X-Message-Number: 1841 Date: Sun, 28 Feb 93 01:04:37 PST From: Lola McCrary <> Subject: CRYONICS: Science Fiction As a long time reader of sf/fantasy who has been going to Science Fiction conventions for the last five years, I found this posting to be insulting and full of stereotypes. Many of members of Alcor North who are organizing a party at Worldcon often attend science fictions conventions. Therefore we become some of the people who Charles defines in his post. Example: 75-80% of what I read is usually defined as fantasy. I am a signed up member of Alcor. Charles defines the possiblilty of this as "nil". This is especially ironic in that one of the things that most influenced me was "The Gentle Seduction", which I would define as fantasy, not science fiction. I read some science fiction, much fantasy, comics, and am a Star Trek and British sf media fan. Therefore I cross most of Charles' categories, although he states that most of them have nothing to do with each other. *MY* experience is that many people who attend conventions have more than one interest. This is somewhat beyond the point of the Cryonet medium. However I have several things to say that are to the point. 1. If we want to have a positive response from Worldcon about panals in our area of interest, a posting such as this from a potential member of those panals trashing fandom is *NOT* helpful. It could easily get back to con organizers, including Howard Davidson who has net access. People who have spent their free time for much of the last three years organizing a con are not likely to think kindly of someone who does not like fans. 2. Since most of us planning this party are long time fans, we are very aware of the limitations of fandom regarding cryonics. The purpose of the party is to give the out of town cryonicists attending a place to meet up, and to provide good PR for cryonics in this community ("Well, those Alcor people may believe in a pipe dream, but they are nice, and they throw a good party.") In the future these may be people who don't oppress us even if they don't sign up. 3. Charles, there are a lot of us in Alcor who are fans. Are you looking down your nose at us too? Or just the rest of fandom? For those of you unfamiliar with fandom who come to this party, what do *I* think you will find? Some people come in just to check out the food. Some latch on to one topic of conversation, or one attitude, and obsess about it all night. Some are intelligent people who may have a new thought or feeling to contribute. Some are social misfits who feel accepted only in fandom. Some are scientists, writers or musicans. Some may find the idea of cryonics interesting. Many fit more than one of the above categories. Worldcon is the event of the year for fans. Those who attend get to nominate and vote for the Hugo Awards for the best books, magazines, media and art published the previous year. Many people there will have saved up all year to be able to attend. ConFrancisco is trying very hard to attract and cater to people from all over the world. It is also catering to people with various disabilities and to members of the gay community. I think we will have fun. Lola McCrary Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1841