Conjecture 2009

[reverancepavane]

It looks like something is finally happening with Conjecture (the 2009 Australian National SF Convention). Or at least, they've finally made their website look a lot more professional. There is still an almost total dearth of event information (which is rather worrisome for a natcon happening in just over 90 days*), and very little to attract the avereage fan off the street (if you don't already know about natcons – and the last one in Adelaide was 24 years ago – or are not already connected with the fandom community it's doubtful you would have any interest in attending, which would be a pity). Anyway, if you thought it was just a scam site before (and from conversations I've had this was by no means an unpopular opinion), go back and have a look. Perhaps they might even have some more details up soon. * And yes, the use of 90 days rather than 3 months is intentional. There really isn't that much time left. IMNSHO.

Comments

[easterbilby.livejournal.com]

I'd love to explain what is happening, but right now I'm not entirely sure I can, as I find it a tad unclear. But in effect there's a lot of new people who have stepped forward in the past week, myself included, to move it along, on the grounds that there were significant problems. We discussed canceling with Damien, but we honestly believe that we can make something work in 90 days, given that the two big things - venue and GoH - were under control. The website is the first visible part of that, but a lot has happened behind the scenes.

The short version is: new people, with SF convention and professional event experience, are now involved. And things are happening. :)

[easterbilby.livejournal.com]

Oh, and thanks for saying that it looks professional. :) I'm still mucking about with the look and feel, but we started with a rather nice theme, and generally I rather like what Wordpress can do for sites like this. You can do a lot with Wordpress, a bit of skill with CSS/PHP, and a week to play in.

Any suggestions on content that would help make it of more interest to people outside of fandom? I'm going to add more about what a Natcon is, and program information is to follow, but clearly it could do with a lot more.

[davidcook.livejournal.com]

PS Sorry to dump all this on your LJ, reverancepavane, you've apparently become a communication channel :-)

[drjon.livejournal.com]

Well, reading the comments here, I'm a hell of a lot more impressed with the professionalism of the Conjecture people than of many others in Aus Fandom.

I wish them every fortune. If I can help, let me know.