (mod), Ruth Lampi
There is a new web series, there is a new comic book series. Why the resurgence?
Nathan Lilly (mod), Lawrence Johnson, C.J. Henderson, Orenthal Hawkins, Ted Rickles, Bill Spangler
A number of magazines have opened dedicated to the art of the quick-fic. Pros and cons of flash fiction (under 1,000 words), nanofiction (under 40 words), and Twitter fiction (under 140 characters).
Nathan Lilly (mod), Michael Swanwick, Ef Deal, Dina Leacock, Jared Axelrod
Edgar Allen Poe recently celebrated his 200th birthday. Besides Poe, Lovecraft, Kutner and Howard's work are arguably full of them. What is your favorite horror story dealing with a phobia?
Ray Ridenour (mod), E. F. Watkins, Gordon Linzner, Stuart Jaffe
C.S. Lewis said that good books need good readers. How do we train good readers? Can you make people who do not see the merit in a work see it? Is appreciation itself a kind of talent, not shared by all?
Gordon Linzner (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, David Louis Edelman, Rebecca Maines
Fantastic fiction without the spiritually based supernatural content, Fantastic Horror in an Atheistic World.
Roman Ranieri (mod), Gary Frank, Gordon Linzner, Gregory Frost, C.J. Henderson
Can Satan as a major character or plot engine be scary rather than trivial?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Jeff Lyman, Roman Ranieri, Larry Hodges
How has Science Fiction treated eternal life? As we experience longer life spans, how has our view of extended life spans changed? Why has our literature's view of longevity been so largely pessimistic?
Jeff Lyman (mod), E. F. Watkins, Charles E. Gannon, Christopher Weuve, Theodore Krulik
We have a bad habit in science fiction of assuming that our basic social patterns will last forever. There was a time -- many times, in many eras of the past -- when the nation state as we know it simply did not exist. In feudal times, loyalties were to persons. The ancient empires were often completely ""international"" and inter-tribal, but they could be ordained and run by a priest-king who was regarded as a living god. These ideas have passed away. How will societies be organized when the ""nation"" is as obsolete as a Egyptian pharaoh?
Tom Purdom (mod), Jeff Lyman, Michael F. Flynn, Cory Doctorow, Christopher Weuve
Are there any scientifically plausible theories for reanimation?
Ty Drago (mod), D.E. Christman, Jonathan Maberry, Michael D. Pederson, James Prego
Jane Austen spinning in her grave. The current fascination of all things zombie.
Tony Finan (mod), Michael Swanwick, D.E. Christman, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry
Season Two has just ended of True Blood, the HBO adaptation of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. For the most part they’ve kept to the main story arcs but they’ve added so much to the show it’s like watching something new! What are some of our favorite moments from the show? Things that we could seriously do without? Do you love the additions, or do they make you wanna do bad things to the screen writers?
Emily Tullis (mod), Jonathan Maberry, Dusti Lewars, Terri Osborne
Laurel K. Hamilton, Orson Scott Card and Jim Butcher are just a few of the authors whose works have recently been translated into comic book versions of the originals. How much of the flavor of the original gets through in the comic book version? Does the comic book version add anything to the original work?
Bill Spangler (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Ray Ridenour, Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Burke
The way zombies are portrayed varies from culture to culture.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith
Jonathan Maberry (mod)
Who is your favorite writer among those whose work is not readily available? Why should we still be reading him or her?
Desirina Boskovich (mod), Chris Logan Edwards, Jonathan Maberry
OK, so the dead have risen from their graves, the saucers are over our cities, and Things Man Was Not Meant To Know have made themselves known. NOW what do you do? Well, our panelists will try to come up with a few survival strategies for you.
Tony Finan (mod), Dusti Lewars, Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith, Ruth Lampi
There are any number of Science Fiction stories about artists, painters, sculptors, dancers, singers or practitioners of new art forms that the author has invented. Spider & Jeanne Robinson's STARDANCE is about dance, for example. Cite other examples. How does the writer convincingly present other art forms in fiction?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Jonathan Maberry, Tom Purdom, Patricia Wake
In September, The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Comics for $4 billion. How will this affect the landscape of comics, and what will this mean for some of our favorite Marvel characters? Will the Mouse make Wolverine sheath his claws? Or will the House of Mouse leave the House of M to do what they've always done?
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), J. Andrew World, Tony DiGerolamo, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry, Brianna Spacekat Wu
How many science fiction or fantasy stories truly changed the field? What effect did they have? What stories or books have had this effect? We might suggest, A PRINCESS OF MARS, ""A Martian Odyssey,"" ""The Call of Cthulhu,"" THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and NEUROMANCER as examples. Is this sort of transformative change something an author can set out to do on his or her own or does it just happen? Do conditions have to be right or does a great story MAKE the conditions right. (Think of this as The Great Story theory of science fiction.)
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), Lee Gilliland, JJ Brannon, Jonathan Maberry
Everybody, everybody’s heard of REPO! The Genetic Opera. No? Well don’t be shy! Our panelists will do a little testifying for you. Abandoned by Lionsgate Films it took a grassroots movement by the cast and the fans to advertise the movie. Now REPO! is being called the next Rocky Horror Picture Show, with midnight viewings, shadow casts, and audience partici...pation. Now the first film company to turn them down for production is wrapping up a movie with an eerily similar plot and a blockbuster budget
Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (mod), Samantha Kwait, Dusti Lewars, Christopher Stout, Jeff Mach
Ladies and Gentlemen of stern and noble character are invited to participate in a salon whereupon we shall discuss the genre and lifestyle known to the rabble as "steampunk". What is it, where did it come from, and what is with those brass goggles?
Jared Axelrod (mod), Matt Black, Nikki Cohen, Christine Norris, Jeff Mach
What is the impact of the current recession on publishing and on the subject matter of written science Fiction?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, Gary Feldbaum, James Daniel Ross, Phillip Thorne
How has easy access to technology changed the way that we read, write and think? How is this reflected in the more recent novels of the field?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Catherine Asaro, Rebecca Maines, Tom Purdom
Can Satan as a major character or plot engine be scary rather than trivial?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Jeff Lyman, Roman Ranieri, Larry Hodges
C.S. Lewis said that good books need good readers. How do we train good readers? Can you make people who do not see the merit in a work see it? Is appreciation itself a kind of talent, not shared by all?
Gordon Linzner (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, David Louis Edelman, Rebecca Maines
You've returned from the fossil beds of deepest Mongolia to your university; now carefully extract and assemble the fossils hidden within each sample.
Deb Lieven (mod), Rebecca Marcus
Get ready to sing everyone. Whether you are a first time viewer or watched the movie 20 times, come on out to the sing a long and join in the fannish craze that will make you laugh and cry. Come in costume as your favorite character and model for your fellow singers. Even if you don't want to sing, that's okay, come for the laughs and enjoy the show.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Suzanne Rosin, Hildy Silverman, Samantha Kwait
Panel will explore why this is such a phenomenom in the fannish world. Why does it have such universal appeal. Does is speak to the geeky part in all of us that longs to be understood and liked. Discuss the archtypes in the movie, the great singing, the painfully achling good lyrics, etc.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Stuart Jaffe, Matt Black, Suzanne Rosin, Samantha Kwait
They are everywhere, movies, books, tv shows. etc. What is going on. Sure, vampires were never out of fashion, but what's with the explosion of them in all genres and media? We will discuss all the latest vampire trends in the media culture. What is driving this passion for the undead?
KT Pinto (mod), Matt Black, Rebecca Marcus, James Prego, Laura Anne Gilman
What is it like to write with another writer and develop a unique voice which is not that of either partner but something new? Various authors who have collaborated explain how it is done.
Michael Swanwick (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Mike McPhail, Chris Pisano, Brian Koscienski
Are we now living in Philip K. Dick's future dystopia?
Diane Weinstein (mod), Mark Wolverton, David Louis Edelman, Bernie Mojzes, James Chambers
He's in Library of America these days. Irony of irony, his science fiction has achieved mainstream acceptance, even though his mainstream fiction never did. What has caused this academic/critical awakening?
John Moore (mod), Bernie Mojzes, Gary Feldbaum, Andrew C. Murphy
From Quests for meaning in World of Warcraft to helping shape the universe of EVEonline, how to get the most out of your Massively Multiplayer Online experience. Whether your interest is as a player, parent, or concerned significant other, this panel will introduce you to MMOs, why we love them so much, and the perils of becoming an MMO addict.
Robert Hranek (mod), David Moore, Michael Ryan, Tim Souder, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Dominating over half of a multi-billion dollar market with its 11.5 million players, Blizzard’s World of Warcraft had to have its own panel. Details on all aspects of WoW are up for grabs: choosing a race, class, and profession; leveling your character; choosing a guild; performing quests; auctioning items; PvE vs PvP; performing raids; and managing your RL (Real Life!) time.
Robert Hranek (mod), Phil Kahn, David Moore, Jay Wile
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
The influence of Victorian era styling on steam punk and time travel novels.
Walter Hunt (mod), Neal Levin, Mary Spila, Richard Stout, John Moore
He's in Library of America these days. Irony of irony, his science fiction has achieved mainstream acceptance, even though his mainstream fiction never did. What has caused this academic/critical awakening?
John Moore (mod), Bernie Mojzes, Gary Feldbaum, Andrew C. Murphy
Philip K. Dick immediately comes to mind, as an author obsessed with the idea that reality is not what it seems and that They are very likely out to get us. But the theme has been with us for a very long time. Think of Fred Pohl's ""The Tunnel Under the World"" or Heinlein's ""They"" or Harness's THE PARADOX MEN. Inevitably the ""paranoid delusion"" proves to be anything but. Is this merely delusional or is it a clearer perception of the nature of reality?
John Ashmead (mod), John Moore, Alexis Gilliland
Our annual game show based on the JeoXXXXy TV show. Oz Fontecchio and Hildy Silverman, co-moderate.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Hildy Silverman, Andrew C. Murphy, Roman Ranieri, Lee Gilliland, Chris Logan Edwards
He's in Library of America these days. Irony of irony, his science fiction has achieved mainstream acceptance, even though his mainstream fiction never did. What has caused this academic/critical awakening?
John Moore (mod), Bernie Mojzes, Gary Feldbaum, Andrew C. Murphy
The continuing legacy of a great editor who gave science fiction its Golden Age.
Tom Purdom (mod), Alexis Gilliland, Andrew C. Murphy, L.A. Banks
This is it. The 6th and final season of LOST is coming. It’s been a wild ride and they really dropped a bombshell last season. How do you think they’ll be able to wrap up all the loose ends of the series without incident? Theories are all we’ve got at this point so lets hear ‘em!
Hildy Silverman (mod), Kimberly Ann Kindya, Andrew C. Murphy, Wayne Zimmerman, Emily Tullis
In September, The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Comics for $4 billion. How will this affect the landscape of comics, and what will this mean for some of our favorite Marvel characters? Will the Mouse make Wolverine sheath his claws? Or will the House of Mouse leave the House of M to do what they've always done?
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), J. Andrew World, Tony DiGerolamo, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry, Brianna Spacekat Wu
How many science fiction or fantasy stories truly changed the field? What effect did they have? What stories or books have had this effect? We might suggest, A PRINCESS OF MARS, ""A Martian Odyssey,"" ""The Call of Cthulhu,"" THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and NEUROMANCER as examples. Is this sort of transformative change something an author can set out to do on his or her own or does it just happen? Do conditions have to be right or does a great story MAKE the conditions right. (Think of this as The Great Story theory of science fiction.)
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), Lee Gilliland, JJ Brannon, Jonathan Maberry
How do you illustrate something you can't get a reference for; from hardware and spaceships to monsters and magical powers.
Alan Beck (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, Robert Kauffmann, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid
How does an artist set prices for their art? Should a one of a kind oil painting cost more than a digital piece that took the same amount of time to make? Do buyers understand the value of art?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Luke Stelmaszek, Alan Beck, Thomas Nackid, Brianna Spacekat Wu
A discussion of steampunk artists.
Kyle Cassidy (mod), D.E. Christman, Thomas Nackid
When photography first emerged, the argument was whether or not it was art. All these years later, we get back to the same argument. How is digital photography impacting the art and illustration markets?
Alan Beck (mod), Daniel Grotta, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid, Emily Tullis
What draws artists to do horror art? What draws fans to love these images of gore and creepiness?
D.E. Christman (mod), Mark E. Rogers, Kyle Cassidy, Thomas Nackid, Onezumi Hartstein
The major print magazines have suffered a large loss of circulation and many smaller magazines have gone out of business altogether. Is there a future for genre fiction magazines or are they going the way of the dinosaur?
Alan Beck (mod), Gardner Dozois, Thomas Nackid, Tony DiGerolamo, Tom Purdom, Neil Clarke
Many anime-related panels focus on the content and characters of anime. But what about the people who bring them to life and give them their unique voice? A candid look at the voice acting business, from cattle call, to audition, all the way to the recording booth. All this and more from the mouths of the professionals themselves.
Amy Howard Wilson (mod), Kristen Nelson
"Harry Potter," "Twilight," "Meatballs" and "Wild Things" -- among others. You read and then watched -- or vice-versa? What does each version gain or lose?
Deb Lieven (mod), Christine Norris, Greg Fishbone
You don't have to go ""all medieval on me"" to write fantasy. What are the best examples of fantasy not based on European backgrounds to date?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Stephanie Burke, James L. Cambias, Christine Norris, Tom Doyle
All the Broad Universe authors in attendance give a short reading, creating a kind of “snack sampler” for the audience.
Christine Norris (mod), Catherine Asaro, Dina Leacock, E. F. Watkins, Gail Z. Martin, Victoria Janssen
Ladies and Gentlemen of stern and noble character are invited to participate in a salon whereupon we shall discuss the genre and lifestyle known to the rabble as "steampunk". What is it, where did it come from, and what is with those brass goggles?
Jared Axelrod (mod), Matt Black, Nikki Cohen, Christine Norris, Jeff Mach
Why ""Don't Quit Your Day Job"" Is Such Good Advice.
Sally Wiener Grotta (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Laura Anne Gilman, Christine Norris, Oz Drummond
Bring your favorite Science Fiction/Fact/Fantasy book for round-table discussion.
Deb Lieven (mod), Christine Norris, Scheherazade Jackson
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
There's been a lot of discussion of hydrogen as the post-fossil-fuel solution for energy. Hydrogen fuel cells could one day power homes, cars and factories. But there are still many technical and economic challenges, such as production and distribution of hydrogen, to be overcome. Will achieve a hydrogen economy? Should we? Are there better solutions?
Walter Hunt (mod), Charles E. Gannon, Frank O'Brien, John Moore, Earl Bennett
Launched in May 2009 by the European Space Agency, Planck and Herschel will help provide answers to some of the most important questions in modern science, such as the origin, evolution and future of the Universe and the formation of stars and galaxies.
Eric Kotani (mod), N. Taylor Blanchard, David Goldberg, Frank O'Brien
With NASA struggling with budget restrictions, and other governments around the world facing economic crises, the private sector may now be poised to become the main route to space. What is happening in private space development? What's planned? What's likely and what's not? And is this a good or bad thing for the future of space exploration and development?
Laura Burns (mod), Mark Wolverton, Frank O'Brien, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Karl Kofoed, Earl Bennett
What are the most important unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions in science? Which are closest to being solved?
Eric Kotani (mod), Eric Schulman, David Goldberg, John Cmar, Frank O'Brien
The mantle of Dr. Who is soon going to fall on a new actor... the ELEVENTH to play the good Doctor. What are some of the great Dr. Who moments? How does new Who compare to the Old School? And where should it go from here?
Tina Blanco-Finan (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Wayne Zimmerman, Nikki Cohen, Terri Osborne
Season Two has just ended of True Blood, the HBO adaptation of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. For the most part they’ve kept to the main story arcs but they’ve added so much to the show it’s like watching something new! What are some of our favorite moments from the show? Things that we could seriously do without? Do you love the additions, or do they make you wanna do bad things to the screen writers?
Emily Tullis (mod), Jonathan Maberry, Dusti Lewars, Terri Osborne
J.J. Abrams rebooting/revisioning of STAR TREK seems to have re-invigorated what many thought was a dying franchise. But where should it go from here, and what kind of stories should it tell? Is it still true to Roddenberry's vision, and how important is it that it remain so?
Keith R.A. DeCandido (mod), Hugh Casey, Terri Osborne, Lawrence M. Schoen, Samantha Kwait
If only the Sci-Fi, sorry Sy Fy Channel, could be half as good. With great shows like "Dr. Who," ""Torchwood," and now "Being Human" even with limited SF choices, is BBC America the next big place fandom will get its fix? What are they doing with their programming that we are not getting in this country? Is their programming too adult, too intense for the American market? What other tv shows and movies are coming out of the UK that perhaps are little known in the USA but could use a plug from the members of the audience.
Terri Osborne (mod), Nikki Cohen, Michael D. Pederson, Kathy Sands, J. Andrew World
What are in the influences which have shaped Dr. Who over the years?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Nikki Cohen, David Silverman, Terri Osborne
We stood by them when they gave us Mansquito. We kept watching when they added WWE wrestling. And then they said “The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements…” and changed their name to Syfy. And yet we still return to watch shows like Warehouse 13, Eureka and Sanctuary. Do they know us better than we know ourselves?
Terri Osborne (mod), Richard Stout, Phillip Thorne, Lee Gilliland, James Daniel Ross
Just because everyone can have a blog does that mean everyone should? Panelists discuss what kind of personal responsibility comes with putting your thoughts out there for the world to read.
Orenthal Hawkins (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Alyce Wilson, Terri Osborne, KT Pinto
When most people think about music and SF, they think of the theme from Star Trek, or Darth Vader's March. But music and SF have been intertwined from the beginning. From Jeff Wynne's "War Of The Worlds" to the steampunk music of Abney Park, find out how these two art forms have related to each other through their histories.
Catherine Asaro (mod), Crystal Paul, Roberta Rogow, Steve Vertlieb, Donald Wolcott
Hands on parody workshop
Roberta Rogow (mod), Ariel Cinii, Cathy Dougherty, Kathy Sands, Crystal Paul
Bawdy Ballads
Kathy Sands (mod), Steve Haug, Crystal Paul
An overview of Filk Conventions, by those who run them
Harold Stein (mod), Steve Brinich, Ariel Cinii, Gary Ehrlich, Crystal Paul
For many of us, science fiction and fantasy are simply entertaining escapes. But for some of us, they are much, much more. For some people, they become a lifeline. Come and hear stories from our panelists, and share your own.
Hugh Casey (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Jay Smith, Crystal Paul, Ray Ridenour, Tobias Cabral
How do our fantasies create our environment, architecture, and our future?
Nina Ely (mod), Cory Doctorow, Dusti Lewars, Crystal Paul, Brian Siano
Artists discuss how they work through a piece. Ideally, several artists in different media (i.e.: sculpture, painting, digital, etc...) would give a quick overview of their processes. Could be divided into multiple slots if there is enough interest. Please mention your media/technique in the "Additional Information" section of your reply.
Charlene Taylor D'Alessio (mod), Robert Kauffmann, N. Taylor Blanchard, Karl Kofoed, Sally-Rouge Pax, Jo Blu Pax
The stereotypical fan is someone who lacks a bit in the social skills department. So, if you're one of those fans, how do you go about learning them? Simple... you go to this panel! Bring a sense of humor, and you may learn something along the way.
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Jo Blu Pax, KT Pinto
Artists discuss how they work through a piece. Ideally, several artists in different media (i.e.: sculpture, painting, digital, etc...) would give a quick overview of their processes. Could be divided into multiple slots if there is enough interest. Please mention your media/technique in the "Additional Information" section of your reply.
Charlene Taylor D'Alessio (mod), Robert Kauffmann, N. Taylor Blanchard, Karl Kofoed, Sally-Rouge Pax, Jo Blu Pax
First we had Monkeys. Then Robots. Then Mad Scientists. Now, Philcon's most fun panel is back... now with BLOODSUCKERS! Watch as our panelists are each assigned one of these four character archetypes, and then BATTLE IT OUT to see who reigns SUPREME! Or at least, SUPREMELY FUNNY!
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Sally-Rouge Pax, Ruth Lampi
Are there any scientifically plausible theories for reanimation?
Ty Drago (mod), D.E. Christman, Jonathan Maberry, Michael D. Pederson, James Prego
Mega-Tsunamis smashing into the East Coast of the US. Supervolcanos under Yellowstone. And there's always that asteroid with our name on it. What kind of massive disasters can we expect, either in the near or far future, and what can we do about them?
David Silverman (mod), JJ Brannon, Michael D. Pederson, Gail Z. Martin
These kids, with their anime and their steampunk! They're ruining our con! And those old farts, with their beanies and weird inside jokes that they don't explain, are making us feel really unwelcome! It seems like the long-time battle of the old vs. the young is still going strong in fandom. Is there any way to bridge the gap?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Samantha Kwait, David M. Axler, Patricia M. Cryan, Tobias Cabral
If only the Sci-Fi, sorry Sy Fy Channel, could be half as good. With great shows like "Dr. Who," ""Torchwood," and now "Being Human" even with limited SF choices, is BBC America the next big place fandom will get its fix? What are they doing with their programming that we are not getting in this country? Is their programming too adult, too intense for the American market? What other tv shows and movies are coming out of the UK that perhaps are little known in the USA but could use a plug from the members of the audience.
Terri Osborne (mod), Nikki Cohen, Michael D. Pederson, Kathy Sands, J. Andrew World
What new skillsets are lurking in Chuck's head? Will Casey now respect Chuck and his kung-fu download? Will we see the General step out from behind her desk? Will Bryce be coming back from the dead... again? Will Jeffster win a Grammy?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D. Pederson, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Tony Ruggiero
Is there a distinctive regional voice based on the area where the author lives? What are the unique characteristics of Southern Science Fiction and New England Science Fiction, for example?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Jerome Stueart, Bill Spangler
There are some books we read over and over again. What qualities do these books have that make them worth visiting again?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Michael J. Walsh, KT Pinto, Caroline Cox, Lawrence Kramer, Theodore Krulik
Are your characters all you want them to be? What do you want to create as a persona? What have you tried that's been a real disaster?
KT Pinto (mod), Eric Avedissian, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J.R. Blackwell, Neal Levin
They are everywhere, movies, books, tv shows. etc. What is going on. Sure, vampires were never out of fashion, but what's with the explosion of them in all genres and media? We will discuss all the latest vampire trends in the media culture. What is driving this passion for the undead?
KT Pinto (mod), Matt Black, Rebecca Marcus, James Prego, Laura Anne Gilman
The stereotypical fan is someone who lacks a bit in the social skills department. So, if you're one of those fans, how do you go about learning them? Simple... you go to this panel! Bring a sense of humor, and you may learn something along the way.
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Jo Blu Pax, KT Pinto
Just because everyone can have a blog does that mean everyone should? Panelists discuss what kind of personal responsibility comes with putting your thoughts out there for the world to read.
Orenthal Hawkins (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Alyce Wilson, Terri Osborne, KT Pinto
Lovecraft shows up in the strangest of places, everything from plush toys to games to bedroom slippers and children's cartoons. Exploring his continuing and spreading influence.
John Ashmead (mod), Onezumi Hartstein, C.J. Henderson, James Chambers, Gary Frank, Chris Pisano
What is it like to write with another writer and develop a unique voice which is not that of either partner but something new? Various authors who have collaborated explain how it is done.
Michael Swanwick (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Mike McPhail, Chris Pisano, Brian Koscienski
Are there any scientifically plausible theories for reanimation?
Ty Drago (mod), D.E. Christman, Jonathan Maberry, Michael D. Pederson, James Prego
They are everywhere, movies, books, tv shows. etc. What is going on. Sure, vampires were never out of fashion, but what's with the explosion of them in all genres and media? We will discuss all the latest vampire trends in the media culture. What is driving this passion for the undead?
KT Pinto (mod), Matt Black, Rebecca Marcus, James Prego, Laura Anne Gilman
The stereotypical fan is someone who lacks a bit in the social skills department. So, if you're one of those fans, how do you go about learning them? Simple... you go to this panel! Bring a sense of humor, and you may learn something along the way.
Hugh Casey (mod), Dusti Lewars, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Jo Blu Pax, KT Pinto
It seems that SF fandom attracts a large number of people who engage in "alternative" sexual lifestyles. Or is it that those lifestyles attract a large number of fans? We'll take a serious look at the relationship between fandom and "kink", and what it means for fans in general.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), David M. Axler, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, James Prego, Tobias Cabral
Obesity is a growing problem around the world, and increasing research has revealed the causes to be much more complex than just "eating too much." Medicine now recognizes that some people will gain more fat from the same amount of calories than others. Hormones, gut bacteria, brown fat, neurotransmitters, metabolic pathways, viral infections, circadian rythms and many other factors are all now implicated in weight gain and loss. Are we closer to understanding the causes of and solutions to the obesity epidemic?
John Cmar (mod), Muriel Hykes, Jed Shumsky, James Prego, Lawrence Kramer
In general, fans tend to be a rather... sedentary... group. What simple things can we do to improve our health and life a better life?
James Prego (mod), Alyce Wilson, Jared Axelrod
The year's not over yet, but compare the contenders: stop-motion ("Coraline"), traditional 2D ("Ponyo"), or CGI (most everything else)? Drama, humor, or the SF easter eggs of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"?
Deb Lieven (mod), Walter Amos, Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Michael A. Ventrella
Remember that show with that guy who did that thing? You know, with that...thing he had? Take a look at some of our fondest anime-induced memories. Who knows? You just might find a new favorite of your own.
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Stephanie Burke, Joe Foering, Amy Howard Wilson, Brian T. Price
What's new out there this year and what should go back to the drawing board...literally! Do we just love our old favorites from years gone by, or do we like the new stuff? These questions and other serious topics will be tackled. (e.g.: Exactly what the heck is a Scooby Snack?!)
Robert Fenelon (mod), Tony Finan, Walter Amos, Brian T. Price
There is more to the profession of "Princessing" than glittering gowns, fuzzy woodland creatures and sporadic spunkiness. We will explore differences between being a princess and a generic "strong female character". Maybe "Princessing" involves leadership over your kingdom, tribe, clan or other socio-economic peer group?
Walter Amos (mod), Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Jon Kilgannon
The pain! Oh dear God, the pain!! How could you ever allow these shows to see the light of day?! We take no responsibility for any psychological damage done when we show (re: inflict upon) you some of the worst of the worst. And they say 'Cruel & Unusual Punishment' is illegal in this country!
Brian T. Price (mod), Joe Foering, Jon Kilgannon
Bored with the tired cliches of American storytelling? Where does a cultural reference cross the line into stereotype? Ever catch yourself asking "Hey! I'm American, but why do all these "westerners" have blonde hair and blue eyes? And why do "Asians" in American cartoons keep saying "honor" in every sentence?"
Robert Fenelon (mod), Walter Amos, Orenthal Hawkins, Brian T. Price, Stephanie Burke
A discussion and exploration of the phenomenon of anime, its influence on western science fiction/fantasy and its incorporation of our own cultural nuances.
Brian T. Price (mod), Robert Fenelon, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Stephanie Burke, Ruth Lampi, Michael Ryan
When it becomes possible for a conceptual artist to turn the Moon into a gigantic smiley face, no doubt someone will. When we can change our shape or gender on a whim, what are parents to do when it becomes a fad for kids to have tentacles? What will be the frivolous face of technological change?
Tom Purdom (mod), James Daniel Ross, Ariel Cinii, Eric Kotani
Tom Purdom (mod)
If the singularity actually happens and the future becomes incomprehensible, what will Science Fiction writers write about?
Tom Purdom (mod), Cory Doctorow, Bud Sparhawk, David Louis Edelman, Jon Kilgannon
How has easy access to technology changed the way that we read, write and think? How is this reflected in the more recent novels of the field?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Catherine Asaro, Rebecca Maines, Tom Purdom
Past science fiction used to take place predominantly in the future. Why do there seem to be more and more novels set in the past? Is this a temporary phase or a fundamental shift in the field?
David Louis Edelman (mod), Cory Doctorow, Tom Purdom, Gregory Frost, Lawrence M. Schoen
Why are so many people in science Fiction and fantasy fascinated by Jane Austen? We don't just mean ""Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"" but that is a good place to start.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Tom Purdom, Oz Drummond, Nick Wolven
There are any number of Science Fiction stories about artists, painters, sculptors, dancers, singers or practitioners of new art forms that the author has invented. Spider & Jeanne Robinson's STARDANCE is about dance, for example. Cite other examples. How does the writer convincingly present other art forms in fiction?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Jonathan Maberry, Tom Purdom, Patricia Wake
The continuing legacy of a great editor who gave science fiction its Golden Age.
Tom Purdom (mod), Alexis Gilliland, Andrew C. Murphy, L.A. Banks
We have a bad habit in science fiction of assuming that our basic social patterns will last forever. There was a time -- many times, in many eras of the past -- when the nation state as we know it simply did not exist. In feudal times, loyalties were to persons. The ancient empires were often completely ""international"" and inter-tribal, but they could be ordained and run by a priest-king who was regarded as a living god. These ideas have passed away. How will societies be organized when the ""nation"" is as obsolete as a Egyptian pharaoh?
Tom Purdom (mod), Jeff Lyman, Michael F. Flynn, Cory Doctorow, Christopher Weuve
The major print magazines have suffered a large loss of circulation and many smaller magazines have gone out of business altogether. Is there a future for genre fiction magazines or are they going the way of the dinosaur?
Alan Beck (mod), Gardner Dozois, Thomas Nackid, Tony DiGerolamo, Tom Purdom, Neil Clarke
Our annual game show based on the JeoXXXXy TV show. Oz Fontecchio and Hildy Silverman, co-moderate.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Hildy Silverman, Andrew C. Murphy, Roman Ranieri, Lee Gilliland, Chris Logan Edwards
New writers can submit short stories to be read and critiqued by professional authors.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Oz Drummond, Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
The critique continues
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
Can Satan as a major character or plot engine be scary rather than trivial?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Jeff Lyman, Roman Ranieri, Larry Hodges
Fantastic fiction without the spiritually based supernatural content, Fantastic Horror in an Atheistic World.
Roman Ranieri (mod), Gary Frank, Gordon Linzner, Gregory Frost, C.J. Henderson
Marty Gear demonstrates makeup techniques for costumes and stage and answers questions
Marty Gear (mod), Raven, Kayleigh
The internet is a force to be reckoned with. Trolling message boards and hacking e-mail accounts are child’s play. The internet is organized. DDoS Attacks, MySpace Hacking, forum raids. Last year there was a global IRL Scientology protest organized by anonymous strangers. Sometimes they claim to do what they do for a cause like freedom of speech, other times it’s “just for the lulz”. The panelists discuss: internet superheroes, or hackers on steroids? What effects do groups like this have on the existing culture of the internet?
Cory Doctorow (mod), J. Andrew World, Gary Feldbaum, Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Eric Raymond
Girl Genius. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. And soon Buck Rogers will be a webseries, from the creators of Star Trek: New Voyages. What sort of opportunities does the internet offer to SF fans, and to creators as well?
John Drew (mod), Jon Kilgannon, Rob Balder, J.R. Blackwell, Eric Raymond
Science Fiction authors list the core books and concepts for an understanding of the Science Fiction genre.
Michael J. Walsh (mod), Walter Hunt, Ted Rickles, Gail Z. Martin, Michael Swanwick
There is a new web series, there is a new comic book series. Why the resurgence?
Nathan Lilly (mod), Lawrence Johnson, C.J. Henderson, Orenthal Hawkins, Ted Rickles, Bill Spangler
How has personal finances been portrayed in the past in Science Fiction and how will it be portrayed in the future? Will there be such a thing as money in the future?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Nina Ely
How does an artist set prices for their art? Should a one of a kind oil painting cost more than a digital piece that took the same amount of time to make? Do buyers understand the value of art?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Luke Stelmaszek, Alan Beck, Thomas Nackid, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Laurel K. Hamilton, Orson Scott Card and Jim Butcher are just a few of the authors whose works have recently been translated into comic book versions of the originals. How much of the flavor of the original gets through in the comic book version? Does the comic book version add anything to the original work?
Bill Spangler (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Ray Ridenour, Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Burke
Maybe you're an author who wants to use their website for promotional purposes. Maybe you've started a blog. Or you could be an IT professional with on online resume. What should you know, and be concerned about, regarding your presence on the Internet?
Rob Balder (mod), Ray Ridenour, Dusti Lewars, Walter Hunt, D.E. Christman
Edgar Allen Poe recently celebrated his 200th birthday. Besides Poe, Lovecraft, Kutner and Howard's work are arguably full of them. What is your favorite horror story dealing with a phobia?
Ray Ridenour (mod), E. F. Watkins, Gordon Linzner, Stuart Jaffe
For many of us, science fiction and fantasy are simply entertaining escapes. But for some of us, they are much, much more. For some people, they become a lifeline. Come and hear stories from our panelists, and share your own.
Hugh Casey (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Jay Smith, Crystal Paul, Ray Ridenour, Tobias Cabral
Our Featured Guest Speaks About Copyright Issues
Cory Doctorow (mod), Rock Robertson
Author and artist Mark E. Rogers shows art from his newest book.
Mark E. Rogers (mod)
What draws artists to do horror art? What draws fans to love these images of gore and creepiness?
D.E. Christman (mod), Mark E. Rogers, Kyle Cassidy, Thomas Nackid, Onezumi Hartstein
When most people think about music and SF, they think of the theme from Star Trek, or Darth Vader's March. But music and SF have been intertwined from the beginning. From Jeff Wynne's "War Of The Worlds" to the steampunk music of Abney Park, find out how these two art forms have related to each other through their histories.
Catherine Asaro (mod), Crystal Paul, Roberta Rogow, Steve Vertlieb, Donald Wolcott
Hands on parody workshop
Roberta Rogow (mod), Ariel Cinii, Cathy Dougherty, Kathy Sands, Crystal Paul
The weirdest inspirations: the wildest filksongs
Cathy Dougherty (mod), Rob Balder, Ariel Cinii, Roberta Rogow
Pull up a chair, clear your throat and maybe learn a song or two. (Performers subject to change.)
Roberta Rogow (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Gary Ehrlich, Kathy Sands
In honor of the 1969 moon landing
Dr. H. Paul Shuch (mod), Gary Ehrlich, Roberta Rogow
Filkers have to follow each other's filk with one that is almost that is almost, but not quite, a follower
Roberta Rogow (mod), Gary Ehrlich, Ariel Cinii, Kathy Sands
Last chance to sing
Roberta Rogow (mod)
Maybe it is your first Philcon, and your're wondering what there is to do. Or maybe you've been here before , but feel like you're missing something. Stop by and we'll tell you what you need to know.
Hugh Casey (mod), Suzanne Rosin, Emily Tullis
Get ready to sing everyone. Whether you are a first time viewer or watched the movie 20 times, come on out to the sing a long and join in the fannish craze that will make you laugh and cry. Come in costume as your favorite character and model for your fellow singers. Even if you don't want to sing, that's okay, come for the laughs and enjoy the show.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Suzanne Rosin, Hildy Silverman, Samantha Kwait
Panel will explore why this is such a phenomenom in the fannish world. Why does it have such universal appeal. Does is speak to the geeky part in all of us that longs to be understood and liked. Discuss the archtypes in the movie, the great singing, the painfully achling good lyrics, etc.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Stuart Jaffe, Matt Black, Suzanne Rosin, Samantha Kwait
When it becomes possible for a conceptual artist to turn the Moon into a gigantic smiley face, no doubt someone will. When we can change our shape or gender on a whim, what are parents to do when it becomes a fad for kids to have tentacles? What will be the frivolous face of technological change?
Tom Purdom (mod), James Daniel Ross, Ariel Cinii, Eric Kotani
How do aliens do it? Use imagination.
Phil Kahn (mod), Muriel Hykes, James Daniel Ross, Oz Drummond, Camille Anthony, Jonathan Wright
What are the most common mistakes made by authors when they write a court scene in Science Fiction?
Nick Wolven (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jim Stratton, Michael A. Ventrella
What is the impact of the current recession on publishing and on the subject matter of written science Fiction?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, Gary Feldbaum, James Daniel Ross, Phillip Thorne
There was a time, not all that long ago, when the very subject of complicated games (role-playing or otherwise) played on a computer WAS science fiction. What has been the effect of computer games on written Science Fiction? Has there been some genuine and fruitful cross-fertilization going on here?
Brian Siano (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jay Wile, Charles E. Gannon, Orenthal Hawkins
What do we mean by pulp fiction? Is it a synonym for trash or does it represent a vigorous type of popular fiction that continues to appeal? If someone calls your book ""pulp"", is that an insult or a compliment?
Michael J. Walsh (mod), C.J. Henderson, Jared Axelrod, James Daniel Ross, Eric Avedissian
How does the literature of the genre influence the creators of other media, including movies, television, games and other media?
Laura Anne Gilman (mod), James Daniel Ross, Stuart Jaffe, Kimberly Ann Kindya
Why are Post-apocalyptic themes in Science Fiction so enduring?
David Walton (mod), Brian Siano, James Daniel Ross, Wayne Zimmerman
We stood by them when they gave us Mansquito. We kept watching when they added WWE wrestling. And then they said “The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements…” and changed their name to Syfy. And yet we still return to watch shows like Warehouse 13, Eureka and Sanctuary. Do they know us better than we know ourselves?
Terri Osborne (mod), Richard Stout, Phillip Thorne, Lee Gilliland, James Daniel Ross
These are writers who grew up in a science fictional world of computers, space travel, virtual reality and robots. How does this affect their approach to the subject matter and technique of their work?
James Daniel Ross (mod), Neil Clarke, Stephanie Burke
What new skillsets are lurking in Chuck's head? Will Casey now respect Chuck and his kung-fu download? Will we see the General step out from behind her desk? Will Bryce be coming back from the dead... again? Will Jeffster win a Grammy?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D. Pederson, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Tony Ruggiero
From Quests for meaning in World of Warcraft to helping shape the universe of EVEonline, how to get the most out of your Massively Multiplayer Online experience. Whether your interest is as a player, parent, or concerned significant other, this panel will introduce you to MMOs, why we love them so much, and the perils of becoming an MMO addict.
Robert Hranek (mod), David Moore, Michael Ryan, Tim Souder, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Who are the groups in the Greater Delaware Valley where you can you and play?
Robert Hranek (mod), Michael Ryan
A discussion and exploration of the phenomenon of anime, its influence on western science fiction/fantasy and its incorporation of our own cultural nuances.
Brian T. Price (mod), Robert Fenelon, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Stephanie Burke, Ruth Lampi, Michael Ryan
Hands on parody workshop
Roberta Rogow (mod), Ariel Cinii, Cathy Dougherty, Kathy Sands, Crystal Paul
Bawdy Ballads
Kathy Sands (mod), Steve Haug, Crystal Paul
Online and elsewhere: Where to find filk these days
Rob Balder (mod), Harold Stein, Steve Brinich, Kathy Sands
Pull up a chair, clear your throat and maybe learn a song or two. (Performers subject to change.)
Roberta Rogow (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Gary Ehrlich, Kathy Sands
If only the Sci-Fi, sorry Sy Fy Channel, could be half as good. With great shows like "Dr. Who," ""Torchwood," and now "Being Human" even with limited SF choices, is BBC America the next big place fandom will get its fix? What are they doing with their programming that we are not getting in this country? Is their programming too adult, too intense for the American market? What other tv shows and movies are coming out of the UK that perhaps are little known in the USA but could use a plug from the members of the audience.
Terri Osborne (mod), Nikki Cohen, Michael D. Pederson, Kathy Sands, J. Andrew World
A Saturday night filk concert
Marilyn Brahen (mod), Kathy Sands
Filkers have to follow each other's filk with one that is almost that is almost, but not quite, a follower
Roberta Rogow (mod), Gary Ehrlich, Ariel Cinii, Kathy Sands
Reputedly, the worst story in the genre's history. Just try and read it without laughing.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Lawrence M. Schoen, Phil Kahn, Hildy Silverman, Victoria Janssen
How do you find a good one? Are they even necessary?
Oz Drummond (mod), Gary Frank, Laura Anne Gilman, Lawrence M. Schoen, Larry Hodges
Past science fiction used to take place predominantly in the future. Why do there seem to be more and more novels set in the past? Is this a temporary phase or a fundamental shift in the field?
David Louis Edelman (mod), Cory Doctorow, Tom Purdom, Gregory Frost, Lawrence M. Schoen
J.J. Abrams rebooting/revisioning of STAR TREK seems to have re-invigorated what many thought was a dying franchise. But where should it go from here, and what kind of stories should it tell? Is it still true to Roddenberry's vision, and how important is it that it remain so?
Keith R.A. DeCandido (mod), Hugh Casey, Terri Osborne, Lawrence M. Schoen, Samantha Kwait
The treatment of sex in Science Fiction.
Victoria Janssen (mod), Lawrence M. Schoen, Michael Swanwick, Stephanie Burke, Lee Gilliland
There have been dramatic declines in magazine subscriptions in recent years. Is the short story medium on its way out or is it an essential part of the genre? Or is it all going digital?
Neil Clarke (mod), Larry Hodges, Lawrence M. Schoen, Dina Leacock
What are the most important unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions in science? Which are closest to being solved?
Eric Kotani (mod), Eric Schulman, David Goldberg, John Cmar, Frank O'Brien
Based on Eric Schulman's science humor book A Briefer History of Time: From the Big Bang to the Big Mac(R), this program provides a humorous look at fourteen of the most significant events in the History of the Universe, from the Quantum Fluctuation that led to the Big Bang to humanity's discovery of the secrets of Food Surplus Production. After the 35-minute program, the presenters will take questions on the Book, the Planetarium Program, Life, the Universe, and/or Everything.
Eric Schulman (mod)
Death rays. Earthquake generators. Ice Ages that cover New York in 24 hours. SF books, movies, and TV have offered up some STRANGE science over the years. Here's a panel to talk about some of the Weird Science we've seen.
Christopher Gay (mod), Laura Burns, Eric Schulman, Caroline Cox
Poe was a master of the short form. How has his work influenced later writers?
Richard Stout (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gregory Frost, Evelyn Leeper, John Drew
A French critic was recently quoted as saying, ""Science fiction, well, it is finished."" Some say science fiction is purely a Baby Boomer phenomenon now heading demographically toward its sunset. We at Philcon have a different view. This panel aims to list as many reasons as possible why science fiction is not finished.
Alexis Gilliland (mod), Walter Hunt, Darrell Schweitzer, Charles E. Gannon, David Walton
Professional Science Fiction editors of magazines and anthologies explain what they are looking for and discuss the nature of the Science Fiction and Fantasy short fiction market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gardner Dozois, Neil Clarke, Danielle Ackley-McPhail
New writers can submit short stories to be read and critiqued by professional authors.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Oz Drummond, Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
The critique continues
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Gregory Frost, Dina Leacock, Roman Ranieri
We aren't seeing many translations. We aren't seeing many stories from non-English speaking authors. What are we missing?
Michael Swanwick (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Michael F. Flynn, Phillip Thorne
An anthology is not a magazine. It presents a much more unified package, often arranged around a theme. Current anthologists explain how such books are edited and sold.
Darrell Schweitzer (mod), Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Gardner Dozois, Keith R.A. DeCandido
With NASA struggling with budget restrictions, and other governments around the world facing economic crises, the private sector may now be poised to become the main route to space. What is happening in private space development? What's planned? What's likely and what's not? And is this a good or bad thing for the future of space exploration and development?
Laura Burns (mod), Mark Wolverton, Frank O'Brien, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Karl Kofoed, Earl Bennett
How has Hard Science Fiction changed in the last decade? Is Science Fiction still predominantly the literature of scientific ideas?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Caroline Cox, David Goldberg, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Jerome Stueart, Laura Burns
In honor of the 1969 moon landing
Dr. H. Paul Shuch (mod), Gary Ehrlich, Roberta Rogow
Solo Performances
Ariel Cinii (mod), Dr. H. Paul Shuch
There has been much progress in stem cell research in recent years, with new discoveries coming regularly. In January 2009, Geron received FDA clearance to begin the first human clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells. What is happening today and what still remains to be done before the promise of stem cell therapy becomes reality?
Jed Shumsky (mod), JJ Brannon, John Cmar, Jay Wile
What is being taught about Science Fiction at the university and high school levels?
Ef Deal (mod), Caroline Cox, Jed Shumsky
Which authors have presented aliens in the most believable way? For example, Hal Clement in ""Mission of Gravity"".
Bud Sparhawk (mod), James L. Cambias, Eric Kotani, Frank Wu, Jed Shumsky
Obesity is a growing problem around the world, and increasing research has revealed the causes to be much more complex than just "eating too much." Medicine now recognizes that some people will gain more fat from the same amount of calories than others. Hormones, gut bacteria, brown fat, neurotransmitters, metabolic pathways, viral infections, circadian rythms and many other factors are all now implicated in weight gain and loss. Are we closer to understanding the causes of and solutions to the obesity epidemic?
John Cmar (mod), Muriel Hykes, Jed Shumsky, James Prego, Lawrence Kramer
Between the release of 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968 until Star Wars in 1977, SF and fantasy in the movies and on TV seemed to be in a state of hibernation. Or was it? We'll discuss the films and shows through the early '70's that were successful, not so successful, and eventually influential.
Christopher Stout (mod), Brian Siano, Toni Lay, Steve Vertlieb, Kimberly Ann Kindya
There was a time, not all that long ago, when the very subject of complicated games (role-playing or otherwise) played on a computer WAS science fiction. What has been the effect of computer games on written Science Fiction? Has there been some genuine and fruitful cross-fertilization going on here?
Brian Siano (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jay Wile, Charles E. Gannon, Orenthal Hawkins
Why are Post-apocalyptic themes in Science Fiction so enduring?
David Walton (mod), Brian Siano, James Daniel Ross, Wayne Zimmerman
How do our fantasies create our environment, architecture, and our future?
Nina Ely (mod), Cory Doctorow, Dusti Lewars, Crystal Paul, Brian Siano
Mega-Tsunamis smashing into the East Coast of the US. Supervolcanos under Yellowstone. And there's always that asteroid with our name on it. What kind of massive disasters can we expect, either in the near or far future, and what can we do about them?
David Silverman (mod), JJ Brannon, Michael D. Pederson, Gail Z. Martin
RaceFAIL'09. MammothFAIL. The Open Source Boob Project. SF writers, editors, and fans publicly commenting on race, faith, or sexual issues that other find offensive. Lately it seems that issues about racism, sexism, and other types of prejudice have exploded all over professional SF and its fandom. Is fandom rife with bigotry? Or are people being too sensitive or making something out of nothing? Or is the truth somewhere in between? And, maybe most importantly, is it even POSSIBLE to have a civil conversation about any of this? Well, we're going to give it a try. Wish us luck. (Note: this panel will fill a 2 hour block. The panelists and moderator will discuss with each other well in advance how best to handle the sensitive topics that will probably surface during this discussion.)
Hugh Casey (mod), David M. Axler, Orenthal Hawkins, Stephanie Burke, David Silverman
What are in the influences which have shaped Dr. Who over the years?
Patricia M. Cryan (mod), Nikki Cohen, David Silverman, Terri Osborne
Our annual game show based on the JeoXXXXy TV show. Oz Fontecchio and Hildy Silverman, co-moderate.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Hildy Silverman, Andrew C. Murphy, Roman Ranieri, Lee Gilliland, Chris Logan Edwards
Reputedly, the worst story in the genre's history. Just try and read it without laughing.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Lawrence M. Schoen, Phil Kahn, Hildy Silverman, Victoria Janssen
Professional Science Fiction editors of magazines and anthologies explain what they are looking for and discuss the nature of the Science Fiction and Fantasy short fiction market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gardner Dozois, Neil Clarke, Danielle Ackley-McPhail
Get ready to sing everyone. Whether you are a first time viewer or watched the movie 20 times, come on out to the sing a long and join in the fannish craze that will make you laugh and cry. Come in costume as your favorite character and model for your fellow singers. Even if you don't want to sing, that's okay, come for the laughs and enjoy the show.
Rebecca Marcus (mod), Suzanne Rosin, Hildy Silverman, Samantha Kwait
You know the drill -- find out what they are looking for in the current market.
Hildy Silverman (mod), Ty Drago, Neil Clarke, Neal Levin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Brian Koscienski
This is it. The 6th and final season of LOST is coming. It’s been a wild ride and they really dropped a bombshell last season. How do you think they’ll be able to wrap up all the loose ends of the series without incident? Theories are all we’ve got at this point so lets hear ‘em!
Hildy Silverman (mod), Kimberly Ann Kindya, Andrew C. Murphy, Wayne Zimmerman, Emily Tullis
In the early days of radio, we had The Shadow and Orson Wells's War Of The Worlds. Today, we have audiobooks and SF creators who distribute audio plays online. Is this old art part of the future of SF?
Jay Smith (mod), Andrew C. Ely, Orenthal Hawkins, Patricia M. Cryan, Nina Ely
The way zombies are portrayed varies from culture to culture.
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith
OK, so the dead have risen from their graves, the saucers are over our cities, and Things Man Was Not Meant To Know have made themselves known. NOW what do you do? Well, our panelists will try to come up with a few survival strategies for you.
Tony Finan (mod), Dusti Lewars, Jonathan Maberry, Jay Smith, Ruth Lampi
For many of us, science fiction and fantasy are simply entertaining escapes. But for some of us, they are much, much more. For some people, they become a lifeline. Come and hear stories from our panelists, and share your own.
Hugh Casey (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Jay Smith, Crystal Paul, Ray Ridenour, Tobias Cabral
Massive Multi-player Online games are one of the largest entertainment industries today. Games like World of Warcraft, Star Wars Galaxies, and City of Heroes have changed the way we look at gaming. What will we be seeing next?
Robert Hranek (mod), Jay Wile, Kristyn Souder
Come join the staff of the Philadelphia-area Anime And Sci-Fi convention, Zenkaikon, and its parent organization, the Delaware Anime Society, as we meet, greet and chat live and in the flesh at Philcon 2008! Learn about the origins of the group, some insight into how anime cons and clubs are run, and throw us some questions. Zenkaikon is one of the fastest growing anime conventions in the Philadelphia-area and is located at the Radisson Valley Forge. [www.zenkaikon.com] The D.A.S. has monthly meetings at two locations in Delaware (Dover & Wilmington) and one location in Willow Grove, PA. All club chapters are free to join and have many fun activities including parties, mini-cons, trips and more! All are welcome!
Tim Souder (mod), Kristyn Souder
What sort of things are going on in the the Greater Philadelphia area that fans would be interested in? LOTS! Come hear our panelists talk about the events, groups, cons, and other great genre-related things taking place in the area. And share any events you know about that we miss!
Tony Finan (mod), Kristyn Souder, Phillip Thorne, Matt Black
From Quests for meaning in World of Warcraft to helping shape the universe of EVEonline, how to get the most out of your Massively Multiplayer Online experience. Whether your interest is as a player, parent, or concerned significant other, this panel will introduce you to MMOs, why we love them so much, and the perils of becoming an MMO addict.
Robert Hranek (mod), David Moore, Michael Ryan, Tim Souder, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Come join the staff of the Philadelphia-area Anime And Sci-Fi convention, Zenkaikon, and its parent organization, the Delaware Anime Society, as we meet, greet and chat live and in the flesh at Philcon 2008! Learn about the origins of the group, some insight into how anime cons and clubs are run, and throw us some questions. Zenkaikon is one of the fastest growing anime conventions in the Philadelphia-area and is located at the Radisson Valley Forge. [www.zenkaikon.com] The D.A.S. has monthly meetings at two locations in Delaware (Dover & Wilmington) and one location in Willow Grove, PA. All club chapters are free to join and have many fun activities including parties, mini-cons, trips and more! All are welcome!
Tim Souder (mod), Kristyn Souder
There is a new web series, there is a new comic book series. Why the resurgence?
Nathan Lilly (mod), Lawrence Johnson, C.J. Henderson, Orenthal Hawkins, Ted Rickles, Bill Spangler
Laurel K. Hamilton, Orson Scott Card and Jim Butcher are just a few of the authors whose works have recently been translated into comic book versions of the originals. How much of the flavor of the original gets through in the comic book version? Does the comic book version add anything to the original work?
Bill Spangler (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Ray Ridenour, Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Burke
Is there a distinctive regional voice based on the area where the author lives? What are the unique characteristics of Southern Science Fiction and New England Science Fiction, for example?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Jerome Stueart, Bill Spangler
Members of the Science Fiction and fantasy Writers of America conduct their annual meeting at Philcon.
Bud Sparhawk (mod)
If the singularity actually happens and the future becomes incomprehensible, what will Science Fiction writers write about?
Tom Purdom (mod), Cory Doctorow, Bud Sparhawk, David Louis Edelman, Jon Kilgannon
How has easy access to technology changed the way that we read, write and think? How is this reflected in the more recent novels of the field?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Catherine Asaro, Rebecca Maines, Tom Purdom
Are they mutually exclusive? Can they co-exist? Should they co-exist?
Michael F. Flynn (mod), Bud Sparhawk, Alexis Gilliland, Michael D'Ambrosio, Eric Kotani
How has Hard Science Fiction changed in the last decade? Is Science Fiction still predominantly the literature of scientific ideas?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Caroline Cox, David Goldberg, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Jerome Stueart, Laura Burns
Which authors have presented aliens in the most believable way? For example, Hal Clement in ""Mission of Gravity"".
Bud Sparhawk (mod), James L. Cambias, Eric Kotani, Frank Wu, Jed Shumsky
If you go to any of the older cities of Europe, you will see buildings that have been inhabited for a thousand years or more and adapted to modern purposes. We think of medieval Tuscan hill towns with TV aerials on the roofs and motorcycles driving up the narrow streets where no car could ever go. We see medieval rearrangements of ancient Roman leftovers of even more ancient (such as an Egyptian obelisk) which the Caesars swiped for their own purposes. Try to imagine what New York or Philadelphia will be like when they are old enough that you can see this ""layer cake effect"" of history right before your eyes.
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Michael F. Flynn, Daniel Grotta, Ariel Cinii
Bud Sparhawk (mod)
The influence of Victorian era styling on steam punk and time travel novels.
Walter Hunt (mod), Neal Levin, Mary Spila, Richard Stout, John Moore
Diane Weinstein (mod), Richard Stout, Jon Kilgannon, Mary Spila
SF and Fantasy you may not
Mary Spila (mod), Byron Connell, Walter Hunt, Gail Z. Martin
Readers tell us their notions of what would make for a good book discussion.
Oz Fontecchio (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Lawrence Johnson, Evelyn Leeper, Mary Spila
Online and elsewhere: Where to find filk these days
Rob Balder (mod), Harold Stein, Steve Brinich, Kathy Sands
An overview of Filk Conventions, by those who run them
Harold Stein (mod), Steve Brinich, Ariel Cinii, Gary Ehrlich, Crystal Paul
Filking for the Vocally Challenged: instrumental, archiving etc.
Steve Brinich (mod), Harold Stein, Steve Haug
How does an artist set prices for their art? Should a one of a kind oil painting cost more than a digital piece that took the same amount of time to make? Do buyers understand the value of art?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Luke Stelmaszek, Alan Beck, Thomas Nackid, Brianna Spacekat Wu
Drawing dragons demonstrating a colored pencil technique.
Luke Stelmaszek (mod)
Everybody, everybody’s heard of REPO! The Genetic Opera. No? Well don’t be shy! Our panelists will do a little testifying for you. Abandoned by Lionsgate Films it took a grassroots movement by the cast and the fans to advertise the movie. Now REPO! is being called the next Rocky Horror Picture Show, with midnight viewings, shadow casts, and audience partici...pation. Now the first film company to turn them down for production is wrapping up a movie with an eerily similar plot and a blockbuster budget
Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (mod), Samantha Kwait, Dusti Lewars, Christopher Stout, Jeff Mach
Between the release of 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968 until Star Wars in 1977, SF and fantasy in the movies and on TV seemed to be in a state of hibernation. Or was it? We'll discuss the films and shows through the early '70's that were successful, not so successful, and eventually influential.
Christopher Stout (mod), Brian Siano, Toni Lay, Steve Vertlieb, Kimberly Ann Kindya
Yeah we all know that asteroid was a potato, that doesn’t mean they need to re-shoot the entire movie 30 years later! Hollywood is on an updating rampage, everything from “The Prisoner” to “The Smurfs” is scheduled for 21st century makeover. My childhood is rolling in it’s grave. And that not even mentioning everything they’ve already gotten their “artistic license” on! Panelist will discuss the influence the modern world has on the various TV shows and movies we have grown up with and whether the "modernization" was for the better. Do the remakes make the grade?
Richard Stout (mod), Christopher Stout, Tony Finan, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J. Andrew World
Poe was a master of the short form. How has his work influenced later writers?
Richard Stout (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Gregory Frost, Evelyn Leeper, John Drew
He wrote some fantasy, no science fiction but a number of Science Fiction writers have been influenced by him. What is his appeal?
Deb Lieven (mod), Marilyn Brahen, Richard Stout, Gregory Frost
The influence of Victorian era styling on steam punk and time travel novels.
Walter Hunt (mod), Neal Levin, Mary Spila, Richard Stout, John Moore
Even people who say that they hate poetry love his work. What are your favorite Poe poems in the fantasy and horror genres?
Richard Stout (mod), Alyce Wilson, Stephanie Burke, John Drew
Diane Weinstein (mod), Richard Stout, Jon Kilgannon, Mary Spila
We stood by them when they gave us Mansquito. We kept watching when they added WWE wrestling. And then they said “The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements…” and changed their name to Syfy. And yet we still return to watch shows like Warehouse 13, Eureka and Sanctuary. Do they know us better than we know ourselves?
Terri Osborne (mod), Richard Stout, Phillip Thorne, Lee Gilliland, James Daniel Ross
Yeah we all know that asteroid was a potato, that doesn’t mean they need to re-shoot the entire movie 30 years later! Hollywood is on an updating rampage, everything from “The Prisoner” to “The Smurfs” is scheduled for 21st century makeover. My childhood is rolling in it’s grave. And that not even mentioning everything they’ve already gotten their “artistic license” on! Panelist will discuss the influence the modern world has on the various TV shows and movies we have grown up with and whether the "modernization" was for the better. Do the remakes make the grade?
Richard Stout (mod), Christopher Stout, Tony Finan, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J. Andrew World
What are the most common mistakes made by authors when they write a court scene in Science Fiction?
Nick Wolven (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jim Stratton, Michael A. Ventrella
Outsider Art is art created by those with no formal training or those with mental disabilities. Islandia by Austin Tappan Wright, an author who created his world as a hobby and never intended to publish it may be an example in the genre. The novels of Patience Worth are supposed to have been written entirely by Ouija board. Our panelists discuss examples of their own.
Stephanie Burke (mod), Tom Doyle, John Grant, Jim Stratton
How has Hard Science Fiction changed in the last decade? Is Science Fiction still predominantly the literature of scientific ideas?
Bud Sparhawk (mod), Caroline Cox, David Goldberg, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Jerome Stueart, Laura Burns
Is there a distinctive regional voice based on the area where the author lives? What are the unique characteristics of Southern Science Fiction and New England Science Fiction, for example?
Michael D. Pederson (mod), Jerome Stueart, Bill Spangler
Science Fiction authors list the core books and concepts for an understanding of the Science Fiction genre.
Michael J. Walsh (mod), Walter Hunt, Ted Rickles, Gail Z. Martin, Michael Swanwick
Jane Austen spinning in her grave. The current fascination of all things zombie.
Tony Finan (mod), Michael Swanwick, D.E. Christman, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry
Michael Swanwick (mod)
The treatment of sex in Science Fiction.
Victoria Janssen (mod), Lawrence M. Schoen, Michael Swanwick, Stephanie Burke, Lee Gilliland
What is it like to write with another writer and develop a unique voice which is not that of either partner but something new? Various authors who have collaborated explain how it is done.
Michael Swanwick (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Mike McPhail, Chris Pisano, Brian Koscienski
We aren't seeing many translations. We aren't seeing many stories from non-English speaking authors. What are we missing?
Michael Swanwick (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Michael F. Flynn, Phillip Thorne
A number of magazines have opened dedicated to the art of the quick-fic. Pros and cons of flash fiction (under 1,000 words), nanofiction (under 40 words), and Twitter fiction (under 140 characters).
Nathan Lilly (mod), Michael Swanwick, Ef Deal, Dina Leacock, Jared Axelrod
Before there was celluloid acetate, there were thaumatropes and zoetropes. Make your own short (very, very short) films.
Phillip Thorne (mod)
What is the impact of the current recession on publishing and on the subject matter of written science Fiction?
Rebecca Maines (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, Gary Feldbaum, James Daniel Ross, Phillip Thorne
Tabletop miniature squad combat with LEGO figures and bricks, based on Mike Rayhawk's "QuikWars."
Phillip Thorne (mod)
We stood by them when they gave us Mansquito. We kept watching when they added WWE wrestling. And then they said “The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements…” and changed their name to Syfy. And yet we still return to watch shows like Warehouse 13, Eureka and Sanctuary. Do they know us better than we know ourselves?
Terri Osborne (mod), Richard Stout, Phillip Thorne, Lee Gilliland, James Daniel Ross
We aren't seeing many translations. We aren't seeing many stories from non-English speaking authors. What are we missing?
Michael Swanwick (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Michael F. Flynn, Phillip Thorne
What sort of things are going on in the the Greater Philadelphia area that fans would be interested in? LOTS! Come hear our panelists talk about the events, groups, cons, and other great genre-related things taking place in the area. And share any events you know about that we miss!
Tony Finan (mod), Kristyn Souder, Phillip Thorne, Matt Black
Season Two has just ended of True Blood, the HBO adaptation of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. For the most part they’ve kept to the main story arcs but they’ve added so much to the show it’s like watching something new! What are some of our favorite moments from the show? Things that we could seriously do without? Do you love the additions, or do they make you wanna do bad things to the screen writers?
Emily Tullis (mod), Jonathan Maberry, Dusti Lewars, Terri Osborne
Maybe it is your first Philcon, and your're wondering what there is to do. Or maybe you've been here before , but feel like you're missing something. Stop by and we'll tell you what you need to know.
Hugh Casey (mod), Suzanne Rosin, Emily Tullis
When photography first emerged, the argument was whether or not it was art. All these years later, we get back to the same argument. How is digital photography impacting the art and illustration markets?
Alan Beck (mod), Daniel Grotta, Karl Kofoed, Thomas Nackid, Emily Tullis
Assemble a quick and nifty SF/F costume from bits-n-bobs (two hours). Concurrent with "Toon" Game 2 (two hours).
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Owen Hutchins, Emily Tullis
This is it. The 6th and final season of LOST is coming. It’s been a wild ride and they really dropped a bombshell last season. How do you think they’ll be able to wrap up all the loose ends of the series without incident? Theories are all we’ve got at this point so lets hear ‘em!
Hildy Silverman (mod), Kimberly Ann Kindya, Andrew C. Murphy, Wayne Zimmerman, Emily Tullis
The year's not over yet, but compare the contenders: stop-motion ("Coraline"), traditional 2D ("Ponyo"), or CGI (most everything else)? Drama, humor, or the SF easter eggs of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"?
Deb Lieven (mod), Walter Amos, Robert Fenelon, Brian T. Price, Michael A. Ventrella
What are the most common mistakes made by authors when they write a court scene in Science Fiction?
Nick Wolven (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jim Stratton, Michael A. Ventrella
Why do we seem to be better able to predict changes in our technology than changes in our way of life? Very few Science Fiction authors predicted changes in our society that allowed, for example, an African American to be elected President, legalized gay marriages or changes in gender roles. What future changes are the majority of our authors failing to predict now?
Kimberly Ann Kindya (mod), Walter Hunt, Jon Kilgannon, James L. Cambias, Michael A. Ventrella
Have you heard that success in writing depends on who you know? Is there an element of truth in that statement? How do you get to know the folks who may be able to help your career?
Ty Drago (mod), Michael D'Ambrosio, J.R. Blackwell, Michael A. Ventrella
How does technology change the law? What happens when you want to have sex with a robot? What happens when a robot has an opinion on this? What could be illegal in the future which is merely impossible today?
Stephanie Burke (mod), Ef Deal, Camille Anthony, Gail Z. Martin, Michael A. Ventrella
What about a LARP attracts and keeps the interest of its participants
J.R. Blackwell (mod), Heidi Hooper, Joe Foering, Michael A. Ventrella, Jon Kilgannon
When most people think about music and SF, they think of the theme from Star Trek, or Darth Vader's March. But music and SF have been intertwined from the beginning. From Jeff Wynne's "War Of The Worlds" to the steampunk music of Abney Park, find out how these two art forms have related to each other through their histories.
Catherine Asaro (mod), Crystal Paul, Roberta Rogow, Steve Vertlieb, Donald Wolcott
Between the release of 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968 until Star Wars in 1977, SF and fantasy in the movies and on TV seemed to be in a state of hibernation. Or was it? We'll discuss the films and shows through the early '70's that were successful, not so successful, and eventually influential.
Christopher Stout (mod), Brian Siano, Toni Lay, Steve Vertlieb, Kimberly Ann Kindya
A lot of rock and roll seems to deal with challenging the norm. A major subtext of science fiction and fantasy is change and rebellion. Do the two genres derive from similar roots?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Michael D'Ambrosio, Nikki Cohen, Patricia Wake
A contract by Patricia Wake
Patricia Wake (mod)
There are any number of Science Fiction stories about artists, painters, sculptors, dancers, singers or practitioners of new art forms that the author has invented. Spider & Jeanne Robinson's STARDANCE is about dance, for example. Cite other examples. How does the writer convincingly present other art forms in fiction?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Jonathan Maberry, Tom Purdom, Patricia Wake
Science Fiction authors list the core books and concepts for an understanding of the Science Fiction genre.
Michael J. Walsh (mod), Walter Hunt, Ted Rickles, Gail Z. Martin, Michael Swanwick
There are some books we read over and over again. What qualities do these books have that make them worth visiting again?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Michael J. Walsh, KT Pinto, Caroline Cox, Lawrence Kramer, Theodore Krulik
What do we mean by pulp fiction? Is it a synonym for trash or does it represent a vigorous type of popular fiction that continues to appeal? If someone calls your book ""pulp"", is that an insult or a compliment?
Michael J. Walsh (mod), C.J. Henderson, Jared Axelrod, James Daniel Ross, Eric Avedissian
A French critic was recently quoted as saying, ""Science fiction, well, it is finished."" Some say science fiction is purely a Baby Boomer phenomenon now heading demographically toward its sunset. We at Philcon have a different view. This panel aims to list as many reasons as possible why science fiction is not finished.
Alexis Gilliland (mod), Walter Hunt, Darrell Schweitzer, Charles E. Gannon, David Walton
Why are Post-apocalyptic themes in Science Fiction so enduring?
David Walton (mod), Brian Siano, James Daniel Ross, Wayne Zimmerman
Not quite a lost art, there are many occasions when nothing but some hand-sewing will do. Our panelists discuss ways, means and tips for making that dreaded chore more fun.
Vicki Warren (mod)
Assemble a quick and nifty SF/F costume from bits-n-bobs (two hours). Concurrent with "Toon" Game 2 (two hours).
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Owen Hutchins, Emily Tullis
Joint session: Costuming continued, origami encore.
Christopher Gay (mod), Scheherazade Jackson, Samantha Kwait, Vicki Warren, Mark Leeper
All the Broad Universe authors in attendance give a short reading, creating a kind of “snack sampler” for the audience.
Christine Norris (mod), Catherine Asaro, Dina Leacock, E. F. Watkins, Gail Z. Martin, Victoria Janssen
Edgar Allen Poe recently celebrated his 200th birthday. Besides Poe, Lovecraft, Kutner and Howard's work are arguably full of them. What is your favorite horror story dealing with a phobia?
Ray Ridenour (mod), E. F. Watkins, Gordon Linzner, Stuart Jaffe
How has Science Fiction treated eternal life? As we experience longer life spans, how has our view of extended life spans changed? Why has our literature's view of longevity been so largely pessimistic?
Jeff Lyman (mod), E. F. Watkins, Charles E. Gannon, Christopher Weuve, Theodore Krulik
The predecessors of Philip K. Dick. Dick was not the first author to turn your brain into a pretzel. A discussion of the writers who influenced him.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Nick Wolven, David Louis Edelman, J. Andrew World
Are we now living in Philip K. Dick's future dystopia?
Diane Weinstein (mod), Mark Wolverton, David Louis Edelman, Bernie Mojzes, James Chambers
Why are so many people in science Fiction and fantasy fascinated by Jane Austen? We don't just mean ""Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"" but that is a good place to start.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Tom Purdom, Oz Drummond, Nick Wolven
Diane Weinstein (mod), Richard Stout, Jon Kilgannon, Mary Spila
The "Singularity" is a theoretical point in the future where something happens beyond which we cannot imaging what life will be like. Artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, virtual reality, and genetic engineering have all been suggested as possible triggers for this supposed future event. But is the singularity even feasible, and if so, will it be in a form that we can even recognize?
John Ashmead (mod), Tom Doyle, Christopher Weuve
What games shaped your interest in gaming? If you could find them in a closet or at a flea market, what games would you want to teach your friends?
Christopher Weuve (mod), James L. Cambias, John Drew, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge
How has Science Fiction treated eternal life? As we experience longer life spans, how has our view of extended life spans changed? Why has our literature's view of longevity been so largely pessimistic?
Jeff Lyman (mod), E. F. Watkins, Charles E. Gannon, Christopher Weuve, Theodore Krulik
We have a bad habit in science fiction of assuming that our basic social patterns will last forever. There was a time -- many times, in many eras of the past -- when the nation state as we know it simply did not exist. In feudal times, loyalties were to persons. The ancient empires were often completely ""international"" and inter-tribal, but they could be ordained and run by a priest-king who was regarded as a living god. These ideas have passed away. How will societies be organized when the ""nation"" is as obsolete as a Egyptian pharaoh?
Tom Purdom (mod), Jeff Lyman, Michael F. Flynn, Cory Doctorow, Christopher Weuve
Homosexuality in horror. Whose writing it? What are the best examples?
Drew White (mod), Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Alexis Gilliland
Massive Multi-player Online games are one of the largest entertainment industries today. Games like World of Warcraft, Star Wars Galaxies, and City of Heroes have changed the way we look at gaming. What will we be seeing next?
Robert Hranek (mod), Jay Wile, Kristyn Souder
Dominating over half of a multi-billion dollar market with its 11.5 million players, Blizzard’s World of Warcraft had to have its own panel. Details on all aspects of WoW are up for grabs: choosing a race, class, and profession; leveling your character; choosing a guild; performing quests; auctioning items; PvE vs PvP; performing raids; and managing your RL (Real Life!) time.
Robert Hranek (mod), Phil Kahn, David Moore, Jay Wile
As silicon chips come closer to their limits of speed and miniaturization, new computing technologies being researched. Biological computers are one possibility. Simple computes using DNA, enzymes and living neurons (taken from leeches) have all been built. What is the potential for biological computing, and where might it take us?
JJ Brannon (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Robert Kauffmann
There has been much progress in stem cell research in recent years, with new discoveries coming regularly. In January 2009, Geron received FDA clearance to begin the first human clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells. What is happening today and what still remains to be done before the promise of stem cell therapy becomes reality?
Jed Shumsky (mod), JJ Brannon, John Cmar, Jay Wile
There was a time, not all that long ago, when the very subject of complicated games (role-playing or otherwise) played on a computer WAS science fiction. What has been the effect of computer games on written Science Fiction? Has there been some genuine and fruitful cross-fertilization going on here?
Brian Siano (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jay Wile, Charles E. Gannon, Orenthal Hawkins
Modern physics has two fundamental models of reality - Quantum mechanics and general relativity. The first describes the world of fundamental particles, the second explains gravity in terms of warped space time. A theory of quantum gravity would unite these two models and finally bring gravity into the unified field theory, along with the other three fundamental forces. The current leading contender is string theory, but there are others, such as loop quantum gravity, supergravity and nonoummutative geometry. Which, if any, of these theories will prove to be the answer?
Catherine Asaro (mod), John Ashmead, Jay Wile, Karl Kofoed
We're living the future. Information distribution is instantaneous, and so are everyone's opinions. Panelists discuss how new ways of distributing information are changing the face of journalism.
Laura Anne Gilman (mod), John Drew, Alyce Wilson
The audience comes up with the combatants, and the panelists figure out who would win. Forget Alien vs. Predator... how about Bugs Bunny vs. Doctor Doom!
Tony Finan (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Alyce Wilson, Frank Wu, Andrew C. Ely
Even people who say that they hate poetry love his work. What are your favorite Poe poems in the fantasy and horror genres?
Richard Stout (mod), Alyce Wilson, Stephanie Burke, John Drew
In general, fans tend to be a rather... sedentary... group. What simple things can we do to improve our health and life a better life?
James Prego (mod), Alyce Wilson, Jared Axelrod
Just because everyone can have a blog does that mean everyone should? Panelists discuss what kind of personal responsibility comes with putting your thoughts out there for the world to read.
Orenthal Hawkins (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Alyce Wilson, Terri Osborne, KT Pinto
When most people think about music and SF, they think of the theme from Star Trek, or Darth Vader's March. But music and SF have been intertwined from the beginning. From Jeff Wynne's "War Of The Worlds" to the steampunk music of Abney Park, find out how these two art forms have related to each other through their histories.
Catherine Asaro (mod), Crystal Paul, Roberta Rogow, Steve Vertlieb, Donald Wolcott
A lot of rock and roll seems to deal with challenging the norm. A major subtext of science fiction and fantasy is change and rebellion. Do the two genres derive from similar roots?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Michael D'Ambrosio, Nikki Cohen, Patricia Wake
Interview of our Principal Speaker Catherine Asaro and of musician Donald Wolcott
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott
There are any number of Science Fiction stories about artists, painters, sculptors, dancers, singers or practitioners of new art forms that the author has invented. Spider & Jeanne Robinson's STARDANCE is about dance, for example. Cite other examples. How does the writer convincingly present other art forms in fiction?
Catherine Asaro (mod), Donald Wolcott, Jonathan Maberry, Tom Purdom, Patricia Wake
The predecessors of Philip K. Dick. Dick was not the first author to turn your brain into a pretzel. A discussion of the writers who influenced him.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Nick Wolven, David Louis Edelman, J. Andrew World
Nick Wolven (mod)
What are the most common mistakes made by authors when they write a court scene in Science Fiction?
Nick Wolven (mod), James Daniel Ross, Jim Stratton, Michael A. Ventrella
Are pastiches by other hands inevitable?
Marilyn Brahen (mod), Daniel Grotta, Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Walter Hunt
Homosexuality in horror. Whose writing it? What are the best examples?
Drew White (mod), Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Alexis Gilliland
Why are so many people in science Fiction and fantasy fascinated by Jane Austen? We don't just mean ""Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"" but that is a good place to start.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Tom Purdom, Oz Drummond, Nick Wolven
Are we now living in Philip K. Dick's future dystopia?
Diane Weinstein (mod), Mark Wolverton, David Louis Edelman, Bernie Mojzes, James Chambers
With NASA struggling with budget restrictions, and other governments around the world facing economic crises, the private sector may now be poised to become the main route to space. What is happening in private space development? What's planned? What's likely and what's not? And is this a good or bad thing for the future of space exploration and development?
Laura Burns (mod), Mark Wolverton, Frank O'Brien, Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Karl Kofoed, Earl Bennett
Why do some webcomics last and last? How do the creators of webcomics keep them fresh.
Rob Balder (mod), Tony DiGerolamo, Jon Kilgannon, Ruth Lampi, J. Andrew World, Phil Kahn
The predecessors of Philip K. Dick. Dick was not the first author to turn your brain into a pretzel. A discussion of the writers who influenced him.
Diane Weinstein (mod), Nick Wolven, David Louis Edelman, J. Andrew World
The internet is a force to be reckoned with. Trolling message boards and hacking e-mail accounts are child’s play. The internet is organized. DDoS Attacks, MySpace Hacking, forum raids. Last year there was a global IRL Scientology protest organized by anonymous strangers. Sometimes they claim to do what they do for a cause like freedom of speech, other times it’s “just for the lulz”. The panelists discuss: internet superheroes, or hackers on steroids? What effects do groups like this have on the existing culture of the internet?
Cory Doctorow (mod), J. Andrew World, Gary Feldbaum, Dusti Lewars, Phil Kahn, Eric Raymond
The artist demonstrates his techniques.
J. Andrew World (mod)
If only the Sci-Fi, sorry Sy Fy Channel, could be half as good. With great shows like "Dr. Who," ""Torchwood," and now "Being Human" even with limited SF choices, is BBC America the next big place fandom will get its fix? What are they doing with their programming that we are not getting in this country? Is their programming too adult, too intense for the American market? What other tv shows and movies are coming out of the UK that perhaps are little known in the USA but could use a plug from the members of the audience.
Terri Osborne (mod), Nikki Cohen, Michael D. Pederson, Kathy Sands, J. Andrew World
Yeah we all know that asteroid was a potato, that doesn’t mean they need to re-shoot the entire movie 30 years later! Hollywood is on an updating rampage, everything from “The Prisoner” to “The Smurfs” is scheduled for 21st century makeover. My childhood is rolling in it’s grave. And that not even mentioning everything they’ve already gotten their “artistic license” on! Panelist will discuss the influence the modern world has on the various TV shows and movies we have grown up with and whether the "modernization" was for the better. Do the remakes make the grade?
Richard Stout (mod), Christopher Stout, Tony Finan, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, J. Andrew World
In September, The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Comics for $4 billion. How will this affect the landscape of comics, and what will this mean for some of our favorite Marvel characters? Will the Mouse make Wolverine sheath his claws? Or will the House of Mouse leave the House of M to do what they've always done?
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), J. Andrew World, Tony DiGerolamo, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry, Brianna Spacekat Wu
How do aliens do it? Use imagination.
Phil Kahn (mod), Muriel Hykes, James Daniel Ross, Oz Drummond, Camille Anthony, Jonathan Wright
From Quests for meaning in World of Warcraft to helping shape the universe of EVEonline, how to get the most out of your Massively Multiplayer Online experience. Whether your interest is as a player, parent, or concerned significant other, this panel will introduce you to MMOs, why we love them so much, and the perils of becoming an MMO addict.
Robert Hranek (mod), David Moore, Michael Ryan, Tim Souder, Brianna Spacekat Wu
How does an artist set prices for their art? Should a one of a kind oil painting cost more than a digital piece that took the same amount of time to make? Do buyers understand the value of art?
Ray Ridenour (mod), Kyle Cassidy, Luke Stelmaszek, Alan Beck, Thomas Nackid, Brianna Spacekat Wu
In September, The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Comics for $4 billion. How will this affect the landscape of comics, and what will this mean for some of our favorite Marvel characters? Will the Mouse make Wolverine sheath his claws? Or will the House of Mouse leave the House of M to do what they've always done?
Andrew C. Murphy (mod), J. Andrew World, Tony DiGerolamo, James Chambers, Jonathan Maberry, Brianna Spacekat Wu
The audience comes up with the combatants, and the panelists figure out who would win. Forget Alien vs. Predator... how about Bugs Bunny vs. Doctor Doom!
Tony Finan (mod), Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Alyce Wilson, Frank Wu, Andrew C. Ely
Presentation by Frank Wu of his art
Frank Wu (mod)
Which authors have presented aliens in the most believable way? For example, Hal Clement in ""Mission of Gravity"".
Bud Sparhawk (mod), James L. Cambias, Eric Kotani, Frank Wu, Jed Shumsky
First, we sell items in the art show with the most bids. Then Artist Guest Frank Wu sells items to support the Trans Atlantic Fan Fund
Frank Wu (mod)
Science Fiction authors list the core books and concepts for an understanding of the Science Fiction genre.
Michael J. Walsh (mod), Walter Hunt, Ted Rickles, Gail Z. Martin, Michael Swanwick
Mega-Tsunamis smashing into the East Coast of the US. Supervolcanos under Yellowstone. And there's always that asteroid with our name on it. What kind of massive disasters can we expect, either in the near or far future, and what can we do about them?
David Silverman (mod), JJ Brannon, Michael D. Pederson, Gail Z. Martin
What are the historical antecedents to today's paranormal romance sub-genre? Is there a link between gothic fiction and paranormal romance?
Stephanie Burke (mod), L.A. Banks, Gail Z. Martin, J.R. Blackwell, Nikki Cohen
Why does there seem to be very little Science Fiction about labor unions in the future? Is this a good or bad thing? What will industry look like in the future?
Tom Doyle (mod), Gail Z. Martin, Stuart Jaffe
All the Broad Universe authors in attendance give a short reading, creating a kind of “snack sampler” for the audience.
Christine Norris (mod), Catherine Asaro, Dina Leacock, E. F. Watkins, Gail Z. Martin, Victoria Janssen
Are pastiches by other hands inevitable?
Marilyn Brahen (mod), Daniel Grotta, Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Walter Hunt
Homosexuality in horror. Whose writing it? What are the best examples?
Drew White (mod), Gail Z. Martin, Nick Wolven, Alexis Gilliland
How does technology change the law? What happens when you want to have sex with a robot? What happens when a robot has an opinion on this? What could be illegal in the future which is merely impossible today?
Stephanie Burke (mod), Ef Deal, Camille Anthony, Gail Z. Martin, Michael A. Ventrella
SF and Fantasy you may not
Mary Spila (mod), Byron Connell, Walter Hunt, Gail Z. Martin
The mantle of Dr. Who is soon going to fall on a new actor... the ELEVENTH to play the good Doctor. What are some of the great Dr. Who moments? How does new Who compare to the Old School? And where should it go from here?
Tina Blanco-Finan (mod), Patricia M. Cryan, Wayne Zimmerman, Nikki Cohen, Terri Osborne
Why are Post-apocalyptic themes in Science Fiction so enduring?
David Walton (mod), Brian Siano, James Daniel Ross, Wayne Zimmerman
This is it. The 6th and final season of LOST is coming. It’s been a wild ride and they really dropped a bombshell last season. How do you think they’ll be able to wrap up all the loose ends of the series without incident? Theories are all we’ve got at this point so lets hear ‘em!
Hildy Silverman (mod), Kimberly Ann Kindya, Andrew C. Murphy, Wayne Zimmerman, Emily Tullis