10 Things Not to Do at a Science Fiction Convention

Are you going to your first science fiction convention? Then you’ll want to read this quick checklist to make sure that you don’t make a fool of yourself by committing one of these embarrassing faux pas. (Remember, you don’t want to do anything on this list… unless you want to be an obnoxious boor.)

10. Call Star Trek fans “Trekkies.”

They are called “Trekkers” And many die-hard Trek fans take offense to the term “Trekkie.” There are some who don’t mind, but why take a chance?

9. Go up to an author, actor or other autograph-worthy individual and interrupt a meal or serious conversation to ask for an autograph.

Be respectful of the person’s space and time.

8. Regale your favorite author with your ideas for a story you want to write someday

… unless he or she asks you, which is highly unlikely.

7. Chat loudly with your friends while at a workshop or panel discussion.

People are there to hear the speaker… not you or your friend.

6. Take flirtation too seriously.

Con-goers flirt a lot, it is part of the fun of the event … and is really meant to be light-hearted, not a promise of a serious relationship.

5. Point and stare at people in costume…

…even if you’re one of them. It may look exotic and strange to you, but for a con, costumes are quite common at science fiction conventions. That said, if you like someone’s costume, you can always compliment. Just be sure it is a costume…

4. Dominate an autograph-worthy person’s time.

Remember, there are a lot of people at the science fiction convention who also want to see this person. Be respectful of your fellow fans, as well as the professional who is there for them.

3. Ask an autograph-worthy person to sign a book, photo or other object that has nothing to do with them.

That’s just rude. Not to mention a waste of time.

2. Spend your rent money on that really cool collectible item.

Your landlord won’t understand and you’ll lose the place that you were going to display said item.

1. Bring one of your non-appreciative mundane friends.

They’ll just rain on your parade and make you look bad with their off-color remarks and heavy, bored-to-death sighs.