So, do I go to femmeconne this year?

[stephbg]

At last year's femmeconne I met and connected with old friends, got to know some people better and met some bright new shiny people. That was great.



There were some confrontational aspects to the program (or lack of program), and times where I just couldn't fit in. I lurked on the fringes too much, which made me a little sad. Too many bad memories of childhood camps. I like to hang and chat, really, but it's hard to get into the mode. The screaming children thing is an issue I can't ignore.

This year if I go I will need to self cater, which is no biggie, but if I don't stay overnight and drive there and back at least twice, the costs look quite significant.

But I know that if I do go it will be a great experience and I'll be unlikely to regret it.

What are people thinking? How are you making your choices?

What's my deadline?

Comments

[purrdence.livejournal.com]

times where I just couldn't fit in. I lurked on the fringes too much, which made me a little sad.

I have felt that way, not just at Femmeconne, but Slashcon and sometimes at Swancon too.

[redbraids.livejournal.com]

I was originally not going because I am away multiple weekends that month, and thought it would be too stressful. Also, I found it a zoo last year! However, it is a great event and I know that if I do not go I will miss the awesome company.

If you go, lets plan on camping out in the lower dorms. That was the highlight for me last yea!

[ariaflame.livejournal.com]

I went the last two years and like you felt on the fringes a lot of the time and found other bits confrontational too. Basically although there were a few bits I liked, I tried it twice and am not going to bother again. I'm told there may have been improvements on the bit of the program I had problems with, but I came out more depressed than going in so that's it for me.

[alias_sqbr]

Worrying that I would have that sort of experience is why I haven't gone before. I decided to give it a go this year since I can't know till I try it.

I plan on bringing lots of books and stuff to watch on my laptop for if I get bored/lonely :)

But yes, can't say if you should go yourself, but I understand the dilemma.

[cricketk.livejournal.com]

Oh this is interesting.

I'm going one day only and not staying over because I felt pretty damn uncomfortable socially for much of the weekend last time and escape options don't exist.

I did get to actually talk to some people that I've always wanted to have more than rushed, fleeting conversations and I'm hoping to replicate some of that.

K* and I are car pooling Saturday if you'd like to join us?

[transcendancing.livejournal.com]

*hugs you*

The program i'm in the midst of putting together as we speak - and you were one of the people i wanted to run it by in terms if if you thought it would be a solution to some of the highlighted issues last year - aka more than one stream, and also the flexibility of timing so that there's time enough for each thing but there are options for people who want to continue the discussion.

Also this year there plans to have a time keeper on for half a day at a time - where their job is to clock watch and push people on to the next subject at the right time.

Given there will be a half hour overlap that should theoretically work.

What am I missing?

*cuddles you*

I find the entire experience to be one that is rewarding and amazing, even the hard confrontational bits - I come out knowing myself better as a person, knowing and valuing those around me so much more. I loved your cuddles from last year :)

[huckle.livejournal.com]

I have the same emotional experience of femmecon - I spend a lot of time there feeling like a socially inept weirdo. Last year I went and played with Julia on the rope course a lot, which was heaps of fun.
Please go, I would love to catch up with you IRL. We can always go and hang out away from the crowd for a bit. I will be there Saturday night and Sunday.
I am intrigued that so many people have the same emotional experience. I think it would be something to discuss openly in a panel. Its supposed to be a supportive, fun thing with friends yet so many of us just feel bad.

[wolflullaby.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed meeting you last year, and hope you come again this time round. I wasn't sure if I was going to come or not, but have decided too. I found it a little hard when a lot of people seemed to know each other really well and be comfortable with each other, and I felt like I was still meeting most people (but it looks like other people may have felt similarly from the comments).