Comic-con

But in terms of reaching new readers and growing the field in a difficult economy, I have to say Comic-con definitely has the greater appeal.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

I'd love a return to a stronger focus on books and authors and the written format, which apparently was supplanted once Hollywood found Comic-con.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

Ignoring budgets, which simply cannot be compared, having a fixed location, timeframe, and many of the same staff and volunteers each year means Comic-con can focus on attracting stars (of all sorts), building their presence in re publicity/exposure/attendance, and constantly improving the overall experience (for example, selling all of the attendance badges beforehand, thus shortening the entrance lines), rather than having to start from scratch every time.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

For the first time this year, I went to the San Diego Comic-con instead of Worldcon.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

Where Worldcon focuses on science fiction and some fantasy, many fans at Comic-con adored urban fantasy and paranormal romance-the largest, bestselling part of sf/f today -- and were either fans of our authors or happy to try them.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

Plus there's the chance for author exposure on a level you can't guarantee and can only hope for, as when Richard Kadrey's Sandman Slim was chosen as one of the top 10 Comic-con buzz-winners.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

Granted, most are not interested in books, but some are-our panel had over 200 people at it-and even 5% of Comic-con attendees is more people than any but the absolute largest Worldcon (where not all the attendees are interested in books or authors, either).

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

I'd never been to Comic-con before, and while I'd been warned, the scale is truly beyond belief and has to be seen to be believed, from the hordes waiting to enter, the lines for anything and everything, and the mass of people and exhibits to the sheer spectacle.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

I'd love a return to a stronger focus on books and authors and the written format, which apparently was supplanted once Hollywood found Comic-con.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009

And the wider focus on sf/f/h in all venues at Comic-con means a huge number of attendees and potential readers.

MIND MELD: What Can Worldcon and Comic-Con Learn From Each Other? 2009