Thoughts on Genre Fandom

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I just heard on the radio this morning that the Baltimore Comic-Con was this weekend. I mention it for two reasons.

First, many genre fans are comic fans, too. So, some of my readers may find this of interest. If this is you, you can find out all you need to know at www.comicon.com/baltimore.

Second, I’m not a big comic fan – I find the pictures too distracting. I’m more of a word person. And that’s O.K. In fact, I think this is what makes genre fandom so wonderful. We’re all a little weird in our own unique way and through fandom we can find others who are weird in similar ways, make friends and have a good time.

Which brings me back to conventions. What I really enjoy about going to cons is the intellectual stimulation. I love sitting in on the panels and listening to intelligent people discuss all sorts of ideas from how to write a good story to what natural disasters are plausible to what would aliens really look and act like.

Others go to cons to show off their costuming skills. Still others, to collect autographs. Cons have something for all of us and together we have created a community that thrives on diversity. Isn’t that just so cool?