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Panel Suggestions are OPEN!
We are now taking panel suggestions for CON.TXT 2020! Please read this post and comment with your suggestions using the template below.
All attendees and those considering attending are welcome to suggest panels, regardless of whether or not you want to moderate. Most panels are 50 minutes long, but we have had panels run for a longer duration, so please note if you think your panel suggestion needs more time. If you have an idea but no moderator, no problem - put in your suggestions! If you’d like to moderate and/or you see an idea you would love to take on, drop a comment and volunteer.
Updated Timeline
Now: Panel submissions are open!Sunday, May 31 (11:59pm EST): Panel submissions close
Wednesday, June 3: Panel voting opens!
Monday, June 15: Panel voting closes
Early July: CON.TXT 2020 programming schedule posted on our website
Mid-July: Virtual con instructions go out
FAQ:
Q: What is a CON.TXT panel?
A: CON.TXT panels are typically discussions among all attendees led by one or more moderators who have prepared a discussion outline. Some panels include a lengthier presentation by the moderator, and some are activity, workshop, or game panels. Most panels are 50 minutes long.
Q: What is a good CON.TXT panel suggestion?
A: You want a catchy, yet informative title and a two- to four-sentence description that raises specific questions. Warn for spoilers if your panel will include them. Use a fannish in-joke or two. Say up front if the purpose of the panel is to attract newbies or to hold a detailed dissection of book eighteen in the series.
Q: Are you taking all suggestions?
A: We'll put all suggestions up for a vote by our attendees and as many as possible will be scheduled. If your panel doesn't get in, you will have a chance to sign up for a DIY panel slot at the con.
Q: Won't voting eliminate smaller fandom panels?
A: We make sure to offer a wide range of panel topics, and the vote helps us choose among similar panels or decide which suggestions should be combined. It's not a strict numbers cut-off.
Q: What if someone else has already suggested something that I was going to suggest?
A: Panels can have more than one moderator. If you're interested in moderating it, comment on their suggestion and offer to co-mod!
Q: How many panels can I suggest?
A: As many as you like! We won't schedule you to moderate more than three of them, though, so if they all make it through the voting process we'd appreciate your help in suggesting alternate moderators to take over your panel ideas.
Q: What if my friend wants to moderate this panel I'm suggesting?
A: That's fine; you can put your friend's name in as moderator and we'll consider it to be their suggestion. Please don't put people's names in without making sure they're willing!
Q: What if I suggest a panel now and then change my mind later on?
A: We'll check in with all potential moderators after voting to make sure you're still enthusiastic about the topic.
Q: How can I find a moderator for this great panel idea I have?
A: There's a brainstorming comment thread on this post. Please post there, talk to your friends, and reach out on whatever social media your fandom prefers. If you can't get a bite, make your suggestion here anyway and we'll see if we can rustle someone up.
Q: How do I pick a category?
A: A Meta panel is one with a topic that's not tied to any particular fandom, although certain fandoms may be discussed or used as examples. A Multi-Fandom panel has a topic that's common across several specific fandoms. A Single Fandom panel goes into depth in a particular fandom. An Activity panel can be something like a podfic recording session or a game of Pictionary. A How-To panel teaches how to do something.
To propose a panel for CON.TXT 2020, please comment on this post with the following information:
Title: A Short Yet Interesting Title
Mod(s): The badge name(s) of interested moderator(s) -- please list your own badge name if you would like to moderate
Category: Meta, Multi-Fandom, Single Fandom, Activity, How-To
Description: This is a longer description of the panel which will be included in the con program. This should be as specific as you can be in a paragraph!
Other notes: These notes will not be part of the final listing for the panel and will not appear in the con program, but can include things like requests for additional moderators, any space or technology requirements, or general thoughts on panel content which you'd like to flesh out in further comments.
To propose a change or expansion to an already suggested panel or to volunteer as an additional moderator for one, please reply to the suggestion and not to the main post so that each panel's discussion is threaded. Note that if two suggestions seem very similar we may merge them into one, so check what's already been proposed before suggesting a new panel. If a similar idea exists, comment to ask if the original suggester wants to work with your ideas.
An example from 2018:
Title: Werewolf Torts and Undead Annuities 201
Mod(s): v_greyson & maralenenok
Category: Meta
Description: Do zombies get life annuities? Does a lawyer with a demonic possession have a conflict of interest? We’re back for Volume 2 of supernatural legal and actuarial hypotheticals! No prerequisites or required reading, just bring your questions about vampire life insurance and whether entering the fairy ring in the forest is actually a legally binding contract.
Other notes: We will not be providing legal, financial, or any other kind of advice.
Feel free to brainstorm away in the comments section!
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Mods: v_greyson & maralenenok
Category: Meta
Description: Returning for Episode III of supernatural legal and actuarial hypotheticals! Should zombies get undeath insurance? Is a vampire's familiar an employee or an independent contractor? Do mermaids have standing to bring citizen suits under the Clean Water Act? Does not contain any actual legal or actuarial advice. Results may vary. Please contact your local coven before attempting to bargain with the fae.
Title: I, Murderbot
Mod(s): v_greyson
Category: single-fandom
Description: Let's talk about Martha Wells' The Murderbot Diaries and the newest installment, Network Effect. Discussion topics include: The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, robots having feelings about robots, #relatable Murderbot content, hacking your governor module, and more.
Title: Introduction to Starfleet Legal Principles
Mod(s): v_greyson
Category: single-fandom
Description: 1.0 credit hours. An overview of fundamental statutory law in the United Federation of Planets, including the Articles of Federation and the Statute of the Interplanetary Supreme Court of Justice. Survey of recent Starfleet common law jurisprudence, with an emphasis on interpreting "intelligent life-form person" under the Articles of Federation. Optional pre-course reading material will be available via Starfleet Academy PADD. Satisfies Laws and Regulations requirement for Starfleet cadets in the Command track.
Title: Found Family
Mod(s): ???
Category: meta, multi-fandom
Description: Found family is a common and popular theme in fiction generally and fanworks specifically. It's also a reality for lots of us who have experienced marginalization in society or alienation from our families of origin. What does it mean to be part of a found family? What are some of our favorite fictional found families? How have we enjoyed seeing this theme explored in fandom, and what kind of things would we like to see next?
Title: Drawception
Mod(s): v_greyson & ???
Category: Activity
Description: Hang out and play Drawception (https://drawception.com/) aka Broken Picture Telephone with fun fannish prompts! You will need a free Drawception account. One person will start with a written prompt, the next person draws it, the next person writes their interpretation, etc., until we get to a wacky and entertaining ending.
Title: Rose Apothecary
Mod(s): ???
Category: single-fandom
Description: Schitt's Creek was six seasons of dramatic eyebrows, queer romance, incredible transatlantic pronunciations of the word "bebe", character growth, and whatever "A Little Bit Alexis" was. Here's a panel to talk about it! But also not it's not just a panel, it's an environment. It's more like a branded immersive experience.
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