http://wiki.mnstf.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Sharonkahn&feedformat=atomMinn-StF Wiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T14:34:58ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.40.0http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Blog_Recipe&diff=9441Blog Recipe2023-07-05T16:14:45Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Canonical recipe for Minicon Blog */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Recipe ==<br />
<br />
=== Canonical recipe for Minicon Blog ===<br />
<br />
<big><br />
* One 12 oz can each of frozen<br />
** Orange juice<br />
** Lemonade<br />
** Limeade<br />
* 6 oz grenadine<br />
* 4 quarts ginger ale (modern equivalent: 4 liters ginger ale) <br />
* Ice, lots<br />
* 12 oz vodka (modern equivalent: 1/3 liter vodka)<br />
</big><br />
<br />
If the alcohol is left out, it's called "St. Paul Blog". <br />
This is because we held the convention one year in a St. Paul hotel that would not let us serve alcohol in the con suite.<br />
<br />
The type that ''has'' alcohol is not, however, called "Minneapolis Blog". Canonically, it's either Blog or St. Paul Blog. There is no spoon.<br />
<br />
==== Notes ====<br />
<br />
Where on Earth are you going to get quarts of ginger ale? 4 liters will do.<br />
<br />
The recipe used to call for a "large can (12 oz)" of each juice concentrate. I think it used to come more often in 6 oz cans, and older versions called for twice as many of these. I was born in 1981 and cannot ever recall having seen a 6 oz can of juice concentrate.<br />
<br />
6 oz of grenadine, naturally, fills half a 12 oz can of juice concentrate. Take advantage of this.<br />
<br />
12 oz of vodka is very close to half of a 750ml bottle (the usual smaller size) and very close to a fifth of a 1.75L bottle (the usual larger size). You can alternatively measure out the traditional 12 oz using the 12 oz juice concentrate cans.<br />
<br />
If mixed canonically, it is not very alcoholic, only about 2.5% before considering the ice. The ice can easily bring it down under 2%.<br />
<br />
=== Lisa's variant ===<br />
<br />
Use 2 liters of ginger ale and 2 liters of water instead of 4 of ginger ale. This is more or less equivalent to using juice instead of juice concentrate and results in a less bonk-you-over-the-head sweet drink. For those who like to be canonical, a similar effect can be achieved by being particularly zealous about the "lots" when adding ice and having all the ingredients warm. However, then you'll either have to search all over the hotel for a non-exhausted ice machine or actually buy bags of ice.<br />
<br />
=== Minicon 10 variant ===<br />
<br />
Minicon 10's "Secret Masters of Munchies" packet has a recipe for "punch", which is the same as the above except with twice the grenadine and 10 cups of water instead of ice. It says "vodka to taste ... about a pint" (i.e. 16oz or about 1/2 liter).<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
<br />
[[Recipes]].</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8038Main Page2023-04-30T00:36:04Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Documented timelines (as of Apr29, 2023) */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Documented timelines (first pass - Apr29, 2023) ====<br />
<br />
IN THE MONTHS BEFORE THE CON<br />
6mo 4mo 3mo 2mo 1mo<br />
ART find subheads find storage contact artists plan panel pickup [obsolete?]<br />
GoH contact GoH picture/bio review schedule plan signings/klatsch<br />
Prog start brainstorming idea list find panelists GoH sched finish schedule<br />
<br />
<br />
* [[Art Show]] - excellent timeline about halfway down the page<br />
* [[GoH Department]] - good writeup with an excellent embedded timeline<br />
* [[The seasons of programming]] (2008) old but still relevant<br />
<br />
==== No timelines found ====<br />
*Publications<br />
*Registration<br />
*Hotel - excellent writeup but no timeline<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committee for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8037Main Page2023-04-30T00:21:49Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Documented timelines (as of Apr29, 2023) */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Documented timelines (as of Apr29, 2023) ====<br />
<br />
BEFORE THE CON<br />
<br />
6mo 4mo 3mo 1mo<br />
ART find subheads find storage contact artists plan panel pickup [obsolete?]<br />
GoH<br />
<br />
<br />
* [[Art Show]] - excellent timeline about halfway down the page<br />
* [[GoH Department]] - good writeup with an excellent embedded timeline<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) implied timeline, but you have to dig it out of the text<br />
<br />
==== No timelines found ====<br />
*Publications<br />
*Registration<br />
*Hotel - excellent writeup but no timeline<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committee for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8036Main Page2023-04-30T00:15:30Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* A MINICON TIMELINE */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Documented timelines (as of Apr29, 2023) ====<br />
<br />
<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) implied timeline, but you have to dig it out of the text<br />
* [[GoH Department]] - good writeup with an excellent embedded timeline<br />
* [[Art Show]] - excellent timeline about halfway down the page<br />
<br />
==== No timelines found ====<br />
*Publications<br />
*Registration<br />
*Hotel - excellent writeup but no timeline<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committee for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8035Main Page2023-04-30T00:06:53Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* A MINICON TIMELINE */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) implied timeline, but you have to dig it out of the text<br />
* [[GoH Department]] - good writeup with an excellent embedded timeline<br />
* [[Art Show]] - excellent timeline about halfway down the page<br />
<br />
==== No timelines found ====<br />
*Publications<br />
*Registration<br />
*Hotel - excellent writeup but no timeline<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committee for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8034Main Page2023-04-30T00:04:33Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Programming Department Timelines */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department Timelines ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) implied timeline, but you have to dig it out of the text<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
==== GoH Liaison Timeline ====<br />
[[GoH Department]] - This writeup contains an excellent embedded timeline<br />
[[Art Show]] - excellent timeline about halfway down the page<br />
<br />
<br />
==== No timelines found ====<br />
*Publications<br />
*Registration<br />
*Hotel - excellent writeup but no timeline<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committee for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8033Main Page2023-04-30T00:03:02Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Moderator Tip Sheet */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department Timelines ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) includes detailed timeline<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
==== GoH Liaison Timeline ====<br />
[[GoH Department]] - This writeup contains an excellent embedded timeline<br />
[[Art Show]] - excellent timeline about halfway down the page<br />
<br />
<br />
==== No timelines found ====<br />
*Publications<br />
*Registration<br />
*Hotel - excellent writeup but no timeline<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committee for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8032Main Page2023-04-30T00:02:14Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Programming Department Timelines */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department Timelines ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) includes detailed timeline<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
==== GoH Liaison Timeline ====<br />
[[GoH Department]] - This writeup contains an excellent embedded timeline<br />
[[Art Show]] - excellent timeline about halfway down the page<br />
<br />
<br />
==== No timelines found ====<br />
*Publications<br />
*Registration<br />
*Hotel - excellent writeup but no timeline<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8031Main Page2023-04-29T23:54:49Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Programming Department */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department Timelines ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) includes detailed timeline<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8030Main Page2023-04-29T23:51:21Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* A MINICON TIMELINE */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) includes detailed timeline<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8029Main Page2023-04-29T23:50:33Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Programming Department */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description]] (2015) includes detailed timeline<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Programming_Head_-_Job_Description&diff=8028Programming Head - Job Description2023-04-29T23:49:14Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* See Also */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Overview ==<br />
Starting this on April 6, 2015 (Minicon 50). The goal is to have a comprehensive description of what is involved in running the Programming Department for Minicon, a mid-size regional science fiction convention.<br />
<br />
Programming Head is a big job, arguably the biggest of all the department heads besides the chair. Hospitality (bar/consuite) is huge at the con and in the month or so preceding, but not too much of a burden the rest of the year. But Programming keeps demanding time and energy all year long. The busiest time for Programming is the last 6 weeks before the con, where it can easily become a 40-hour work week. There are significant job responsibilities at the con itself, although the more thorough the preparation before hand the fewer the at-con emergencies will be.<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
* [[The seasons of programming]] - a suggested Programming Timeline (2008)<br />
<br />
== Pre Convention Responsibilities ==<br />
* Assemble a Programming Committee<br />
** Choose people with a variety of interests and talents. If, for example, you primarily read fantasy, it's good to have sub-heads who primarily read SF. If you are primarily a comics and filk fan, try to have sub-heads who cover gaming and costuming. Also, if you're really good at communicating but not good at scheduling, try to have sub-heads who make up for that. <br />
* Go to as many concomm meetings as you possibly can. As the head of programming, a ton of things will hinge on decisions you make, and people will need a lot of information from you. Examples:<br />
** A lot of departments will want to know when you're planning on having big Guest of Honor events, so they can make sure to not schedule their big events at the same time. <br />
** Departments will want to know pretty early how you're organizing the time slots for the schedule. One-hour programming items with half-hour breaks in between has become the norm, but you may do it differently. And other departments will want to match their schedules to yours as much as possible.<br />
** Generally get to know your fellow concomm members. It's important that you all work comfortably together, and they will need to be able to find you regarding emergencies/last minute decisions/general queries at the con, so it's important that you all recognize each other. (Minicon hasn't done walkie-talkies lately, and finding people has tended to be very loose: "Have you seen Rachel lately?") <br />
* Start a list of programming ideas (as soon as possible after the previous con)<br />
* Collect and write down ideas as they come to you. Keep a list in your phone or notebook or whatever, and write them down when they come to you, then add them to the wiki when you can.<br />
* Add to idea list with formal and informal brainstorming sessions<br />
* Clarify others' suggestions as best you can. (If you later can't tell what a given idea was about, either turn it into something workable, or chuck it.)<br />
* Research the Guests of Honor<br />
** Think of panels and other programming items they would be interested in<br />
** Think of panels and other programming items that could be related to their interests/work/etc., even if the GoHs aren't going to be on them<br />
* Publish an online list of programming ideas (often referred to as the "Programming Online Brainstorm")<br />
* Solicit interest in panels <br />
** Ways to do this:<br />
*** Emailing everyone who's expressed interest in being involved with programming (by checking the appropriate box on their registration form)<br />
*** Sending out notifications that programming sign-up has begun (notifications should go on the Minicon/Mnstf Livejournal and Dreamwidth accounts; Facebook; Twitter; the Minicon website; etc.)<br />
*** Targeted email to people you know could be good for particular panels<br />
*** Personal email with Guests of Honor -- make sure to ask clearly what sorts of panels they'd like to be on, if they have any additional suggestions, etc.<br />
*** Some combination of the above<br />
* Keep up communication with programming participants. Make sure they actually want to be on the items you've got them scheduled for (not always guaranteed, because descriptions sometimes change after you've scheduled people for panels). See if they have ideas for other good panelists. See if they'd like to tweak the panel topic. <br />
* Ask interested participants to tell you their conflicts and scheduling preferences, such as people they don't want to be on panels with, times they're not available, etc.<br />
* Collect schedules from other departments that will have them: movies, music, kids' programming, etc.<br />
* Keep in touch with other departments as their schedules change, so you can integrate and adapt to them<br />
* Create the final programming schedule. This is a complex process, involving a lot of cascading scheduling conflicts, etc. etc.<br />
# Judge, based on general interest, which programming items will be huge. These should be in higher-capacity rooms, and you may also want to be careful not to schedule these opposite each other.<br />
# Slot guest of honor programming into the grid first<br />
# Generate initial layouts of the grid<br />
# Keep participants' requirements in mind<br />
# Have your programming assistants look at the grid and help you spot conflicts<br />
* Notify all programming participants of their final schedules, including:<br />
** All panels they're on, who they're on the panels with, who the moderators are, where the panels are<br />
** Existence of the Green Room, and its purpose, hours and location<br />
** How to let you know if they discover any errors/conflicts<br />
* Coordinate last-minute updates<br />
* Pick moderators for panels<br />
* Notify moderators that they are moderators<br />
* Give panelists contact information for other people on their panels, so they can pre-discuss things if wanted<br />
* Give final copy of the full programming schedule, with panel names, times, locations, panelists, moderators, etc. etc. to the Program Book creator<br />
* Give final copy of the programming schedule, including panel times, time & locations to the [[Pocket program|Pocket Program]] designer<br />
* Print table tents (the folding cards that give panelists' names, giving audience members a visual reference to who is who)<br />
** At a minimum, tents need to list the name of each programming participant in large, easy-to-read type<br />
** Other good things to include: on the other half of the paper, where the participant themself will see it, list the panel name, topic, panelists and time slot; if possible, include the full description of the panel, so panelists can remind themselves of what they're supposed to be talking about.<br />
* Print badge labels (little stick-on labels for programming participants' badges, so they have ready reference to what programming they're on)<br />
* More to come...<br />
<br />
== At Con Responsibilities ==<br />
<br />
* Test A/V setup for room(s) with A/V -- make sure projector is ready and working before any panel needing a projector <br />
* Monitor panels and see how popular each programming item is<br />
* Note which panels work well, which ''panelists'' work well, and which moderators work well<br />
* Put out table tents<br />
* Generally monitor programming and see how things are going: are panels too loud? Any panels that panelists didn't show up for?<br />
<br />
== Interaction with Other Departments ==</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Programming_Head_-_Job_Description&diff=8027Programming Head - Job Description2023-04-29T23:48:46Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Overview */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Overview ==<br />
Starting this on April 6, 2015 (Minicon 50). The goal is to have a comprehensive description of what is involved in running the Programming Department for Minicon, a mid-size regional science fiction convention.<br />
<br />
Programming Head is a big job, arguably the biggest of all the department heads besides the chair. Hospitality (bar/consuite) is huge at the con and in the month or so preceding, but not too much of a burden the rest of the year. But Programming keeps demanding time and energy all year long. The busiest time for Programming is the last 6 weeks before the con, where it can easily become a 40-hour work week. There are significant job responsibilities at the con itself, although the more thorough the preparation before hand the fewer the at-con emergencies will be.<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
* [[The seasons of programming]] - a suggested Programming Timeline<br />
<br />
== Pre Convention Responsibilities ==<br />
* Assemble a Programming Committee<br />
** Choose people with a variety of interests and talents. If, for example, you primarily read fantasy, it's good to have sub-heads who primarily read SF. If you are primarily a comics and filk fan, try to have sub-heads who cover gaming and costuming. Also, if you're really good at communicating but not good at scheduling, try to have sub-heads who make up for that. <br />
* Go to as many concomm meetings as you possibly can. As the head of programming, a ton of things will hinge on decisions you make, and people will need a lot of information from you. Examples:<br />
** A lot of departments will want to know when you're planning on having big Guest of Honor events, so they can make sure to not schedule their big events at the same time. <br />
** Departments will want to know pretty early how you're organizing the time slots for the schedule. One-hour programming items with half-hour breaks in between has become the norm, but you may do it differently. And other departments will want to match their schedules to yours as much as possible.<br />
** Generally get to know your fellow concomm members. It's important that you all work comfortably together, and they will need to be able to find you regarding emergencies/last minute decisions/general queries at the con, so it's important that you all recognize each other. (Minicon hasn't done walkie-talkies lately, and finding people has tended to be very loose: "Have you seen Rachel lately?") <br />
* Start a list of programming ideas (as soon as possible after the previous con)<br />
* Collect and write down ideas as they come to you. Keep a list in your phone or notebook or whatever, and write them down when they come to you, then add them to the wiki when you can.<br />
* Add to idea list with formal and informal brainstorming sessions<br />
* Clarify others' suggestions as best you can. (If you later can't tell what a given idea was about, either turn it into something workable, or chuck it.)<br />
* Research the Guests of Honor<br />
** Think of panels and other programming items they would be interested in<br />
** Think of panels and other programming items that could be related to their interests/work/etc., even if the GoHs aren't going to be on them<br />
* Publish an online list of programming ideas (often referred to as the "Programming Online Brainstorm")<br />
* Solicit interest in panels <br />
** Ways to do this:<br />
*** Emailing everyone who's expressed interest in being involved with programming (by checking the appropriate box on their registration form)<br />
*** Sending out notifications that programming sign-up has begun (notifications should go on the Minicon/Mnstf Livejournal and Dreamwidth accounts; Facebook; Twitter; the Minicon website; etc.)<br />
*** Targeted email to people you know could be good for particular panels<br />
*** Personal email with Guests of Honor -- make sure to ask clearly what sorts of panels they'd like to be on, if they have any additional suggestions, etc.<br />
*** Some combination of the above<br />
* Keep up communication with programming participants. Make sure they actually want to be on the items you've got them scheduled for (not always guaranteed, because descriptions sometimes change after you've scheduled people for panels). See if they have ideas for other good panelists. See if they'd like to tweak the panel topic. <br />
* Ask interested participants to tell you their conflicts and scheduling preferences, such as people they don't want to be on panels with, times they're not available, etc.<br />
* Collect schedules from other departments that will have them: movies, music, kids' programming, etc.<br />
* Keep in touch with other departments as their schedules change, so you can integrate and adapt to them<br />
* Create the final programming schedule. This is a complex process, involving a lot of cascading scheduling conflicts, etc. etc.<br />
# Judge, based on general interest, which programming items will be huge. These should be in higher-capacity rooms, and you may also want to be careful not to schedule these opposite each other.<br />
# Slot guest of honor programming into the grid first<br />
# Generate initial layouts of the grid<br />
# Keep participants' requirements in mind<br />
# Have your programming assistants look at the grid and help you spot conflicts<br />
* Notify all programming participants of their final schedules, including:<br />
** All panels they're on, who they're on the panels with, who the moderators are, where the panels are<br />
** Existence of the Green Room, and its purpose, hours and location<br />
** How to let you know if they discover any errors/conflicts<br />
* Coordinate last-minute updates<br />
* Pick moderators for panels<br />
* Notify moderators that they are moderators<br />
* Give panelists contact information for other people on their panels, so they can pre-discuss things if wanted<br />
* Give final copy of the full programming schedule, with panel names, times, locations, panelists, moderators, etc. etc. to the Program Book creator<br />
* Give final copy of the programming schedule, including panel times, time & locations to the [[Pocket program|Pocket Program]] designer<br />
* Print table tents (the folding cards that give panelists' names, giving audience members a visual reference to who is who)<br />
** At a minimum, tents need to list the name of each programming participant in large, easy-to-read type<br />
** Other good things to include: on the other half of the paper, where the participant themself will see it, list the panel name, topic, panelists and time slot; if possible, include the full description of the panel, so panelists can remind themselves of what they're supposed to be talking about.<br />
* Print badge labels (little stick-on labels for programming participants' badges, so they have ready reference to what programming they're on)<br />
* More to come...<br />
<br />
== At Con Responsibilities ==<br />
<br />
* Test A/V setup for room(s) with A/V -- make sure projector is ready and working before any panel needing a projector <br />
* Monitor panels and see how popular each programming item is<br />
* Note which panels work well, which ''panelists'' work well, and which moderators work well<br />
* Put out table tents<br />
* Generally monitor programming and see how things are going: are panels too loud? Any panels that panelists didn't show up for?<br />
<br />
== Interaction with Other Departments ==</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8026Main Page2023-04-29T23:47:41Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Miscellaneous Programming articles */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|The Seasons of Programming: a Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8025Main Page2023-04-29T23:47:17Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Miscellaneous Programming articles */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (2008)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8024Main Page2023-04-29T23:45:46Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Programming Department */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
*[[The seasons of programming]] from Minicon 43 (2008)<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8023Main Page2023-04-29T23:44:45Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Minicon History */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
[[http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=The_seasons_of_programming]]<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance)<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8022Main Page2023-04-29T23:44:32Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Minicon History */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
[[http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=The_seasons_of_programming]]<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summary (including name of chair and attendance_<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8021Main Page2023-04-29T23:43:52Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Minicon History */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
[[http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=The_seasons_of_programming]]<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
*[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8020Main Page2023-04-29T23:42:46Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Recent Minicons - relevant links */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
[[http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=The_seasons_of_programming]]<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Recent_Minicon_-_Links&diff=8019Recent Minicon - Links2023-04-29T23:42:40Z<p>Sharonkahn: Moving a cumbersome list of links to their own page</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Recent Minicons - relevant links ===<br />
[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
==== M56 (2023) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)]<br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
<br />
==== M55 (2022) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon55/ Minicon 55 (2022)]<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8018Main Page2023-04-29T23:41:54Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Recent Minicons - relevant links */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
[[http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=The_seasons_of_programming]]<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
=== Recent Minicons - relevant links ===<br />
[[Recent Minicon - Links]]<br />
<br />
==== M56 (2023) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)]<br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
<br />
==== M55 (2022) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon55/ Minicon 55 (2022)]<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8017Main Page2023-04-29T22:38:23Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* A MINICON TIMELINE */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Programming Department ====<br />
[[http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=The_seasons_of_programming]]<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
=== Recent Minicons - relevant links ===<br />
<br />
==== M56 (2023) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)]<br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
<br />
==== M55 (2022) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon55/ Minicon 55 (2022)]<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8016Main Page2023-04-29T22:34:50Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Planning */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== A MINICON TIMELINE ===<br />
Each department has its own timeline of tasks that need to be done in the year leading up to the con. This is an attempt to coordinate the timelines of all the departments. It's meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
===Long-term Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
=== Recent Minicons - relevant links ===<br />
<br />
==== M56 (2023) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)]<br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
<br />
==== M55 (2022) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon55/ Minicon 55 (2022)]<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8015Main Page2023-04-29T22:28:31Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Recent Minicons - relevant links */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
=== Recent Minicons - relevant links ===<br />
<br />
==== M56 (2023) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)]<br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
<br />
==== M55 (2022) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon55/ Minicon 55 (2022)]<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8014Main Page2023-04-29T22:24:45Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Minicon History */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
=== Recent Minicons - relevant links ===<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8013Main Page2023-04-29T22:23:04Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* General-interest Minicon stuff */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8012Main Page2023-04-29T22:21:37Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Minicon History */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history|Minicon mini-history (Minicons 1-50)]] - quick summaryincluding name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8011Main Page2023-04-29T21:59:34Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Historical */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history]] - quick summary of recent Minicons including name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical (Minicon Programming) ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8010Main Page2023-04-29T21:53:29Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Historical */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history]] - quick summary of recent Minicons including name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|M45 Programming Brainstorming]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M44 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8009Main Page2023-04-29T21:50:09Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Historical */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history]] - quick summary of recent Minicons including name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|M45 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|Brainstorming list for Minicon 45]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|M45 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8008Main Page2023-04-29T21:47:06Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Historical */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history]] - quick summary of recent Minicons including name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical ==== <br />
* [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing for Minicon 45]]<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|Brainstorming list for Minicon 45]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44]]<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8007Main Page2023-04-29T21:46:25Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Programming */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history]] - quick summary of recent Minicons including name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical ==== <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing for Minicon 45]]<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|Brainstorming list for Minicon 45]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44]]<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8006Main Page2023-04-29T21:45:40Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Programming */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history]] - quick summary of recent Minicons including name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
<br />
==== [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] ====<br />
<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Historical ==== <br />
* [[M53 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 53 Programming Brainstorm]] <br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming]] listing<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing for Minicon 45]]<br />
* [[Minicon45_Programming|Brainstorming list for Minicon 45]]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44]]<br />
* See also previous Minicons' webpages for old program books, [[pocket program]]s, and what we said to members on the web.<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=8005Main Page2023-04-29T21:44:18Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Miscellaneous Programming articles */</p>
<hr />
<div>Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.<br />
== Minnstf Links ==<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org Mnstf web page]<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/records/ Minn-stf Records Page] - Bylaws, board minutes, tax records<br />
<br />
== For the Board ==<br />
<br />
* So you're a [[New Board Member|new board member]]? You should read about it.<br />
* [[Recurring Tasks]] for the board<br />
<br />
== Minnstf Document Digitization Project ==<br />
<br />
Otherwise known as MinDocDigPro. This is an ongoing effort to digitize Minnstf (and in particular Minicon) documents. [[MinDocDigPro|Here's the organizing page of the project.]]<br />
<br />
== General-interest Minicon stuff ==<br />
<br />
Minicon continues, but since Minicon 53, the programming folks have organized things elsewhere, not on the wiki (but future programming heads should feel free to use the wiki again if they like).<br />
<br />
==== M53 (2018) ====<br />
<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon53/ Minicon 53 (2018)]<br />
* [[M53_Programming_Brainstorm | M53 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M52 (2017) ====<br />
* [http://mnstf.org/minicon52/ Minicon 52]<br />
* [[M52_Programming_Brainstorm | M52_Programming_Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M51 (2016) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon51/ Minicon 51]<br />
* [[M51 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 51 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
<br />
==== M50 (2015) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon50/ Minicon 50]<br />
* [[M50 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 50 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M49 (2014) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon49/ Minicon 49]<br />
* [[M49 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 49 Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M48 (2013) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon48/ Main website]<br />
* [[M48 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M47 (2012) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon47/ Main website]<br />
* [[M47 Programming Brainstorm|Programming Brainstorm]]<br />
==== M46 (2011) ====<br />
* [[M46 Post-Mortem Agenda|Post-Mortem Agenda]]<br />
* [[M46 Programming|Programming]]<br />
==== M45 (2010) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon45/ Main website]<br />
* [[M45 Chronological listing of programming items|Programming listing]]<br />
==== M44 (2009) ====<br />
* [http://www.mnstf.org/minicon44/ Main website]<br />
* [[Programming ideas for Minicon 44|Programming]]<br />
<br />
===Planning===<br />
*[[Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- approved document covering Minicons 46-50<br />
*[[2nd Minicon 5-year Not-a-plan]] -- unapproved draft document covering Minicons 51-55<br />
<br />
=== Minicon History ===<br />
*[http://www.mnstf.org/minicon/ Minicon Home Page] - contains links to all home pages for previous Minicons <br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicon Minicon is on Wikipedia!]<br />
*[[Minicon mini-history]] - quick summary of recent Minicons including name of chair and attendance<br />
<br />
== Resources for Minicon (and other con) running ==<br />
<br />
=== Running a small convention or convention-related party ===<br />
* [[Running a Small Con]] - Tips on planning and running a small SF convention<br />
* [[Hosting the Minicon Pool Party]]<br />
* [[Minicon_Parties|Hosting Minicon parties at other conventions]]<br />
* [[What the Chair Does]]<br />
* [[Recipes]]<br />
<br />
===Programming===<br />
<br />
==== [[M56 Programming Brainstorm|Minicon 56 Programming Brainstorm]] ====<br />
<br />
==== Miscellaneous Programming articles ====<br />
* [[Programming Head - Job Description ]]<br />
* [[The seasons of programming|A Programming Timeline]] (one way of doing programming through the year)<br />
* [[Room requirements for Minicon]]<br />
* [[Scheduling notes]]<br />
* [[Supplies needed for Programming]]<br />
* [[Who's good for which programming]]<br />
* [[Documents or database?]]<br />
<br />
==== Moderator Tip Sheet ====<br />
The [[Moderator Tip Sheet]] was developed by the Programming Committed for Minicon 24. Besides general tips on how to plan and run a panel at an SF convention, the Tip Sheet includes a handy dandy worksheet for the moderator to use before and during the panel. Now and then other cons ask if they can use it. We always say yes.<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
* [[General thoughts on Registration]]<br />
* FAQs of sorts (there's some overlap between these two):<br />
** [[RegistrationMembersQTMBA|Questions members might ask]]<br />
** [[RegistrationHeadQTMBA|Questions the registration head might ask]]<br />
* [[Interaction between GoH and Registration]]<br />
<br />
===GoH Handling===<br />
<br />
* [[GoH Department|Guest Department and Liaising]]<br />
* [[Former GoH invitation]]<br />
<br />
===Publications===<br />
* The [[Pocket program]]<br />
<br />
===Hotel===<br />
* [[Hotel]] Liaison and department<br />
<br />
===Signs and At-Con Communications===<br />
* [[How Many Easels]] we need at the con<br />
<br />
===Accessibility===<br />
*[[Making Minicon More Accessible]]<br />
<br />
===Art Show===<br />
* [[Art Show]] Information<br />
<br />
===Volunteers===<br />
<br />
* [[Badgers|Sensible instructions for badgers]]<br />
<br />
=== Blog ===<br />
Blog is the traditional drink of Minicon. It's a sweet fruit punch, typically spiked with liberal amounts of vodka. The nonalcoholic variant is referred to as "St. Paul blog" for historical reasons. See the [[Blog Recipe]].<br />
<br />
=Account creation & editing privileges=<br />
How do you register to be able to edit this wiki? The Mnstf wiki has been the victim of large numbers of spammers. Because of this, we've set it so that only administrators can make accounts, so please contact one of them to register. They are, as of 2023, [[User:Dd-b:DD-B]], [[User:Jiawen |Rachel]], [[User:Laurel | Laurel]] and [[User:Straitm | Matt Strait]].<br />
<br />
Note to sysops and people trying to edit the wiki: People need to be in the "approved" group in order to edit pages (it's not good enough to just have an account, since lots of spambots have accounts already).</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7982M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:56:40Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* NOT YET CLASSIFIED */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years! <br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
There are still many participatory events on the schedule, but none of them require volunteers beforehand - you just show up or sign up at the con. Poetry in Orbit is the exception. <br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
[You don't need to volunteer for this one in advance either, but I'm leaving it here so people will think about showing up at the con. This is probably Greg's big event and he'd like a crowd.]<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? What are some of the other ways that ordinary people can adopt new planet-friendly programs and technology? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
[leaving this here for now because it could be folded into the Go Green panel]<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
<br />
=== Evolving methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Share your recommendations for what to watch and what to skip. A fun, informal panel that doesn't require any special expertise other than watching lots of TV and movies. <br />
''Last year I got recruited onto this panel at the last minute and had a ball. So I'm leaving it on here to remind people that this is one of the items you can join at the con if it doesn't get dropped from the schedule. Which it just might if NOBODY volunteers in advance. -- sharon<br />
''<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations? ''Not a viable panel at this time, but if you're interested, volunteer for SF/F Shows We Think You'd Like.''<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
''Not a viable panel at this time, but if you're interested, volunteer for SF/F Shows We Think You'd Like.''</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7981M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:56:27Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years! <br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
There are still many participatory events on the schedule, but none of them require volunteers beforehand - you just show up or sign up at the con. Poetry in Orbit is the exception. <br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
[You don't need to volunteer for this one in advance either, but I'm leaving it here so people will think about showing up at the con. This is probably Greg's big event and he'd like a crowd.]<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? What are some of the other ways that ordinary people can adopt new planet-friendly programs and technology? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
[leaving this here for now because it could be folded into the Go Green panel]<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
<br />
=== Evolving methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Share your recommendations for what to watch and what to skip. A fun, informal panel that doesn't require any special expertise other than watching lots of TV and movies. <br />
''Last year I got recruited onto this panel at the last minute and had a ball. So I'm leaving it on here to remind people that this is one of the items you can join at the con if it doesn't get dropped from the schedule. Which it just might if NOBODY volunteers in advance. -- sharon<br />
''<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations? ''Not a viable panel at this time, but if you're interested, volunteer for SF/F Shows We Think You'd Like.''<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
''Not a viable panel at this time, but if you're interested, volunteer for SF/F Shows We Think You'd Like.''<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7980M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:46:46Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years! <br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
There are still many participatory events on the schedule, but none of them require volunteers beforehand - you just show up or sign up at the con. Poetry in Orbit is the exception. <br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
[You don't need to volunteer for this one in advance either, but I'm leaving it here so people will think about showing up at the con. This is probably Greg's big event and he'd like a crowd.]<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? What are some of the other ways that ordinary people can adopt new planet-friendly programs and technology? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
[leaving this here for now because it could be folded into the Go Green panel]<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7979M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:44:00Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years! <br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
There are still many participatory events on the schedule, but none of them require volunteers beforehand - you just show up or sign up at the con. Poetry in Orbit is the exception. <br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
[You don't need to volunteer for this one in advance either, but I'm leaving it here so people will think about showing up at the con. This is probably Greg's big event and he'd like a crowd.]<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7978M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:40:44Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* ART and CRAFT */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years! <br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7977M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:40:04Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years! <br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7976M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:37:42Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* CONVENTION */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom..<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7975M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:35:44Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Chinese Stories */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom..<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7974M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:35:02Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Educating Science through Fiction */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
=== Teaching Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Chinese Stories=== <br />
A discussion of books, stories, and television coming out of China, in honor of 2023 WorldCon in ChengDu, China. There are dozens of Chinese-American and Chinese-Canadian writers, for both the adult and YA audience. The Chinese epic, Journey to the West got a modern abridged translation. The graphic novel ''American Born Chinese'' is being made into a movie. And Chinese dramas are streaming on YouTube and Netflix. <br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom..<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7973M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-06T22:34:44Z<p>Sharonkahn: </p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==<br />
Brainstorming phase is OVER!<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
[March 6] We are no longer looking for new items, and in fact are closing in on a final schedule. However, you can still volunteer for an item. Many panels are essentially full, but there are still some on the list that could use another panelist or two. <br />
See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===<br />
Modern YA fiction is increasingly using ideas and influences from Chinese and other Asian folklore and culture. Panelists are also likely to hit the usual beats of "What's New in YA this year?" but with the Chinese Worldcon coming up this seemed like a good time to broaden the topic a bit.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Great Things in Small Packages - Small Press and Indie Publishing in F&SF===<br />
What the small press publishing scene like in sf/f/h? Where can you find out about books you might like to read? How about submissions? Pros and cons of small press publishing?<br />
<br />
===Educating Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Chinese Stories=== <br />
A discussion of books, stories, and television coming out of China, in honor of 2023 WorldCon in ChengDu, China. There are dozens of Chinese-American and Chinese-Canadian writers, for both the adult and YA audience. The Chinese epic, Journey to the West got a modern abridged translation. The graphic novel ''American Born Chinese'' is being made into a movie. And Chinese dramas are streaming on YouTube and Netflix. <br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom..<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7971M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-02T17:35:59Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page is OPEN FOR BUSINESS ==<br />
Which doesn't mean it isn't still Under Construction. This is just the first pass as of 5pm, January 7, 2023. --- sharon<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
Here's the programming ideas that we have so far. Some of them may actually become programming items, especially if YOU volunteer for them! But there's still plenty of time to suggest new items or tweaks to the existing ones. We welcome your input!<br />
<br />
Have a programming idea to suggest? See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
===Opening Ceremony===<br />
Welcome to the convention! Meet the Guests of Honor! Find out about the weekend's events! Share the love!<br />
<br />
===Closing Ceremony===<br />
A chance to recap and reflect on what this year's Minicon has been, including a traditional assassination.<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
===Moderators and Panelists Workshop===<br />
Tips on being an excellent panelist or moderator. First half for panelists, second half for moderators.<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
=== Avoiding Tokenism in SciFi/Fantasy ===<br />
When writing a story, creating actual diversity requires a great effort to avoid unintentionally tokenizing your characters. We will examine common mistakes and discuss ways to create diverse characters without tokenizing them.<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction===<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Educating Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Chinese Stories=== <br />
A discussion of books, stories, and television coming out of China, in honor of 2023 WorldCon in ChengDu, China. There are dozens of Chinese-American and Chinese-Canadian writers, for both the adult and YA audience. The Chinese epic, Journey to the West got a modern abridged translation. The graphic novel ''American Born Chinese'' is being made into a movie. And Chinese dramas are streaming on YouTube and Netflix. <br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom..<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Poetry in Orbit ===<br />
Group poetry reading. If you would like to participate, please let us know! <br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7970M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-01T20:48:46Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Future methods of storytelling */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page is OPEN FOR BUSINESS ==<br />
Which doesn't mean it isn't still Under Construction. This is just the first pass as of 5pm, January 7, 2023. --- sharon<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
Here's the programming ideas that we have so far. Some of them may actually become programming items, especially if YOU volunteer for them! But there's still plenty of time to suggest new items or tweaks to the existing ones. We welcome your input!<br />
<br />
Have a programming idea to suggest? See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
===Opening Ceremony===<br />
Welcome to the convention! Meet the Guests of Honor! Find out about the weekend's events! Share the love!<br />
<br />
===Closing Ceremony===<br />
A chance to recap and reflect on what this year's Minicon has been, including a traditional assassination.<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
===Moderators and Panelists Workshop===<br />
Tips on being an excellent panelist or moderator. First half for panelists, second half for moderators.<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
=== Avoiding Tokenism in SciFi/Fantasy ===<br />
When writing a story, creating actual diversity requires a great effort to avoid unintentionally tokenizing your characters. We will examine common mistakes and discuss ways to create diverse characters without tokenizing them.<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction===<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Educating Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Chinese Stories=== <br />
A discussion of books, stories, and television coming out of China, in honor of 2023 WorldCon in ChengDu, China. There are dozens of Chinese-American and Chinese-Canadian writers, for both the adult and YA audience. The Chinese epic, Journey to the West got a modern abridged translation. The graphic novel ''American Born Chinese'' is being made into a movie. And Chinese dramas are streaming on YouTube and Netflix. <br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom..<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance. <br />
<br />
''After noting that people seem a little confused by the title, I propose changing it to "Evolving Methods of Storytelling." The future isn't here yet, but new avenues for storytelling are emerging right now. -- sharon''<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7969M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-03-01T20:32:08Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Storytelling in games */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page is OPEN FOR BUSINESS ==<br />
Which doesn't mean it isn't still Under Construction. This is just the first pass as of 5pm, January 7, 2023. --- sharon<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
Here's the programming ideas that we have so far. Some of them may actually become programming items, especially if YOU volunteer for them! But there's still plenty of time to suggest new items or tweaks to the existing ones. We welcome your input!<br />
<br />
Have a programming idea to suggest? See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
===Opening Ceremony===<br />
Welcome to the convention! Meet the Guests of Honor! Find out about the weekend's events! Share the love!<br />
<br />
===Closing Ceremony===<br />
A chance to recap and reflect on what this year's Minicon has been, including a traditional assassination.<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
===Moderators and Panelists Workshop===<br />
Tips on being an excellent panelist or moderator. First half for panelists, second half for moderators.<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
=== Avoiding Tokenism in SciFi/Fantasy ===<br />
When writing a story, creating actual diversity requires a great effort to avoid unintentionally tokenizing your characters. We will examine common mistakes and discuss ways to create diverse characters without tokenizing them.<br />
<br />
===Asian Influences in YA Fiction===<br />
<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Educating Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Chinese Stories=== <br />
A discussion of books, stories, and television coming out of China, in honor of 2023 WorldCon in ChengDu, China. There are dozens of Chinese-American and Chinese-Canadian writers, for both the adult and YA audience. The Chinese epic, Journey to the West got a modern abridged translation. The graphic novel ''American Born Chinese'' is being made into a movie. And Chinese dramas are streaming on YouTube and Netflix. <br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom..<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===<br />
Circle your chairs, kids, we're going to tell you some stories. And if you have been running a role-playing game from time immemorial you might like to join the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance.<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7942M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-02-11T20:03:27Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Stories from Convention Volunteers */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page is OPEN FOR BUSINESS ==<br />
Which doesn't mean it isn't still Under Construction. This is just the first pass as of 5pm, January 7, 2023. --- sharon<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
Here's the programming ideas that we have so far. Some of them may actually become programming items, especially if YOU volunteer for them! But there's still plenty of time to suggest new items or tweaks to the existing ones. We welcome your input!<br />
<br />
Have a programming idea to suggest? See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
===Opening Ceremony===<br />
Welcome to the convention! Meet the Guests of Honor! Find out about the weekend's events! Share the love!<br />
<br />
===Closing Ceremony===<br />
A chance to recap and reflect on what this year's Minicon has been, including a traditional assassination.<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
===Moderators and Panelists Workshop===<br />
Tips on being an excellent panelist or moderator. First half for panelists, second half for moderators.<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
=== Avoiding Tokenism in SciFi/Fantasy ===<br />
When writing a story, creating actual diversity requires a great effort to avoid unintentionally tokenizing your characters. We will examine common mistakes and discuss ways to create diverse characters without tokenizing them.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Educating Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Chinese Stories=== <br />
A discussion of books, stories, and television coming out of China, in honor of 2023 WorldCon in ChengDu, China. There are dozens of Chinese-American and Chinese-Canadian writers, for both the adult and YA audience. The Chinese epic, Journey to the West got a modern abridged translation. The graphic novel ''American Born Chinese'' is being made into a movie. And Chinese dramas are streaming on YouTube and Netflix. <br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom.<br />
<br />
=== Hosting a Convention Party ===<br />
How to do it, presumably.<br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
This would need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==<br />
<br />
===Individual Readings===<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
===Author Smorgasbord===<br />
Mini readings from a variety of authors. <br />
A way both for authors to share a small snippet of their work, and for readers to hear from a larger array of authors in an hour.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this technology taken society? Where has it helped, and where is it disruptive?<br />
<br />
There are new directions to take this topic, such as medical DNA testing, including viral (Covid-19) as well as human testing. Anybody up for further exploration of this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.<br />
<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
=== The Future of Transportation ===<br />
<br />
From solar powered cars to self-driving cars, we are getting nearer to the transportation models in futuristic stories. What technology is coming down the pipeline? How green is the new tech? How do changes in transportation change the social landscape? What are the legal ramifications of self-driving cars? What tension exists between the needs/desires of manufacturers, insurers, and users, including disabled persons?<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance.<br />
<br />
=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
<br />
===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
<br />
=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
<br />
===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
<br />
===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
<br />
== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahnhttp://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M56_Programming_Brainstorm&diff=7930M56 Programming Brainstorm2023-02-10T20:30:43Z<p>Sharonkahn: /* Storytelling in games */</p>
<hr />
<div> '''[http://mnstf.org/minicon56/ Minicon 56 (2023)] will take place April 7-9, 2023, at the St. Louis Park Doubletree.<br />
Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''<br />
<br />
== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page is OPEN FOR BUSINESS ==<br />
Which doesn't mean it isn't still Under Construction. This is just the first pass as of 5pm, January 7, 2023. --- sharon<br />
<br />
=== READ THIS FIRST ===<br />
Here's the programming ideas that we have so far. Some of them may actually become programming items, especially if YOU volunteer for them! But there's still plenty of time to suggest new items or tweaks to the existing ones. We welcome your input!<br />
<br />
Have a programming idea to suggest? See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at <br />
'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==CONVENTION==<br />
<br />
===Opening Ceremony===<br />
Welcome to the convention! Meet the Guests of Honor! Find out about the weekend's events! Share the love!<br />
<br />
===Closing Ceremony===<br />
A chance to recap and reflect on what this year's Minicon has been, including a traditional assassination.<br />
<br />
===How to Host a Room Party===<br />
What do you need to host an excellent room party? Do you need a theme? Are chips and dips sufficient? What do you need from the con, and what does the concom need from you?<br />
<br />
===Moderators and Panelists Workshop===<br />
Tips on being an excellent panelist or moderator. First half for panelists, second half for moderators.<br />
<br />
== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==<br />
=== Avoiding Tokenism in SciFi/Fantasy ===<br />
When writing a story, creating actual diversity requires a great effort to avoid unintentionally tokenizing your characters. We will examine common mistakes and discuss ways to create diverse characters without tokenizing them.<br />
<br />
=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out=== <br />
The Untamed is a Chinese live-action drama that started as a “phone novel” in China. It has spread worldwide, mostly through its popularity in fan fiction. There is a Chinese graphic novel, three seasons of an animated show (subtitled) and, now, a print publication of the English translation. We’re all big fans. (OK, actually we’re all obsessed with it.)<br />
<br />
=== Writing Non-Gendered Characters=== <br />
A discussion of the difficulties of using the English language without using gendered pronouns or descriptions. Ada Palmer has postulated a world where mention of gender is obscene. Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot stories hide the biologic gender of both protagonists. And, of course, Murderbot chose to continue using it/its. It is difficult to write without pronouns? Should SF have come up with universally accepted non-gendered pronouns? Or we could just argue about whether we see Murderbot as male or female.<br />
<br />
=== Gender & AI ===<br />
Androids & AI in sci-fi disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?<br />
<br />
===Educating Science through Fiction===<br />
Science fiction plays a prominent role in shaping the public opinion of science, especially among children, teens, and young adults. As creators, what is our take on the most effective ways to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and researchers?<br />
<br />
=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction=== <br />
The Murderbot Diaries and Martha Wells’ fantasy books feature complex, detailed worlds. Is there a difference between creating an SF universe and a fantasy world? Is advanced science really just a form of magic? Are advanced scientific societies necessarily more advanced socially?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===<br />
As humanity settles the Solar System, what sort of government(s) will we see? Will there be a single systemwide government despite the long travel times involved? Will each planet, habitat, or settlement have its own government? What sorts of governments will these be? Democracy is not a given.<br />
<br />
===Pets or Pests===<br />
The creatures in F&SF are sometimes treated as beings (equal to us), sometimes as beloved pets, sometimes as annoying pests. They can be viewed as characters, companions, pets and pests, feral, and wild. How does that choice affect the story? What if a different choice had been made?<br />
<br />
For example, fire lizards in Pern are depicted primarily as wild or pets. What if their primary role had been that of pests? How would that change the story? In the Liaden series, the cats are pets, but there are glimpses that they might actually be background characters.<br />
<br />
Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?<br />
<br />
=== Psychoanalysis for Robots=== <br />
Can robots be mentally ill? Certainly robots are not neurotypical, but can they get depressed? Psychotic? Does the ability to process more information prevent or lead to autism? Do they have to malfunction to be unhappy? Let’s do psychological analyses of our favorite robots.<br />
<br />
=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F=== <br />
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step? <br />
<br />
=== Archive of Our Own=== <br />
The platform for writers of fan fiction won the Hugo for Other Forms, at the Helsinki, Finland WorldCon. Anybody know anything about the history of fanfic, the beginnings of AO3, who writes for AO3? And, perhaps the biggest question, why? <br />
<br />
=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction=== <br />
Some professional writers are quite open about their fanfic writing; some got their start there. Do you need to hide your identity when writing fanfic? How is fan writing different from professional writing? How do you interact with your fans through fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction about your own characters?<br />
<br />
=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments=== <br />
An exploration of what makes a book or show open as a launch point for fan fiction. Is it a large cast of interesting characters? Lots of plot holes or moments of ambiguity? Or is it places where deeper relationships between characters are hinted at but not actually explored? Which shows/books are the most “ficable”? Are there good shows/books that do not lend themselves to fan fiction?<br />
<br />
=== Chinese Stories=== <br />
A discussion of books, stories, and television coming out of China, in honor of 2023 WorldCon in ChengDu, China. There are dozens of Chinese-American and Chinese-Canadian writers, for both the adult and YA audience. The Chinese epic, Journey to the West got a modern abridged translation. The graphic novel ''American Born Chinese'' is being made into a movie. And Chinese dramas are streaming on YouTube and Netflix. <br />
<br />
=== Restoring the Tower of Babel=== <br />
The landmark fantasy, Babel by R.F. Kuang asserts that “An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.” It might be true that, since the fall of the Biblical tower, no one has been able to truly communicate. Let’s discuss the book, along with the concept of language as a barrier to communication. Can we properly translate another language? Can we truly understand each other just with words?<br />
<br />
=== Writing the Twin Cities=== <br />
There are stories that are of particular interest to the Twin Cities, that either take place here or represent a unique way of thinking.<br />
<br />
=== Noir in F/SF=== <br />
The hard-drinking, mostly-outcast detective working from a dingy office somewhere in the low-rent district, and barely getting by, never really went out of style. Though they no longer have to be male, right? Or a detective? What are some old and new examples of noir? What is the attraction of the noir story?<br />
<br />
=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”=== <br />
There are moments in science fiction that send chills down your spine, as the universe suddenly opens in front of you. What books inspired this sense of wonder in the past? But it seems, these days, that stories happen mostly in bleak dystopias. Is there still a sense of wonder? Where can you find it? <br />
<br />
=== Humor in genre fiction=== <br />
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.<br />
<br />
=== Retelling Court Intrigue Stories=== <br />
Many fantasy and science fiction stories take place in societies modeled after Courts and Kings and Swordsmen. Or, rather, they are modeled after the stories we have heard about such things. Which books use these ideas? Do they have to be fantasies? Which authors provide the most inspiration (Dumas, Austin, etc)?<br />
<br />
===Changing Worlds===<br />
How have current events and changing social norms affected what we expect from fictional worlds? This panel was proposed for the 2020 Minicon, and seems even more relevant in 2023.<br />
<br />
===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===<br />
What are some issues when men write women characters? What can they do better? What should they include, and what should they leave out? How to "Get it right"? How can you tell when it is "right", and when it is glaringly wrong?<br />
<br />
===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===<br />
Easter Eggs have become part of modern TV and movies. Do they also have a place in SF Literature? Why or why not?<br />
<br />
== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==<br />
===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===<br />
Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.<br />
<br />
=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===<br />
Desire for realism is high in the cosplay community - when does it go too far? Is it okay to change skin tone to emulate characters of other races? What’s the diff. in emulating race & species? This will be uncomfortable; there’s a nix on tangential subjects.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===<br />
The Masquerade / Costume contest has undergone many changes over the years. It has been a big production, with it's own sound and stage crews, and it has been a small event for children. It has seen amazingly crafted costumes, and also "make-your-own at the con" style costumes. Come see some of the best and the strangest from over the years!<br />
<br />
=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades=== <br />
Specialty bookstores have had a nearly unrecognized effect on the genre. How have they contributed to the field? Why hasn’t anyone noticed? What are the benefits and pitfalls of genre bookselling?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the basement?=== <br />
Lurking beneath the store on 38th Street is a basement bigger than the store. It’s totally packed with . . . who knows what. Contrary to popular belief, Neil Gaiman never lived there, and multiple requests to move in down there have been denied. What treasures might be down there? Or what monsters might emerge from the hearts of books?<br />
<br />
=== What’s in the Porn Section?=== <br />
Graphic novels with adult content have been a frequent target for politicians looking for easy public outrage. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has provided some protection against censorship of adult comics and prosecution of the comic shops that sell them. What is still available? How can we ensure continued access to stories some consider objectionable? Free XXXenophile comic for appropriately aged attendees.<br />
<br />
=== Amazon is Evil=== <br />
One-stop, on-line, instant availability of everything seems like a great idea. But booksellers have a particular dislike of Amazon, since it began with a stated intent to put actual bookstores out of business. How are they doing this? Do we want to stop them? Once Amazon is the source of everything, will they control our desires? <br />
<br />
=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?=== <br />
As corporations accrue more power and financial influence, the world seems to be drifting toward corporations as governing agencies. Multinational corporations are organizing to explore space. This drift is being noticed by science fiction writers such as Martha Wells, Ada Palmer, and Paolo Bacigalupi. Is the galaxy going to be populated by nations or by corporations? Should we be worried about the current trend of corporations participating in government?<br />
<br />
=== Neurodiversity in F/SF=== <br />
Neurodiverse characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where are they? Are they getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?<br />
<br />
===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===<br />
AI? Autonomous drones? So many directions we could go with this.<br />
<br />
===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===<br />
<br />
How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?<br />
<br />
Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.<br />
<br />
Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.<br />
<br />
===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===<br />
How do we cope with the challenges of aging? Mobility, hearing, and eyesight issues, and feeling overwhelmed by Too Much Change can interfere with our fannish lives. Agism is a nasty prejudice. What do we wish younger fans knew about older fans? What are the assumptions on each side?<br />
<br />
===The History of Filk===<br />
The history of Filk in story and song.<br />
<br />
===RUNE Lives!===<br />
Writers, reviewers, and artists are needed to keep this fine fannish tradition alive. Come hear about our clubzine in print and find out how YOU could contribute.<br />
<br />
===Convention Travel Tales===<br />
Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.<br />
<br />
===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===<br />
One person’s first con involved a broken bathroom door, a room full o' fans getting by cheaply, AND a broken bed. Oh, and one person who'd been up all night announced to a roomful of sleepy people that the sun had just come up. He was not defenestrated, but it WAS close. Tell us your stories!<br />
<br />
===Stories from Convention Volunteers===<br />
You just know there are some incredible experiences to hear about. Come listen, then share yours. And if you don't volunteer, find out how you can contribute to fandom. <br />
<br />
===The History of Minicon===<br />
Share stories of Minicon through the decades.<br />
How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!<br />
<br />
===Fannish Hobbies===<br />
What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?<br />
<br />
===The Power of Play===<br />
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.<br />
<br />
===A Minnesota Worldcon===<br />
This has been talked about since Minneapolis lost the bid for the 1973 worldcon -- and kept running bid parties for the fun of it. Is a worldcon here possible? What are the pros and cons?<br />
<br />
===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===<br />
The man who invented Peeps died recently. Would anyone be interested in organizing a memorial table with a diorama, or perhaps a procession of peeps dressed in black crepe paper tuxes and black gowns?<br />
<br />
== ART and CRAFT ==<br />
=== Designing and making the Hugo and Lodestar Awards=== <br />
The famed Hugo rocket design has been the same for ages but, each year, the WorldCon committee choses a different artist to design a unique base. Sara Felix has designed two of these, and has also designed several Lodestar Awards. Come see a presentation by our Artist Guest of Honor about the awards and the design process. With photos! <br />
<br />
=== Make Your Own Tiara=== <br />
Sara Felix hosts a workshop in which everyone gets a kit to make a simple tiara, with extra bits to make it their own. Probably we will also hear about how to make tiaras, what supplies are needed, and where to get them. Bring your own projects or (Buy a kit for 15 dollars.)<br />
<br />
=== Build a Filter Box ===<br />
How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box to purify the air and help protect against COVID. <br />
[https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/news/corsi-rosenthal-box-diy-box-fan-air-filter-covid-19-and-wildfire-smoke]<br />
<br />
=== Crafting and Creativity=== <br />
The world of Fine Arts seems to elevate some media over others. Our Artist Guest of Honor works in resin, inks, and tiaras. How do you choose an artistic medium? When does something usually called a “craft” become Art? Are some media meant for “letting go” while others demand complete control?<br />
<br />
=== Parenting and Creativity=== <br />
Having kids, of course, forces parents to redesign their entire lives and all of their priorities. Not to mention, they’re a huge distraction. How does one maintain an artistic career, or even hobby, once their lives have been rearranged? <br />
<br />
=== Creating with your Kids=== <br />
Parents and their kids talk about teaming up to do a fannish/artistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
===Fabric Swap and Discussion===<br />
Bring your leftover or never used fabric for swapping. Share stories of how you use up scraps and pieces. Other than traditional fabric stores, where are some good places to find interesting bits to work with? What is your favorite YouTube channel for fabric ideas? How much is too much? Bring your extra bits and swap for other people's extra bits.<br />
<br />
== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==<br />
<br />
=== Greg Knows Everybody=== <br />
Really, he does. Name just about any F/SF author from the past fifty years, and Greg will almost certainly have a story. He can start with Harlan Ellison, RA Lafferty, Julia Adams (who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon’s love interest), and Joe Lansdale. Requests will be encouraged.<br />
<br />
===Martha Wells Q&A ===<br />
Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
=== The Fellowship of the Woosters=== <br />
A reading from Mike Ford’s legendary story starring Bertie Wooster as Strider, for which a typed manuscript was recently unearthed at DreamHaven. Greg can’t read it because he’ll laugh too hard.<br />
<br />
===Instant Stories===<br />
Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience.<br />
<br />
==READINGS==<br />
If you would like information about scheduling an author reading, please also let us know if you’d like a 30 or 60 minute time slot, and if you’d like information about what you’re reading in the description.<br />
<br />
== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==<br />
=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===<br />
How can we NOT talk about this? Suddenly ChatGPT is everywhere! People playing with it on Twitter, teachers panicking over plagiarism, AI specialists shouting "This isn't really AI, it's just a very advanced language processor!" (an argument they have clearly already lost, as Google and Microsoft try to shoulder each other out of the way in announcing their very own AI Search Engines). What's really happening here? Did the Singularity suddenly arrive through the back door? [sharon]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===<br />
Four years ago we did a rollicking panel on the new wrinkle in ancestry research just as recreational DNA testing was hitting the big time. Some of the panel participants are wondering if it's time for an update, now that the technology is settling into the mainstream. By now, I think everybody knows somebody that has had their family rocked by surprise revelations from DNA testing, and just last year another horrific cold case was solved right here in Minnesota with forensic genealogy. Where else has this disruptive technology taken society? Anybody up for revisiting this fascinating topic?<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist===<br />
A selection of scientists answer questions from the audience.<br />
<br />
===Ask a Scientist to Respond to Knuckle-headed Clickbait Headlines===<br />
Real headlines from articles that you don't want to read! "Scientists Hatch Bold Plan to Save Humanity From Supervolcano," "Selfies can now Diagnose Cancer," "Automated Cloud Security In Four Steps," "19 shocking food facts, you'll never want to eat again," "Is clickbait killing science journalism? The answer will shock you!"<br />
<br />
===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===<br />
Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.<br />
===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===<br />
I'm not sure this could make a whole panel, but could be folded into the next item about Food Chemistry [sharon]<br />
<br />
===Food Chemistry===<br />
How does food nourish us on a chemical level? How does it affect our brain chemistry? What are some issues with food today vs issues 100 years ago? Can lab designed foods be healthy?<br />
<br />
===Gardening in Climate Change===<br />
<br />
How is climate change affecting what you plant in your garden? Is your climate zone changing? If so, is that killing your favorite plants? Is it opening the way to plant things that you couldn't grow before? Are new weeds, and new insects moving in?<br />
<br />
Is gardening to augment your pantry becoming necessary, or is that just a trend? Will food forests take off? If so, who has access to the food?<br />
<br />
=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===<br />
With wind and solar energy finally reaching the economic tipping point and new government programs subsidizing electric cars - is it time to make the leap? Are you one of the local fans that are finally putting solar panels on your house? Do you love your electric vehicle and want to share your tips on finding free charging stations? Let's talk about it!<br />
<br />
=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===<br />
<br />
As Humanity heads out into interstellar space, each trip with take decades if not centuries. What sort of ships will these be? How will they have to be constructed so they can support human life for these prolonged periods? Is truly 100% recycling even feasible?<br />
<br />
<br />
===Volcanoes===<br />
Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.<br />
<br />
== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==<br />
=== Storytelling in games=== <br />
Games are stories. In video games, the player becomes the protagonist of a story that at least seems to be controlled by the player. But the best games are written to guide the player’s choices along the intended story line. How do they do this? What games have the best stories? How does the player contribute to the story?<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===<br />
Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.<br />
<br />
=== Music in Video Games=== <br />
The use of orchestrated music in video games has possibly inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Which games have the best or most elaborate sound tracks? How does music add to the game experience? <br />
<br />
=== Future methods of storytelling=== <br />
Some of us are used to getting our stories in some published form, like magazines or novels. But there are many other ways to tell stories. We will discuss live storytelling, the cooperative worldbuilding of fan fiction, video and board games, manga and graphic novels, and anything else we can think of except, possibly, interpretive dance.<br />
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=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream === <br />
There’s a lot of action in alternate universes these days, what with the whole Marvel Multiverse thing. It seems like Everything has its own alternate world these days. Does this really represent a new way of thinking? What would Einstein think?<br />
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===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===<br />
Recommend Shows and movies from the last year.<br />
The last part could involve obscure shows and movies from any year.<br />
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=== Portable Gaming ===<br />
With the most recent entries into portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, how has portable gaming changed, or has it at all? Have these devices changed how people think of a "gaming laptop"? What games lend themselves to screen sizes? What accessories are a "must" for these consoles?<br />
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===Wednesday!===<br />
Not the day of the week… the TV series. Discuss the show, the characters. Have they changed over time from other Addams Family shows? What do you love about the new show? Did anything not live up to your expectations?<br />
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===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===<br />
How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...<br />
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== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==<br />
===Longtermism===<br />
Longtermism is the idea that we are at least as obligated morally to ALL future humans as we are to present humans, and that we currently live at the most important moment ever in human history - for the first time, we are capable of destroying ourselves. Mistakes made today could lead to permanent civilizational collapse, or even human extinction. What should we be doing? Panel will reference Longtermism books like _What We Owe the Future_ and _The Precipice_, and movements based on Longtermism ideas, like Effective Altruism and 80,000 Hours.</div>Sharonkahn