Readercon

So lots of people who attended Readercon (readercon.org) are doing their various "write-ups." Here is mine.

I have gone to several Readercons in the past as an attendee/program participant (I think it is my favorite conference) but this was the first year I went as a vendor. Yes, Lethe Press had a table. Sadly, I was tethered to the table and could only attend the two panels I was on. And many of the people I wanted to spend time with did not venture my way in the dealer's room.

Actually, before this past weekend, Readercon = socializing more than anything else. And thankfully I did get the chance to dine and chew the fat with several of my favorite folk in the field, but I also felt abandoned by a good many. The more people you know, the harder it is to see and have "quality" time with everyone, but a few seemed to do only the wave and were never seen again unless I made the effort. Also, most are so wrapped up in their con experience they don't bother to find out what is really new with you (I cannot believe they rely only on social networking and then, when in person, decided conversation is one-sided). I took note who did not even know my father had passed away. But if you have a car, well, then they want your time so they can escape the hotel. Or get transportation home.

I lost some friendships this year. I just am realizing that what I think of as a friend is not a mutual relationship. Plus, many people just like to take.

From a sales perspective, this was a lucrative con for Lethe and far better than the Rainbow Book Fair or any Gaylaxicon. The reason: inexpensive expenses; a crowd of folk who actually spend money on books rather than toys or autographs; and progressive tastes in fiction (well, I could have bet that any man older than 50 who approached the table was NEVER going to read our books and regrets the Days of Gor are long gone, but there were young people - and not all white young people! - who actually read more than fan-fic!).

Weirdly, the lesbian spec-fic was all but ignored (ironic since one of the GoH identifies as a lesbian). I found that a quirk I tried to reason through.

I need to thank Sven Davisson and Peter Dube for helping me out at the table and with set-up (Sven sold some titles from his press as well). Alas, no other Lethe author in attendance even asked if Sven or I needed a break or a cup of water. Thanks for that! Not. And Daulton tells me to foster grudges.

I did some acquiring: a novel from Richard Bowes.

We'll see what happens next year.