M56 Programming Brainstorm - Revision history

Sharonkahn: /* NOT YET CLASSIFIED */

2023-03-06T22:56:40Z

NOT YET CLASSIFIED

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	How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...		How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...
	''Not a viable panel at this time, but if you're interested, volunteer for SF/F Shows We Think You'd Like.''		''Not a viable panel at this time, but if you're interested, volunteer for SF/F Shows We Think You'd Like.''

	~~== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==~~
	~~===Longtermism===~~
	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.

Sharonkahn: /* MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING */

2023-03-06T22:56:27Z

MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING

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	== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==		== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==
	~~=== Storytelling in games===~~
	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?

	=== ~~Tales of the Old Gamesmasters ===~~		=== Evolving methods of storytelling===
	~~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.~~

	~~=== Supernatural Park: A Podcast Exploring The World For Creatures of Mythology and Folklore ===~~
	~~Probably a presentation, but could be a panel if other kindred spirits volunteer.~~

	~~=== Music in Video Games===~~
	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?

	~~=== Future~~ methods of storytelling===
	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.		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.

	''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''

	~~=== The Multiverse Goes Mainstream ===~~
	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?

	===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===		===SF/F Shows and Movies We Think You'd Like===
	~~Recommend Shows~~ and ~~movies from the last year~~.		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.
	~~The last part could involve obscure shows~~ and movies ~~from any year~~.		''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
			''
	~~=== Portable Gaming ===~~
	~~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?~~

	===Wednesday!===		===Wednesday!===
	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 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.''

	===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===		===Sandman - Original vs Screen and Audio Adaptations===
	How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...		How well did the TV series reflect the original? Get your Squee on for all things Sandman...
			''Not a viable panel at this time, but if you're interested, volunteer for SF/F Shows We Think You'd Like.''

	== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==		== NOT YET CLASSIFIED ==
	===Longtermism===		===Longtermism===
	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.		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.

Sharonkahn: /* SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY */

2023-03-06T22:46:46Z

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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	== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==		== SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ==

	~~=== 23 and Us, Part Two ===~~
	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?

	~~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?~~

	===Ask a Scientist===		===Ask a Scientist===
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	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!"		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!"

	~~===Ask an Expert Who Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise===~~
	~~Really smart people who normally get overshadowed by their more outspoken compatriots share their expertise.~~

	~~===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===~~
	~~This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.~~

	=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===		=== ChatGPT Takes the World by Storm ===
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	===Food Chemistry===		===Food Chemistry===
	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?		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?


			===Caffeine: Different Effects in Different People===
			This could be folded into the item about Food Chemistry.

	===Gardening in Climate Change===		===Gardening in Climate Change===
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	=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===		=== Is it Time to Go Green? ===
	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!~~		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?

	~~=== A Modern Look at Generation Ships ===~~

	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?

	=== The Future of Transportation ===		=== The Future of Transportation ===
			[leaving this here for now because it could be folded into the Go Green panel]
	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?		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?

	~~===Volcanoes===~~
	~~Geologists and aficionados geek out about volcanoes.~~

	== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==		== MEDIA, COMICS, GAMING ==

Sharonkahn: /* PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS */

2023-03-06T22:44:00Z

PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS

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	== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==		== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==
			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.

	=== Poetry in Orbit ===		=== Poetry in Orbit ===
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	=== Greg Knows Everybody===		=== Greg Knows Everybody===
	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.		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.
			[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.]
	~~===Martha Wells Q&A ===~~
	~~Our Author GoH answers questions from the audience.~~

	~~=== The Fellowship of the Woosters===~~
	~~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.~~

	~~===Instant Stories===~~
	~~Panelists will create stories based on prompts from the audience~~.

	==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==		==READINGS AND SIGNINGS==

Sharonkahn: /* ART and CRAFT */

2023-03-06T22:40:44Z

ART and CRAFT

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	=== Crafting and Creativity===		=== Crafting and Creativity===
	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?		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?

	~~=== Parenting and Creativity===~~
	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?

	=== Creating with your Kids===		=== Creating with your Kids===
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	===Fabric Swap and Discussion===		===Fabric Swap and Discussion===
	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.		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.

	~~Note: For this to happen, we need someone to coordinate it.~~

	== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==		== PARTICIPATORY and INTERVIEWS ==

Sharonkahn: /* FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST */

2023-03-06T22:40:04Z

FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST

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	== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==		== FANDOM AND THE CULTURAL ZEITGEIST ==
	~~===Midwestside Story: The Archival Movie!===~~
	~~Long ago at a Convention not very far away, there was a production called Midwestside Story. Come see footage of that historic event.~~

	~~=== Raceface: Cosplay and Cultural Competency ===~~
	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.

	===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===		===Minicon Costuming, Past and Present===
	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!		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!

	=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades===		=== Genre Bookselling Over the Decades===
	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?		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?

	~~=== What’s in the basement?===~~
	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?

	~~=== What’s in the Porn Section?===~~
	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.

	~~=== Amazon is Evil===~~
	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?

	=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?===		=== Are Corporations the Future of Nations?===
	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?		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?

	~~=== Neurodiversity in F/SF===~~
	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?

	===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===		===The Ethics of Robot Soldiers===
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	===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===		===Risk Assessment in the Modern Age===

	How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?		How well do we assess risk? How accurate are our risk assessments, and what distorts them?

	Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.		Examples are many: Covid and RSV risks and precautions, Monkey pox risk to different groups, airline travel vs automobile, food safety, crime.

	Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.		Panelists pick one or two current risks and discuss in depth.

	===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===		===Aging Fannishly, or The Next Step===
	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?		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?

	~~===The History of Filk===~~
	~~The history of Filk in story and song.~~

	===RUNE Lives!===		===RUNE Lives!===
	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.		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.

	~~===Convention Travel Tales===~~
	~~Come hear about What Happened on the way to or from a con and add any offbeat stories you have.~~

	===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===		===My First Convention, or What Not To Do===
	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!		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!

	~~===Stories from Convention Volunteers===~~
	~~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..~~

	~~===The History of Minicon===~~
	~~Share stories of Minicon through the decades.~~
	~~How has the con ( and fandom) evolved? When did it become more mainstream? What happened to the hotels??!~~

	~~===Fannish Hobbies===~~
	~~What do fans like to do and what makes these activities fannish? Did you know that fanzines are still around?~~

	===The Power of Play===		===The Power of Play===
	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.		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.

	~~===A Minnesota Worldcon===~~
	~~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?~~

	===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===		===Peeps Funeral / Memorial===

Sharonkahn: /* CONVENTION */

2023-03-06T22:37:42Z

CONVENTION

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	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?		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?

			== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==

	===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===		===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===
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	=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction===		=== Worldbuilding in Fantasy vs Science Fiction===
	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?		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?

	~~=== Governance in a Settled Solar System ===~~
	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.

	===Pets or Pests===		===Pets or Pests===
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	Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?		Are there stories where the critters change their role over the course of the story? How does this transition affect the story?

	~~=== Psychoanalysis for Robots===~~
	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.

	=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F===		=== LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F===
	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?		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?

	~~=== Archive of Our Own===~~
	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?

	=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction===		=== Professionals Writing Fan Fiction===
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	=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments===		=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments===
	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?		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?

	~~=== Restoring the Tower of Babel===~~
	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?

	=== Writing the Twin Cities===		=== Writing the Twin Cities===
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	=== Noir in F/SF===		=== Noir in F/SF===
	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?		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?

	~~=== “Oh my God, It’s full of stars?”===~~
	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?

	=== Humor in genre fiction===		=== Humor in genre fiction===
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	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.		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.

	~~===Male Authors, Female Protagonists===~~
	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?

	===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===		===Easter Eggs in F&SF books and stories===

Sharonkahn: /* Chinese Stories */

2023-03-06T22:35:44Z

Chinese Stories

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	=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments===		=== Fan Fiction and “Ficable” Moments===
	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?		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?

	~~=== Chinese Stories===~~
	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.

	=== Restoring the Tower of Babel===		=== Restoring the Tower of Babel===

Sharonkahn: /* Educating Science through Fiction */

2023-03-06T22:35:02Z

Educating Science through Fiction

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 6 March 2023
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	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?		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?

	===~~Educating~~ Science through Fiction===		=== Teaching Science through Fiction===
	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?		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?

Sharonkahn at 22:34, 6 March 2023

2023-03-06T22:34:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:34, 6 March 2023
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	Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''		Our Guests of Honor are: Author Martha Wells, Artist Sara Felix, Fan Greg Ketter'''

	== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ~~is OPEN FOR BUSINESS~~ ==		== THE MINICON 56 PROGRAMMING BRAINSTORM WIKI page ==
	~~Which doesn't mean it isn't still Under Construction. This~~ is ~~just the first pass as of 5pm, January 7, 2023. --- sharon~~		Brainstorming phase is OVER!

	=== READ THIS FIRST ===		=== READ THIS FIRST ===
	~~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!~~		[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.
			See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at
	~~Have a programming idea to suggest?~~ See something you'd like to volunteer for? Shoot us an email at
	'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.		'''programming@minicon56.mnstf.org.
	'''		'''
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	==CONVENTION==		==CONVENTION==

	~~===Opening Ceremony===~~
	~~Welcome to the convention! Meet the Guests of Honor! Find out about the weekend's events! Share the love!~~

	~~===Closing Ceremony===~~
	~~A chance to recap and reflect on what this year's Minicon has been, including a traditional assassination.~~

	===How to Host a Room Party===		===How to Host a Room Party===
	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?		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?

	~~===Moderators and Panelists Workshop===~~
	~~Tips on being an excellent panelist or moderator. First half for panelists, second half for moderators.~~

	~~== LITERATURE AND WRITING ==~~
	~~=== Avoiding Tokenism in SciFi/Fantasy ===~~
	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.

	~~===Asian Influences in YA Fiction===~~

			===Asian Influences in YA Fiction ===
			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.

	=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out===		=== ‘The Untamed’ Geek-Out===