BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?

Subject: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: Eluned
Date: 21 May 01 - 05:01 PM

One of the reasons I have so little time for pleasant pastimes like visiting here, at present, is that I'm involved in running a bid to have something called "WorldCon" come to Charlotte, NC in 2004.

It's a VERY large science-fiction convention (sometimes close to 5,000 attend) whose major focus is literary, but there is a strong secondary contingent of "filk-singers", sf and fantasy-oriented musicians (some of whom, unfortunately, can't sing very well - but their enthusiasm is to be commended - and some of whom sing very well). Knowing this, I though some here might be interested, possibly.

SO; does anyone here go to things like this? I'll be at the one this August-September, as it is the one at which the voting on the different bids for the 2004 worldcon will take place.

Tracy/Eluned

Subject: RE: BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: MMario
Date: 21 May 01 - 05:03 PM

I've friends who have been - though I haven't myself

Subject: RE: BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: Eluned
Date: 21 May 01 - 05:54 PM

Hi MMario!
I have to admit I've been to only one, at which I had far too many commitments, and at that one the filkers were stuck in an out-of-the-way place, so I didn't get to sing with them. What are your friends' opinions of WorldCon? Of filk-music? Think you might go sometime?
Tracy/Eluned

Subject: RE: BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: Midchuck
Date: 21 May 01 - 09:45 PM

I almost got our group hired for the Albany con last year, but it didn't materialize. Been reading the stuff on a regular basis for just short of 50 years but never been to a convention.

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: Jande
Date: 22 May 01 - 03:00 PM

Where is it taking place this year?

~ Jande

Subject: RE: BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: MMario
Date: 22 May 01 - 03:14 PM

A mixed bag of reactions from my friends - all raved about the conventions they have been too, especially world-con - but some are into filk and some aren't. and even those who like filk - some prefer the more fantasy end and others the "space opera" real parody type stuff.

I refuse to go to any SF conventions on the grounds I don't need any more addictions. MudGathers, Song Festivals and Ren-faires already occupy far more of my time then I like to admit! (and worth every second!)

Subject: RE: BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: Jande
Date: 22 May 01 - 03:19 PM

Here's the link to this years's worldcon:

Millennium Philcon

Looks like it's not too far from us this year. ;`)

~ Jande

Subject: RE: BS: 'WorldCon' - does anyone here go?
From: Jacob B
Date: 22 May 01 - 04:32 PM

I have to admit that, if you look at the list of committee members for the Worldcon thirty years ago, you will find my name. I haven't been to any since then, though.

When I first encountered the term "filk music", I asked where it came from. I was told that, in the early days of fandom, some fans would gather late at night and sing songs that they had learned from Oscar Brand albums (or from worse places.) These songs eventually were referred to as filk songs, short for "filthy folk songs." When fans started writing sf and fantasy based parodies of folk songs, the term was applied to them as well.

These days, everyone says the term originated in a typographical error, but I think the story I was told over thirty years ago is the correct one. Why else did all the early file song collections include songs like The Bastard King Of England?