MediaWest*Con/MediaWest*Con 1997

<splist
 parent=MediaWest*Con
 showparent=no
 sort=asc
 sortby=title
 liststyle=bar
 showpath=notparent
 kidsonly=no
 debug=0
/>
 
==Some Facts About the 1997 Convention==
*The theme that year was Alien Invasions: "Good morning...good morning. In less than an hour, fans from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the greatest fannish gathering in the history of fankind. "Fankind" ...that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interest. Perhaps it's fate that today is Memorial Day, and you will once again be fighting for our fandoms; not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution, but from cancellation. We are fighting for our shows right to live, to exist. And should we win the day, Memorial Day will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, "We will not go quietly into the night. Our shows will not vanish without a fight. They're going to live on. They're going to survive. Today, we celebrate our MediaWest*Con!" -- Mr. President" 
* There were about 80 dealers listed.
* The program book had an ad for Boldly Writing.
* The fifth annual "Tea for Tarrant" was held.
* More info on the 1997 convention is at .
* from the post-con report: "It is our understanding that Orphan 'Zine sales were slow this year. Unfortunately, we have heard that Peg Kennedy has had some financial problems and has apparently gone to ground, not responding to mail, e-mail, etc.. We have not heard from her directly since the con, and have been unsuccessful in contacting her, so we do not know the specifics of her situation. We hope that everyone (including T'Kuhtian Press) will eventually get a full accounting."
* from the post-con report: "The Bistro Kids wantto thank everyone who attended the Damp Ha«kie PreviewParty. We hope you were inspired and plan to submit your entries for next year's contest A webpage featuring the guidelines is now available (www.http://trek.alliance.net/hotshoe/dhankies.htm) or direct inquiries to Dani Lane."
* from the post-con report: "Regretfully, there was vandalism done to some of the doors in the door decoration contest It seemed to happen between 1-4 am on Saturday. Both Con Security and Hotel Security were alerted. The culprits seemed to be members of a group or family, not convention members, that had checked into a room (using a Holiday Inn voucher which the hotel had to honor) centrally located to the vandalized are a on Saturday. The people we believe to be responsible checked out very early Sunday morning. The hotel did not inform us that non-con members were staying in the hotel until the acts of vandalism were apparent and we started asking questions. I know that those members who had their doors vandalized were quite upset-and rightfully so. Con Security heard from only two of the victims. We heard there were more, but we dont know who, or what was done to their doors as they did not contactCon Security. Some missing items were later recovered."
==Fan Q Awards==
For specifics, see 1997 Fan Q Awards.
==Skit==
 
Mystery UNCLE Theater 3000 was written by Jessica "Bingo" Ross, Amanda "Snoo" Thomas, Judi "Kyle" Toth, James "Y Chromosome" South, Kelly "My Y Chromosome" South, Melissa" I didn't get to MW*C this year" Jerves, Tara "Neither did I" O'Shea, and Dorinda "Guys, can't we just focus, please?", and was performed by Jessica Ross, Amanda Thomas, Judi Toth, and Dorinda.
Dark Side Story (originally staged at MW'CTV) was performed, as was Scenes Not in the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition by Rob Butler, and The Xena Files by Michael Emond.
==Fan Fund==
As there were not enough nominations to require a 1997 ballot, a cash award was made to Martynn (Martynn Walther Keisel) who was the sole nominee, and her name will be carried over to the 1998 Fan Fund ballot; she attended MediaWest*Con 17.
==Party Suite and Other Gatherings==
 
Personal room parties:
Friday: The Usual Friday Night Beauty & The Beast Party, 8pm-? B&B, B5, other fandoms welcomed. Munchies! 
Saturday: Join Master Yoda on Dagobah on Saturday evening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of A New Hope.
Sunday: Stellar Operations Command Recreation and Recruitment Party, Sunday from 7-9pm. Open to all. Fandom: Science Fiction and outer space. Hosted by Senior Commander Novachek.
Party Suite:
Open to all attendees.
Friday, May 23, 1997:
* 2-4 pm: The Xena and Callisto arcs. (Bianca Gallegly & Charyl Perry)
*4-6 pm: Blake's 7 Avon without guilt party. (Pat Nussman & Susan Schtinger) 
*6-8 pm: Star Wars party and get-together. (Judith Yuenger)
*8-10 pm: Wiseguy party. ([April Valentine] & [M R K])
Saturday, May 24, 1997: 
*5-7 pm: Rat Patrol M&M game and video party. (Anne Collins Smith)
*7-9 pm: Moody Blues party. (Susan Powell & Pat Feldman)
*9-11 pm: Kung Fu: The Legend Continues party. (Jeanne DeVore/Chicago Station)
Sunday, May 25, 1997:
*1-3 pm: The Damp Hankie Awards (Bistro kids)
The members of the CI5 mailing list held a room party. During the party, fans read aloud "When In Rome" by Hestia which had been written for that purpose.
The Fourth Semi-Annual Avon Without Guilt Party (Blake's 7) was held: "Yes, it's another Avonic drool fest from the women who lust after Avon...Without Guilt. Eat (a variety of foods will be spread out, including Susan B.'s infamous Avon Balls), drink, and talk about our favorite anti-hero BSO in the company of your fellow fanatics. Both Avon fans and sympathetic others are cordially invited. Sponsored by Avon Without Guilt--the few, the proud, the sadistic and lustful."
==Masquerade Awards==
A complete list of winners, with photos, can be seen here.
* Best Workmanship/Best in Show: Don't be Afraid to Mix & Match by Jesse McClain
* Workmanship (on wings & tail) /Best Re-creation: A Goyle from New York by Rolaine Smoot
* Most Humorous: Blake's 7, the Truth by Katheryn Andersen, Mary O'Connor, & Judith Proctor
* Best Found/Best Cheap: Following Up the Rear by Wolf
* Most Serene: Little Grasshopper by Samantha Powell
* Honorable Mention (for hand stitching): Xena, Warrior Babe by Cicatrice du Veritace & Kelly Jeanette Aurora Lowry
==Door Decoration Awards==
The post-convention report #4 described door decoration vandalism:
* Best in Show -Due South -- We're Gonna Ride Forever -- Jean Curley, Donna Pleasants, Jill Collins, Joyce Strohm
* Funniest Door - Baby-lon 5 -- Michael Emond
* Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
** First Prize: Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! Dalek -- Lisa Truant, Irwin Tan, Stella Luuk, Rob Butler
** Second Prize: The Force, The Comet, & 20 Years of Star Wars -- June M. Edwards*
* Third Prize: Poltergeist: The Legacy -- Vickie "Viper" Swanson
* Non-Science Fiction
** First Prize: Due South -- We're Gonna Ride Forever -- Jean Curley, Donna Pleasants, Jill Collins, Joyce Strohm
** Second Prize: The Celestial Portal -- Becky Mock, Kathy Condon
** Third Prize: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow -- Debbie Ramsey, Catherine Salmon, Sue Cleric
* Media Personality
** First Prize: Antonio Bandaras -- The Rising Star -- Deborah Rojano
** Second Prize: Hunks of Hockey -- Julie Skelly
** Third Prize: Watcher Training Academy -- Siouxie Sherman, Tracy Ingalls
===Door Decoration Gallery===
File:Mw17 11.jpg|1997 Dalek Door Decoration (Doctor Who)
==Art Show Awards==
Art show winners were selected by popular vote.
* Science Fiction: End of the Future by Wappel
* Fantasy: Castle Dragon Albert by MacKenn
* Detective: The Ties That Bind by Karen River
* Secret Agent: Shadows & Secrets by McClain
* Animation: Duck Wars by DeSouza
* Humor: Dana, Warrior Woman by Leah Rosenthal
* 3-D: Arsenic & Old Lace by Sandmann
* Fabric: Undercover with Bodie & Doyle by Wochoski
* Western: Soiled Doves by Rosenthal
* Horror: The Beast Within by McClain
* Portrait: To Reach the Sky by Suzan Lovett
* Critter: Not Just Another Lawyer by McClain
* Too Cute to Live: Peek-A-Boo by McCLain
Source: 1997 Art Show Winners.
==Vid Show==
[We are looking for any info on the pre-1998 vid show winners.]
From a progress report:
From the program book: 
To read about fan conflicts and tensions regarding slash and gen vid programing at this con, see Media West, Fan Q's and slash fans by Flamingo.
==Programming==
===Friday===
* Video Room 
* Forever Knight: A general overview and discussion. S. Garrett, J. Mergenhagen, L. Wexler [m]
* Internal consistency: What do you do if the universe you're writing hasn't been consistent, but you want to be? D. Hicks, R. Stuemke [m], C. Walker
 
* Babylon 5: A general overview and discussion. T.L. Bogolub, K. Keisel [m], Martynn, M. Womack
* A writer's bookshelf: What books can't you live without? Discussion T.L. Bogolub, K. Keisel [m], Martynn, M. Womack
 
* VR:5: A general overview and discussion. S. Matthews, M. Nowakowska, L. Wexler [m] 
 
* Dr. Who: A general overview and discussion. G. Blog [m], K. Parker, T. Beck 
* Early Edition discussion group.
* Starsky & Hutch discussion group.
* Star Wars: The Collectible Card Game discussion group.
* Poldark: Finally rerunning after 20 years, how well does it stand up when compared to its modern day counterparts. L. Blunk, H. Commodore, R. Stuemke [m]
* Researching actors' credits: How to find movies, TV movies, guest appearances, etc. if your favorite actor isn't as famous as you'd like him to be. A. Davenport [m], G. Hefty, D. McLevy 
 
* On the outside looking in: Is the increasing popularity of the internet dividing fandom into those who have access and those who don't? S. Ballasch, E. Busch, E. Dickenson, L. Mangan [m], P. Neier
* Beauty & the Beast discussion group.
* Quantum Leap: A general overview and discussion. J. Bilby [m], T. Blaes, S. Hall
* Cross-universe stories: How to write them; what works and what doesn't. T.L. Bogolub, S. Matthews, C. Walker [m]
* Historical accuracy in TV and films: When is it important, and why? M. Brin, D. Hicks [m], J. Nopper, R. Stuemke 
* Sentinel slash discussion group.
* Jeff Fahey discussion group.
* L.A. Firefighters discussion group.
* Working nine to five: the strengths and weaknesses of the Star Trek and Babylon 5 universes. G. Blog [m], L. Wexler, J. Yasner
* Story brainstorming discussion group.
* Rat Patrol: A general overview and discussion. T.L. Bogolub, D. Hicks, M. Piatt [m]
* Lesbian slash: Is there room for letting the girls have some fun too? T. Blaes, M. Mastoris, D. Rojano [m]
* British TV series discussion group.
* Shadow Chasers discussion group.
* Star Trek: Deep Space 9: "Cyrano de Bergerac" or Odo and Kira: "Beauty &the Beast"? What is the appeal for fans, and why won't
DS9's writers consummate this love story? C. Bichler [m], G. Himes, L. Wexler
* Economics of fanzine publishing discussion group.
* Kung Fu: The Legend Continues discussion group.
* Voyage To the Bottom of the Sea discussion group. 
* Wiseguy slash discussion group.
* Pride and Prejudice discussion group.
* Fandom on the internet: Our hottest fannish sites. S. Ballasch, T.L. Bogolub, L. Mangan [m], T. O'Brien, M. Womack 
* N.Y.P.D. Blue discussion group.
* Our favorite soap operas. Susan Hall, D. Lane, M. Piatt [m] 
* 3rd Rock From the Sun discussion group.
* Introduction to clinical hypnosis. N. Hillman, Ph.D.
* The Three Stooges discussion group.
* The attraction of bald actors discussion group.
* Storytelling K. Mosley
* Sherlock Holmes & Mary Russell: Love at last? Discussion group 
* The new Star Wars trilogy: Making a good thing better, or tampering with a classic? T. Blaes, G. Blog, S. Mayer, M. Wathne 
* Are the Nielsen Ratings obsolete? Discussion group. 
* The space program discussion group.
* How to write a filksong discussion group.
* Westerns discussion group.
* Highlander discussion group.
* Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman discussion group. 
* Celtic literature discussion group.
* Why do we fear alien invasion? Discussion group.
* UFO's, ESP, and other phenomena discussion group.
* Drop-in filking. 
* Poltergeist, The Legacy discussion group. 
* Musical theatre discussion group.
* Millenium discussion group.
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer discussion group.
* Dark Skies discussion group.
* Everything you always wanted to know about vampires, but were afraid to ask! Discussion group.
* Mystery U.N.C.L.E. Theater 3000
===Saturday===
* Star Trek: Deep Space 9: Where no Trek has gone before: How DS9 repeatedly shatters ST taboos and stereotypes. C. Bichler [m], G. Himes, L. Wexler
* Video Room 
* MediaWest*Con 17 Blood Drive. 
* Christianity in fandom discussion group.
* The new Star Wars trilogy: Making a good thing better, or tampering with a classic? S. Hall, J. Nopper [m], M. Schuller, J. Yasner
* Meet the apocryphals!
* Staying within the lines: How do you keep your characters consistent with their TV portrayal while still getting them to do what you want them to do? T.L. Bogolub, E. Busch, L. Wexler [m]
* When the show fades away and the friendships follow, is anyone to blame? S. Ballasch [m], H. Commodore, S. Kaminsky, S. Matthews
* Catfantastic: Cats in SF&F, and the fans who love "people in fur". T. Blaes, K. Keisel [m], L. Shadle
* On the outside looking in: Is the increasing popularity of the internet dividing fandom into those who have access and those who don't? G. Blog, J. Lorrah, S.R. Moore [m]
* Emergency: From a technical point of view, could this show hold up today? B. Franjevic, J. Moleski, D. Pleasants [m]
* Research: Making the most of your public library. S. Ballasch, R. Rogow [m], R. Stuemke, L. Stoops
* Crossovers: Why we like it, why we do it, and how to do it. T.L. Bogolub, L. Mangan, J. Nopper [m]
* Star Wars: Exploring the image of Darth Vader as the people of the galaxy had seen him. Z.P. Florian [m], C. Pryor, V. Wilson, M. Wathne
* Bonkers for honkers and nuts for butts: Which men rate highest on your lust meter? M. Brin, A. Davenport, M. Urhausen [m]
* Starsky/Hutch: Intro to S/H, and the "joys" of 'zine production. L. LoCicero, L. McGee, [April Valentine] [m]
* Editing vs. publishing: What is the difference, and does it make a difference to the reader? L. Blunk, J. Lindner, S. Mayer, J. Yasner [m]
* Gargoyles: Are the ABC episodes up to quality? G. Barker, T. Blaes, Martynn, T. O'Brien, L. Shadle [m]
* Hercules discussion group.
* Web browser seminar: Using search engines to find what you need. M. Micklin
* X-Files: How do the last two seasons differ from the first two? Is the change for the better or worse? Susan Hall, J. Hughes [m], K. Keisel, Martynn
* "How to tell a better story" writing seminar. C. Walker
* The Young Riders discussion group.
* Strong female characters in media: Exploitation, or a mirror of today's reality? M. Brin [m], B. Franjevic, J. Yasner
* Star Trek: Is the fandom dying? T. Blaes, T.L. Bogolub, A. Davenport [m] 
*Fannish music videos discussion group.
* Erotica: What is erotic (slash)? D. Hicks, L. Mangan, D. Rojano [m]
* Scott Bakula discussion group.
* EZ Streets: The flip side of Due South? How does it fit in with Paul Haggis' other productions? M. Micklin, K. Nuernberg, M. Schmidt [m]
* Alternate universes: Cheap fannish trick or valid literary exploration? T.L. Bogolub, S. Matthews, R. Stuemke [m], L. Wexler
* Mysteries: Never mind TV, gimme a good book! Why we'd rather read than watch - or would we? S. Ballasch, B. Franjevic, S. Hovde, J. Nopper [m], R. Rogow
* Sign language for fen workshop. A. Hull, J. Ross [m] 
* ER discussion group.
* The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The trend toward realism in current fanfiction - what about earlier U.N.C.L.E. themes and plots? J. D'Agostino-Toney, C. Walker [m], L. White
* Xena discussion group.
* Star Trek: Voyager: Does having a female captain make a difference? T. Blaes, P. Mauk, M. Neler [m]
* Is anyone writing romantic slash? Is so, where is it?
* Star Wars novelizations discussion group.
* Due South discussion group. The pros and cons of internet fiction. T.L. Bogolub, S. Garrett, L. Mangan [m], P. Mauk, S.R. Moore
* The Outer Limits: Can the new series match up to the classic version? D. Grono [m], J. Moleski, P. Richards
* Lord Peter Whimsey: The enduring charm. G. Hefty, J. Lorrah, S. Powell, L. Wexler [m]
* Is fandom a close knit community, or just another hobby? Discussion group.
* Man from U.N.C.L.E. writers' roundtable
* Slash 101: A primer to what's hot. Discussion group. 
* Sliders discussion group.
* Canadian actors discussion group.
* Mr. Bean discussion group.
* MediaWest*Con 17 Plays. 1) "Dark Side Story" 2) "Scenes Not in the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition" 3) "The Xena Files" and "Rats Wars"
* Blake's 7 discussion group.
* Poetry "slam". M. Mastoris
* seaQuest discussion group.
* Drop-in filking. 
* The science in science fiction discussion group.
* The appeal of conspiracies discussion group.
* MediaWest*Con 17 Masquerade.
===Sunday===
*Garrison's Gorillas: What happened to the guys after the war? M. Brin, G. Hefty, D. Hicks [m]
* Sentinel discussion group.
* Rowan Atkinson discussion group. 
* Video Room 
* Terry Nation, the co-creator of the Daleks from Doctor Who. Now that's he's gone, just how important was he to Doctor Who's success? T. Beck, G. Blog, S. Luuk, L. Truant [m]
* Tai chi and chi kung workshop. J. Lindner
* Robin of Sherwood discussion group.
* Dr. Quinn: Can it last another five years? J. Lorrah, D. Pleasants, M. Urhausen [m]
* Babylon 5: A general overview and discussion. S. Ballasch, G. Barker, J. Nopper [m], T. O'Brien, J. Yasner
* The minor characters from Star Wars: Boba Fett, Wedge, Biggs, etc. Discussion group.
* Erotica: What is erotic (non-slash)? T. Blaes, S. Matthews, C. Walker [m]
* Music from the movies: How it adds to the success and impact of the film. L. Mangan, Martynn, R. Stuemke, M. Womack [m]
* Starsky/Hutch: First time or established relationship stories, which do we prefer and why? L. LoCicero, K. Mann, L. McGee [m], [April Valentine] 
* Rat Patrol: Deitrich: The gallant enemy. K. Agel, M. Piatt [m], A.C. Smith
* Fandom vs. the networks: How to make our voices heard. Discussion group.
* The Pretender: Fool me once... Can it really make it as a continuing TV series? S. Hall, K. Nuernberg, S. Powell [m]
* Pardon me, but your character died five pages ago: Medical accuracy in fanfic. J. Bilby [m], S. Hall, S.R. Moore, D. Toxopeus
* Historical accuracy in TV and films: When is it important, and why? L. Blunk, J. D'Agostino-Toney [m], R. Rogow
* The new Star Wars trilogy: Making a good thing better, or tampering with a classic? K. Keisel [m], J. Mergenhagen, V. Wilson 
* Menage a...?: Writing slash stories with more than 2 people engaged in sex together. D. Hicks [m], L. Mangan, D. Rojano
* Brannagh and beyond: Shakespeare and the movies in 1996. J. DeVore, S. Hovde, M. Micklin [m]
* Collectibles: What are they, and what do I do if I have one? Discussion group.
* 1996 Slash Talent In Fandom (STIFfie) Awards presentation. 
* Sewing and costuming discussion group.
* Andre Norton: A general overview and discussion. D. McLevy, J. Nopper, L. Shadle [m]
* The Jinx Factor: Why is every TV series I really love doomed? T. Blaes, M. Nowakowska, L. Truant [m] 
* The Cadfael Chronicles discussion group.
* The Champions discussion group.
* Jurassic Park: The Lost World discussion group.
* Seminar for advanced writers. C. Walker
* High Incident: Cop reality or cop fantasy? M. Ferguson [m], B. Franjevic, D. Pleasants, L. Wexler
* Have modem, will dial: Getting connected with the right equipment and the right server. G. Barker, J. Lorrah, S. Mayer, T. O'Brien [m], M. Womack 
* Sherlock Holmes discussion group.
* Chris Potter discussion group.
* X Files: Can Scully and Mulder have outside relationships? Susan Hall, L. Mangan [m], S.R. Moore
* "Alien Lust": The appeal of SFs offbeat outsiders, from Odo and Quark to Londo and G'Kar. C. Bichler [m], Martynn, M. Womack, J. Yasner
* Crossover heaven: How to combine an old love with a new infatuation. T.L. Bogolub, S. Powell [m], R. Stuemke 
* Star Trek: Deep Space 9: What about Bajor? T. Blaes, A. Davenport [m], G. Himes 
* Modesty Blaise discussion group.
* Wild Wild West slash discussion group.
* Millennium and Profiler: Comparing and contrasting the two series. M. Brin, D. Toxopeus, L. Wexler [m]
* Babes-o-rama: Which women rate highest on your lust meter? T. Blaes, M. Mastoris, D. Rojano [m]
* Homicide: Life On the Streets: Have they finally gotten it right? G. Blog, M. Ferguson, B. Franjevic [m]
 
* Fanzines and the internet: Changes in form and function. L. Mangan, S. Mayer, S.R. Moore [m], M. Wathne
* The Wedge phenomenon: Those great secondary characters we love, and how to take advantage of them. T. Blaes, T.L. Bogolub, S. Matthews, R. Stuemke [m], J. Yasner
* Jewelry making workshop. S. Powell
* MediaWest*Con 17 Fan Quality Awards presentations. 
* Star Trek: Voyager: A general overview and discussion. G. Barker [m], A. Davenport, P. Mauk
* Going "pro" discussion group.
 
* Alien comedies (Mork & Mindy, My Favorite Martian, 3rd Rock, etc.) discussion group.
* Profiler discussion group.
* Zorro discussion group.
* MediaWest*Con 17 Art Auction
* Nash Bridges discussion group.
* Prose "slam". M. Micklin
* Independence Day discussion group.
* Drop-in filking.
* Buckaroo Banzai discussion group.
* Favorite nude scenes discussion group.
===Monday===
* Video room.
* Star Wars discussion group.
* X-Files discussion group.
* The fall TV schedule discussion group.
* MediaWest*Con 17 "Dead dog" panel.
* Xena and Hercules discussion group.
* Star Trek: Comparing the captains discussion group. 
* Summer blockbuster movies discussion group.
==Acknowledgements==
From the program book: 
==Convention Reports==
 
==References==
Category:Vidding Awards
Category:1997 Conventions