Statements from WisCon Safety Chairs

Statement from Ariel Franklin-Hudson, WisCon 38/39 Head of Safety
WisCon Safety: Procedures, History, Explanations, and Apologies

I took over as Head of Safety this year. In practice, this position began just in advance of WisCon 38, since WisCon Head of Safety has, until now, been an at-con job only.

 During WisCon 37, and for many previous WisCons, WisCon Safety maintained a notebook in which Safety volunteers on duty during the convention recorded incidents as they happened -- anything from loose plastic on the 6th floor party hall to a report of harassment. This informal log book was WisCon Safety's only form of record keeping, and WisCon had no official procedure or system in place to convert those notes into a formal written record. I want to stress that the notes, and the log book for WisCon 37, were never lost or mislaid; but because they are notes only, WisCon does not have a formal written record of Elise Matthesen's report. Reports made to Safety were transferred through the log book, and orally from Safety volunteer to Head of Safety; in large part, this was because of volunteer informality, and Safety's traditionally minor role at WisCon, but confidentiality was also an important consideration.

Everyone in WisCon Safety and WisCon leadership from WisCon 37 through WisCon 39 understands that Elise made a formal report; this has never been in doubt. Her report was treated with extreme seriousness at the time, including follow-ups by Co-Chairs with both Elise and with Jim Frenkel. These follow-ups have some email trail, and the WisCon 37 Co-Chairs -- Jackie Lee, Kafryn Lieder, and Gretchen Treu -- have now created a formal report based on the log book notes, the email trail, and their memories. In addition, the log book notes of Elise's report from WisCon 37 have now been entered into a formal WisCon Safety Incident Report Form; I initiated these Incident Report Forms for WisCon 38.

When I took over as Head of Safety, one of my first priorities was to immediately create and implement an Incident Report Form, in order to improve the consistency and formality of our records. This form was used by Safety volunteers throughout WisCon 38, and we intend to continue to use it going forward. WisCon’s Application Development team is also currently developing a secure database for all Safety reports -- both harassment and otherwise -- so that we will have a place to keep our records from year to year, regardless of who takes on the jobs of Safety and Con Chairs in the future, and will be able to improve our institutional memory. I am in the process of collating the at-con reports and the reports that have come in by email since WisCon 38, and will be filing them in the Safety database once it is built.

 Lauren Jankowski’s initial report was a casualty of the informal processes we had until now, and the chaos that occurs in the changeover from one WisCon ConCom to the next. WisCon did receive it, and it was reviewed by the Safety Chairs of WisCon 37, who then made a report to the Co-Chairs of WisCon 38; but no one took responsibility for responding to Lauren, or for taking action based on her report. Lauren's report also came in during a period when WisCon had put out a call for reports without building a clear procedure for receiving, responding to, or recording them. This was a very bad mistake, and I join with others in apologizing for it, and apologizing to Lauren for the fact that her report was, functionally, lost in the system until she brought it to our attention during WisCon 38.

Because of the existence of formal Safety Incident Report Forms, the new position of Member Advocate (which is formally a 12-month position), and the progress on the database, we believe these problems will not reoccur.

Rose Lemberg's harassment report had a different failure pattern, which is also attributable to the gap in responsibility between conventions, and is WisCon's fault. As I note here, we believe that problem has been addressed for the future, and the incident itself is being addressed as described in the Member Advocate public statement on the WisCon website.

None of this is intended to be an excuse -- there is no excuse for these mistakes, oversights, and failures. The only things we -- and I -- know how to do, however, are to fix the problems going forward, and be as honest and candid as possible with the WisCon membership, and with everyone who files a report. I am happy to answer questions, and to provide further detail where I can. I can be reached at safety@wiscon.info; I may not be able to answer immediately, but I will answer.

Ariel Franklin-Hudson
WisCon 38/39 Head of Safety  


Statement from Monica Youngman & Victor Raymond, Safety Co-Chairs for WisCon 37
 To Elise, Lauren, and Rose and to the WisCon membership,

As the Safety Co-Chairs for WisCon37 we would like to apology for not having taken steps before and after WisCon 37 to set up a formal system to collect and maintain reports and act upon them between conventions. In retrospect such a system would have significantly aided WisCon in properly dealing with issues of harassment. It is important to us that WisCon be a safe, secure and welcoming environment, which is why it is so important for this system to be created for the convention committee to do its work effectively. We are firmly behind and support the efforts of the current Safety and Member Advocate to devise such a system; we believe this is a necessary element to support membership safety before, during, and after the convention. For our part in not having devised that system earlier we apologize.

Monica Youngman & Victor Raymond

eCube: Vol. 38, No. 9

As we had a concom meeting this past Sunday, here's a link to the subsequent edition of eCube. Among other things, the eCube includes round-up of recent harassment statements, WisCon 38 statistics, various round-ups, & an invitation to join the WisCon 39 concom.

A message from WisCon's member advocate

As the newly appointed (last month) member advocate for WisCon, I am charged with, among other things, appointing subcommittees where necessary to deal with reported incidents of harassment. The subcommittees make a policy decision, which the chair (now Jim Leinweber, the upcoming chair of WisCon 39) then carries out. If consequences are imposed on a member, that member has the right to appeal to the board of SF3, WisCon's governing body.

It is WisCon's general intention not to publicize specific incidents of harassment but to deal with them privately; however, one incident from WisCon 36 and a group of incidents reported during and after WisCon 37 have been publicly discussed (and sometimes linked) on the Internet, and revisited frequently since WisCon 38 last month, so we would like to update our members on progress with those incidents.

The subcommittee considering the incidents involving Jim Frenkel is working now. As the first such subcommittee, its members have decided that we have to address not only policy but also process. We are moving efficiently and continuously, but we may take some time to come to a conclusion; figuring out due process is necessarily slow and careful.

I am also in the process of convening a subcommittee to address the issues raised by Rose Lemberg about FJ Bergmann, and vice versa. That subcommittee (which will have few, if any, overlapping members) will begin its work when the Jim Frenkel subcommittee is done, so that it can take advantage of the process decisions made by the Jim Frenkel subcommittee.

I am very aware that many people would like decisions and announcements _now_ and I am sorry that we cannot provide them. But I also believe this slower approach will serve WisCon, and the greater community, better in the long run. I thank you for your patience, and I also thank you for your passion, which helps keep us moving and reminds us of why we do this work.

--Debbie Notkin

Statement on Harassment

The WisCon Committee is aware of the substantial online discussion of past reported harassment incidents at WisCon, and how they were handled. We know that we have failed very significantly in how we followed up on a couple of incident reports from WisCon 36 and WisCon 37. We could talk about how these reports fell through the cracks, and why we are dissatisfied with penalties in situations where penalties were imposed, but we would rather simply apologize to the people involved, and the entire membership. Every harassment report made should be responded to quickly, clearly, and with prompt follow-up actions. After the WisCon 37 problems we began building systems that we believe will improve this in the future, but we cannot change the past. Changes prior to the recently concluded Wiscon 38 included establishing a member advocate position as an ongoing liaison for the reporters, making the safety chair a year-round function to avoid losing track of reports which arrive just after a con during the transition to new chairs and a new committee, and setting up a standing harassment policy subcommittee to improve both our published policies and our internal procedures. For WisCon 38 there was a new first responder's guide which we distributed to all committee members and the entire at-con safety team. Prior to WisCon 39 we expect to radically improve our ability to impose meaningful penalties. Until we can consult an attorney, we are not going to make public comments on particular people or incidents. We are in the process of arranging that consultation now. We will say, however, that when additional information comes to light about an accused harasser, that information is essential in making appropriate clear decisions for following years. We are collecting information (and responding to reporters promptly) so that we can make better decisions going forward. WisCon's Harassment Policy Committee is a large and geographically disparate group, and there are limits to how fast it can act. Please have patience with this protracted process, and know that we take your concerns seriously and are working hard on these problems. The member advocate for 2014-2015 is Debbie Notkin (memberadvocate@wiscon.info). The safety chair is Ariel Franklin-Hudson (safety@wiscon.info). The convention chair for WisCon 39 is Jim Leinweber (chair@wiscon.info). Reports, questions, and comments can be sent to Ariel and Debbie through the safety@wiscon.info email address.

The ConCom is aware of concerns about Jim Frenkel's presence this year. We very much regret that members were made to feel unsafe. We take the concerns of our community very seriously, are reviewing the matter, and will make a detailed statement soon. The ConCom volunteers live and work in many different time zones, and some are still in transit. We are working to respond to concerns ASAP. Please email safety@wiscon.info if you have concerns about harassment or other matters at WisCon38.

WisCon 38 Survey Links

To take our general survey, please go here. To take our survey specifically about programming, please go here.

Monday Newsletter

Read Monday's newsletter with highlights of the Guest of Honor speeches and Tiptree ceremony, next year's Guests of Honor, and more!

WisCon 38 GOH Speeches

We're working on getting our final newsletter online. In the meantime, both of our Guests of Honor have posted the text of their speeches in their respective blogs. here is a link to Hiromi Goto's speech. And here is a link to N.K. Jemisin's speech.

WisCon 38: At-Con Newsletter #3!

Click here to read the latest WisCon newsletter! Updates from the Tiptree Auction and more!

WisCon 38 Newsletter, Issue #2 + Supplement

Click here to read our second at-con newsletter! Here is a supplement to the newsletter, specifically about the Tiptree Auction. Both links open as PDFs. This newsletter is also available on paper on the second floor of the Concourse Hotel.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon 38: Issue #1

Here's a link to our first at-con newsletter for #WisCon 38! Link opens as PDF. There are paper copies available on the second floor of the Concourse Hotel.

eCube #8

WisCon 38 & SFRA are fast approaching! Check out our latest eCube for information on a spontaneous writing contest and also daily deals to make your weekend potentially more affordable.

eCube Volume 38, Number 7

Check out our new eCube, with important information about the recent Mumps outbreak in Madison, updates on Inn on the Park, volunteer opportunities, affordability information, and more.

All-Hotel eCube #6

The Concourse Hotel is undergoing some renovations. We've created an all-hotel edition of eCube to let you know what's changing.

eCube: Volume 38, No. 5

A new eCube came out on April 11th. Check it out for information about hotels reservations, confirming preliminary programming assignments, the dessert salon, role-playing gaming, things needed for children to take apart, SFRA, and more. We also need volunteers to run activities at the Gathering and someone to run the Tiptree Bake Sale. You can read the eCube online here.

Preliminary Program Schedules Out

Preliminary programming schedules have gone out! Check your email's spam filter, or login at WisCon.info to see yours. If you have any issues, please email program@wiscon.info.

eCube #4 is out!

Check out our latest eCube! Information about hotel reservations, the Concourse Hotel's partial remodel, how to request ASL interpretation (deadline is April 1st!), and two volunteers needed: one at the Registration Table & one to be At-Con Tiptree Bake Sale Coordinator.

Making Lodging Plans for WisCon

The Concourse is filling up! If you're having trouble getting a reservation, check out the Hotel page on our website to see which other local hotels have WisCon overflow room blocks, & advice for how to find some roommates.

There's still time to nominate Guests of Honor for WisCon 39!

The deadline to nominate guests of honor for WisCon 39 is tomorrow, March 22nd. If you'd like to nominate someone, please send an email to gohnoms@wiscon.info. Please use "WisCon 39 GOH Nominations" as your subject line. Write a brief statement about how the person's work and/or activism complement WisCon's Statement of Principles. We especially welcome nominations for people of color.

Help us choose Guests of Honor for WisCon 39!

Want to nominate a Guest of Honor for #WisCon 39? Email gohnoms@wiscon.info the name of the person you want to nominate, as well as a statement about their work and/or activism complementing our Statement of Principles by March 22nd. We really do look at those statements! Please use "WisCon 39 GoH nominations" and the name of the person you're nominating in the subject line of your email, ;)

Check out the new eCube!

eCube Vol. 38, #3, is out. You can read it here. There's a lot of information in here, particularly about upcoming deadlines (Art Show's is this Friday!). We also have information about how you can help WisCon, donate items for the Tiptree Auction, sign up for programming, and submit suggestions for Guests of Honor for WisCon 39.

WisCon 38 Programming Signups are LIVE!

That's right, you can sign up now! Just head to this page on our website. If you have trouble with the link, try logging in at WisCon.info first. Even if you don't want to be a panelist, you can still express your interest in panels. This helps us to decide which panels to keep. (Sadly, we do not have room for them all.)

Party Submission Deadline approaching: March 1st!

Here's a message from our parties coordinator:

Hey folks! There are only two weeks left before we close the request page for parties. We still have space for more parties, so if you've been thinking about proposing a fun party idea now's the time! Head on over to the party request: http://wiscon.info/parties.php

Academic Programming Deadline Extended to March 8th

We've extended our deadline for academic proposals! It's now March 8, 2014 midnight central time. 

You can find more information on how to submit proposals here on our website.

eCube: Volume 38, No. 2

You can read the latest edition of eCube here. Snapshot of the information in this issue:

--Learn about our 6th floor room deal. If you sleep on the party floor at the Concourse, you can receive a room discount. This process is first come, first served.
 --You can submit programming ideas at http://wiscon.piglet.org/idea
 --WisCon needs a video archivist. We have recorded many GOH speeches and Tiptree ceremonies, but currently nothing is done with these recordings. Help preserve & share WisCon history, if you can!
 --Last year was the first attempt at organized gaming at WisCon. We're seeking more feedback & volunteers for gaming at WisCon 38.

 For more information on any of these topics, please see the eCube.

Call for Donations and Nominations to WisCon Member Assistance Fund!

The fund formerly known as the Scholarship Fund is now the WisCon Member Assistance Fund. With us so far? We changed the name to make it clearer that the fund is there to help you, yes you, come to WisCon. You do not have to be an academic--just a person who is enthusiastic about coming to WisCon but needs a little help to do so. Every year, we try to help as many people as we can come to WisCon. It's the time of year when we ask you to please consider contributing to the member assistance fund this year. All contributions should be made to SF3 and sent to SF3 Attn: WisCon Member Assistance Fund P.O. Box 1624 Madison, WI 53701 SF3 is a 501.3 organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Every penny will be used to help potential WisCon members attend in May. You can also use Paypal and send the money to treasurer@sf3.org. We are also accepting nominations for potential recipients of assistance. Nominate someone else or nominate yourself. Tell us why the potential recipient would be a good person to attend WisCon and give us an idea of what funds would make the difference between being able to attend and missing the convention. Typically, we give amounts between $200 and $500. We have been asked whether a previous recipient of a assistance can receive help again. The answer to that is that yes, that is a possibility, but if we do not have enough money to help everyone who applies, we will give priority to people who have not previously received assistance. Depending on the number of nominations and the amount of donations, the WMAF committee will try to help out as many people as possible who would like to come to WisCon but need some support to do so. All nominations need to be made by midnight, PST, February 15, 2014. Assistance recipients will be notified by March 15, 2014. These deadlines are timed to allow people who receive assistance time to sign up to be on programming. Nominations for the WisCon Member Assistance Fund should be sent to fund@wiscon.info. Nominate away! And please, if you have a little money to help other people come to WisCon, donate!

Genderfloomp Seeks Feedback from GQ/GNC/Trans* Community

This entry is cross-posted at the request of the Genderfloomp organizers, and comment streams are available on Dreamwidth and Livejournal.

Hi there. As the organizers of the annual Genderfloomp party at WisCon, we learned of a recent wave of concern that Genderfloomp is uncomfortable/appropriative for gender non-conforming or non-binary people. We'd like to open a discussion about this issue.

To start off, we want to determine if the problems primarily reside in the party's messaging online, its actual setup/conduct at the con, or simply its existence. We've spoken to some GNC/GQ people who really enjoy the party and find it to be an important space, and we would find it helpful to hear what aspects of the party do work as well. Ideally, we can find a way to rework Genderfloomp so that it can serve the entire community, but we also are open to much bigger changes.

We are both queer people who are gender non-conforming in some ways that are important to our identity, but do not pretend that this gives us access to the wide spectrum of GNC, GQ, and trans* experiences. Our intentions with Genderfloomp are to embrace the liberatory aspects of "party," rather than the trivializing connotations, in order to foster a space of gender play and binary destabilization, much in the same way that the Tiptree award celebrates work that "explores and expands" ideas of gender. If our party is hurting GNC/GQ folks, it is failing at its mission, and we apologize for any hurt we have caused.

We know a wide spectrum of Wiscon has insight to share on Genderfloomp, but we ask that this thread be restricted to folks who identify as GNC/GQ/Trans* in order to give people room and safety to speak. If commenting here feels uncomfortable or unsafe, we
can also be reached at genderfloomp@gmail.com.

We are here primarily to listen with humility and openness, though we are also happy to answer any questions.

Sincerely,
Meghan McCarron and Liz Gorinsky

We're changing the name of the WisCon Scholarships Fund

Please help us decide what to rename it to! Please vote in our polls either on Dreamwidth or on LiveJournal.

Food Poisoning

Reports have been trickling in of some potential food poisoning cases, if you think you got a foodborne illness over the weekend please call the Madison Health Department at 608-266-4821. More details on reporting here: http://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental/food/foodborneIllness/facts.cfm

Feedback Surveys & Programming is open for WisCon 381

If you have thoughts about things that went well at WisCon 37 or things that went not-so-well, we'd love to hear from you. We have a general survey as well as a survey about programming.
Lastly, if you have programming ideas for WisCon 38/SFRA, you can submit them now.

---

ETA: If you're coming here in May 2014, this is an outdated post! The post with links to surveys after WisCon 38 are here.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon: Issues #3 & 4

Issue #3 includes info about the Tiptree Auction. Issue #4 includes pictures and quotes from Sunday evening's Guests of Honor Speeches and Award Ceremony. We also announce WisCon 38's Guests of Honor: Hiromi Goto and N.K. Jemisin.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon: Issue #2

Check out Issue #2 of A Momentary Taste of WisCon here. Inside: Tiptree Auction preview, changes to Saturday programming, more information about WisCon 38 coinciding with the Science Ficton Research Assocation's annual meeting, how to register & reserve hotel rooms for WisCon 38, the location of our Lost & Found room, and more!

Check out Issue #1 of our at-con newsletter, A Momentary Taste of WisCon, here. (That link opens up as a PDF.) Inside: Changes to programming items, information about our SmartPhone apps, changing your preferences on our website, volunteering, how to still sign up for Sign Out, and more!

Volunteer Needs at WisCon 37!

As WisCon approaches, we still have some open volunteer shifts that we are hoping to fill before the convention starts. These opportunities will allow you to meet new people, explore interests, possibly add new skills, and help make the convention the best it can be!

A/V could use three people to help with set-up and during special events: the Tiptree Auction on Saturday and GoH speeches on Sunday, plus one other person to help when needed.

On Friday night, we need one or more people to head the First WisCon Dinner, an informal meet and greet for people attending the convention for the first time and anyone else interested. The group meets outside the Wisconsin ballroom after the first panels end 5:15-5:30 and heads to a local restaurant for dinner together.

Access could use some help with blue-taping in the mornings during the convention and before special events.

The Tiptree Auction still needs runners for during the bidding.

The Tiptree Bake Sale could use help on Saturday after the sale with breakdown from 3-4 pm and some extra hands during their busy time from 11:30 am-2 pm.

Sign-out on is looking for a couple more volunteers on Monday from 10-30 until the end.

Registration has shifts open on Saturday and Sunday.

The ConSuite has openings throughout the convention, please check in at the ConSuite to sign up for open shifts.

Childcare also often needs help, you can stop by during open hours to see if and when they need help.

We will have additional and emergency needs posted on the volunteer board near registration beginning Friday morning, If you are arriving on Thursday or early Friday and want to help with set-up, you can stop by registration or the volunteer board to see how you can help.

All volunteers receive a special commemorative thank you gift. If you volunteer six or more hours during the convention, you are eligible for a $20 refund on your membership fee as funds allow.

If you can help us out, or for more information, please contact us at volunteers37@wiscon.info.

Thank you!

eCubes #8 & #9! Also the full schedule.

Hello! eCube 8 went out about a month ago. More recently, eCube 9 was just published. You can peruse WisCon 37's schedule here in grid format, or here as a PDF.

eCube #7 Online

eCube #7 is now online, with updates on available ad space in our souvenir book, hotel information, and a programming update. There's also information about author John Scalzi doing a reading at Room of One's Own on the Thursday of WisCon, before the GoH readings.

Annual SF3 Meeting

SF3 is Wiscon's parent organization. This year's annual SF3 meeting will happen on Sunday, October 14th, 11:30am, Concourse Hotel.

Find more information about the meeting, including the agenda, at SF3's website.

Please note: we are looking for candidates to run for the position of Recording Secretary!

Did you attend WisCon? Please complete the survey ....

Did you attend WisCon 36? Please take a few moments to fill out the WisCon 36 survey and let us know what you liked and what we could change to make WisCon a better experience:

The WisCon 36 Survey

A Momentary Taste of Wiscon #4 Now Online

A Momentary Taste of WisCon #4 is now online, with news of Andrea Hairston's and Debbie Notkin's guest of honor speeches, the Tiptree Award ceremony, WisCon 37 guests of honor, shipping services for the trip home, and more.

Ship your WisCon Books & Artwork Home Instead of Schlepping It On The Plane

The UPS Store will set up shop at the Concourse on Monday for all your shipping needs.

Packing and shipping service will be available on Monday from 9 am to 3 pm to ship your art show and dealers' room purchases safely home. The UPS Store is a locally owned and operated shipping and packing store. We work with UPS, DHL, and the US Postal Service (but not FedEx). We are professional packers and have professional-grade boxes and packing materials. Our computer software helps us choose the best carrier for your shipment based on its weight, dimensions, and its destination zip code. We are experienced in book conventions and know how to best get your purchases to your destination.

Please note. You do not need to provide a box for your materials. We prefer to package all items at our retail store, and will not bring packing materials to the convention.

Reminders: It is always more economical to ship to a business rather than to a residential address. The business has to be in a commercial building; businesses in homes do not qualify for the commercial rates. All carriers except the U.S. Post Office include $100 of insurance and tracking capabilities. We highly recommend going with that type of carrier.

Visit our website at http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/0704/ or call us to get more information at (608) 833-7447. We are looking forward to meeting and working with you over Memorial Day weekend!

--Shannan Bogle, The UPS Store, Ondana Rd, Madison, WI

Hotel Reservations Now Open for WisCon 37

Whether you prefer to make your hotel reservation in person with a friendly face, on the phone with a friendly voice, or online, you can secure your room for the 2013 convention starting Sunday morning, May 27.

Reservations can be made online via a link on the WisCon website, or stop by the concierge desk in the hotel lobby to make your reservation in person, or call the friendly folks in the Concourse’s reservations department. The Concourse has scheduled extra reservations agents for Sunday morning to ensure that everyone’s request is handled as expeditiously as possible.

Room rates at the Concourse Hotel for WisCon 37 will be $101/$111 single/double for a Concourse-level room, and $173/$183 single/double for Governor’s Club rooms. If you make your reservation in person or by phone, be sure to tell them you want a room in the WisCon 37 room block to get these rates.

After you get your hotel reservation lined up for 2013, go online to the WisCon website or stop by WisCon’s Registration/Information desk in the second floor lobby area to get your membership for the 37th annual World’s Leading Feminist Science Fiction Convention! The committee is already in the planning phases of what will be yet another fabulous four-day marathon of spirited dialog, thought-provoking readings, and just plain fun, so make sure you have your membership secured.

Registration For WisCon 37 Is Open, Online & in Person!

Are you tired of Registration lines? Did you show up this year thinking you’d already registered and discover you hadn’t? Sunday is the first day of sales for next year’s WisCon. You can do it yourself online at http://wiscon.info/registration.php, or come to the 2nd floor Registration Desk and let us do it for you. We’ll be open from 9:30 to 5:00 Sunday, and 9:30 to 2:00 Monday.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon #3 Now Online

The third edition of "A Momentary Taste of WisCon" is now online with updates on tonight's Dessert Salon, news on reserving your membership and your hotel room for WisCon 37, today's program changes, and the moment Ellen Klages was touched by His Noodly Appendage at last night's Tiptree Auction.

Scenes from an Opening Ceremony

Here are scenes from yesterday evening's Opening Ceremonies, which featured the Carl Brandon Society singers and a special virtual visit from absent Tiptree foremother Karen Joy Fowler channeled through the person of Ellen Klages, who then placed the Tiptree tiara on the head of guest of honor Andrea Hairston, the first Tiptree Award winner who was also WisCon's Guest of Honor in the same year.

The Carl Brandon Society entertained the gathered membership with Broadway show tunes:

And members of the concom welcomed everyone to WisCon 36 and offered members information about volunteering and access for an appreciative audience:

A Momentary Taste of Wiscon #2 is now available

Get your news about programming changes, the opening ceremonies, the Tiptree bake sale and auction and more in the second issue of WisCon's at-con newsletter,A Momentary Taste of Wiscon #2 now available as an online download or as a print edition distributed in the 2d floor lobby of the Concourse Hotel.

SAVE THE AUCTIONEER! (A Message from SpaceBabe)

Ellen has been doing the Tiptree Auction for 17 years. She is older than when she started, but the auction keeps getting longer and longer, and she gets tired after a few hours.

How can you help?

1. Come to The Gathering. Look at auction items. When you see something you can't live without -- Bid. Bid sheets will say:
• TO AUCTION (those will be on stage Saturday night, no matter what) or
• TO AUCTION IF THERE ARE _____ BIDS
• (enough bids by 5 pm Sat., it goes to the stage; not enough, the last bidder has bought it) or
• BUY IT NOW (Fixed price. See it, want it, have it!)
2. Come to the Art Show on Saturday between 10 am and 5 pm. Look at auction stuff. Covet it. Buy or Bid.
3. Pay for your items at the auction, or at the Art Show Sunday morning. Please don't make us track you down...

The auction starts at 7:30 pm on Saturday night, and will go until the auctioneer cannot stand anymore, or when the laughs stop (whichever comes first).

Any items that go to auction WILL be sold. At the very end, when the auctioneer is tired and most of the audience has left to go to parties, we'll take a break, and there will be 10 minutes of lightning-fast, last-ditch paper bidding. The highest written bid when the bell rings will be the winner.

Proceeds from the auction, and Buy-It-Now sales all go to support the Tiptree Award. The money you spend supports a worthy cause, and is also tax-deductible (for any $$ over fair market value).

The Tiptree is also supported by t-shirts, temporary tattoos, and cookbooks, all available in the Art Show. They are way cool.

Thanks for all your help and support!

-- Space Babe

A Momentary Taste of WisCon 36 #1 now online!

The first issue of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon #1," is now available as an online download or as a print edition distributed in the 2d floor lobby of the Concourse Hotel. It's your source of news about programming changes, WisCon happenings, and more!

eCube #11 Online (and only 7 days to WisCon!)

eCube #11 is now online, with updates on the Art Show and the Dealers' Room, a call for articles for the At-Con Newsletter, info on shipping goodies home from WisCon, and an invitation from the AppDev team featuring free pizza!

eCube No. 10 now online with updates on the hotel, ASL, and more

eCube #10 is now online, with updates on hotel room reservations, ASL interpretation at WisCon36, the Gathering Clothing Swap, and greening the Freebie Table.

eCube #9 now online!

eCube #9 is now online, with news notes about the newly-available programming schedule, the hotel cancellation policy, the Tiptree Bake Sale, and an inquiry about what you want to know before WisCon36.

eCube #8 Now Online

eCube #8 is now online, with news notes about final programming assignments, parking at WisCon, the clothing swap at the Gathering, and a request for members' help in filling vacant concom positions.

eCube No. 7 Now Online

eCube #7 is now online, with info about programming assignments, a call for AV volunteers, and a hotel update.

eCube No. 6 Now Online

eCube #6 is now online, with info about volunteer needs and news about the 2011 Tiptree Award winner.

eCube#5 Now Online

eCube #5 is now online, with news about hotel rooms, programming, parties, readings, academic programming, the SignOut, volunteer needs for the Art Show and Safety, scholarships and ad space, and a call for the WisCon37 coordinators.

WisCon36 Committee Meeting / Conference Call - Reminder

The first WisCon 36 committee meeting will take place tomorrow, Sunday, October 16 at 11:30 am Central time at the Madison Concourse Hotel, 1 W Dayton St., Madison, WI 53703. The room will be posted on the hotel's conference message board in the lobby.

We are extending a special invitation to potential new volunteers who are interested in joining the concom: please attend! We need your help to make WisCon happen!

The agenda includes:

- A review of concom vacancies and volunteer opportunities (department heads, please let the co-chairs know about any vacancies/volunteer opportunities)
- Committee reports (if you have a report, please email your report in advance of the meeting to help keep the meeting moving)
- Procedures and deadlines
- General concom news.

If you cannot attend in person, please join the meeting via conference call: send an email to concom36@wiscon.info for instructions on joining the call.

Monday At-Con Newsletter / Monday Program Changes

The Monday edition of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon" (PDF) is now online, with coverage of the Guest of Honor speech, the WisCon36 guests of honor, donations for the Japan earthquake, and a request for get-well greetings for MJ and Dimas.

Monday program changes:

218. Fatima and Mary: Iconic Women in Patriarchal Religions,
Monday 10-11:15 am. Catherine Crowe will not be on this panel.

219. Being a Resilient Writer, Monday 10-11:15 am. Julia Karr was
unable to attend WisCon.

224. The SignOut, Monday 11:30 am-12:45 pm. Julia Karr and Valya
Dudycz Lupescu were unable to attend WisCon.

Andrea Hairston and Debbie Notkin Named WisCon36 Guests of Honor

WisCon is pleased to announce that Andrea Hairston and Debbie Notkin will be the guests of honor for WisCon36.

Hotel Reservations and Online Registration for WisCon 36 Available at 9:00 am Sunday, May 29

Hotel reservations and online registration for WisCon 36 both open at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 29!

For full details on hotels and hotel reservations, please visit the WisCon36 hotel page.

Details for registering for WisCon36 are available through the WisCon36 registration page.

PLEASE NOTE: Links for hotel reservations and online registration will not go live until 9:00 am Sunday morning!

Sunday At-Con Newsletter / Sunday Program Changes

The Sunday edition of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon"(PDF) is now online, with coverage of the Tiptree Auction, an update on the Photo Booth, a discussion of sustainability, and really, too much news/tweets/overheard-at-WisCons to mention.

Sunday Program Changes

Dealers’ Room opens at 10:00 a.m., not 9:00 as shown in the
Pocket Program Book.

152. It’s a Broad Universe, Sunday 10-11:15 am. Lyda Morehouse
was unable to attend WisCon.

155. Due to access issues, Living with Invisible Disabilities,
Sunday 1-2:15 pm, will be located in Capitol A and No. 160
Whedonistas: Feminists Engage in the Worlds of Joss Whedon
will be located in Assembly.

160. Due to access issues, Whedonistas: Feminists Engage in
the Worlds of Joss Whedon, Sunday 1-2:15 pm, will be located
in Assembly, and No. 155, Living with Invisible Disabilities,
will be located in Capitol A. Lyda Morehouse was unable to
attend WisCon.

175. SIBLING OF REVENGE OF NOT ANOTHER
F*CKING RACE PANEL, Sunday 2:30-3:45 pm. Michelle
Kendall was unable to attend WisCon.

196. Science Fiction That Saved My Life, Sunday 4-5:15 pm.
Lyda Morehouse was unable to attend WisCon.

206. Mad Norwegian Press party, Sunday 8:45 pm-Monday 3
am. Lyda Morehouse was unable to attend WisCon.

209. Wyrdsmiths party, Sunday 8:45 pm-Monday 3 am. Lyda
Morehouse was unable to attend WisCon.

Volunteering at WisCon

We still have lots of ways to help and have immediate needs for volunteers. Please check out the volunteer information table near registration on the 2nd floor or e-mail me at klivdahl@gmail.com to sign up or for more information.

This year's volunteer thank you gift is a light weight tote bag with a beautiful WisCon logo by Jeanne Gomoll.

Kristin
WisCon Volunteer Coordinator

Saturday At-Con Newsletter / Saturday Program Changes

The Saturday edition of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon"(PDF) is now online, with coverage of the opening ceremonies and news about WisCon36 hotels, volunteers, ASL lunch, and the 20th Anniversary Tiptree t-shirt.

Saturday Program Changes

Green Room closing time on Saturday is 10:30 p.m., not midnight.

57. What’s There to Look Forward To?: Dystopia and Anti-
Scientific Attitudes in YA SF, Saturday 8:30-9:45 am. Julia Karr
was unable to attend WisCon.

65. Class Issues in Science Fiction and Fantasy, Saturday 10-
11:15 am. Chris Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Alexis Lothian
added to panel.

68. Smut & Nothing But Make a Baby, Saturday 10-11:15 am.
Candas Jane Dorsey was unable to attend WisCon.

87. Vigorous Debate, or Verbal Harassment?, Saturday 1-2:15
pm. Michelle Kendall was unable to attend WisCon.

91. Assimilation and the Immigrant Grandchild, Saturday 1-2:15
pm, Neesha Meminger added to panel.

107. 11up, Saturday 2:30-3:45 pm. Valya Dudycz Lupescu was
unable to attend WisCon.

109. Mysterious Nexus: Science Fiction and Detective Fiction,
Saturday 4-5:15 pm. Julia/Sparkymonster is no longer a panelist.

110. Happy 90th Birthday, Carol Emshwiller!, Saturday 4-5:15
pm. Margie Peterson is no longer a panelist. Karen Joy Fowler
added to panel.

113. Class in SF: Who Gets It Right?, Saturday 4-5:15 pm. Chris
Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Liz Henry added as moderator.

WisCon35 Programming Changes for Friday, May 27

24. Romance and SFF, Friday 4-5:15 pm. Michelle Kendall
was unable to attend WisCon.

27. Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading, Friday 4-5:15 pm.
Elaine Bergstrom will be joining the reading.

35. 5 Writers, 5 Girls, 5 Worlds, Friday 4-5:15 pm. Julia Karr
was unable to attend WisCon.

46. Where Are Your Gods?, Friday 9-10:15 pm. Valya Dudycz
Lupescu was unable to attend WisCon.

49. How We Feminist Fans Conquered the Science Fiction
Conference, Friday 9-10:15 pm. Akira Kondo will be interpreting
for the panelists. Min Onouchi & Norma Oyama will be joining the panel.

54. Paranormal/Sci-fi Erotica: More Room for Feminist and
Anti-Racist Discourse?, Friday 10:30-11:45 pm. Elaine
Bergstrom will be joining the panel.

57. What’s There to Look Forward To?: Dystopia and Anti-
Scientific Attitudes in YA SF, Saturday 8:30-9:45 am. Julia
Karr was unable to attend WisCon.

65. Class Issues in Science Fiction and Fantasy, Saturday 10-
11:15 am. Chris Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Alexis Lothian
added to panel.

68. Smut & Nothing But Make a Baby, Saturday 10-11:15 am.
Candas Jane Dorsey was unable to attend WisCon.

87. Vigorous Debate, or Verbal Harassment?, Saturday 1-2:15
pm. Michelle Kendall was unable to attend WisCon.

91. Assimilation and the Immigrant Grandchild, Saturday 1-
2:15 pm, Neesha Meminger added to panel.

107. 11up, Saturday 2:30-3:45 pm. Valya Dudycz Lupescu
was unable to attend WisCon.

109. Mysterious Nexus: Science Fiction and Detective Fiction,
Saturday 4-5:15 pm. Julia/Sparkymonster is no longer a panelist.

110. Happy 90th Birthday, Carol Emshwiller!, Saturday 4-5:15
pm. Margie Peterson is no longer a panelist. Karen Joy Fowler
added to panel.

113. Class in SF: Who Gets It Right?, Saturday 4-5:15 pm.
Chris Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Liz Henry added as moderator.

152. It’s a Broad Universe, Sunday 10-11:15 am. Lyda Morehouse
was unable to attend WisCon.

155. Due to access issues, Living with Invisible Disabilities,
Sunday 1-2:15 pm, will be located in Capitol A and No. 160
Whedonistas: Feminists Engage in the Worlds of Joss Whedon
will be located in Assembly.

146. Papers from Picturing Tolkien, Sunday 10-11:15 am. Kristin Thompson is also presenting in this academic session.

Welcome to WisCon 35!

Welcome to WisCon35! Nisi Shawl is our guest of honor.

Adult, teen, and youth WisCon memberships are available at the door! Prices and full information are available on the registration page.

Check out WisCon 35's nifty online programming guide, or if you prefer, read the Pocket Program (PDF) or the Program Grids (PDF).

The first edition of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon"(PDF) is now online, with news, updates, and programming changes.

And check out WisCon's blog (also named "A Momentary Taste of WisCon!") your one-stop shop for WisCon news, guides, schedules, and more.

Dining in Madison? Check out WisCon's dining guide, organized by cuisine (PDF), location (PDF), and price (PDF). And there's a handy map (PDF), too.

Tweeting WisCon? Use #wc35 (and #wiscon35 and #wiscon work too!) Or, use the handy auto-hashtag buttons associated with each panel in the online programming guide.

The last WisCon progress report, eCube #13, is still available online, with news about security changes at the Concourse, hotel reservations for WisCon36, notes for program participants, a Tiptree Auction update, and an invitation for everyone attending WisCon for the first time.

eCube #12 now online!

eCube #12 is now online, with updates on alternative hotels and road construction on Madison's Capitol Square Outer Loop, a "how-to" for opting-in to the WisCon message board, and a reminder on how to submit flyers for the WisCon freebie table.

eCube #11 now online!

eCube #11 is now online, with announcements about the WisCon35 programming schedule, an extended deadline for hotel discounts at the Inn at the Park, the annual Tiptree Bake Sale, and CART services at the GOH speeches (plus a request for panelists' bios.)

ecube#10 now online!

eCube #10 is now online, with important, time-sensitive news about programming sign-ups, hotel room reservations, and a reminder/warning about retrieving items from the WisCon lost-and-found.

ecube#9 now online!

eCube #9 is now online, with news about programming, Daisy Khan scholarships, access accommodation requests, the 2010 Tiptree Award winner, and honors for the Tiptree Motherboard.

Last Call for WisCon35 Programming/Readings Sign-up (and more.)

A final reminder that Friday, March 18 is the last day to sign up as a panelist or moderator for WisCon 35. That's today (or soon will be).

It's also the last day to sign up for a reading. Groups and individuals alike are welcome to sign up to read - see the full details on doing a reading on the WisCon35 website.

And it's the last day to tell us what panels you're interested in, if you haven't already done it.

All three tasks can be accomplished by visiting the programming sign-up page. You'll need to sign-in or create an account using a valid e-mail. Once in, there's a link for program sign-up and audience interest, and another link for readings sign-up.

We have a few favors to ask:

• If you've signed up to participate in programming – please remember to let us know your availability for programming. We don't want to assign you to an 8:30 am panel if you're a late-night party person, or schedule your panel for midnight if you're in your jammies by 10 pm. The availability link is on the programming sign-up page.
• Similarly, if you've signed up to do programming, please complete the bio sections of your profile on by accessing your account. It helps speed along the process.
• We can always use a few good moderators.
• Finally, please help us get the word out by re-distributing this message among your online communities, e-lists, and friends lists. Remember, one does NOT need to have a paid registration to indicate an interest in WisCon programming, nor sign up to be a panelist (though you'll need a paid registration in order to score a final assignment - there's a convenient link to registration on the programming sign-up page.)

Thank you for participating - and if you have any questions, please send an email to program35@wiscon.info

What Happens At WisCon ....

… depends on what you tell us you want to do at WisCon.

The programming committee chooses panels and events for WisCon based on the interest expressed by members during programming sign-up. This is why we ask everyone who plans to attend WisCon – or even thinks they might attend WisCon – to peruse the proposed panels and identify the panels and events they might be interested in attending, even if they aren't interested in being a panelist or moderator.

To date, out of the nearly one thousand persons who traditionally attend WisCon, less than seventy-five have rated panels for interest or signed up to be a panelist or moderator. That means less than seventy-five persons are deciding what panels and events will be on offer at WisCon35.

Frankly, we'd like to have a larger sampling, and we on the programming committee would be grateful if you could take time in the next week to indicate your interest in the proposed panels.

All you need to do is visit the programming sign-up page and sign in to your account. (If you don't have an account, all you need is a valid email address to create one.) Then click on the "Sign up for programming! Tell us which panels you're interested in serving on, moderating or just being part of the audience" link, and use the radio buttons to indicate your interest (or lack of it.) You don't need a paid registration to do this.

Note that not voting on an item is equivalent to clicking the "not interested" button – so if you've already visited the programming interest/sign-up pages and didn't indicate an interest in a panel you might like to see, there's still time to go back, sign in and support that panel.

And if you happen to see a panel on a topic you're passionate about, please consider signing up as a panelist or moderator. Remember, WisCon doesn't seek formal expertise – just an enthusiasm for the topic, with an interest in discussing and debating it while being willing to share and play with others.

The deadline for indicating interests/signing up to participate in programming is Friday, March 18, 2011.

The deadline to sign up to do a reading is Friday, March 18, 2011.

Thank you!

WISCON 36 GUEST OF HONOR NOMINATIONS OPEN

The WisCon concom is about to begin the process of nominating and voting on guests of honor for WisCon 36 in 2012. As always, we will accept nominations from anyone in the WisCon community. The deadline for nominations is March 21, 2011; send nominations to gohnoms36@wiscon.info.

Nominations MUST be accompanied by a SHORT statement describing the nominee's qualifications and how the nominee's work or activism complements WisCon's statement of principles (see the statement below.)

As in previous years, only WisCon concom members will be involved in the voting process. WisCon concom members are those who are currently working to plan WisCon 35.

The concom will hold a first-round election in order to reduce the number of nominations to a list of 6 nominees. These nominees will then be discussed by the concom. If there are nominees with whom no concom members are familiar, we will endeavor to find and talk with people in the community who are familiar with the nominees. In the unlikely event that the concom decides that a nominee's work does not complement WisCon's statement of principles, their name will be dropped from the top-6-list.

The concom will vote on the top 6 nominees. Winners will be contacted and invited to WisCon 36. Their names will be announced at WisCon 35.

If you have concerns, comments or suggestions about this process, we would like to hear from you!

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

This statement of Wiscon's mission and principles reflects our goals and ideals, and is intended to help guide our actions, even while recognizing that we will inevitably make mistakes and not always live up to those ideals. It is worth noting that this version of the statement was written towards the end of 2010, a year in which the WisCon committee has faced many challenges to both our principles and our process.

WisCon has been a feminist science fiction convention since its founding in 1977. The focus of the convention has been the intersection between feminism and science fiction. This focus distinguishes WisCon from many other science fiction conventions, and has been a major reason why WisCon has grown, developed, and flourished for so long, while some other conventions have had trouble staying vibrant.

Our focus includes science fiction, fantasy, and speculative literature of all sorts. Science fiction itself has been critiqued as a colonialist and imperialist genre, and in many ways this is true. But many of those influenced by it are dedicated to changing the genre to more accurately reflect the field's vital role in our society: envisioning positive futures for all people. WisCon's focus on science fiction has played an important role in the exploration of feminist futures: futures where people of all colors, and backgrounds flourish, where women's rights and women's contributions are valued, where gender is not limited to one of two options, where no one is erased out of convenience, hidden discrimination, or outright bigotry.

Feminism, at its root, is the belief that women and men are equal, and the rejection of sexist beliefs and practices. We, as feminists, have come to realize that all forms of oppression are interrelated. Our practice of feminism is based on a belief in the social, political, and economic equality of all. Feminism is part of a larger constellation of movements seeking social, political and economic equality for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, class, sex, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, ability, , status, or belief.

Feminism is vital to WisCon's identity. Feminism itself has grown and changed over the decades, and WisCon has worked to reflect those changes. Since its inception, WisCon has worked to create a space for feminism and its consideration within the science fiction community.

At base, we recognize that a commitment to feminism means a commitment to social justice of all sorts--we might not be able to focus equally on every issue, but still we cannot pick and choose which people deserve justice and which issues we are more comfortable with. We are called to be true to our principles, even (and especially) when they are unpopular.

WisCon's commitment to feminism is also reflected in our processes. Meetings, decision-making processes, program development, and guest of honor choice all reflect a commitment to feminist ideals of equality, respect for everyone's right to be heard, and the obligation to hold each other accountable for what we say. WisCon's commitment to feminist process means that we reject hierarchies of oppression, recognizing that "the need...to nurture each other is not pathological but redemptive." (paraphrased from Audre Lorde's essay, "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House, " which can be found in her collection Sister/Outsider.)

For 35 years, WisCon has aimed high. By our long existence and commitment to our goals, we have changed the face of science fiction and we will continue to do so. When we make mistakes, we keep working to improve. WisCon's commitment to feminist science fiction and feminist process is a commitment to ensuring that our future is not just for not just white, well-off, able-bodied, straight men, but rather includes everyone.

eCube#8 now online: Programming and Reading Signups Now Open, GOH noms, and More!

eCube #8 is now online, with news about programming signup, readings signups, the Carl Brandon Awards, WisCon36 guest of honor nominations, the SignOut, the first timers' dinner, news about past Tiptree winners attending Wiscon, and the Tiptree Book Club.

And yes, it's that time you've been waiting for...WisCon 35 programming participant sign-up is open through March 18! Come peruse the possibilities: read all about it on the programming page.

Readings signup is now open through March 10! Full instructions are available on the readings page.

Important Hotel News: Deadlines, Reservations, Availability

WisCon's room block at the Concourse Hotel is now full. There are a few rooms available in the "overflow block," at a higher rate per night than the convention's discount rate, although still less than rack rate. The Concourse's online reservation system doesn't accommodate reservations once the main block is closed; you must call the Concourse (800-356-8293 or 1-608-257-6000) to get a room in the overflow block.

This year, for the first time ever, the Concourse has committed in writing to moving WisCon members in the overflow block into the main discount block as soon as cancellations come in. As openings occur in the main discounted block, they will be offered to people in the overflow block in the order in which the reservations were made. So if you have a reservation in the discounted block that you discover you no longer need, please release that room so another WisCon member can benefit from the discount.

The Inn on the Park, just two short blocks away from the Concourse, still has plenty of sleeping rooms at this point, and has features and amenities very similar to those at the Concourse. If you plan to attend WisCon and have not yet gotten a room at the Concourse, we strongly encourage you to make a reservation at the Inn. Our room block at the Inn on the Park is not available through online reservation systems; call the Inn at 800-279-8811 or 1-608-285-8000, and be sure to mention WISCON 2011 BLOCK to get our special con rate.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

If you decide to cancel a reservation, you must do so before April 25 if you want another WisCon member to be able to benefit from the discount! All discounts expire on April 25, and reservations released after that date will no longer be eligible for our convention rate.

The absolutely last day you can cancel your reservation without being charged is ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR RESERVATION STARTS! Cancellations made after that date will be subject to the hotel's standard one room-night charge plus tax.

If you have questions or concerns about your reservation, please email the Hotel Co-Liaison for Sleeping Rooms at rooms35@wiscon.info and we'll do our best to help you.

Tiptree Award Book Club

Join a conversation on Maureen McHugh’s evocative and powerful short story “Useless Things” at the James Tiptree Award website from March 1 to March 31. Moderated by Karen Joy Fowler, this discussion marks the start of the Tiptree Award Book Club, a forum for conversations about the works honored by the Award and the issues they raise. If you are interested in gender issues, the apocalypse, and the intersection of the two, you won’t want to miss this. “Useless Things” can be found in Eclipse 3, edited by Jonathan Strahan, and in the 27th edition of Gardner Dozois’ World’s Best Science Fiction.

eCube #7 now available online

eCube #7 is now online, with news about past Tiptree winners attending Wiscon, a very special Hotel Special, programming idea deadlines, and a call for Gathering ideas.

eCube#6 now online

eCube #6 is now online, with deadline reminders for programming, parties, and special events, an update on past WisCon GOHs, and a guide to WisCon's new user interface for its online registration program.

eCube #5 now onliine

eCube #5 is now online, with an announcement about the Tiptree Award's 20th Anniversary, a revised statement of principles, a call for programming ideas and academic presentations, "help wanted" adverts for volunteers and concom vacancies, and news about WisCholera and James Tiptree, Jr. herself.

eCube #4 now online

eCube #4 is now online, with a proposed statement of principles for WisCon, "help wanted" adverts for concom vacancies, and great news about Nnedi Okorafor's new project.

Elizabeth Moon

SF3, the parent organization of WisCon, has withdrawn the invitation to Elizabeth Moon to attend WisCon35 as a guest of honor. Please see the SF3 statement at the SF3 website.

The SF3 Blog is also collecting comments at SF3.org

For suggestions and discussions concerning the ConCom's statement about Elizabeth Moon

Please use this blog to make suggestions and to discuss the ConCom's statement concerning Elizabeth Moon in eCube #3.

Two New eCubes Are Now Online with Updates On Elizabeth Moon and WisCon News

eCube #3 is now online, with a special message to the WisCon community about GOH Elizabeth Moon.

And eCube #2 is also online, with updates on programming, the Sixth Floor Housing Special, and the Writers' Workshop.

eCube #1 is now online

eCube #1 is now online, with updates on our Guests of Honor, programming ideas, and the publications that make WisCon great, plus a call to help us make WisCon even better by completing the WisCon34 survey.

The Last, I-Can't-Believe-It's-Monday-Already Edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon

Now online - the final edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon, WisCon's daily newsletter, with news about the Tiptree Auction, a note from Jeanne Gomoll, and the last installment of the GOH Q & A with Nnedi and Mary Anne.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon, The Sunday Edition

Now online - the Sunday edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon, WisCon's daily newsletter, with more GOH Q & As with Nnedi and Mary Anne, programming updates, lost and found and photo booth updates, and other news from WisCon34.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon - The Saturday Edition

Saturday's edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon is now online, with news about registration for WisCon35, interviews with Guests of Honor Nnedi Okorafor and Mary Anne Mohanraj, and news about Deb Mensinger.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon #1 Now Online

Friday's edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon - WisCon's daily newsletter - is now online, with programming updates and news for WisCon34.

Food and Beverage Specials at the Concourse for WisCon34

The Madison Concourse is once again offering a 20% food discount voucher for just $10 per person. Just think – you can graze that amazing salad bar (which will be available on both Saturday and Sunday this year) and get 20% off your bill!

The 20% discount only applies to your own food/drink orders; it does not apply to the entire group, unless each person in the group has a discount voucher. Stop by the Front Desk and get your discount voucher today!

Also, check out The Bar at the Concourse - they've whipped up some incredible WisCon libations such as the Avatar, A Pandoran Cosmopolitan; A Clockwork Orange, with Absolut Mandarin vodka, amaretto, Baileys, orange juice and cream; The Blade Runner, with light and dark rums enhanced with lime juice, pineapple juice, and aromatic bitters; Iron Man Too (your own personal armor Kir) with peach and pomegranate liqueurs added to sparkling wine; and Zombieland, a mega rum and fruit juice explosion that will have your brain ready for sampling after just one.

Of course, The Fan Boy is always there for you for no charge - water served over ice in a glass with a slice of citrus.

eCube 12 is onboard with Wiscon34 Updates!

eCube Number Twelve is onboard and flying to you with major updates:

• Hotel Reminders & Information
• Where's My Name Badge??
• Access News
• The Tiptree Bake Sale Needs You!
• Come One, Come All!
• Auction Gearing Up
• Grab The Best Seat In The House!
• Photographic Etiquette & Privacy Policies
• WisCon 35 Hotel Reservations, Memberships Available May 30
• Registration For WisCon 35
• WisCon Invites You To Peek Behind The Curtain
• More Info

Go to eCube Number Twelve now.

Progress Report 2 is also available online.

eCube Number 11 now available online

eCube Number Eleven is now online, with a call for WisCon volunteers, a shout-out for Deb's Liverlovers, Tiptree Auction news, Access info, and the announcement of the brand-new, all-shiny WisCon Registration Smorgasbörd.

And a reminder: the WisCon 34 Program Schedule is now available online. Peruse the programming, plot your schedule, and prepare for a wonderful WisCon34!

WisCon 34's eCube #1 is online!

eCube Number One is now available online with news about a very special hotel special, ConCom vacancies, the full Tiptree Winners List and the annual WisCon33 Lost and Found list (are you missing a purple Montefiore pen?)

Take Back the SciFi: WisCon's response

WisCon members who attended a WisCon 33 panel entitled "Take Back the SciFi," have expressed serious concerns about the panel's focus and moderation. They have raised important questions about comments and decisions the moderator made in guiding the conversation and accepting questions during the discussion of personal experiences.

The panel was intended to focus on the use of rape and sexual assault in science fiction writing and the influence of rape culture in the genre. The panel was described as "Sexual assault and rape frequently get used as symbolic plot devices with no consideration about the realities of how these events effect survivors and the people around them and the larger social realities of this epidemic. Sometimes these stories get told well but often they perpetuate social myths and stereotypes that normalize predatory behavior and make survivors complicit. How do authors work to create a culture where stories that perpetuate rape myths are not acceptable? Examples?"

However, as can happen in programming on topics such as this, the discussion shifted to personal experiences of rape and sexual assault. Unfortunately, the panel also became a place in which male survivors, their families, and friends felt marginalized and re-traumatized.

We are very sorry that this occurred. As organizers of a feminist convention, we understand that rape knows no gender.

We thank the panelists and attendees who have expressed their concerns. WisCon's Convention Committee (ConCom) will continue to discuss these concerns and to respond to people who contact us directly. Also, ConCom members have spoken with the moderator, who may choose to respond individually. Moderators, like all program participants, are volunteers who express interest in a panel. Although we believe the moderator had no intent to harm, we know that harm occurred and we take that harm seriously. In response to member suggestions, this programming item will be offered again at WisCon 34 in a facilitated discussion format to encourage audience participation.

We understand that panelists and attendees will continue to engage in dialogue about this panel, and we welcome any additional suggestions that arise from these discussions. Please contact us at program34@wiscon.info.

Help WisCon Provide A Better Con Experience - Complete the Survey!

If you attended WisCon33, help the WisCon concom provide you with a better con experience! Please complete the WisCon 33 Survey and let us know what you liked, what you didn't like, and what we can improve for WisCon 34!

Thanks so much!

WisCon34 Guests of Honor

WisCon is pleased and thrilled to announce that Mary Anne Mohanraj, writer, editor, and spec-fic community activist, and Nnedi Okorafor, author of The Shadow Speaker and Zarah the Windseeker, are our Guests of Honor for WisCon 34.

Suggest Panels and Program Items for WisCon34

Did a great idea for a panel pop into your head during that intense post-panel discussion? Is there a panel that WisCon33 is missing that you'd like to see at WisCon34? Share your ideas with the WisCon34 programming committee now via the programming idea suggestion form, now open for WisCon 34.

Sunday Programming Changes

Panel 151, Judging the Tiptree
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Senate B
Gavin Grant was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 152, The Etiquette of Self Promotion
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Wisconsin
Marianne Kirby will also be on this panel.

Reading 162, Scotch and Bacon
Sunday, 10-11:15 am, Conference 2
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 174, The Obligatory Workshop Panel
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Wisconsin
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Alex Wilson will also be on this panel.

Panel 175, Battlestar Galactica: Our Sine Qua Non
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Capitol A
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
Larry Sanderson will also be on this panel.

Panel 183, Fathers and Daughters in SF & F
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, 629
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 186, Hey, Wait a Minute…
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Caucus
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
John Helfers will also be on this panel.

Panel 187, Adapt, Revise, Revisit
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Senate A
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Bill “whump” Humphries will also be on this panel.

Panel 223, Women of the Horror Film: The British Fears
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Caucus
This panel was moved to Saturday, 10:30-11:45

Panel 225, Death Is Weirder Than We Think
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Senate B
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Catherine Cheek will be moderating this panel.
Kerrie Hughes will also be on this panel.

Joan Vinge was unable to attend WisCon.

Alex Lamb was unable to attend WisCon.

WisCon 34 Online Registration Now Available for Memberships, Hotels

Online reservations are now open for WisCon34.

Hotel reservations for WisCon34 are now open for both the Inn on the Park and the Concourse Hotel. The Concourse now offers online reservations for your convenience. Details to register at both hotels are available on the hotel information page.

At-Con Newsletter #2

A Momentary Taste of Wiscon #2 is now available online.

Articles include:

WisCon34 Registration begins on Sunday

VOL_NTEE_S - What's Missing? UR!

Notices for program participants, Tor.com meetup, lost & found, restaurant guide, Saturday's off-site readings.

Volunteering in the Consuite

The Consuite is a great resource for everyone - but it doesn't run itself. This is especially so given the new food safety procedures in place, which require more intensive work, and less casual help (for example, those serving food must wash up and wear gloves and aprons.) This is putting a lot more stress on our regulars in the consuite, who do yeoperson work keeping us fed.

Help support our Consuite by signing up for a shift or two, especially for mealtimes and party time. The signup is just to the right of the hot dog grill. It's a great way to meet people - like Rick's, everyone comes to the consuite sooner or later - (hey, I served Geoff Ryman a hot dog last night!) and it really, really helps out WisCon.

And remember, those who volunteer for six hours or more are eligible for a membership rebate....

Programming Changes and Updates, 5/22/09

Here are the programming changes and updates as of 5/22/09:

Panel 119, SF/F TV Shows This Season
Saturday 4-5:15 pm, Caucus
James Frenkel replaces Kate Mason as moderator

Panel 158, Andrea Smith’s Conquest
Sunday 10-11:15 am, Senate B
Diantha Sprouse will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 231, An Uncertain God: A-gnostic Mysticism in History
and Speculative Fiction
Monday 8:30-9:45 am, Senate B
Steven Schwartz will also be participating in this panel.

SignOut
Marianne Kirby will be participating in SignOut.

Panel 38, Rethinking Disabling Metaphor
Friday, 4-5:15 pm, Conference 3
Deanne Fountaine will not be able to participate in this panel.

Panel 40, The Female Bachelor
Friday, 4-5:15 pm, Conference 5
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.
K. S. Latta was unable to attend WisCon.
Annalee Newitz will not be able to participate in this panel.
M.K. Hobson will also be participating in this panel.
Marianne Kirby will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 41, The Object In the Story, the Story In the Object
Friday, 4-5:15 pm, 623
Catherine Crowe will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 51, Norovirus and You: Responses to WisCholera 2008
Friday, 9-10:15 pm, Caucus
Susan Simensky Bietila will also be participating in this panel.

Academic 55, Humans, Machines and Science Fiction
Friday, 9-10:15 pm, Conference 3
Rosalyn Berne (Urgent and Essential: The Role and Function of Science Fiction in the Societal Stabilizing the Converging Technologies) was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 68, It Are Fact: Science and Oppression Intersect
Saturday, 8:30-9:45 am, Capitol B
Safiya Mohamed was unable to attend WisCon.

Reading 84, Attendees Receive Free Cyborg Unicorn
Saturday, 10-11:15 am, Room Of Ones Own
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.
Rosalyn Berne was unable to attend WisCon.

Reading 102, Wisps, Wizards…
Saturday, 1-2:15 pm, Michaelangelo’s
Heather Shaw and Tim Pratt were not able to attend WisCon.

Panel 107, Your Friend Academia
Saturday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Wisconsin
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Ariel Franklin-Hudson will also be participating in this panel.
Larisa Mikhaylova will also be participating in this panel.

Reading 110, Myths, Dreams, and Stories
Saturday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Conference 2
Delia Sherman will also participate in this reading.

Panel 118, Are We Done Believing in God Yet?
Saturday, 4-5:15 pm, Assembly
K. S. Latta was unable to attend WisCon.
Keith Watson will be joining and moderating this panel.

Panel 119, SF/F TV Shows This Season
Saturday 4-5:15 pm, Caucus
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Richard S. Russell will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 131, Roll to See if I Advance the Plot
Saturday, 4-5:15 pm, 629
Pan Morigan will not be participating in this panel.

Party 136, Verb Noire
Jamie Nesbitt Golden will also be hosting this party.

Panel 142, One God or Many—Or None
Saturday, 10:30-11:45 pm, Senate A
Safiya Mohamed was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 151, Judging the Tiptree
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Senate B
Gavin Grant was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 152, The Etiquette of Self Promotion
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Wisconsin
Marianne Kirby will also be participating in this panel.

Reading 162, Scotch and Bacon
Sunday, 10-11:15 am, Conference 2
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 174, The Obligatory Workshop Panel
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Wisconsin
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Alex Wilson will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 175, Battlestar Galactica: Our Sine Qua Non
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Capitol A
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
Larry Sanderson will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 183, Fathers and Daughters in SF & F
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, 629
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 186, Hey, Wait a Minute…
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Caucus
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
John Helfers will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 187, Adapt, Revise, Revisit
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Senate A
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Bill “whump” Humphries will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 223, Women of the Horror Film: The British Fears
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Caucus
This panel has been moved to Saturday, 10:30-11:45 pm in Conference 2.

Panel 225, Death Is Weirder Than We Think
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Senate B
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Catherine Cheek will be moderating this panel.
Kerrie Hughes will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 240, Always a Companion, Never a Doctor
Monday, 10-11:15 am, Conference 5
Safiya Mohamed was unable to attend WisCon.

Developer Recruiting Meeting
Monday, 11:30 am-12:45 pm, 627
Come meet the developers of the new WisCon application, volunteer to help, and tell us how the app could be improved. Pizza will be served.
Panelists: Piglet, Jim Hudson, John H. Kim

SignOut
Monday, 11:30 am-12:54 pm, Capitol/Wisconsin
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.
Geoff Ryman will participate in SignOut.

The following bios were not in the pocket program:

Janice Bogstad was one of the three folks who started SF-3, WisCon and Janus in 1975. She has been writing about, reviewing books by, and doing interviews with women in science fiction, writers and critics, since before that time. She currently reviews for 11 publications, including ones on women and science fiction and fantasy, but also women in China, women in medieval culture and library journals on collection development. She is a professor, head of collection development, for McIntyre Library at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and also teaches in the Women’s Studies and English departments. Her language-studies of SF and women include French, German and Chinese, as well as English and she especially enjoys literature and history from 7th, 12th and 20th-21st century China and 12th and 20th-21st century France.

Eileen Gunn is the author of the story collection Stable Strategies and Others and the co-editor of The WisCon Chronicles Two. Her fiction has received the Nebula Award in the US the and Sense of Gender Award in Japan, and been nominated for the Hugo, Philip K. Dick, and World Fantasy awards and short-listed for the James Tiptree, Jr. award. She is the editor/publisher of the Infinite Matrix webzine and for twenty years has been a member of the board of directors of the Clarion West Writers Workshop.

The Final eCube - No. 9

The final, very last edition of the WisCon33 eCube is now available, with news about programming changes, hotel reservations for WisCon34, the Clothing Swap, the Rule, and more.

Last time, No. 9.

WisCon33 Interactive Program Schedule Now Online

The brand-new, extremely shiny WisCon 33 Programming Schedule is now online. Simply click on the name of any panel to see the description and the panelists.

[Note: If you're using IE7 on Windows, you may notice that the grid layout gets a little wacky if you click on a panel and then hit the back button to see the whole schedule grid. We're working on the issue; for now, we suggest that you refresh the page. That will return the grid to its usual orderly self.]