Panel Suggestions are OPEN!
Mar. 1st, 2020 06:50 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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con_txtWe 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!
no subject
Date: 2020-03-02 12:33 am (UTC)Mod(s): chicago_ruth (and I'm inviting anybody willing to co-mod!)
Category: Meta
Description: Are you interested in participating in AO3-based exchanges? Are they confusing, obtuse, you simply can't figure out when they're running? Maybe you'd like to run an exchange yourself! Join this panel for a rundown of how AO3 exchanges work -- beyond just Yuletide.
Other notes: There are non-AO3 exchanges as well, but I would be focusing on the AO3-centered ones.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-02 05:51 am (UTC)Mod(s): ?? (I am emphatically not qualified!)
Category: How-To
Description: Did you melt over the last bit of PWP you read? How did that author do it? We'll review and dissect outstanding erotic passages in fic and published work to explore what hits that spot just so, what makes a scene work, how to steam up a room if you can't get graphic, and more. This is a writing style and craft workshop, so bring your kink tomato and hold it tight, oh yeah babe, just like that.
Other notes: This would need a projector, probably. Also maybe a vote for steamy submissions ahead of time, if the moderators don't come up with enough varied examples. Mods should probably announce if there's something triggery that they will or won't cover?
no subject
Date: 2020-03-02 07:04 pm (UTC)Mod(s): Noxelementalist (and I seriously invite anybody willing to co-mod)
Category: Multi-Fandom
Description: Now that we're living in the so-called "Golden Age" of TV, it's easier than ever to find and revisit the fandoms you thought nobody else remembered or got around to seeing. so let's talk about some of these "lost but not forgotten" fandoms who are just waiting for the right folks to find it again- rare shows/rare pairing shippers welcome!
Other notes: Shouldn't need much beyond a way to write show recs for people to see?
no subject
Date: 2020-03-02 07:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-03-02 08:37 pm (UTC)Mod(s): Dee Laundry (co-mods welcome!)
Category: Meta
Description: Autistic characters are getting more of the limelight recently. Let's talk about our #actuallyautistic faves, whether canon or Word of God; about our autistic headcanons for other human characters; and about which canons lend themselves to autistic original characters. Let's also talk about fandom spaces that are most welcoming to autistic fans, and any unspoken NT rules we've sussed out for interaction. If there's time at the end, we'll close with rhapsodies about iconic characters we identify with that aren't technically autistic due to being androids, aliens, or ineffable beings (e.g., Data, Spock, Janet, Aziraphale).
no subject
Date: 2020-03-03 01:22 am (UTC)Mod(s): neotoma, Carmen (Greenygal)
Category: Single Fandom
Description: With the reboot of Ducktales in 2017, the Disney Afternoon universe is alive again! Starting with the core Ducktales characters, we'll discuss Ducktales past and present, the inclusion of characters from Darkwing Duck and Talespin, and speculate on the future of the show! Also, rec fanfic... so much fanfic!
Other notes: If a projector of some sort is available, it'd be nice to throw up stills and even short vid-clips.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-04 03:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-03-04 11:05 pm (UTC)(If it was a panel that depended on specific moderator expertise which you don't have, you can suggest moderators but you can't guarantee that they'll be able or willing to do it again.)
no subject
Date: 2020-03-05 02:06 pm (UTC)mod: katbear
category: single fandom
description: What hath Darth Disney wrought? Rise of Skywalker - did it fly or sink? The rest of SW - Mandalorian, animations, potential future offerings? Are you still strong with the Force because of or in spite of Darth Disney? What still turns you on about the Star Wars universe, old or new? What's happening in fandom? Do we believe the Force is still strong with Disney or have they turned to the Dark $ide?
no subject
Date: 2020-03-05 02:11 pm (UTC)mod: katbear, comod welcome
category: single fandom
description: New Who still going strong! Squee and chat over new season for
our favorite Doctor! Still loving it? Still have feelings for other Doctors?
Favorite companions? Favorite villains? Let's bring it all together, new and old.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-05 02:37 pm (UTC)Renominations from last time
Date: 2020-03-05 02:41 pm (UTC)Bring Your Fandom to Work
Mod: Corbae (Erin)
It's always that one detail about your job/school/hobby that throws you out of a story. It's time for you to share your expertise to save a writer! Bring your pet peeves that Everyone Gets Wrong in fic, and show us how it's really done.
How Slash Fandom Talks to Itself
Mod: Thalia
In the aftermath of the Tumblrpocalypse, and with rumors of Twitter beginning their own filtering practices, fandom has scattered all over the web, on a bunch of different social media sites with different norms and formats, and seems to still be seeking a perfect home. Where are we now? How do those places work, and how can people find fandom friends in them? What do we want in an online home for slash fandom?
Poly poly poly poly poly
Mod: Naked Bee
Poly ships are great! Let's talk about our favorites.
Werewolf Torts and Undead Annuities 201
Mod: v_greyson & maralenenok
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.
Almost, But Not Quite, Entirely Unlike a Tea Party
Mod: axiom of stripe & gnomad
From pu-erh to green tea to Bertie Wooster's 'vital oolong,' let's talk (and sip!) about all things tea! We'll discuss the best brews we've found, whether it really does matter if the milk goes in first or last, and which of those fannish Adagio blends got your OTP right (or wrong, so very wrong). We will have a few teas for drinking and we highly encourage folks to bring some tea of their own to swap with friends.
F*** This Grim Cyberpunk Dystopia, Bring Us Luxury Queer Space Communism!
Mod: veronica (v_greyson) & cinco
Enough with the dystopian, desaturated sci-fi, superheroes, schools of magic, and, frankly, real life. Let’s ride a technicolor rainbow to a better, gayer future. Preferably in space. We’ll talk about the canons and fanons that imagine how things could suck less, from escapism to utopia. Why is it important to dream a better future, and what is that future like? #CT18_LQSC
no subject
Date: 2020-03-08 05:41 pm (UTC)Title: Civic Engagement for Introverts
Mods:
Category: How-To
Description: A crash course in How To Politics, even if you’re still figuring out How To People.
In a 60-minute panel, we’ll focus pretty heavily on elections, especially for downballot races. Likely topics include:
—Ballot research: How to find information on your local elections, candidates, and ballot issues.
—Volunteering 101: How to connect with local campaigns and volunteer organizations; kinds of work you can do with them; the difference between canvassing and fundraising.
—Typical interactions for phone bank and door-knock conversations, and how the scripts, data collection, and target audiences change from early campaign through Get Out The Vote.
—Demonstrations of some of the apps and software that campaigns commonly use, like autodialers, Reach, or MiniVan.
—Accessibility issues—both barriers, and things that are more accessible than you might think. (Otherwise known as "Rampant social anxiety is a phone banking superpower, ask me how.")
—Self-care and spoons.
—Hatch Act refresher, and exactly what it does and doesn't permit. (We would love a co-mod who is a lawyer or a fed or both for this part!)
—Canvass role-play! We will pass out scripts of talking points for fictional candidates, and everyone will get a chance to act out some common scenarios.
If we can get a 90-minute panel, we’ll also have time to talk about engagement after the election:
—Researching your local government, including ancillary bodies like school and library boards.
—How to write a good statement for a public hearing or town hall.
—Civic jobs you can volunteer for—election judges, caucus chairs, advisory board members, etc.
—Local political party organizations and what they do.
Re: Renominations from last time
Date: 2020-03-10 02:20 pm (UTC)and tea party, if any mod spots need filling!!
Re: Renominations from last time
Date: 2020-03-10 02:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-03-13 12:07 pm (UTC)Mod(s): Dee Laundry
Category: Multi-Fandom
Description: This is for everyone who's into something in fic or art that no one else seems to be. Mpreg? Gore ... or vore? RPF? 'Stuck with a baby' trope? The intricate protocols of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV? Income Tax 1842? Come to this panel and tell us about it so we can support you in celebrating the awesomeness! Of course, you must agree to squee over everyone else's favorite, too.
(Note to self: Make this a DIY/lunch panel if not voted in)
Re: Renominations from last time
Date: 2020-05-15 01:42 am (UTC)I would be happy to pass on Fuck This Grim Cyberpunk Dystopia to a new mod!
no subject
Date: 2020-05-15 01:48 am (UTC)(I'm so excited that the con is going to be online this summer! I thought I'd never be able to attend Con.txt again!)
no subject
Date: 2020-05-15 01:50 am (UTC)Re: Renominations from last time
Date: 2020-05-15 02:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-05-15 03:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-05-15 06:30 am (UTC)Mod(s): ?? (I could co-mod, but I really only know Guardian and HIStory3:Trapped)
Category: Multi-Fandom
Description: What it says on the tin. Let's talk about all the C-dramas and T-dramas, mourn the ones that are on a downswing, and share news on upcoming projects. Still wondering how they're going to sanitize ErHa? So are we! Do you need to know SandSea before you watch The Lost Tomb? Who cares! Zhu Yilong's in it so you'll watch either way.
Title: C-Novels that Aren't MDZS.
Mod(s): er, not it!
Category: multi-fandom
Description: C-novels that aren't MDZS. There are... so many. Scum Villain, ErHa, Sha Po Lang, Guardian, Golden Stage, FGEP, TGCF, Nan Chan... Let's chat and share the love. Let's also help newbies figure out where to start!
Re: Renominations from last time
Date: 2020-05-15 06:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-05-15 10:35 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-16 11:39 pm (UTC)