June 13-14, 2008: What We Can Learn from FedConUSA

Defraud fans and prosper? This week, Emily and V take yet another jaunt to a fan convention gone horribly awry, and once again, it's Star Trek and it's in Dallas. This time, the key ideas are leaking spinal fluid, nuclear-angry celebrity guests, the relative gullibility of us scifi nerds, and German diplomacy. Talk turns very real as we look at the pros and cons (no pun intended) of the mainstreaming of fandom when it comes to conventions, vendors, and supporting fellow fans, while trying to stay safe from online -- and in-person -- scam artists who see fandom not as a community of like-minded human beings, but a demographic ripe for making quick cash. Fandom has always been cringecool to us, and like Star Trek, we're just gonna keep coming back. Sources Fanlore: FedConUSA Fanlore: Let's Stop Conning Ourselves Promo Virtual TGIF/F - Our friends at TGI Femslash have just announced a brand-new, online fan con happening this summer. On August 29–30, Virtual TGIF/F will bring femslash fans from around the world together for discussion panels, online events, and more. Registration opens June 1st. Find out more at tgifemslash.com/virtualcon RePROs Fight Back - Right now reproductive health is facing seismic shifts and can feel confusing, overwhelming, and exhausting. On rePROs Fight Back, host Jennie Wetter really makes it feel like you're learning from your friend. rePROs Fight Back breaks down the big, overwhelming issues in ways that actually make sense and really shows the ripple effects happening after the news cycle moves on. Jennie brings on experts and advocates to talk about everything from abortion access and sex-ed to the real impact of gender inequality and threats to LGBTQI+ rights. Plus, she's always honest about how she's managing these heavy feelings and how she's coping. Check out rePROs Fight Back wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. Aim High Brooch Designs - For 25% off any order on Aim High Brooch Designs on Etsy, including a custom brooch, bag charm, keychain, or magnet design, use the promo code TWIFH. This Week In Fandom History is a fandom-centric podcast that tells you… what happened this week in fandom history! Follow This Week in Fandom History on Tumblr at @thisweekinfandomhistory We're now on Instagram! @thisweekinfandomhistory Check out our Fandom Primer playlist via linktr.ee/twifh You can support the show via our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/thisweekinfandomhistory If you have a fannish company, event, or service and would like to sponsor or partner with TWIFH, please contact us via our website. Please remember to rate the show 5 stars on your listening platform of choice!