Geeks have feelings too!

Inquiring about press credentials for the upcoming Worldcon, Chicon 7, I came across this warning in the Press Guidelines:

A final word: Please be respectful of fans, artists, editors and writers you encounter. As a journalist, you should be aware that SF fans have either received or been the targets of negative notices in the media in the past. Occasionally you may be rebuffed for interview requests or encounter some hostility yourself. We will try to mediate and resolve any disputes you may have during the convention... Please contact our office immediately if this occurs.

Hmmm. . . Is this really necessary??

I mean, come on. . .

4 commentaires:

Cecrow said...

Why not? Sounds like smart mitigation of a potential risk. Suppose you've been reluctantly roped into this assignment. Suppose you hit that one grumpy, bad apple in the bunch and decide to make that the impression that carries the focal point of your event coverage ...

Anonymous said...

Last year at gamescom, some German TV channels sent journalists there with the specific goal to find people they could make fun of, resulting in some very offensive television coverage. Sad as it may be, I can see why geek conventions may feel such statements are necessary.

Patrick said...

Do you have any links, by any chance?? Other than ComicCon, basically all the sff cons get very little or no TV coverage, or coverage of any sort.

In 2009 in MTL, Neil Gaiman made the cover of the "alternative" newspaper, but the con itself received almost no media coverage to speak of.

Anonymous said...

But Howard Stern's cronies generate the greatest answers from these guys! Just ask Darth Nilus....