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Panels (257)

Title Description
Breakfast with John Robertson (Karen Babcock)

Having trouble deciding between getting an extra hour of sleep, eating breakfast, and attending a panel? Well, we've made it a little easier. Join John Robertson for an informal Q&A session over breakfast. Seating not at tables will be available for those who don't wish to partake of the buffet goodness. Afraid you won't be awake enough to remember the ...

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Developments in the 'squishy' sciences (Margaret Dunlop)

Ernest Rutherford once said that "All science is either physics or stamp collecting". This panel will look at cool new developments in the 'squishy' sciences - including human biology, zoology, anthropology, psychology.

No panellists - not this year.

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Book Club: Hosted lunch (Anna Hepworth)

Join Michael Cogan over lunch to get together and discuss the books you read in order to meet the authors (authors are not invited). Bring your favourite books and share your thoughts then take them to the signing in the afternoon!

NB: Location: Hotel Restaurant

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Vidding 2008/2009 - Original content (Cathy Cupitt)

Best short media of 2009 from the internet Original content

No panellists - not this year.

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Vidding 2008/2009 - Transformative fanworks (Cathy Cupitt)

Best short media of 2009 from the internet Transformative fanworks

No panellists - not this year.

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Blogging (Cathy Cupitt)

What makes for a good sf/fandom/science blog; examples

Merged into: The public versus the private in online spaces

http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/102

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Video Quiz (Damian Magee)

Now in its third successful year, join in the fun and test your powers of observation by watching snippets of clips from film & TV, and try to answer those questions...

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Wings of War (Terry Chilvers)

Clear your guns...get ready for a dogfight.

Wings of War is a simple miniatures game of air combat in World War One. The world record game had 41 planes on the table. There is no Australian record. Yet (current world record is 37 pilots).

Each player manoeuvres their miniature plane (using a deck of cards) in a furious dogfight with the other players. ...

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Battlestar Galactica (Maia Bobrowicz)

Apocalypses and Sustainable Population.

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Be Kind to Your Editor (Karen Babcock)

From writing mechanics, to formatting, to knowing how to use word processor features: what you can do to make your editor's life easier, and to make the editing process as pain-free as possible for both of you.

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Anthropormorphic Fantasy (Anna Hepworth)

Stories about small furry animals

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Anime Stream (Andy)

This is actually several different panels and is being retired from the program because it's not actually a panel itself.

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Animation society show

Best of short works - need someone for this!

No panellists - not this year.

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A remote interview (Cathy Cupitt)

With a virtual guest streamed to both live Swancon and online.

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A Physicist's Guide to the Afterlife (stephbg)

What does science have to say about heaven and hell?

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10 Games (Callistra)

Ten people speaking for four minutes on their favourite games

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10 Books Panel (Callistra)

Ask ten people to speak for FOUR MINUTES on their favourite book

No panellists - not this year.

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Building online communities (Cathy Cupitt)

Types, platforms, strengths, weaknesses, examples.

No panellists - not this year.

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Buy My Stuff (stephbg)

Niche Marketing To The Geek Demographic

Marking 'Not this year' for lack of panellists.

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First Contact

From War of the Worlds to Carl Sagan's Contact and beyond: a discussion of first contact novels and movies.

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Co-Authorship: Oh Really? (stephbg) Show
Coffee Klatch (Anna Hepworth)

Hang out, chat, meet people, talk about stuff. Oh and drink coffee :p

No panellists - not this year.

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The Battle for Copyright: Fandom versus Mega Corporations (Cathy Cupitt)

This paper is driven by two questions: What is copyright? and How should it work? One common view of copyright is that it’s a way for authors to protect their hard work. While this is true, it is not the whole story. In particular: it is not individual authors who control and influence copyright law -- it is corporate authors, such as Disney, and government ...

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Plagues: Culture Versus Culture (stephbg)

Are you a fan of 28 Days Later, Resident Evil, The Andromeda Strain, or The Stand? Is Pestilence your favourite horseman of the apocalypse? Disease outbreaks are a handy source of drama for individual characters or whole galaxies. Find out why plagues, pandemics and panic make great stories in history, in science, and in fiction.

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Dance Dance Revolution (Anna Hepworth)

Aerobics and dancing game. Get some exercise and humiliate yourself in public - go on, you know you want to. Think of all that pizza last night.

Participate at your own risk!

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Darker side of Cycling (Rob) Show
Digital art (Cathy Cupitt)

Holograms, online archives, mashups... how does it compare to traditional art practices? Discussion with examples.

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DNA And Back

Mutant Genes With Solar Flares

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Fanwork and activism (Cathy Cupitt)

The various carnivals, fan debates on PoC, gender, sexualities, censorship; charities, memes, fests, nonprofit orgs.

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Fanwork show and tell (Cathy Cupitt)

Bring new works and share for the first time; or share the work of a favourite author/vidder.

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Find The People (Callistra)

No panellists - not this year.

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First Contact Novels (Anna Hepworth)

Ken Macleod's Learning the World, the BBC's A for Andromeda, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, C.J. Cherryh, Sheri S. Tepper, Elizabeth Moon and Ursula Le Guin

No panellists - not this year.

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Gender Gap in Gaming? (Karen Babcock)

Gaming is often seen a guy thing, but is it really true? How do men and women approach gaming differently? Does the type of game: card, board, video, arcade, PC or online matter? Do people play differently in same-sex versus mixed groups? What about when people don't know other players?

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Anime for casual viewers (alias_sqbr)

"Anime" covers a huge range of subgenres which can be daunting to the non-fan with specific tastes. Come find out about some of the great science fiction and fantasy anime ... now with giant robot and schoolgirl love. <strike>with a money back no giant robots or schoolgirls guarantee!</strike>.

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Google Earth and GPS (Cathy Cupitt)

What is it, how does it work, what impact will it have in the future?

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Writing in a pinch (Purrdence)

A 30 minute short story writing contest. Ever needed or wanted to write a story in a hurry? Then here's the place to come to learn how.

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How to create an online comic (Cathy Cupitt)

Between Diamond and Newspapers dropping comics left, right and center, the traditional methods of getting a comic printed are dying out. So why not put your work online? Join us as we discuss how to get your work online, why you should, some of the common pitfalls seen in online comics and some of the success stories.

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How to write and/or beta fanfiction (Cathy Cupitt)

Learn the tricks of the fanfiction trade: how to hook your readers into your story, and how to critique with tact.

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"And that just about sums it up for humanity" - the scientific work of Jared Diamond (Margaret Dunlop)

Jared Diamond's non-fiction work accessibly covers the entire of human history - the evolution of humans and human sexuality (The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee and Why is Sex Fun?), the evolution of agriculture and different cultures (Guns, Germs and Steel) through to an assessment of how societies choose to survive or fail (Collapse). Come and find ...

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Killer Game Kick-off (Anna Hepworth)

Subtly (or not) take out your competitors. This will be run adjacent to the regular programme and is designed not to interfere with the con itself.

Participate at your own risk!

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Laughter Club (Anna Hepworth)

No panellists - not this year.

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The Universe of Liad and the world of Korval (Elaine Walker)

Codes of Conduct, Clans, Pilots, Healers, Dramliz, Terrans, Turtles, Sentient Trees, Spies, Scouts, Traders, Soldiers, Mercenaries, Juntavas, Gamblers, Scholars, Artists, Musicians, Romance and Wonder, Space Battles and Deepest Intrigue, Cultural Pioneering and Cats.

"Of the Great Houses, there are precisely 50. And then there is Korval"

"In ...

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Magical Hat of Mysteries (Purrdence, John Robertson)

Well, we've done two Magical Hat of Mysteries in a row - and we'd like to do another late- night comedy panel, but we want to make something new for everybody - so, even though I'm writing this, I don't really know what the panel is... but then, we never really knew what Magical Hat was going to be either... :-)

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Being McGyver (Callistra)

You're trapped in the locked cargo hold of a sinking ship. You have a pen knife, toothpick, roll of duct tape and a carrier pigeon. What do you do?

Changed to not this year due to lack of panellists.

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Rebel Empire (Kaneda)

Fight Choreography, in the theme of Star Wars. See what has spawned from last years Jedi Boot Camp and more! Feel free to dress up in costume! Suitable for children young and old.

Spectate at your own risk! (Never underestimate the power of the Force)

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Meta and Fanworks (Cathy Cupitt)

How is meta influencing current stories; what are the must reads/watches and why; what are the current trends; what's controversial?

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Molecular Gastronomy in the Fan Lounge (Rob Masters)

Part demonstration, part practical workshop, this looks at how chemistry, physics and psychology can be combined to revisit the hows and whys of cooking, as well as how a knowledge of the underlying science can help create amazing new dishes.

Participate at your own risk!

Location: Fan Lounge

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Octavia Butler (Anna Hepworth)

Writer of awesome first contact trilogy Lilith's Brood (formerly Xenogenesis trilogy).

This is partially covered by the First Contact panel.

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Ongoing SF series (Anna Hepworth)

eg: Edwin Charles Tubb

Not enough votes to place this year.

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Plagiarism (Cathy Cupitt)

Both on and offline: the definition, examples, how plagiarism connects with copyright

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Podcasting (Cathy Cupitt)

How to, SF examples, where to find them and post your own.

We have no panellists.

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Podcasts of some panels. (Cathy Cupitt)

Requested for parenting room as well as wider audience.

We're going to do this but it's not a panel as such so I'm retiring it from the list of active panels suggestions.

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Preparing for the Apocalypse

Green energy Popular idea - we need people to run it though.

Already covered with Spike vs Precipice. Not this year.

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Project Runway (valeskah1)

Project Runway - Swancon edition: Work in teams to transform mundane and boring everyday items into fabulous couture of the 25th century to send down the runway! BYO scissors.

Participate at your own risk!

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Proto-panels - how to run a panel (Anna Hepworth)

Come along and watch or participate as our panellists guide audience participants on how to run panels.

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Public numbercrunching (Cathy Cupitt)

Ehat programs are there, in which everyday users can donate some processing towards large science projects such as SETI, DNA research or prime numbers? Pros, cons, what success have they had?

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Quidditch (Fern )

Live action Quidditch! Run! Jump! Throw things!

Participate at your own risk!

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Readings

Author readings

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Furry Movies and TV That Won't Freak You Out (Much) (Purrdence)

Most people go straight to the lunatic fringe when they think of anthropormophic animal or 'Furry' films or television programs, missing out on the wealth of good stories that come under the Furry banner. Join husband and wife team, Desiree and Drhoz, as they discuss what's out there to see.

Adult themes.

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Fine Fellows of (Spec) Fiction (Purrdence)

Join our panelists as they discuss the good (and not so good) qualities of selected male characters from genre fiction and films. Then decide their fates in 'Shag, Marry or Cliff'.

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Geek Sing-along (Purrdence)

Warm up those vocal cords for rousing choruses of geek songs from TV and film from (potentially, but certainly not limited to)Buffy, Dr Horrible, The Goodies, Monty Python and more...

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Swancon Idol (Purrdence)

Singstar karaoke competition!

A sign-up sheet will be on/near the main desk during Friday and Saturday.

There will be free-range karaoke after the competition.

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Say What? How Do You Pronounce That? (stephbg)

Genre fic is full of wacky names and pseudo language fragments. Do the writers ever say them aloud? Probably not. Join the group to reach a consensus on d'Xough*lahaq (bless you) and friends.

This panel is being moved to the 'not this year' category due to lack of a volunteer.

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Science in Action Show
SF/Fantasy Ex Libris (Karen Babcock)

Game where the emcee reads out a title, author, and plot summary and specifies opening or closing sentence. Participants (panelists only? panelists + audience volunteers? audience teams?) write a plausible sentence for the book. The emcee reads the submissions, along with the actual one, and the audience votes for most likely (and/or most entertaining). ...

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So Where'd You Get Yours? (stephbg)

Tattoo And Body Mod Anecdote Swap

Not this year: Kaneda is dooing "Tattoo you" which is a little too similar.

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What's hot in Fantasy?

Over the years, fantasy has varied from stand-alone novels to trilogies, to 5 book trilogies, to 10 or more book series. Topics have varied even more so, including elves and dwarves; farmer's sons or daughters who are prophesied to save the world; young thieves who find themselves caught up in world changing events; telepathic companions; magic; mysteries ...

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Surveillance Technologies (Cathy Cupitt)

We should microchip EVERYONE

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Surviving a plane crash (Maia Bobrowicz)

Survival exercise for fun and profit - will you eat your teammates?

http://www.womenexplore.org/curriculum/artic.html

Enough activities already - not this year.

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Synchonised discussion of topics off and online. (Cathy Cupitt) Show
Friends-lists and public/private online spaces (Cathy Cupitt)

What are they, how do the work, what about the name? How do you judge what's popular in virtual terms? Backtracking, LJ Toys, hit counters. The rise of MySpace and FaceBook, versus blogs and LJ. Plus! Is there such a thing as private space online? Is it always okay to link to a public post? Why do people choose pseudonyms, and what meanings do they have in ...

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The public versus the private in online spaces (Cathy Cupitt)

Is there such a thing as private space online? Is it always okay to link to a public post? Why do people choose pseudonyms, and what meanings do they have in online spaces? Are the used in the same way as traditional pennames. What happens when someone's "outed"?

Merging this into http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/101 - The politics of "...

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Three Dimensional Road Rage (stephbg)

Traffic Control With Flying Cars

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Trailer Park Anime version (Andy)

Come along to watch the latest trailers for 2009's biggest anime productions, as well as some more obscure releases coming in under the radar.

Adult themes.

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Trailer Park (Ongoing event)

Another year, another batch of Hollywood blockbusters vying for film-going public's attention. Come along to watch the latest trailers for 2009's biggest science fiction and fantasy blockbusters, as well as some more obscure releases coming in under the radar. From the team who predicted Pirates of the Carribbean would be great (it was), Hellboy would be a...

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User Generated Content (Cathy Cupitt)

The ethics, the problems, the pluses. What impact have different platforms had? Freecode movement vs fanworks. What others are out there? What impact will it have on traditional IP products?

This looks more like an academic panel and would need a sponsor to prepare it.

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User Stories for congoers and committee (stephbg)
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Paranormal romances: Vampires, Werewolves and Warlocks, Oh my (valeskah1)

This genre has taken off in the last few years and swamped the romance section. From Anita Blake and her unnatural lovers, to Betsey, the high-maintenance monarch of the undead. How have representations of heroines and hero's changed?

Adult themes.

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Vidding 'how to'. Workshop/Presentation (Cathy Cupitt)

Tips and techniques for everyone from beginners to advanced vidders.

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Computers in SF (Anna Hepworth)

From Orac to HAL to Skynet, come and discuss the various visions of computers in SF. Past, present and whatever they may hold in the future.

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Webcontrolled robots (Cathy Cupitt)

Who's using them, what can they do, how effective are they.

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What Do Your Pets Say About You?

Academic paper by Tess Williams being presented on similar topic.

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Wikis: how they work (Cathy Cupitt)

What's involved in setting one up, what are the maintenance issues. I think the Red Book is being turned into a wiki, so the people involved in that project would be good on this panel.

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Best and Worst of Anime (jetblackvalias)

Celebrating the finest (and the not so finest) moments in Anime. Come and find out what to look for and be inspired! Find out what to avoid... or seek out if that's your thing.

Adult themes.

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writing/professional development stuff Show
Zero-Gee Tolerance (stephbg)

What Happens To The Human Body In Space

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Zombie Apocalypse Survival in the Fan Lounge (cricketk)

Create a kit out of everyday items and workshop defending the hotel.

Participate at your own risk!

Location: Fan Lounge

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Tintin (Damian & Heather Magee)

Looking at the history of the character throughout books, cartoons, and films. We will examine the history of the series, why we still enjoy reading Tintin today and our favourite stories.

Join us in exploring Tintin on screen both animated and live.

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Spy Spoofs (Damian & Heather Magee)

More sci-fi than spies

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The Year - 1969 (Damian & Heather Magee)

Come join the panelist as we look down memory lane through various clips of 40 years of landing on the moon, films, TV, the events and music that shaped the year of 1969.

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Cliffhangers-serials of old. (Damian & Heather Magee)
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Women characters in comics (Damian & Heather Magee)

Historically, comic books and graphic novels published in the English-speaking world have been overwhelmingly directed at a male readership. In North America the superhero genre has spent decades with an effective stranglehold over the medium, with only the recent explosion of imported manga titles showing any difference. Recent attempts by publishers such ...

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TV Programmes made by ITC (Damian & Heather Magee)

The Persuaders, The Champions etc.

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Non-violent videogames (John Parker)

A discussion of video games, violence and their impact on children. Come hear about games, how they've developed over the years and learn about what to play that doesn't involve splatter-art.

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Banned Books

'If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it...'

Science fiction and fantasy books feature prominently in the pantheon of banned books. Books that seem inoffensive to today's readers, such as The Wizard of Oz, were previously considered so dangerous that schools and libraries refused to hold them. Classics of the genre including Slaughterhouse Five and ...

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Introduction to Gaming for newbies

This panel is being retired from the program because it has since been developed further and has several slots under "Invitation to Game"

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Showcasing new games Show
Geocaching

What is it? How do you play?

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Writing in an Aussie voice

Who does it well? Who does it badly? Tips and tricks

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Print and Play

Green AND greed is the motto as you make your own copy of the enjoyable (and free!) Space Junk.

The popularity of modern games has lead some designers to release them as free do-it-yourself editions, so-called 'Print-And-Play' games. Often the components are best described as 'functional'. If the game is good enough, other gamers might decide to improve the ...

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Gaming with Kids

What boardgames work well with kids? What are your experiences? Where do you GET all these games?

Many modern games are suitable for family play. Some companies (such as HABA) produce innovative games for children of all ages. This workshop is an open discussion about gaming with children as young as three, and will provide children (and grownups!) with an ...

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Kiddy Masquerade? Show
Guest of Honour Speech - Richard Morgan

Join Richard Morgan, International Guest of Honour, as he talks about his books and writing.

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Global Warming: Spike vs Precipice

Will we hit an ecotastrophe before we hit an information explosion?

Can we hold off the global warming "collapse" long enough to have the explosion of technologies that would come with the spike around to fix it. (I am specifically thinking about nanotech as a "fix" solution, since it is so useful as a "carbon squestering" ...

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Readings

Poe Reading

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Pre-masquerade craft workshop Show
Hayao Miyazaki

Come and listen to the experts discuss renowned director and screen writer Hayao Miyazaki, (Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away) and stay for a screening of one of his works.

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Celebrating bad movies

It's easy to love a good movie - but what about bad ones? Why time watching something that's so terribly made? From low-budget knock-offs to massively expensive Hollywood disasters, the world of cinema is littered with the unloved, the farcical, the ridiculous and the seemingly unwatchable. A team of bad-movie connoisseurs explain the attraction and thea...

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Models / Product / Product Placement - fan toys Show
Shakespeare themes in SF

The Bard has had influence over a lot more than just drama. Kate and Liz discuss Shakespearean ideas and how they have found their way into the SF world. Is this a light sabre I see before me, the handle toward my hand? A force, a force, my kingdom for a force!

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Robots and articulated joints

Interactive workshop? Build something that walks!

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Robo-rally Show
Where is Ivan?

Lois McMaster Bujold freeform role-playing (2 hours)

Participate at your own risk!

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Readings

Smut readings held late at night.

Adult themes.

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Hard SF with the soft sciences

Retroviruses acting like giant evolutionary computers; genetically engineered super soldiers; languages which allow you to see through time; downloading into different bodies and the strange psychology of the immortal: we discuss the wonderful places science fiction can go when it remembers that there's more to science than physics and computers.

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Is Space Opera Science Fiction?

Traditionally, Space Opera is seen as Science fiction. This panel is to discuss whether this is indeed the case, or whether the genre would be better described as a form of Fantasy. This is to be a group discussion, led by the panelists. Specific examples will be looked at, which will include LMB's Vorkosigan universe, as well as Star Wars as a counterpoint.

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Books that Haven't Yet Been Made into Films but Might Be

Discuss!

Merging with SF Films to remake

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Ready, Steady, Genesplice!: Build a better Unicorn

It's The Future and you're in the brainstorming session for the latest pet craze! Does the market want a cat with wings? A dragon? A pocket unicorn? Easy! Three artists take audience suggestions and turn them into visual reality in their own very different styles. But there's a twist - some of the artists have animal ethical and wildlife watchdogs observing ...

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TV Pilots

What's coming up? What looks good? What looks terrible but we're going to watch anyway?

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Humour in Speculative Fiction

Red Dwarf, Discworld, Hal Spacejock. Where does humour work well in speculative fiction? Where does humour not work well? What sort of humour is suited to particular circumstances?

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Famous Monsters

Frankenstein's monster, Godzilla, Dracula, The Wolfman, Who was your fave? The biggest? The baddest?

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Radio Plays

Lost art? What was good? What's still out there? The Goon Show, War of the Worlds.

No sponsors

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You're the alien

How would you make contact?

No panellists - not this year.

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Pirates versus ninjas

Oh come, on Pirates are inherently interesting - why you may ask? Let's have a panel on it :p

Other activities already running - not this year.

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Nanotechnology

What's achievable versus what's in the books.

Postponed due to lack of panellists.

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The library of Alexandria

Mourning ancient, lost libraries.

Not enough panellists for this.

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Classic SF Films I'd Like to Remake

Plus Top five things for a good SF film or TV show

No panellists - not this year.

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Technology for the Visually Impaired

What are we going to be using as we age?

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A Brief History of Time Travel

Who writes about it well? What are the theories? Why can't I kill my grandmother? What are the Trousers of Time? (diagrams required)

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My Anti-hero can beat up your Anti-hero

Still loveable despite their flaws.

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Generation Ships

We should go to the stars... or should we, how are we going to make that work?

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Origami in the Fan Lounge

Come and hang out, meet people and make your very own Origami Yoda.

http://necromanc.blogspot.com/2006/06/origami-yoda.html

Location: Fan Lounge

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What if the Dinosaurs Had Lived?

Reimagining our world

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Top five things for a good SF film or TV show

Discuss!

Merged with http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/165/edit

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How come vampires are heroes now?

Expect at least 10 minutes of Twilight gender-role evisceration followed by passing mentions of Polidori, Stoker, Lee and Whedon, amazement at the greenlighting of Moonlight and rampant glee accompanied by mad mansqueeing over True Blood, Let the Right One In, Being Human and unwritten Lost Boys TV series pilots.

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Genetic Engineering in the future

Imagine you can make any body type you want. Would there be fashions? Minimum requirements? Safety regs?


Genetic Engineering included in "Soft Sciences" Panel. http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/153

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What's New in SFF for Kids & YA

Have you explored 'The Starry Rift'? Taken part in 'The Hunger Games'? Had a look at 'Shiny?' If not, then this is the panel for you. Ranging from picture books for the youngest 'readers' to the most challenging young adult novels, our panellists will survey the new books scene, recommend some outstanding titles and offer suggestions about where to find more ...

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Buffy Season 8

How did the transition from TV series to Comic turn out? Still in love? Still hate it?

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The top ten jobs of 2050

Make up the job descriptions!

No panellists - not this year.

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History and development of Cyberpunk

I'd love to see a presentation on this - and a reading list!

We've had a recent con devoted to this topic.

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My favourite planet: Real & Fictional

Discuss!

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Necromancy Panel

"Getting your hands dirty"

No panellists - not this year.

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The Wheel of Time

Robert Jordan is no more and book 12 is being written by Brandon Sanderson for publication in late 2009. HOW DO YOU THINK IT WILL END?

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We should microchip EVERYONE

Merged with http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/98/

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The Best SF TV Show Ever

You think you know? Quick, volunteer to be a panellist.

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Change one thing about the human race

What would it be, Flying? Empathy? Green eyes? Floppy hair? A third arm? Better noses?

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So you have your own spaceship.

Crew? Maiden voyage? Essential packing?

Merged into http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/169

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Tattoo You (Wing)

What body art do fans like to "wear"? How do you decide and what should you be thinking about before you decorate your body with something permanent? What does a tatt say about you?

All of these and many more will be discussed.

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Ad Astra: Why We Went To The Moon, and Why We Need To Go Back (Grant Watson)

In July 1969 Neil Armstrong took his first legendary step onto the moon. Forty years later, and the international space race looks to be coming back in a big way. A look at the USA's historic Apollo space program, what it achieved, what went wrong and what the future holds for the Earth's closest neighbour. With new space programs developing in China, Russia,...

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The 17th annual Doctor Who panel (Grant Watson)

In 1985 BBC Controller Michael Grade ordered long-running SF drama Doctor Who off the air for the first time in 22 seasons. It returned in 1986, its season truncated and its viewing figures shattered. The following year the series returned for its 24th season with a new time slot, a new script editor, new writers and a brand-new Doctor in Sylvester McCoy.

A ...

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True Brit: the UK Genre Television Explosion (Grant Watson)

Since the return of Doctor Who to television in 2005, British television has experienced a resurgence in science fiction and fantasy unheard of since the 1960s. Series like Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Spooks: Code 9, Merlin, Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Hyperdrive and others have helped bring genre TV back to Britain in a big way. Why are these ...

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Taking Advantage: Funding Options for Artists and Fans (Grant Watson)

Want to get a meeting to develop a television series? Want to get your short stories published? How about get a government grant to write your magnus opus? What about getting funded travel to the UK, the United States, or even to Antarctica?

A guide to the numerous government funding agencies, initiatives, opportunities and fan funds available that aren't ...

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Sailpunk (Grant Watson)

A lot of us are familiar with "steampunk", the genre of science fiction in which the technology of the 19th century is extrapolated to create an idealised world of modern technology with a period aesthetic. But why stop there? Imagine a world of computers powered by alchemy and astrology, of a Spanish armada sailing in orbit above Europe, of wooden ...

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I'd like that on a mug (Alicia Smith)

A step through practical demonstration workshop of how to get your image onto a bunch of items - I'd like to show how easy it is for people who already have their image. I'm sure I only scratch the surface with my online shops and the fun I have with the weekly shirt competition. I'd like to give a taste as to how it's done.

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Nemesis Nemesi? Nemesesis? Gah! (Alicia Smith)

What are you looking for in a Nemesis? Misunderstood? Snappy dresser? Secretly sympathetic? Cool tech? Build a hero with the help of the panel, and design his nemesis. What would your nemesis be like?

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How loud is one tenth of a sonic boom? (arcadiagt5)

A look at human powered speed records from the sprint which recently claimed the .deciMach prize to the hour to the truly long distance events like Race Across America.

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The Boardgame Geek - Beyond Settlers (Michael O'Brien)

Do you know your Euro from your Ameritrash? Does the word CRT give you a warm feeling? Do you have dreams of Essen Spiel, or maybe Martin Wallace is your poster boy?

Gaming and Fandom have always shared a space. Michael O'Brien presents an talk on the vast and popular world of boardgaming that will be of interest to the uninitiated and the dedicated ...

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The Future for Men. (Michael O'Brien)

A discussion lead by Michael O'Brien about what the future might hold for the male. What does it mean to be male and how do we define a male in the current age, and what could it mean to be male in the future? A look at the sacred and emotional world of men, initiation, individuation, and an invitation to explore a positive and integrated way forward.

...

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Comics for the 51 percent (Grant Watson)

Historically, comic books and graphic novels published in the English-speaking world have been overwhelmingly directed at a male readership. In North America the superhero genre has spent decades with an effective stranglehold over the medium, with only the recent explosion of imported manga titles showing any difference. Recent attempts by publishers such ...

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Childhood books you still enjoy (Alicia Smith)

What is it about these books? Some last the distance, some never had it (I never really enjoyed Alice), and some just don't last.

Is there something quantifiable or is it just our memories providing that sensation of the comfort and innocence (hah) of childhood? The Last Battle didn't last the distance for me, but Lizard Music and the King of the Copper ...

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Draw your own cartoon character

Drawing workshop where a comic artist walks you through drawing your own character.

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Web pilots

More and more media is being released via the web. Discuss! Doctor Horrible, Sanctuary, BSG webisodes, New Who Tardisodes, Eureka.

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Reading: The King of the Copper Mountains

Leece reads from her favourite book in all the world.

The King of the Copper Mountains is dying, and has only his faithful hare for company. The Wonder Doctor is called to help, and to keep the King's heart going, promises to fetch the Golden Speedwell, sending any animals he finds to tell the King stories. Will the stories keep him alive until the Wonder ...

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Vanity Press

Self publishing: Discuss!

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Left Behind the Bush

Join our incredulous panelists as they wade through sparkly abstinence-only education (Twilight), exclaim eschatology gone Right (Left Behind), the War on <strike>Terror</strike> Terrible Writing (Marvel's Civil War/Heroes) and the oddly prescient (Iron Man/The Dark Knight)

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The Ultimate Fight

Show, tell and discuss a series of stand-out fight scenes.

Adult themes.

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Frontiers, Commons and Copyright: Creativity in the Internet Age

By facilitating collaboration, remixing, re-working and linking, the Internet is changing the boundaries of creative practice. Electronic Frontiers Australia, Creative Commons, and the Organization for Transformative Works are at the forefront of digital rights and creative metamorphosis. What do these organisations do? What avenues for art and writing do ...

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The Future of the Future (Grant Watson)

Science fiction used to be easy. In the 21st century, surrounded by computers, with satellites massed in orbit around the Earth, medical advances leaping forward, robotic probes on Mars, and technological breakthroughs being announced every week, what is the point of science fiction any more?

Is there a need for fiction about the future if we're already ...

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Walt Disney: Animation's Magic Kingdom (Grant Watson)

When animation producer Walt Disney announced he was making a feature-length animated film, he was the laughing stock of Hollywood. Derisively called "Disney's Folly", Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs unexpectedly captured the public imagination and launched a legacy and an animation brand that continues to this day.

It's 70 years - and 48 feature ...

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Anime Character Archetypes and Tropes (Phlebas)

It's been commented on that many Anime characters fall into one or more archetypes. This panel will explore what those archetypes are and how they differ from those used in 'Western' story telling. We'll discuss examples of some of the more common archetypes and why those archetypes are so prevalent in Anime. Come along and suggest how you would classify ...

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Military Sci-Fi (Phlebas)

What is Military Sci-Fi? Why is it popular/not popular? Is there some sort of stigma attached to it? Why?

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The subtext of Harry Potter (Phlebas)

How do we read the text in ways Rowling didn't intend? How and why do some of these become 'fannon'? How often does 'fannon' pre-empt the author?

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Sexuality in Speculative fiction (Phlebas)

To what degree is sexuality important in speculative fiction? Is it key to the telling of the story or the setting of the world? Is it just there to add a little spice or is the speculative fiction just a back drop for romance? From openly sexual characters to monastic orders, our panellists examine the importance of sexuality in speculative fiction.

Adult ...

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Swancon QI (Dave Cake)

The return of the totally unofficial rip off of the BBC quiz show.

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Wuxia Panel (Phlebas)

What is Wuxia and where did it begin? Elements of the panel might include the defining Characteristics of Wuxia, it's intersection with Fantasy, Wuxia in literature vs movie/television, and it's genre influences on anime & western drama.

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Top 10 SF&F TV Shows - Vote! (Tom Eitelhuber)

Armed with only a whiteboard and an enthusiastic audience, we'll try to determine the ten best Science-Fiction and Fantasy TV shows of all time. Come along and cast your votes to determine the winners! Will your favourites make the grade?

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I Am The Night: A History of the Caped Crusader (Grant Watson)

More than 70 years of comics, eight feature films, two movie serials, countless television shows - the Batman is one of the most iconic and effective pop culture heroes of the past century.

Why is the character so effective? What is the core appeal? Does Batman exist as a simple vigilante fantasy, or are there deeper themes at work? An examination of Batman ...

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2008 in Film (Tom Eitelhuber)

Speed Racers, Crystal Skulls, Iron Men and one very Dark Knight - there's no doubt that 2008 delivered plenty of big-screen thrills for science-fiction and fantasy film buffs. Our panelists will look back over the year's major genre releases and try to separate the hits from the misses.

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Holy Respectability, Batman! (Travis Johnson)

With The Dark Knight getting heavy Oscar buzz and the release of Zack Snyder's adaptation of Watchmen, it's time to take a look at comic book film adaptations: the past, the future, and the current state of play. From the murky depths of Howard the Duck and Swamp Thing to the critically praised Sin City and The Dark Knight, we wrestle the whole shebang into ...

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Channel Flicking (Grant Watson)

A presentation of some of the strangest film, television and animation clips you're likely to see. The funniest bits. The funniest bits that aren't intentional. The "oh god what were they thinking" moments of science fiction. An eclectic late-night presentation by Grant Watson and David Gunn.

Adult themes.

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Rock Band (Brendan Ragan)

It rocked the house at GenghisCon and now Brendan will bring the Rock Band to Swancon!

Participate at your own risk!

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Opening Ceremony (Maia Bobrowicz)

Come one and all to the Opening Ceremony for Contact: Swancon 2009!

The convention committee will introduce and welcome our guests and members, tell you about the key events planned for the con, and cover some necessary administrivia.

This will be followed by a "Guide to Swancon" session designed for new members but open to all. Experienced and ...

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Norma K Hemming Award

This panel will discuss the forthcoming Norma K. Hemming Award to mark excellence in the exploration of race, gender, class and sexuality in Australian science fiction, fantasy or art work. The aim is to have it launched big time at Aussiecon 4 on 2-6 Sep 10.

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Closing Ceremony

All good things must come to an end... come and farewell Swancon for another year.

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Auction

Bid on things you want to buy - it's like e-bay, but in person!

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Is there anybody out there?

In the last decade, the discovery of hundreds of extrasolar planets firmly pinned down our understanding of planet formation, and led to the conclusion that planets are extremely common. At the same time, the study of Archeabacteria 'extremophiles' has widened our horizons for the conditions where life can survive, including extremes of heat, cold, acidita...

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Art Show

Swancon is a celebration of creativity in all its different forms, and the Swancon Art Show is an opportunity for members of the Swancon community to display and sell original works of art in any medium: pencil, paint, leather, lace, plaster, CG, paper and steel. Everyone has the capacity to create something interesting; everyone is an artist. Except maybe ...

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Awards Ceremony

Come and celebrate the winners of the Western Australian Achievement Awards (also known as the 'Tin Ducks') presented by WASFF.

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Swancon 2010 Launch

Want to know all about next year's Swancon, including who the guests will be?

Come along and celebrate the Swancon 2010 launch!

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Masquerade

With a theme of Other Worlds, we are looking forward to seeing the costumes that arise from the mists of the minds. Dust off that old Star Trek uniform, grab that long multi-coloured scarf from the broom cupboard, polish up that battle armour, or start working on your Other Worlds costume. Thrill, dazzle or horrify with the mystery, the magic and the fear of ...

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Art Show Auction and Breakdown

Come and bid for those art items that gained more than five offers during the art show.

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Market Day

Sell Things! Buy Things!

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Hack Your Hardware (V2.0b) (John Parker)

Flashing your firmware, bashing you box - Welcome to the wonderful world of modding. We look at simple hacks for your phone, camera and game console. A reprise of the panel at Wasteland II: Age of Iron.

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New Ceres Nights - Twelfth Planet Press launch (Alisa Krasnostein) Show
Women at Worldcon - Round Table Discussion

Women at Worldcon - historically, there has been a serious lack of women in Worldcon Programmes. How many women have been GoHs? How many women panelists are volunteering? What can we do about this? A moderated discussion about the kinds of things we would like to see representing women at Aussiecon4 and our plans to make them happen. What would YOU like to ...

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Strong Women in New Who, the Whedonverse, and SFF

Round Table Discussion

Strong women who look good and kick arse - but are they lacking in agency? Has 'strong' become the new sexy? And what do they think 'strong' means anyway? Is it all for the male gaze, or is this a step forward for the representation of women? Why does being physically violent equal sexy?

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Where do Swancons come from?

Pending 2010 committee wanting to run this.

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Sorcerers and Storytellers (Dave Cake)

The astonishing crossover between magic in fantasy fiction, and magic as practiced by real occult practitioners. Some modern magicians work spells from Lovecrafts Necronomicon (despite knowing it doesn't exist), or embrace the cosmology of Michael Moorcock. Gods and monsters from 20th century fiction are being used for the same magical purposes as ancient ...

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How does technology create society? (Stephanie Bateman-Graham)

Good science fiction is not just about gadgets and technology, but how technology changes people and society. Technology has a life-cycle from emerging to established, and show-don't-tell writing can reveal how far along a technology has come. How has society has been altered? Who has it? Who can afford it? How has the technology affected crime, romance, ...

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Apollo 11 Turns 40, But Did It Happen At All? (Paul Talbot)

July 2009 is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. In preparation for increased media coverage and renewed speculation, Paul Talbot will make a presentation on the various claims that the mission was a hoax.

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Grant, Danny and John Do Stuff (John Robertson)

Merged into http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/73

"MHM III or "Grant, Danny and John Do Stuff" "

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Writing SF - Tips & Techniques (PRK)

A panel where published science fiction authors provide an overview of their major "do's" and "don'ts" for writing in the genre along with various tips and techniques for crafting stories.

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Writing Fantasy - Tips & Techniques (PRK)

A panel where published fantasy authors provide an overview of their major "do's" and "don'ts" for writing in the genre along with various tips and techniques for crafting stories

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Writing Horror - Tips & Techniques (PRK)

A panel where published horror authors provide an overview of their major "do's" and "don'ts" for writing in the genre along with various tips and techniques for crafting stories.

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Writing Slash - Tips & Techniques (PRK)

A panel where slash authors provide an overview of their major "do's" and "don'ts" for writing in the genre along with various tips and techniques for crafting stories.

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Homework for Swancon 2010 (PRK)

A Panel discussing the guests for Swancon 2010, their works, and suggested readings / activities over the year.

We'd tell you who we're discussing, but that would spoil the surprise of the 2010 launch!

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Where do Swancons come from? (PRK)

Ever wondered how a Swancon comes together, what's involved, and how you can participate if you're interested? Come along and speak with past, present and future Swancon committee members! We'll also include an outline of the Swancon bidding process for those who'd like to bid for Swancon 2011.

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How to run a Panel (PRK)

Got a great idea that you'd love to run as a Panel at a Swancon, but not sure how to go about it? Come along and chat with various panellists about what makes a good panel, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to go about getting your panel idea on the programme.

Duplicate

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Hayao Miyazaki Screening - Howl's Moving Castle

Following the discussion on Hayao Miyazaki, we will be screening Howl’s Moving Castle, with key commentary.

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Grass-Cast Gaming Podcast (Jon Hayward)

Come join John Robertson, Paul Turner, Chris Hayward, Mike Browner and special guest Greg Tannahill as they discuss video gaming in all its forms and guises. With permission the panel will be podcasted to www.grass-cast.com the following week. And you might even get a laugh out of it...

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Changing the Heroes (Tom Eitelhuber)

Across their personal storyarcs, many of the characters in Heroes have undergone major shifts in their direction, experiencing significant changes in focus, personality, goals and morality which impact both the character in question and the show as a whole. Are these transitions plausible and elegant, and what do we, the viewers, think of the methods the ...

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Lost (Tom Eitelhuber)

The TV series Lost is scheduled to conclude in 2010, with just over twenty episodes remaining. This definite time-limit suggests that The Survivors and Others are finally headed towards some sort of climactic endgame. This panel will encourage open discussion on the current and previous seasons, as well as speculation on future events.

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Kiddy Combat

Child-friendly martial arts workshop run by Kaneda - ages 4 and up welcome (child must be able to stand up)

Participate at your own risk!

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Book Signings I

Book signings by our guests and other authors. This signing session will include:

Richard Morgan

Trudi Canavan

Martin Livings

Sonia Marcon

Pete Kempshall

Bevan McGuinness

Paul Kidd

Russell B Farr

Shane Jiraiya Cummings

K.A. Bedford

Laney Cairo

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Market Day Setup Show
Market Day Takedown Show
Safe Spaces at Cons (Sarah Parker)

Every one thinks of conventions as safe spaces where they can just hang out and be. This is not always true. Our panellists will talk about creating safe spaces, maintaining safe spaces, safe spaces at conventions and the unspoken rules of safe spaces at cons.

Includes discussions of the "Open Source Boob Project", room parties and conventions we'...

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Guest of Honour Speech - Trudi Canavan

Join Trudi Canavan, National Guest of Honour, as she talks about her books and writing.

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Book Signings II

Book signings by our guests and other authors. This signing session will include:

Richard Morgan

Trudi Canavan

Lara Morgan (no relation to Richard as far as we know!)

Bevan McGuinness

Paul Kidd

Russell B Farr

Dave Luckett (aka L S Lawrence)

Jenny Blackford

Cat Sparks

Juliett Marillier

Stephen Dedman

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Art Show setup Show
Take-down + setup Show
Parenting Room Check-in

A place for people with young children to rest, recuperate, and talk quietly with friends.

This room will have a laptop and podcasts of various panels.

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Parenting Room Checkout by 12pm

Room booked until this time.

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Invitation to Game

Come and save the world from deadly diseases in Pandemic, compete to create the most elaborate sushi recipes in Wasabi or race across space in a rickety starship in Galaxy Trucker....

Modern boardgames (also called Euro- , Designer- or German-games) share a number of characteristics which distinguish them from better known games (the Risk and Monopoly of ...

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Monster Games (Terry Chilvers)

Conquer or connive your way to the Imperial throne in Twilight Imperium, match (or lose) your wits against eldrich abominations in Arkham Horror or lead your legions to victory in Conquest of the Empire.

Some games just won't fit neatly into a short space of time. These are grand, sprawling affairs with lots of detail that will take 3-4 (or more!) hours to ...

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Making the grade (Cat Sparks)

The Ultimate Guide to Modern Writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy is a comprehensive list of 2000 writers working in the field today. Just how tough is it to make the grade in today's spec fic marketplace? Is it all about talent, luck, who you know, geographic advantage or plain old psychotic persistence? Discuss.

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009/02/...

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Launch of The Priestess and the Slave (Jenny Blackford)

Guest of Honour Trudi Canavan will launch Jenny Blackford's historical novella The Priestess and the Slave, set in classical Athens and Delphi. There will be anachronistic ouzo and baklava.

http://www.hadleyrillebooks.com/Priestess.html

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The business of science (Nick Evans)

How are ideas commercialised? What's the reality of getting an idea from bench top to bedside, and how well does SF reflect the real world?

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So why the hell do you want to be a writer anyway? (Cat Sparks)

Three per cent of writers ever manage to make a living out of it. 3 out of 5000 unsolicited manuscripts submitted to publishers make it across the line. However, Clarions, universities and community colleges are churning out more wannabe writers than ever, despite troubled times in the publishing industry and the collapse of traditional venues for short ...

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The future of short fiction (Cat Sparks)

With so many competing forms of entertainment today and so many publications folding, is there a point to writing short fiction any more? Is it a form for up and coming writers to hone their skills? Did the Internet kill short fiction or might it prove its saviour? Discuss.

Withdrawn for lack of panellists, may possibly merge in content of "2008 on ...

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Robo-Bob the Builder (Steve Davidson)

RepRap, Fabr, Fab@Home, Contour Crafting, automated factories. More and more of our everyday products are being assembled by robots, and there are a number of projects in the works to accelerate this trend. While we're a way off from the Star Trek replicator, you'd be surprised at where your next toy, gadget, domestic replacement part or even house might be ...

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Blade Attraction 4.0 (Kaneda & Wing)

Live blade demonstrations from around the world.

Spectate at your own risk!

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2008 in Books

With so many publications folding, is there a point to writing short fiction any more? Is it a form for up and coming writers to hone their skills? Did the Internet kill short fiction or might it prove its saviour? Take a look back at the past year of SF/fantasy/horror/spec-fic and discuss the possible future in fiction.

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The Collapse of Civilisation

A discussion about the possible economic collapse of the USA and other major Western economies, and what it might be like to live in a society where the institutions we have relied on all our lives suddenly disappear. How to survive when everything breaks down. With reference to the work of Dmitri Orlov and comparisons to what it was like to live through the ...

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WASFF AGM

Western Australian Science Fiction Foundation Annual General Meeting, including bids to run Swancon 2011.

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Feminist Fans and Aussiecon (Emma Hawkes)

From a feminist perspective, what would you like to see at Aussiecon 2010? More than just the usual panel on women and SF&F?

In a round table discussion, let's brainstorm programming ideas for panels, art work, plays, and approaches to make Aussiecon 4 an outpouring of twenty-first century, anti-racist, anti-sexist fandom.

DUPLICATE: http://2009....

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Stargate Cultural Appropriation (Maia)

Stargate Atlantis - five seasons of cultural and racial appropriation. A team of middle class Caucasian males (with token 'natives') visit yet another native civilisation, judge it, intervene irresponsibly, then leave it in disarray. Why is this formula successful, and where else has it been used?

No panellists - not this year.

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The sinister soundscapes of David Lynch

Join A, B and C as they discuss their appreciation of the somewhat strange, frequently sinister and always intriguing works of David Lynch. Speaking backwards is encouraged.

No panellists - not this year.

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Tolkien Criticism: Some Critical Comments ((Sunday afternoon only))

As the necessary preliminary to writing a study tentatively entitled: ‘Tolkien the Fascist? Debating the Politics of Middle-earth’. I've tried, and failed, to read all the critical literature on Tolkien's fantasies. The sheer volume of this material makes such an exhaustive reading impossible. But I've now been reading for two years, and have mastered ...

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Battlestar Galactica (PRK)

Battlestar Galactica's final episodes screened in Australia on March 21st. How well did it end? How did everything tie together? Was it a satisfactory ending, or should it have gone differently? What key moments defined each season, both for the characters and the audience's perception of them?

Note - this panel will contain spoilers up to and including the ...

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Accounts and Reflections: Literature on Neil Gaiman and his work

A survey of the critical and scholarly literature on Neil Gaiman and his work.

Abstract: Neil Gaiman is the multi-award winning and best-selling of some of the most critically acclaimed fantasy fiction published during the past 20 years. What I will seek to do in this paper is to conduct a brief survey of the existing scholarly critical literature on a...

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Science Fiction and the Sublime ((Sunday only))

This paper proposes to look at four pleasures of the sublime that lie within science fiction. The sublime is a historical idea that emerged as people began discovering the universe and the world around them in Europe. Thus, it is as Kant called it, the mathematical pleasures of this sublime that are one such pleasure. Another, also proposed by Kant, is the ...

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The Aliens are among us: The science fiction in John Lilly's science

The science fiction in John Lilly's science

Presented by: Tess Williams

Abstract: to follow

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The Meat-Grinder of History: Tatyana Tolstaya's 'The Slynx'

The Meat-Grinder of History: Tatyana Tolstaya's 'The Slynx' as Post-Communist Dystopia

Withdrawn due to other commitments.

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Battlestar Galactica (2004) vs Buffy: The Vampire Slayer

"Battlestar Galactica (2004) vs Buffy: The Vampire Slayer - which is the greater feminist text?".

Panellists selected from audience, moderated by X.

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More Than Meets the Eye - The Golden Age of the Transformers

With a second big budget feature film coming to cinemas this year, hit animated series on television, critically acclaimed new comic books being released from IDW and a seemingly constant string of toys hitting department store shelves, 2009 seems to be a new "golden age" for the Transformers. Current Transformers comic writer Shane McCarthy (Trana...

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Supernatural vs The X-Files (PRK)

From Federal Agents fighting to reveal the paranormal truth in the face of deliberate scepticism, to 'criminals' investigating the paranormal under the Federal radar. The X-files ran for 10 seasons, Supernatural is confirmed for its 5th. What makes these type of paranormal TV series successful? How does the character setting (established legitimate federal ...

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Art Registration and Display
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Art Show Closed Show
Religion in Fantasy (PRK)

As an important part of many human lives, it is unsurprising that fantasy worlds often contain religions or spiritual belief structures. Whilst some of these are based quite closely on existing religions, many vary widely, with regularly incarnate deities, incredibly accurate prophecies or capricious deities playing board games with human souls. To what ...

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Fandom, Boobs, and the Internet: Big sister is watching you (Sarah Xu)

"This should be a better world," a friend of mine said. "A more honest one, where sex isn't shameful or degrading. I wish this was the kind of world where say, 'Wow, I'd like to touch your breasts,' and people would understand that it's not a way of reducing you to a set of nipples and ignoring the rest of you, but rather a way of saying that ...

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Extended Tranformers + TPP Launch set-up Show
Art Show Judges Visit Show
Choose your own apocalypse - how our society might collapse (Margaret Dunlop)

Societies can collapse in a number of different ways for different reasons. Which ones are most likely to apply to us? What sort of collapse might we be in for?

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Cosplay Photo session in the Hotel Lobby (Jess Bridges)

Swancon are providing a tableau stage, lighting and a photographer with a digital SLR camera. Sign up at reception desk for the chance to pose in costume and have your photo taken for free. All participants will have their photographs emailed to them after the convention. Individuals and groups welcome.

Elaine's photographs have been professionally ...

...

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Masquerade Judging: 8pm - 9pm

Our judges will be evaluating the Masquerade costumes in the Montana Foyer area between 8pm and 9pm.

Please ensure you make yourself known to them if you wish to participate.

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Lunch at Lido 12:30pm-2pm - Welcome to your first convention! (Sarah Parker)

Are you coming to your first Swancon on Friday?

I'm hosting a Welcome Lunch at the restaurant just down the road. I'll be there with some friends to ask how you're day is going, what your impressions are, and answer any questions you like. Feel free to bring friends, and just drop in for a bit. Lunches at the Lido vary between $7 - $20, and a wide range of ...

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