2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 question you want to ask? Submit questions to the moderator via email before the con. Location: Hotel restaurant, 10:00AM 45 2 false Karen Babcock false false 3 40 2009-03-22T22:42:01-05:00 2009-01-05T05:49:20-06:00 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. 225 3 false Margaret Dunlop false false 2009-03-23T06:10:19-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 43 2 false Anna Hepworth false false 2009-03-22T19:32:37-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Best short media of 2009 from the internet Original content No panellists - not this year. 40 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 1 14 2009-03-23T06:25:31-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Best short media of 2009 from the internet Transformative fanworks No panellists - not this year. 41 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 1 56 2009-03-23T06:26:27-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 42 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-02T00:35:39-06:00 2008-10-26T20:15:25-05:00 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... 199 2 false Damian Magee false false 1 52 2009-03-25T08:34:42-05:00 2009-01-11T19:48:32-06:00 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. Planes will be provided, as will an introduction for new players. Ages: 12 and up 227 2 false Terry Chilvers false false 2009-03-26T05:20:43-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Apocalypses and Sustainable Population. 38 3 false Maia Bobrowicz false false 2 20 2009-03-15T01:17:33-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 39 2 false Karen Babcock false false 2 11 2009-03-25T07:44:55-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Stories about small furry animals 35 2 false Anna Hepworth false false 2009-03-15T05:43:21-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 This is actually several different panels and is being retired from the program because it's not actually a panel itself. 34 3 false Andy false false 2009-02-15T02:32:30-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Best of short works - need someone for this! No panellists - not this year. 33 3 false false false 1 25 2009-03-23T06:06:11-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 With a virtual guest streamed to both live Swancon and online. 32 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 1 20 2009-03-02T00:44:14-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 What does science have to say about heaven and hell? 31 2 false stephbg false false 2009-03-27T10:04:10-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Ten people speaking for four minutes on their favourite games 30 2 false Callistra false false 2009-03-25T08:14:58-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Ask ten people to speak for FOUR MINUTES on their favourite book No panellists - not this year. 29 3 false Callistra false false 5 41 2009-03-23T06:04:56-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Types, platforms, strengths, weaknesses, examples. No panellists - not this year. 46 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 5 46 2009-03-23T06:07:29-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Niche Marketing To The Geek Demographic Marking 'Not this year' for lack of panellists. 47 3 false stephbg false false 5 38 2009-03-22T22:37:23-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 From War of the Worlds to Carl Sagan's Contact and beyond: a discussion of first contact novels and movies. 48 2 false false false 2009-03-25T05:35:02-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 50 3 false stephbg false false 2009-03-02T00:55:46-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Hang out, chat, meet people, talk about stuff. Oh and drink coffee :p No panellists - not this year. 51 3 false Anna Hepworth false false 1 13 2009-03-23T06:09:09-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 authors, such as the Australian Commonwealth. 52 2 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-13T03:55:28-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 53 2 true stephbg false false 2 55 2009-03-27T08:47:00-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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! 54 2 false Anna Hepworth false false 1 9 2009-03-23T07:50:15-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 55 3 false Rob false false 2 2 2009-04-07T19:11:48-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Holograms, online archives, mashups... how does it compare to traditional art practices? Discussion with examples. 56 2 false Cathy Cupitt false false 1 26 2009-03-25T05:32:03-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Mutant Genes With Solar Flares 57 3 false false false 2009-03-02T01:16:19-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 The various carnivals, fan debates on PoC, gender, sexualities, censorship; charities, memes, fests, nonprofit orgs. 58 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 1 55 2009-03-02T01:16:54-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Bring new works and share for the first time; or share the work of a favourite author/vidder. 59 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 8 37 2009-03-02T01:17:50-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 No panellists - not this year. 60 3 false Callistra false false 2009-03-23T06:11:19-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 61 3 false Anna Hepworth false false 5 34 2009-03-23T06:11:51-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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? 62 2 false Karen Babcock false false 2009-03-25T06:42:06-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 "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>. 63 2 false alias_sqbr false false 1 30 2009-03-25T05:59:48-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 What is it, how does it work, what impact will it have in the future? 64 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2 46 2009-03-02T01:23:43-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 65 2 false Purrdence false false 5 47 2009-03-26T06:02:54-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 67 2 false Cathy Cupitt false false 5 42 2009-03-25T06:43:54-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Learn the tricks of the fanfiction trade: how to hook your readers into your story, and how to critique with tact. 68 2 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-25T07:56:30-05:00 2009-01-05T05:58:38-06:00 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 out a bit about the work of Jared Diamond. (I am happy to run this as a bit on some of Diamond's theories - eg why Australia may or may not survive a potential environmental collapse). Maia - A little too much crossover with other 'collapse/apocalypse' panels. 226 3 false Margaret Dunlop false false 2 16 2009-03-18T21:22:29-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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! 70 1 false Anna Hepworth false false 2 4 2009-03-31T07:57:27-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 No panellists - not this year. 71 3 false Anna Hepworth false false 2009-03-23T06:13:22-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 an ally, considerations of house, clan, planet, race are insignificant beside two prime questions, which are: 1. Can he shoot? 2. Will he aim at your enemy?"--Cantra yos' Phelium. There are already 10 Liaden books, and more short stories, and all are worthy of examination for anyone who likes richly tapestried worlds and splendid characters. 72 2 false Elaine Walker false false 2009-03-18T04:04:18-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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... :-) 73 2 false Purrdence, John Robertson false false 1 53 2009-03-03T06:08:49-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 74 3 false Callistra false false 2 21 2009-03-23T06:27:35-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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) 75 2 false Kaneda false false 1 44 2009-03-23T07:55:18-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 How is meta influencing current stories; what are the must reads/watches and why; what are the current trends; what's controversial? 76 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 5 52 2009-03-02T01:35:44-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 77 2 false Rob Masters false false 5 49 2009-03-23T07:52:30-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Writer of awesome first contact trilogy Lilith's Brood (formerly Xenogenesis trilogy). This is partially covered by the First Contact panel. 78 3 false Anna Hepworth false false 2009-03-02T01:38:56-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 eg: Edwin Charles Tubb Not enough votes to place this year. 79 3 false Anna Hepworth false false 2009-03-02T01:39:41-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Both on and offline: the definition, examples, how plagiarism connects with copyright 80 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-02T01:15:20-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 How to, SF examples, where to find them and post your own. We have no panellists. 81 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 8 30 2009-03-02T01:36:45-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 82 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-02-15T02:29:30-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Green energy Popular idea - we need people to run it though. Already covered with Spike vs Precipice. Not this year. 83 3 false false false 2009-03-23T06:18:38-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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! 84 2 true valeskah1 false false 2009-03-23T08:00:02-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Come along and watch or participate as our panellists guide audience participants on how to run panels. 85 2 false Anna Hepworth false false 2009-03-09T06:10:37-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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? 86 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-02T01:44:51-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Live action Quidditch! Run! Jump! Throw things! Participate at your own risk! 87 2 false Fern false false 1 40 2009-03-23T07:50:54-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Author readings 88 3 false false false 2009-03-02T01:46:35-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 89 2 false Purrdence false false 2009-03-30T01:23:20-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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'. 90 2 false Purrdence false false 2 52 2009-03-30T01:22:46-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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... 91 2 false Purrdence false false 1 37 2009-03-30T01:21:48-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 92 2 false Purrdence false false 1 38 2009-03-30T01:22:16-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 93 3 false stephbg false false 2009-02-16T01:47:26-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 94 3 false false false 5 51 2009-03-02T01:50:11-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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). Based on http://www.spiritgames.co.ukgamesin.php?UniqueNo=620 95 3 false Karen Babcock false false 5 45 2009-03-02T01:51:08-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Tattoo And Body Mod Anecdote Swap Not this year: Kaneda is dooing "Tattoo you" which is a little too similar. 96 3 false stephbg false false 2009-02-15T02:15:47-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 and more. What are the appeals of these type of stories? Which have been overdone? Which have plenty of life left? What's currently hot in fantasy? 97 2 false true false 5 55 2010-03-07T22:31:16-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 We should microchip EVERYONE 98 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 5 56 2009-03-15T02:37:57-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Survival exercise for fun and profit - will *you* eat your teammates? http://www.womenexplore.org/curriculum/artic.html Enough activities already - not this year. 99 3 false Maia Bobrowicz false false 2009-03-23T06:21:59-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 100 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-02T02:00:07-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 online spaces? Are the used in the same way as traditional pennames. What happens when someone's "outed"? No panellists - not this year. 101 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2 10 2009-03-23T06:12:53-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 "Friendslists" 102 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2 40 2009-02-16T02:56:06-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Traffic Control With Flying Cars 103 3 false stephbg false false 5 44 2009-03-02T02:01:32-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 104 2 false Andy false false 1 42 2009-03-23T07:46:23-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Another year, another batch of Hollywood blockbusters vying for the 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 fantastic (it wasn't), and Speed Racer would be very psychadelic on the eyes (we're still rubbing them) comes another annual round of trailer-watching mayhem. 105 2 false Ongoing event false false 1 27 2009-03-09T00:15:59-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 106 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-02T02:02:33-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 107 3 false stephbg false false 2009-03-02T02:02:56-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 108 2 true valeskah1 false false 2 22 2009-03-23T07:40:41-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Tips and techniques for everyone from beginners to advanced vidders. 109 2 false Cathy Cupitt false false 1 15 2009-03-25T07:59:46-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 110 2 false Anna Hepworth false false 1 6 2009-03-12T21:17:26-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Who's using them, what can they do, how effective are they. 111 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-02T02:09:02-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Academic paper by Tess Williams being presented on similar topic. 112 3 false false false 2009-03-02T02:13:04-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 113 3 false Cathy Cupitt false false 2009-03-02T02:13:34-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 114 2 false jetblackvalias false false 1 22 2009-03-23T07:47:16-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 115 3 false false false 2 8 2009-03-02T02:14:57-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 What Happens To The Human Body In Space 116 3 false stephbg false false 2009-03-15T03:01:50-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Create a kit out of everyday items and workshop defending the hotel. Participate at your own risk! Location: Fan Lounge 117 2 false cricketk false false 2009-03-25T07:27:44-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 118 2 false Damian & Heather Magee false false 2 14 2009-03-27T08:58:29-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 More sci-fi than spies 119 2 false Damian & Heather Magee false false 2 7 2009-03-02T02:20:20-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 120 2 false Damian & Heather Magee false false 2 12 2009-03-25T07:47:49-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 121 3 false Damian & Heather Magee false false 2009-03-02T02:21:20-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 as DC Comics to attract a female audience have failed to secure an audience. What does the future hold for comics aimed at a female audience? Is it possible for them to succeed? What's being published now that women are reading? What's preventing a female audience from embracing the comic book medium as enthusiastically as a male one? From manga to superheroes to "women in refrigerators" - a look at audience, gender and content in comic books and graphic novels. 122 2 true Damian & Heather Magee true false 1 29 2010-03-07T22:31:54-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 The Persuaders, The Champions etc. 123 3 false Damian & Heather Magee false false 2009-03-02T02:27:13-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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. 124 2 false John Parker false false 1 10 2009-03-26T19:24:54-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 '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 Brave New World still raise frequent objections. What is it about these books and the genres of fantasy and science fiction in general that raise the ire of those who would control what we read? 127 2 true false false 2 6 2009-03-14T03:59:10-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 This panel is being retired from the program because it has since been developed further and has several slots under "Invitation to Game" 128 3 false false false 4 11 2009-02-15T02:51:40-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 129 3 false false false 1 32 2009-02-15T01:32:01-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 What is it? How do you play? 130 3 false false false 2009-03-02T01:23:34-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Who does it well? Who does it badly? Tips and tricks 131 2 false false false 2 17 2009-03-25T08:28:07-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 components. If the game is good enough, it might be picked up by a publisher for commercial release (as will happen with the game we will make: Space Junk). This workshop will be run for 5 people, and take about two hours. In that time you will learn about 'PnP' games, where to find them and then go ahead and make your own copy of Space Junk. Materials and tools will be provided. Sharp knives are involved, so this workshop is not suitable for children. 132 2 false false false 4 32 2009-03-25T07:24:37-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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 opportunity to explore and play some of these games. I'll also talk about finding copies of games that are not readily available in Australian toy stores. 133 2 false false false 4 25 2009-03-25T07:41:54-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 134 3 false false false 2009-03-02T02:34:34-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 Join Richard Morgan, International Guest of Honour, as he talks about his books and writing. 137 2 false true false 1 19 2010-03-07T22:26:32-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:38-05:00 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" solution.) 139 2 false true false 2010-03-07T21:59:09-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 Poe Reading 140 3 false false false 8 51 2009-03-02T02:38:05-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 142 3 false false false 2009-02-15T01:55:22-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 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. 144 2 false false false 1 51 2009-03-25T08:55:32-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 It's easy to love a good movie - but what about bad ones? Why spend 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 the technique of enjoying bad science fiction, fantasy and horror cinema, as well as share their personal favourites. 145 2 false false false 2009-03-15T02:39:37-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 146 3 false false false 5 36 2009-03-02T02:40:50-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 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! 147 2 true false false 2009-03-21T06:11:59-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 Interactive workshop? Build something that walks! 149 3 false false false 5 57 2009-03-15T02:39:11-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 150 3 false false false 2009-03-02T02:46:00-06:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 Lois McMaster Bujold freeform role-playing (2 hours) Participate at your own risk! 151 2 false false false 7 51 2009-03-23T08:00:57-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 Smut readings held late at night. Adult themes. 152 2 false false false 5 35 2009-03-23T07:41:07-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 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. 153 2 false false false 2 57 2009-04-08T08:06:23-05:00 2008-10-22T05:27:39-05:00 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. 154 2 false false false 2009-03-26T22:15:17-05:00 2008-10-23T01:01:30-05:00 Discuss! Merging with SF Films to remake 160 3 false false false 5 40 2009-03-02T02:59:47-06:00 2008-10-22T08:28:21-05:00 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 and advising, so a leopard may well have to be replaced with a leopard slug! Vote for your favourite! Building a better unicorn was a great success at Genghiscon, and this year at Swancon with multiple artists and a game show format it looks to be even more fun! 155 2 false false false 1 41 2009-03-25T07:29:05-05:00 2008-10-22T19:58:47-05:00 What's coming up? What looks good? What looks terrible but we're going to watch anyway? 156 2 false false false 1 31 2009-03-02T02:51:47-06:00 2008-10-22T20:02:09-05:00 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? 157 2 false false false 2009-03-23T02:18:36-05:00 2008-10-22T20:14:22-05:00 Frankenstein's monster, Godzilla, Dracula, The Wolfman, Who was your fave? The biggest? The baddest? 158 3 false false false 2009-03-15T02:38:27-05:00 2008-10-22T20:18:34-05:00 Lost art? What was good? What's still out there? The Goon Show, War of the Worlds. No sponsors 159 3 false false false 1 59 2009-03-10T07:49:32-05:00 2008-10-23T01:03:21-05:00 How would *you* make contact? No panellists - not this year. 161 3 false false false 5 54 2009-03-23T06:27:05-05:00 2008-10-23T01:04:08-05:00 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. 162 3 false false false 2009-03-23T06:17:55-05:00 2008-10-23T01:05:31-05:00 What's achievable versus what's in the books. Postponed due to lack of panellists. 163 3 false false false 2 59 2009-03-23T06:11:58-05:00 2008-10-23T01:06:26-05:00 Mourning ancient, lost libraries. Not enough panellists for this. 164 3 false false false 5 39 2009-03-04T06:05:42-06:00 2008-10-23T01:07:10-05:00 Plus Top five things for a good SF film or TV show No panellists - not this year. 165 3 false false false 2009-03-23T06:08:23-05:00 2008-10-23T01:07:57-05:00 What are we going to be using as we age? 166 3 false false false 2009-03-02T03:01:21-06:00 2008-10-23T01:09:27-05:00 Who writes about it well? What are the theories? Why can't I kill my grandmother? What are the Trousers of Time? (diagrams required) 167 2 false true false 1 39 2010-03-07T21:56:34-06:00 2008-10-23T01:10:46-05:00 Still loveable despite their flaws. 168 3 false false false 2 56 2009-03-02T03:02:40-06:00 2008-10-23T01:13:06-05:00 We should go to the stars... or should we, how are we going to make that work? 169 3 false false false 1 46 2009-04-07T19:12:13-05:00 2008-10-23T01:14:53-05:00 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 170 2 false false false 1 54 2009-03-25T05:16:26-05:00 2008-10-23T01:18:48-05:00 Reimagining our world 171 3 false false false 1 11 2009-03-02T03:06:52-06:00 2008-10-23T01:19:40-05:00 Discuss! Merged with http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/165/edit 172 3 false false false 2 39 2009-03-02T03:08:48-06:00 2008-10-23T01:21:00-05:00 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. 173 2 false false false 1 1 2009-03-09T20:55:38-05:00 2008-10-23T01:22:36-05:00 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/153 174 3 false false false 2009-03-15T00:22:16-05:00 2008-10-23T01:23:43-05:00 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 information about new and notable titles. 175 2 false true false 2010-03-07T22:31:33-06:00 2008-10-23T01:26:09-05:00 How did the transition from TV series to Comic turn out? Still in love? Still hate it? 177 3 false false false 2009-03-02T03:14:27-06:00 2008-10-23T01:27:02-05:00 Make up the job descriptions! No panellists - not this year. 178 3 false false false 1 2 2009-03-23T06:24:10-05:00 2008-10-23T01:28:08-05:00 I'd love to see a presentation on this - and a reading list! We've had a recent con devoted to this topic. 179 3 false false false 2009-03-02T03:15:54-06:00 2008-10-23T01:28:37-05:00 Discuss! 180 3 false false false 2009-03-02T03:16:36-06:00 2008-10-23T01:29:25-05:00 "Getting your hands dirty" No panellists - not this year. 181 3 false false false 2009-03-23T06:14:44-05:00 2008-10-23T01:31:25-05:00 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? 182 3 false false true 2009-01-30T19:52:22-06:00 2008-10-23T01:32:07-05:00 Merged with http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/98/ 183 3 false false false 7 36 2009-03-02T03:18:35-06:00 2008-10-23T01:34:03-05:00 You think you know? Quick, volunteer to be a panellist. 184 3 false false false 2009-03-02T03:19:33-06:00 2008-10-23T01:35:06-05:00 What would it be, Flying? Empathy? Green eyes? Floppy hair? A third arm? Better noses? 185 3 false false false 7 37 2009-03-02T03:19:56-06:00 2008-10-23T01:35:52-05:00 Crew? Maiden voyage? Essential packing? Merged into http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/169 186 3 false false false 7 38 2009-03-02T03:20:40-06:00 2008-10-25T10:30:53-05:00 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. 196 2 false Wing false false 2009-02-24T17:51:47-06:00 2008-10-23T22:48:43-05:00 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, India and the private sector, a fresh chapter looks set to be written on lunar exploration. Merged into http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/120 188 3 false Grant Watson false false 2 15 2009-03-02T03:23:07-06:00 2008-10-23T23:05:03-05:00 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 team of panelists look back at Season 24 of Doctor Who: the key players, the audience reaction, and its four serials - "Time and the Rani", "Paradise Towers", "Delta and the Bannermen" and "Dragonfire". 189 2 false Grant Watson true false 2 42 2010-03-07T22:30:23-06:00 2008-10-24T03:00:03-05:00 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 programmes so successful? What is it that makes them so popular? Is there an inherent "Britishness" to the UK's SF/F output? 190 3 false Grant Watson false false 1 24 2009-04-07T19:14:57-05:00 2008-10-24T03:24:29-05:00 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 always taken advantage of. 191 2 false Grant Watson false false 2009-03-25T08:58:23-05:00 2008-10-24T03:35:19-05:00 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 automatons and hand-carved robots. The year is AD 1599. Welcome to the world of "sailpunk". --- Fantastic idea, but not enough panellists for this year. 192 3 false Grant Watson false false 2009-03-20T22:21:52-05:00 2008-10-25T05:00:47-05:00 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. 193 2 false Alicia Smith false false 2009-03-25T07:38:21-05:00 2008-10-25T05:20:27-05:00 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? 194 3 false Alicia Smith false false 5 53 2009-03-15T02:40:32-05:00 2008-10-25T07:17:40-05:00 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. 195 3 false arcadiagt5 false false 2009-03-02T03:27:18-06:00 2008-10-25T18:52:35-05:00 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 meeplephile. 197 2 false Michael O'Brien false false 4 29 2009-03-26T08:04:16-05:00 2008-10-25T19:15:36-05:00 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. Michael O'Brien says this isn't ready yet :( 198 3 false Michael O'Brien false false 2 54 2009-03-15T00:39:17-05:00 2008-10-26T21:16:09-05:00 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 as DC Comics to attract a female audience have failed to secure an audience. What does the future hold for comics aimed at a female audience? Is it possible for them to succeed? What's being published now that women are reading? What's preventing a female audience from embracing the comic book medium as enthusiastically as a male one? From manga to superheroes to "women in refrigerators" - a look at audience, gender and content in comic books and graphic novels. Moving some of this to http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/122, Women characters in comics. 200 3 false Grant Watson false false 2 60 2009-03-02T02:26:11-06:00 2008-10-26T21:27:03-05:00 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 Mountains did. What did and didn't make it for you? 201 2 false Alicia Smith false false 2009-03-10T07:22:07-05:00 2008-10-26T23:05:19-05:00 Drawing workshop where a comic artist walks you through drawing your own character. 202 2 false false false 2 41 2009-03-02T03:30:31-06:00 2008-10-26T23:09:07-05:00 More and more media is being released via the web. Discuss! Doctor Horrible, Sanctuary, BSG webisodes, New Who Tardisodes, Eureka. 203 2 false false false 1 60 2009-03-14T04:33:49-05:00 2008-10-26T23:11:15-05:00 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 Doctor arrives? The stories of three headed dragons, fierce wolves and dwarves with diamond saws and the continuing adventures of the Wonder Doctor keep us enthralled. Enjoy an introduction to this classic of Dutch literature which entertains the adult in the child, and the child in the adult. 204 2 false false false 8 20 2009-03-25T07:07:59-05:00 2008-10-26T23:12:12-05:00 Self publishing: Discuss! 205 2 false false false 2 1 2009-03-10T05:50:04-05:00 2008-10-26T23:13:06-05:00 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) 206 2 true false false 2 9 2009-03-25T08:12:16-05:00 2008-10-26T23:14:12-05:00 Show, tell and discuss a series of stand-out fight scenes. Adult themes. 207 2 false false false 2 53 2009-03-23T07:43:25-05:00 2008-10-26T23:15:43-05:00 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 they provide? Why do we need them and what can they do for you? 208 2 false false false 2009-05-30T22:19:16-05:00 2008-10-30T20:15:49-05:00 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 living there? What directions will science fiction head in in the coming decade? What is the future of looking into the future? 209 2 false Grant Watson true false 7 34 2010-03-07T22:30:42-06:00 2008-10-30T20:28:59-05:00 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 films - later. Liked, loved, loathed: no company has had a more profound effect on movie animation worldwide. In one celebratory panel, we track the history, development, effect and legacy of Walt Disney feature animation. 210 2 false Grant Watson false false 5 60 2009-03-25T08:20:29-05:00 2008-11-24T07:11:48-06:00 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 your favourite Anime characters! 211 2 false Phlebas false false 1 8 2009-03-30T01:28:22-05:00 2008-11-24T07:13:02-06:00 What is Military Sci-Fi? Why is it popular/not popular? Is there some sort of stigma attached to it? Why? 212 3 false Phlebas false false 7 35 2009-03-02T03:40:00-06:00 2008-11-24T07:13:57-06:00 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? 213 3 false Phlebas false false 2009-03-02T03:40:51-06:00 2008-11-24T07:16:07-06:00 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 themes. 214 2 false Phlebas true false 2010-03-07T22:29:03-06:00 2009-03-03T05:54:37-06:00 The return of the totally unofficial rip off of the BBC quiz show. 287 2 false Dave Cake false false 2009-03-15T09:21:43-05:00 2008-11-24T07:24:25-06:00 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. 216 3 false Phlebas false false 2009-04-07T19:13:06-05:00 2008-11-25T23:54:15-06:00 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? 217 2 false Tom Eitelhuber false false 2 47 2009-03-18T03:56:36-05:00 2008-11-30T01:17:15-06:00 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 in comics, in film and in television. 218 2 false Grant Watson true false 1 7 2010-03-07T22:27:43-06:00 2008-12-02T20:13:17-06:00 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. 219 2 false Tom Eitelhuber false false 2 23 2009-03-18T03:57:31-05:00 2008-12-08T04:08:16-06:00 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 some kind of order and take a few educated guesses at where current trends may take us in the future. 220 2 false Travis Johnson false false 5 37 2009-03-27T09:54:13-05:00 2008-12-22T01:06:19-06:00 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. 224 2 false Grant Watson false false 2009-03-23T08:05:14-05:00 2009-01-14T06:36:57-06:00 It rocked the house at GenghisCon and now Brendan will bring the Rock Band to Swancon! Participate at your own risk! 228 2 false Brendan Ragan false false 2009-03-23T08:00:52-05:00 2009-01-14T18:03:39-06:00 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 friendly convention-goers will demystify the workings of Swancon, and explain how everyone can get the most from the panel programme, exhibitions, activities, competitions, games, sales, and socialising on offer over the 5 days. 229 2 false Maia Bobrowicz false false 1 4 2009-03-26T07:16:12-05:00 2009-01-19T18:52:31-06:00 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. 243 2 true false false 2009-03-14T03:59:32-05:00 2009-01-15T04:15:45-06:00 All good things must come to an end... come and farewell Swancon for another year. 235 2 false false false 1 61 2009-03-25T09:07:28-05:00 2009-01-15T03:12:55-06:00 Bid on things you want to buy - it's like e-bay, but in person! 230 2 false false false 1 16 2009-03-25T06:56:20-05:00 2009-03-09T08:38:46-05:00 In the last decade, the discovery of hundreds of extrasolar planets has 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, acidity, alkalinity, salt, and radiation much harsher than ever before imagined. This talk will describe the new science of astrobiology, and cover the best current models of where and when in the Milky Way life might have evolved, what forms it might take, and how best to search for it, using methods ranging from spectroscopy using OLTs (Overwhelmingly Large Telescopes) to SETI. 296 2 false false false 2009-03-25T07:15:46-05:00 2009-01-15T03:19:27-06:00 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 that person responsible for 'Dogs Playing Poker'. 233 2 false false false 5 1 2009-02-09T19:12:15-06:00 2009-01-15T04:21:05-06:00 Come and celebrate the winners of the Western Australian Achievement Awards (also known as the 'Tin Ducks') presented by WASFF. 238 2 false false false 1 49 2009-03-25T08:45:56-05:00 2009-01-15T04:17:16-06:00 Want to know all about next year's Swancon, including who the guests will be? Come along and celebrate the Swancon 2010 launch! 236 2 false false false 1 47 2009-03-07T08:08:22-06:00 2009-01-15T04:17:47-06:00 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 the unknown, that which exists beyond the earthly realms, that which is from the 'Other Worlds'. Participate at your own risk! 237 2 false false false 1 34 2009-03-23T07:53:47-05:00 2009-01-16T23:07:59-06:00 Come and bid for those art items that gained more than five offers during the art show. 239 2 false false false 5 32 2009-03-25T07:49:50-05:00 2009-01-16T23:23:31-06:00 Sell Things! Buy Things! 240 2 false false false 2 24 2009-03-25T07:23:09-05:00 2009-01-17T19:24:50-06:00 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. 241 2 false John Parker false false 2009-03-02T04:06:05-06:00 2009-01-19T18:10:52-06:00 242 2 false Alisa Krasnostein false false 2 32 2009-03-02T04:06:30-06:00 2009-01-19T21:32:29-06:00 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 see on the program? 244 2 false false false 2009-03-18T02:49:30-05:00 2009-01-19T21:33:22-06:00 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? 245 2 false true false 2010-03-07T22:30:08-06:00 2009-01-21T01:54:26-06:00 Pending 2010 committee wanting to run this. 246 3 false false false 2009-03-02T04:28:00-06:00 2009-03-03T05:57:14-06:00 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 real world mythology. And some authors embrace this breakdown of the barrier between fiction and magic, and write fiction as a magical act. Learn about this occult underground where the barriers between fiction and magic breakdown when the occult world goes post-modern. Discussion will cover occult writers like Kenneth Grant, Phil Hine (author of Cthulhu mythos magic guide the Psudeonomicon), Grant Morrison and his inspiration from chaos magic and Michael Bertiauxs Voudou Gnostic Workbook, Alan Moore as practicing magician, and the tangled history of the many Necronomicons. 288 2 false Dave Cake true false 2010-03-07T22:29:48-06:00 2009-01-21T02:26:07-06:00 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, travel, death, families, religion, and sport? 247 2 false Stephanie Bateman-Graham true false 2010-03-07T22:27:17-06:00 2009-01-23T20:15:38-06:00 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. 248 2 false Paul Talbot true false 2010-03-07T21:57:58-06:00 2009-01-24T01:43:52-06:00 Merged into http://2009.swancon.com.au/panels/73 "MHM III or "Grant, Danny and John Do Stuff" " 249 3 false John Robertson false true 2009-01-30T19:52:22-06:00 2009-01-24T05:14:20-06:00 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. 250 2 false PRK true false 2010-03-07T22:33:18-06:00 2009-01-24T05:15:13-06:00 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 251 2 false PRK true false 2010-03-07T22:32:17-06:00 2009-01-24T05:16:15-06:00 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. 252 2 false PRK true false 2010-03-07T22:32:55-06:00 2009-01-24T05:17:52-06:00 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. 253 2 false PRK false false 2009-03-15T00:52:58-05:00 2009-01-24T05:19:23-06:00 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! 254 2 false PRK false false 2009-03-09T07:53:20-05:00 2009-01-24T05:20:36-06:00 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. 255 2 false PRK false false 2009-03-25T07:12:05-05:00 2009-01-24T05:21:40-06:00 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 256 3 false PRK false false 2009-03-02T04:29:27-06:00 2009-02-10T00:40:38-06:00 Following the discussion on Hayao Miyazaki, we will be screening Howl’s Moving Castle, with key commentary. 257 2 false false false 2009-03-28T10:54:45-05:00 2009-02-10T19:28:18-06:00 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... 258 2 false Jon Hayward false false 2009-03-26T05:17:28-05:00 2009-02-10T22:16:16-06:00 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 writers are using to enact them? 259 2 false Tom Eitelhuber false false 2009-03-12T23:21:29-05:00 2009-02-10T22:18:09-06:00 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. 260 2 false Tom Eitelhuber false false 2009-03-18T03:57:01-05:00 2009-02-13T03:07:36-06:00 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! 261 2 false false false 2009-03-25T07:29:58-05:00 2009-02-13T03:50:32-06:00 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 262 2 false false false 2009-04-08T21:40:19-05:00 2009-02-13T05:07:00-06:00 263 2 false false false 2009-03-25T07:22:23-05:00 2009-02-13T05:08:15-06:00 264 2 false false false 2009-03-25T07:21:32-05:00 2009-02-14T17:28:25-06:00 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've been to. There might be some amusing stories in there too, as well as some warnings and food for thought. Adult themes. 269 2 false Sarah Parker true false 2010-03-07T22:28:44-06:00 2009-02-13T21:05:53-06:00 Join Trudi Canavan, National Guest of Honour, as she talks about her books and writing. 266 2 false true false 2010-03-07T22:26:53-06:00 2009-02-13T21:28:39-06:00 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 267 2 false false false 2009-03-27T03:22:28-05:00 2009-02-15T02:06:22-06:00 270 2 false false false 2009-02-15T02:06:22-06:00 2009-02-15T02:20:04-06:00 272 2 false false false 2009-03-09T08:32:06-05:00 2009-02-15T02:24:37-06:00 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. 273 2 false false false 2009-03-25T05:11:53-05:00 2009-02-15T02:25:06-06:00 Room booked until this time. 274 2 false false false 2009-03-19T03:20:25-05:00 2009-02-15T02:38:56-06:00 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 our youth perhaps). They tend to be playable in a relatively short period of time (usually 60-90 minutes), have relatively simple rules, be well balanced (it is rare for a player to be out of contention halfway through a game) and generally avoid direct conflict between players. High production values are common – these games often look beautiful. Sessions will run from 11am to 6pm on Friday and Sunday, at scheduled times, starting with a brief discussion of modern games and their mechanics. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic game guides will teach groups how to play a variety of games. Each different game you play during the day will give you an entry in the draw for a daily boardgame prize. A wide selection of games will be available, and players will be able to 'book in' to play a game at a particular time. 275 2 false false false 2009-03-27T09:05:58-05:00 2009-02-15T02:43:38-06:00 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 play. Just getting everyone together for a game can be a challenge in itself.... but that's what cons are for! To facilitate the larger games, players will be able to sign up to play a game each evening (from about 8PM). Games will have a host who will teach new players the rules and, to ensure they start on time, reserve players who can fill a slot if a player cannot fulfill their commitments. 276 2 false Terry Chilvers false false 2009-03-25T07:18:24-05:00 2009-02-19T23:03:44-06:00 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/ultimate-guide-to-modern-writers-of.html 277 2 false Cat Sparks true false 2010-03-07T22:28:02-06:00 2009-02-20T00:24:17-06:00 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 278 2 false Jenny Blackford false false 2009-03-25T06:57:27-05:00 2009-02-20T06:57:12-06:00 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? 279 3 false Nick Evans false false 2009-04-07T19:12:37-05:00 2009-02-20T21:36:40-06:00 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 stories. Isn't there something better you could be doing with your time? Discuss. 280 2 false Cat Sparks true false 2010-03-07T22:29:24-06:00 2009-02-20T21:38:01-06:00 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 Books" 281 3 false Cat Sparks false false 2009-04-02T00:32:24-05:00 2009-02-24T03:30:54-06:00 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 coming from. No panellists - not this year. 282 3 false Steve Davidson false false 2009-03-23T06:20:18-05:00 2009-02-25T02:54:18-06:00 Live blade demonstrations from around the world. Spectate at your own risk! 283 2 false Kaneda & Wing false false 2009-03-23T07:57:03-05:00 2009-03-03T05:26:47-06:00 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. 286 2 false false false 2009-04-02T01:32:50-05:00 2009-03-03T05:59:22-06:00 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 economic collapse of Russia. Are we heading towards an SF dystopia? 289 2 false false false 2009-03-27T09:40:55-05:00 2009-03-04T06:04:30-06:00 Western Australian Science Fiction Foundation Annual General Meeting, including bids to run Swancon 2011. 292 2 false false false 2009-03-15T02:49:09-05:00 2009-03-03T20:18:47-06:00 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.swancon.com.au/panels/244 291 3 false Emma Hawkes false false 2009-03-18T06:03:41-05:00 2009-03-12T06:40:32-05:00 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. 303 3 false Maia false false 2009-03-27T01:23:14-05:00 2009-03-12T20:31:44-05:00 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. 304 3 false false false 2009-03-23T06:22:46-05:00 2009-03-09T08:59:25-05:00 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 most of the many hundreds of substantial studies of Tolkien and his realm. My presentation surveys this literature, and comments on both its rich variety and its critical weaknesses. The argument will conclude with an indictment of critics' inability or unwillingness to address Tolkien's ideological dimension in its complex historical origins and ambiguous contemporary resonances. 301 2 false (Sunday afternoon only) false false 2009-03-27T10:38:41-05:00 2009-03-12T06:31:35-05:00 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 end of Season 4. 302 2 false PRK true false 2010-03-07T21:58:19-06:00 2009-03-09T08:40:23-05:00 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 author 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 Gaiman’s work. Whist I am not trying to be exhaustive, I will engage with as much of the literature as space allows. I also aim to identify the trends and common foci of this critical literature, as well as suggesting areas, works and themes that may be particularly deserving of future scholarly interest. 297 2 false false false 2009-03-25T07:10:03-05:00 2009-03-09T08:41:38-05:00 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 dynamically sublime, which encounters the unknowable. I also propose two more: one, the digital sublime, that has appeared in an age of reproduction and relates to the spectacle of late modernity; and finally, the oceanic sublime, that emerged in Ancient Greece as people looked beyond their city-states and into the world of international trade. I will look quickly at four books that illustrate these different sublimes. 298 2 false (Sunday only) false false 2009-03-27T10:01:05-05:00 2009-03-09T08:54:21-05:00 The science fiction in John Lilly's science Presented by: Tess Williams Abstract: to follow 299 2 false false false 2009-03-13T03:58:37-05:00 2009-03-09T08:55:32-05:00 The Meat-Grinder of History: Tatyana Tolstaya's 'The Slynx' as Post-Communist Dystopia Withdrawn due to other commitments. 300 3 false false false 2009-03-28T01:42:53-05:00 2009-03-12T20:32:35-05:00 "Battlestar Galactica (2004) vs Buffy: The Vampire Slayer - which is the greater feminist text?". Panellists selected from audience, moderated by X. 305 3 false false false 2009-04-07T19:15:22-05:00 2009-03-12T22:10:40-05:00 With a second big budget feature film coming to cinemas this year, a 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 (Transformers: All Hail Megatron, Batman) joins a panel of Transformers fans and afficionados to cast a critical eye over this highly successful entertainment franchise. What works? What doesn't? What might the future hold for the Transformers, and what is the core of their appeal? A special look at the world's most successful toy-based science fiction franchise. NB: Expected to run for 1.5 hours. 306 2 false false false 2009-03-25T07:40:53-05:00 2009-03-15T00:03:00-05:00 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 agency with fixed home base vs constantly on the road investigators) change the nature of the series? No panellists - not this year. 308 3 false PRK false false 2009-03-23T06:21:26-05:00 2009-03-15T00:58:46-05:00 309 2 false false false 2009-03-25T05:53:51-05:00 2009-03-15T01:05:59-05:00 310 2 false false false 2009-05-20T08:24:03-05:00 2009-03-15T01:57:49-05:00 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 degree is religion a key component within a fantasy world, or when does it become overdone deus ex machina? 311 2 false PRK true false 2010-03-07T22:28:24-06:00 2009-03-18T08:12:11-05:00 *"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 I may not yet know your mind, but your body is beautiful."* *We were standing in the hallway of ConFusion, about nine of us, and we all nodded. Then another friend spoke up.* *"You can touch my boobs," she said to all of us in the hallway. "It's no big deal."* In 2008, at Penguicon, an annual SF and software convention in Michigan USA, a group of friends carried out an ‘experiment’ they later labelled The Open Source Boob Project (OSBP). Women attending the convention were invited to wear little coloured badges—green representing ‘yes you may ask to touch my breasts’ and red to signify a preference to opt out of the boob touching festivities. After the con one of the projects participants, who uses the Internet pseudonym The Ferret, blogged his experience of the project on his live journal and enthusiastically described the event as “a raging success”. The most interesting part about the OSBP is not so much that a bunch of fans got together and thought ‘hey, wouldn’t it be great if we could all touch women’s boobs freely without being made to feel like perverts” but rather the way that, through the relatively new medium of web 2.0, the event gained international attention and further OSBP experiments were ceased due to by widespread feminist outrage. In this paper I will discuss the Ferret’s original post, the reaction it provoked, and look at some of the outcomes generated by the blogosphere. In particular I will discuss the artworks I created as commentary on the OSBP as part of my PhD work into cyberfeminism and web 2.0. 312 2 false Sarah Xu true false 2010-03-07T21:58:40-06:00 2009-03-18T21:55:57-05:00 313 2 false false false 2009-03-18T21:55:57-05:00 2009-03-21T06:24:35-05:00 314 2 false false false 2009-03-21T06:24:35-05:00 2009-03-22T01:42:55-05:00 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? 315 2 false Margaret Dunlop false false 2009-03-23T02:16:28-05:00 2009-03-22T02:40:09-05:00 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 published by Out in Perth newspaper, and her photos are displayed in the art show. Participate at you own risk! Location: Hotel Lobby 316 2 false Jess Bridges false false 2009-03-23T07:59:32-05:00 2009-03-23T06:51:26-05:00 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. 317 2 false false false 2009-03-26T00:16:43-05:00 2009-04-06T03:43:25-05:00 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 Asian dishes are on offer. Please drop by and say hello! When? Friday 12:30 pm until 2pm at Where? The Lido Restaurant 416 William St, Northbridge, WA, 6003, (08) 9227 5545 Who? I'll be there with a name tag, plus a few others, and maybe a committee member. There will be Swancon signs on the table, so look for the shiny artwork.I'll also be wearing my Hungry Caterpillar necklace, which may help some of you find me. :-) 318 2 false Sarah Parker false false 2009-04-06T03:45:01-05:00