Conucopia: Progress Report 2, February 1999 Conucopia 1999 North American Science Fiction Convention Feburary 1999 [illustration] Progress Report Two ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Inside front cover: TRH Gallery (see pr2.ads) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conucopia 1999 North American Science Fiction Convention August 26th Through August 29, 1999 Anaheim Marriott Anaheim, California Writer Guest of Honor Editor Guest of Honor Dr. Jerry Pournelle Ellen Datlow Fan Guests of Honor Richard and Nicki Lynch +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ | MEMBERSHIP RATES | | Now to 7/6/99 | | | | Attending Membership (No Vote, no Patronage or support)..... $100 | | Conversion: if you voted, you need to pay ................... $80 | | Attending Membership/Children | | Kids-In-Tow (Age 0-4) .................................. Free | | Kids (Age 5-12) ........................................ $100 | | Supporting .................................................. $20 | | | | Make Checks Payable To: | | Conucopia | | NASFIC '99 | | c/o S.C.I.F.I. Inc. | | PO Box 8442 | | Van Nuys CA 91409 | | | | At the Door ................................................ $125 | | Daily (Available at Convention ONLY) ........................ $65 | | | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ Service Mark Notice: "World Science Fiction Society", "WSFS", "World Science Fiction Convention", "Worldcon", "NASFiC" and "Hugo Award" are registered service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Table of Contents From the Chair....................................................Page 5 Committee List ...................................................Page 4 Jerry Pournelle - Writer Guest of Honor ..........................Page 6 Richard & Nicki Lynch - Fan Guests of Honor ......................Page 7 Ellen Datlow - Editor Guest of Honor .............................Page 6 Art Show ...................................... ..................Page 10 Dealers Room .....................................................Page 19 Hotel Information ................................................Page 8 Web Site Information .............................................Page 5 Hospitality Suite ................................................Page 8 The Continuing Adventures of Johnny Meerkat ......................Page 16 Film & Video Contest .............................................Page 17 Programming ......................................................Page 7 Membership List ..................................................Page 20 Blood Drive ......................................................Page 8 Volunteers .......................................................Page 14 Masquerade ............................................. .........Page 14 Daily Newszine ...................................................Page 7 Weapons Policy ...................................................Page 9 Advertising ......................................................Page 12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NASFIC 1999 Committee & Staff Chairman Christian B. McGuire Advisors to Chair Bruce E. Pelz Drew Sanders Aide de Christian Joyce Sperling Daily Newsletter Chaz Boston Baden Colleen Crosby Mike Glyer Den Mother Allan Rothstein Den Morale Janis Olson Executive Secretary Sherri Benoun Operations Robbie Bourget Committee for Public Safety John Harold Progress Reports Tony Benoun Program Book Mike Glyer Pocket Program Shaun Lyon Volunteers James Briggs Webmaster Chaz Boston Baden E-mail Help Desk Liz Mortensen Hardcopy Forwarding Monica Boyd Facilities Division Bobbi Armbruster Aide de Bobbi Glenn Glazer Suites Ben Yalow Gaming John Mansfield Hotel Liaison Crickett Fox Ruth Sachter Kim Marks-Brown Administration Division Elayne Pelz Art Show Elizabeth Klein-Lebbink Jerome Scott Communications Bert Boden Dealers Room Sandy Cohen Information Kathleen Meyer Logistics Bob Null George Mulligan Merchandise Glenn Glazer Sales to Members Eylat Poliner Membership Elayne Pelz International Agent John Harold Office Janet Baernstein Sherri Taylor Postmaster Sandy Cohen Registration Jordan Brown Treasurer Elayne Pelz Programming Division Noel Wolfman Filking Heather Stern Film Contest Genny Dazzo Green Room Shaun Lyon Michael Mason David Keller Carol Loessin Deanna Bayless Chad Jones Masquerade Kathy Sanders Johnny Meerkat Stories Craig Miller Regency Dancing John Hertz Friday Evening Event Cathy Beckstead Scott Beckstead Tech Services Mike Donahue Chuck Shimada Hospitality / Con Suite Staff Lounge Kris Bauer Childrens Programming Lucy & Alison Stern Cover By - Martha Hamelin, Tony Benoun & Ray Capella. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From the Chair: [illo of wicker rocking chair] It is truly a pleasure to see a convention grow. I have a love/hate relationship with convention running that is becoming more sharply defined as each convention passes. Attending a convention these days invariably bores me to tears. Working a convention excites me. I am caught up from the beginning in a whirlpool of activity. At first it is shallow and slow; barely perceptible. As time moves on, the process involves more people, their ideas and the energy they bring to the convention. The whirlpool grows. It draws in more people, who themselves call along even more. Linking together their efforts brings this fluid mass up to a size and speed appropriate for the convention they are creating. I am quite pleased with the growth and change that Conucopia has experienced over the last few months. The committee positions filled, staff assembled and volunteers helped out with whatever project needed a few temporary spare hands. So many questions that led onward to more. What do we want fans to experience? How is this achieved? Does anyone even have an interest in (fill in the blank)? On and on. Experts help out, or blow air, sometimes both. Ideas are thrown up in the air, and if not shot down for budgetary reasons, they are plucked from space to be nurtured by someone who cares about just such a thing as that idea embodies. Even the odd idea that was thought too expensive is taken up by someone who wants to do it right without spending the farm. Then there was a Masquerade where none existed before. The energy now focused upon Conucopia is that of the experienced and detail-oriented fans whose work is necessary to make the more ordinary, but no less important, aspects of a convention run. I was told at the outset that few, other than those for whom fandom is an opportunity to complain, would find fault with a Conucopia if only four items were done well. The first is registration [Updated 08-Mar-1999] . If the very first moment of a convention is handled quickly and smoothly, fans could not help but have a positive first impression. The second part that must be done well is, of course, programming. If, during Conucopia, a fan has to choose between good things to go to, not once, but several times a day, then their fluid and happy enjoyment of the convention shall carry them through the weekend. The next item that needs to be done well, if it's to be done at all, is publications. The progress reports should lead the fans into the convention with the data they need and should have a good supply of interesting items that raise anticipation all the way to the registration desk. Then, at Conucopia, publications should give members the tools to get around, participate and help focus their attention on sharing the time with the fans around them. A fan should depart the convention with a publication that can be called upon as a prompt for the wonderful memories that were collected at Conucopia. The last item that must be done well is a very difficult thing to express, and that is the overall charactyer of Conucopia itself. If every department runs smoothly, there are no reasons for complaint. That's fantastic when you can get it. There needs to be something more that is a direct result of every element fitting in to create Conucopia. It is the bringing together of all the fans who work on it and pulling from them the artistic, the humrous, the feeling that it matters who the guests of this convention are, and how the elements they have contributed meld and leave something that is more than the sum of its parts, much more. I have confidence and faith that the people who are now working on the convention possess the energy and willingness to make Conucopia an individual convention rather than just a NASFiC. Christian B. B. McGuire - Chairman, Conucopia ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Web Site Information Web Site www.99.nasfic.org webmaster Chaz Boston Baden web99@99.nasfic.org The '99 NASFiC web page is at: http://www.99.nasfic.org/ (be sure you include all three periods). Everything that the convention announces will be on the web page, including all the progress reports. In fact, you can think of the web site as a never-ending progress report; we'll be updating it continuously until the convention. If you have web access and an e-mail address, you can sign up for our mailing list, and every time we update the site you'll hear about it. You may never have to read another printed progress report again... E-mail Lists: We have two mailing lists running. If you'd like to receive e-mail about the convention, there is an "announcement" list (NASFIC99-NEWS). If you'd like to participate in a two-way forum, we have a "chat" list (NASFIC99-CHAT). Stop by the website www.99.nasfic.org to sign up, or if you only have e-mail access, write to listmaster@99.nasfic.org. [illo of cat on top of computer] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jerry Pournelle Writer Guest of Honor Jerry Pournelle has been writing longer than you think. His early stories are to be forgotten now, as they appeared in those scandal-hinting, title-teasing magazines you have to fight your way through to find the few SF titles. They were good practice, and they led up to a couple of Berkeley espionage novels: _Red Heroin_ and _Red Dragon_, under the name "Wade Curtis". An astute reader, taking a closer look at a book with a cover blurb by Robert Heinlein, would have found the real author's name on the copyright page. "Peace with Honor" appeared in _Analog_ the same month _Red Dragon_ was published, (May 1971). It was the first piece of published science fiction and the first piece of the future history tapestry of the CoDominium, the Empires of Man, the Moties, and John Christian Falkenberg. Falkenberg made his first appearance in "The Mercenary" (_Analog_, July 1972); by then _A Spaceship for the King_ had be serialized by _Analog_, (Dec. 1971--Feb 1972), and two Nuclear General stories were included in the same issues--the void left by John Campbell's unexpected death caused these to appear under the "Wade Curtis" label. DAW published the book version of "Spaceship" in February 1973, and two CoDominium stories followed in _Analog_--on the basis of this work, members of the 1973 World Science Fiction Convention (Torcon 2) awarded the first John W. Campbell Award for best new writer to Jerry Pournelle. George Alex Effinger, George R. R. Martin, and Lisa Tuttle were among the runners-up. A major work was being prepared offstage. What was intended to be the epitome of first contact novels was written in collaboration with Larry Niven over a three-year period. _The Mote in God's Eye_ turned out to be four times its original length, and a big success (over 250,000 copies in print, Hugo and Nebula nominee), complete with infamous typo. More collaborations with Niven have been published, (_Inferno_, and _Lucifer's Hammer_ are just two examples). Among his Falkenberg novels are _West of Honor_ and _The Mercenary_, and we haven't heard the last of John Christian yet. (And there's that dungeon...) Other series have sprung up: the Hansen Enterprises stories that began in "High Justice" continue in _Exiles to Glory_ (_Galaxy_ and Ace Books); there are two more Nuclear General stories--but the first of these was sold to _The Last Dangerous Visions_ (maybe next year). "Bind your Sons to Exile" was expanded and published by Ace in their illustrated SF series. There will be the sequel to H. Beam Piper's _Space Viking_. I haven't even mentioned non-fiction yet! _The Strategy of Technology_, written with S. T. Possony in 1970, is used as a textbook at the Air Force Academy. Since early 1974, he's been science editor of _Galaxy_. He has also written a feature column, "Chaos Manor", for _Byte_ magazine almost since its inception until the magazine folded in May 1998. Look for his latest book _Starswarm_ where "Kip suspects that the voice in his head that guides his decision-making is some sort of artificial intelligence, a chip implanted in his skull by his parents before they were persecuted and killed. Now, through the chip, he learns that his own well being, and that of his home, outpost Starswarm, is in grave danger." -Gavin Claypool ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ellen Datlow Editor Guest of Honor Ellen Datlow, one of the most influential editors of science fiction and fantasy in the United States, was fiction editor of Omni from October 1981 until the magazine's finale in 1998. During her editorship, in spite of the relatively few stories it published -- no more than two per issue, usually only one -- Omni produced at least a half dozen Hugo and/or Nebula winning tales. From the magazine's pages, Ellen edited a series of anthologies -- The First Omni Book of Science Fiction, etc. -- and began adding a new, original story in each of the later volumes. She also edited, with Terri Windling, a series of The Year's Best Fantasy anthologies, which began in 1988, and several volumes of original stories in the Erotic Fantasy field -- Snow White, Blood Red; Black Thorn, White Rose; Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears; and Black Swan, White Raven. Ellen's editorial works also include the original anthologies Blood Is Not Enough (vampires); A Whisper of Blood (vampires); Twists of the Tale (cat horror); Alien Sex (what it says); and Off Limits: Tales of Alien Sex (more). All of these anthologies have been extremely popular, and her readers hope they will continue to appear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Richard & Nicki Lynch Fan Guests of Honor Active in fandom since the mid-1970's, the Lynches have been, and are, club fans (Tennessee early on, Balti-Wash now), and convention fans (from Attendee level through Department Head, to Co-Chair). But mostly they are known as fanzine fans, through their fanzine MIMOSA, which has won four Hugos. They often combine interests -- they produced NEBULA, the convention newsletter for Louisville's 1979 NorthAmericon NASFiC, and Richard edited the Souvenir Book for Bucconeer, the 1998 Worldcon. Among their other interests, Richard is a Fanhistorian -- he edited Harry Warner's Hugo-winning A Wealth of Fable, and has been working for the past several years on the history of fandom in the 1960's. Nicki is an enthusiastic quilter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ On the Programming Side... It's 1999 and we're hard at work on the program for Conucopia. It's still a little early for us to have decided on any specific program items but not too early for us to begin planning who and what and how many. We're always on the look out for good ideas. We have a team of people who will be working together to come up with a schedule of programs we think is interesting and different from the programs you see at every convention. Our program will include panels, speakers, and readings, but we also want to try other types and "shapes" of program items. At the World Science Fiction Convention in 1996, we tried out George R.R. Martin's suggestion of semi-formal debates as a program style, with quite good results. But we need more suggestions. If you have any ideas for types of programs or for specific program items, please write to us at the convention address. If there's something you haven't seen at a convention and don't know why it hasn't been on the program before, it may be because no one has thought of it or figured out how to make it work. Give us the benefit of your knowledge and ideas. We don't promise to use them all but we'd like to hear them. Despite being the "_North American_ Science Fiction Convention," our philosophy is that Conucopia is for science fiction from around the world and all the worlds of science fiction. We intend to have program items in as many areas as possible and appropriate, including the literary aspects of science fiction, fantasy, and horror; how to break in and survive as a writer; science and space; movies and television; comics; and, of course, fandom. Letters will be going out to potential program participants in the near future. Because our attendance will be smaller than a Worldcon's, we aren't going to have as many program items as you'd find at one. That means we won't be having as many people on programs, but we'll still need a lot. If you want to volunteer to be one of them, you can contact us at the convention postal and e-mail addresses. In selecting the people who we'll be inviting to participate, we're not very concerned with how many stories or novels someone has sold. What matters to us is in what subjects you have an expertise and on what topics you can speak interestingly. When you write to us, that's what we want you to tell us. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Daily Newsletter is under the overall direction of Chaz Boston Baden and the "Pan-Galactic Publishing" crew. Our News Desk will be in the Marriott's ballroom lobby, in the same general area as Information, Handicapped Access, and Volunteers. If you want to contribute something to the newsletter, the best way is to stop by the News Desk, or put your note in one of the drop envelopes on the "news boards" scattered throughout the convention. The Daily Newsletter will appear at least twice a day. The morning edition will be on the stands before daytime programming begins, and the evening edition will be on the stands before evening programming begins. There may be a few "extra" issues as well. The newszine will have program updates, party listings, and anything else that seems to be worth printing. When we say "on the stands" we refer to five or so freestanding "newszine boards" positioned throughout the convention. There will be one near or in front of the con suite, the art show, the dealers room, Information, Registration, and so on. On each rack is a space for each issue of the newszine, so if you miss issue #2 you can go back and get it. If you see an empty space on one board, check the contents of one of the others or try back later - we'll be reprinting back issues if they run out. Next to some of the newszine boards you will find a Blue Board - a plain board, painted blue, where party flyers may be posted, along with other notices of events happening during the convention. The hotel is fairly strict about where signs may be posted, so we are providing these boards as an alternative. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hotel Information [photo] Boasting 1033 guest rooms & suites as well as 54,000 square feet of meeting space - almost all of it on one floor and opening on to a large foyer, ensuring easy traffic flow from programming to Dealer's Room to Art Show. The Anaheim Marriott is one of the best convention facilities on the West Coast. As home to the 1989 Westercon as well as co-host to both the 1984 and 1996 WorldCons, the Anaheim Marriott staff is well acquainted with science fiction conventions and thinks we are just spiffy and is eager to have us back. It has a complete business center (for preparing those last minute bid or party announcements), a Hertz desk (for making transportation arrangements), a concierge, gift shop, hair salon. In additions to all the amenities one would expect from a class hotel, the Marriott's sleeping rooms feature individual climate control, AM/FM radios, remote-control cable TV with free and pay movies, two telephones, voice mail. The hotel offers food & beverage ranging from Pizza Hut to the award-winning JW's. Recreational opportunities include two swimming pools, jacuzzi, health club, and, of course, complimentary trolley transportation to Disneyland. Suites: The Anaheim Marriott has several different types of suites including bi-levels and some with fireplaces & balconies. Because there are a limited number of each type of suite, reservations requests must be made through the convention rather than directly with the hotel. The NASFiC Suite Czar, Ben Yalow, is monitoring the suite inventory and any reservations or questions/requests for information should be made through him. Ben can be reached at NASFiC SUITES, c/o SCIFI, Inc., P.O. Box 8442, Van Nuys, CA 91409 or suites@99.nasfic.org. Suite prices start at $104. (and bedrooms are generally not included.) Directions: The Anaheim Marriott is located approx. 20 minutes from John Wayne/Orange County Airport, 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, and 45 minutes from Ontario Airport. Both Super Shuttle and Airport Coach offer service from these facilities to the Anaheim Marriott. Costs (currently) are $10 from John Wayne, $13 - $14 from LAX, and $34 from Ontario. For those of the with autos - From points south, take the I-5 North, exit Katella Avenue and turn left. Turn left on Harbor Blvd, the right on Convention Way. The hotel is on the left. From LAX & points north, take the I-405 south to the 22 East. Exit Harbor Blvd. North. Travel 4 miles to Convention Way & turn left. The hotel is on the left. Ample parking is available at the Marriott for $9 per day for self parking and $13 per day for valet (current rates are subject to change). [map] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NASFiC ROOM RESERVATION FORM You can make your sleeping room reservations for NASFiC by one of the three following methods: You can call the hotel direct to make a sreservation at 714/750-8000 or the Marriott Reservation Center toll-free in the United States & Canada at 800/228-9290 (credit card guarantees only). Please note that suite reservations will not be taken over the telephone. You can complete this form and fax it to 714/750-9100 (credit card guarantees only). You can complete this form and mail it to the Anaheim Marriott, 700 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802 (credit card, check or money order guaranteee). The Marriott will send you a confirmation after it receives your reservation. NAME:_________________________________ MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: ______________ ADDRESS:______________________________ CITY/STATE/PROVINCE: ____________ ZIP/POSTAL CODE:______________________ COUNTRY: ________________________ DAYTIME PHONE:( )_________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: __________________ ROOMMATE #1 NAME: ____________________ CHILD? Yes/No CHILD'S AGE: ______ ROOMMATE #2 NAME: ____________________ CHILD? Yes/No CHILD'S AGE: ______ ROOMMATE #3 NAME: ____________________ CHILD? Yes/No CHILD'S AGE: ______ MARRIOTT HONORED GUEST AWARD PROGRAM FREQUENT STAY CARD #:______________ PLEASE CHECK THE TYPE OF ROOM DESIRED: [_] SINGLE ($99) [_] DOUBLE ($99) [_] DOUBLE DOUBLE ($99) (1 Person, 1 bed) (2 People, 1 bed) (2 people, 2 beds) [_] TRIPLE ($99) [_] QUAD ($99) (3 people, 2 beds) (4 people, 2 beds) ** All rooms are subject to applicable taxes in the ** ** amount of 15% plus a $.15 per night commerce fee ** ROOM DEPOSIT/GUARANTEE PAYMENT (Circle One): Check/Money Order/Credit Card CARD TYPE (Circle One): Visa MasterCard American Express Diners Club Carte Blanche Discover CARD NUMBER #_______________ EXPIRATION DATE: ___________ SIGNATURE: ______________________________________ SUITE REQUESTS: Please copy and complete this form and attach a note outlining your room requirements and send them to NASFiC SUITES, c/o SCIFI, P.O. Box 8442, Van Nuys, CA 91409. Or email suites@99.nasfic.org for more information. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hospitality [illo of man relaxing in chair] Overwhelmed by Conucopia's bounteous array of delights? Need a place to rest, relax and recharge? Come to the hospitality suite. We're an oasis for fans, with munchies and drinks, conversation and fun. Chat with old friends, and meet new ones while sharing snacks and ideas. We will not be serving meals, but do intend to have a variety of small treats available during the convention. So come on in, grab a soda and some chips, and pull up a chair. We'll be glad to see you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATTENTION ALL BLOOD DONORS Heads up! And arms extended. We are planning to have a blood drive at Conucopia, and we hope you'll be along for the ride. We'll have more information for you in future progress reports, and we'll be attempting to get a head count prior to the con to let the Red Cross know we're serious so that we won't get short-changed on nurses. Send questions and suggestions about the blood drive to: Mike Sheffield 4572 Keever Ave. Long Beach CA 90807-1819 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Weapons Policy It is the policy of Conucopia that no real or realistic projectile weapons may be carried anywhere within the convention except during the masquerade or specially approved events. The use of a weapon during the Masquerade or during a programming event must be approved by the Masquerade Director or the Programming Coordinator respectively. No weapon of any kind may be drawn or wielded in any area of the hotel or convention space. Conucopia defines a weapon as any object designed to cause damage, or any replica of such an object, or any object that the Committee determines to pose a risk to the safety of others or to personal or hotel property. The Committee reserves the right to alter or amend this definition and the right to impound weapons for the duration of Conucopia. Failure to put a weapon away in your hotel room or car (or check it with Ops until you leave the convention for the day, if not staying at the hotel) is grounds for immediate revocation of membership without refund and expulsion from the convention. Dealers who sell weapons must securely wrap each item at the point of sale and provide each customer with a printed copy of these rules. We at Conucopia know that most people who would like to carry weapons are sensible and careful individuals. However, we must keep in mind liability, legal issues and our relationship with the hotel. The safety of you, the members, must outweigh any other consideration and it is with this in mind that these policies have been formed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Art Show Hi! The Art Show is already starting to sell space. For those of you who have contacted us, we have your name and a mailing is being sent about now! Panels are being sold on a first come, first serve basis. Those who send us money get space! For those of you who wish to come with art or send us art, here is the information you need. Mailing address for correspondence and Mail-In Artwork is: 1010 E. Acacia El Segundo CA 90245 (PLEASE: do not mail in artwork before we send you the appropriate forms) Phone (310) 640-0949 Fax (310) 640-8483 Call in the evenings (after 7:30 pm West Coast time) or leave a message 24 hours the day We are also online at artshow@99.nasfic.org Response time is variable; we both have day jobs. Basic Rules About The Show Space: Art Show space is available in units of panels or half tables. A panel is 3' wide by 4' high, and is made of pegboard. Materials for hanging artwork will be provided by the convention. Table space is approximately 4' long by 2.5' deep, half of a standard hotel table. Each unit of Art Show space is $17.50. Requests for more than 8 units of space must be cleared with the Art Show Directors in advance. For those of you familiar with Loscon Art Shows, these spaces are the same size as a standard Loscon unit. You may have received other communications offering 4' high x 6' wide units for $35.00. Our prices have not changed, we are merely subdividing the space to allow more flexibility. For larger pieces you can still create a 4' x 6' space, simply buy a minimum of 2 spaces for each larger space desired and request that the spaces be adjacent to each other. Jewelry: Jewelry must be displayed in the artist's own display case, and the case placed on a table. Enough table space must be purchased to hold the display case and any bid sheets for the jewelry. NOTE: Since jewelry pieces are often small, the space required for the bid sheets may exceed the space required for the display case. Please allow for this when purchasing space. The bidders need to be able to write on the bid sheets and this requires a hard, flat surface (i.e. table top space). Prints and Print Shop: Reproductions are allowed, but only one of any particular piece may be hung. You may put a notice on the displayed print directing the con-goer to the print shop for additional copies. Works not Acceptable: Works judged by the Art Show Staff to have libelous (as opposed to humorous or caricature) content in regard to known persons and/or to well known characters will not be accepted. Works depicting XXX rated hardcore pornography will not be accepted. This Art Show is open to the general public, including minors, and frankly, we do not have insurance to defend against claims of pornography. Works depicting lesser rated acts or poses may be displayed with some portions of the works concealed at the discretion of the Art Show Staff. Display requirements - 2D: Two dimensional works must be matted, mounted or framed to aid in hanging. If the matte or mounting is fragile (unable to withstand repeated clamping by a bulldog type clip), the artist must provide instructions or alternate methods of attachment. All artwork must be clearly labeled. Please include the title of the piece, your name and address. Artists are responsible for their own insurance. Check your homeowner's policy, you may have appropriate coverage there. We will take reasonable care of your artwork in the show, but the convention can not acquire expensive extra insurance for the Art Show. All artwork must be able to withstand reasonable, careful handling by the Art Show Staff. It may be necessary to move your art during the course of the show to correct problems, present it to the buyers better, to show at the voice auction or to process for final sale. We want your work to go home with the buyer in perfect condition. Please help us by not sending fragile artwork! Once entered in the show, the conditions of sale (minimum bid, not-for-sale, etc.) may not be changed. No artwork may be withdrawn from the Art Show before NOON on Sunday. Pieces that receive 8 or more written bids will be sent to the voice auction on Sunday afternoon (Exact time to be scheduled and announced later). There will be no photography or video recording of any kind in the Art Show unless cleared by the Art Show Directors in advance. The artist or agent must be present and consent to any photography or recording. The judgment of the Art Show Staff and Directors in all matters of the Art Show is final. Money Matters Art Show Fees are $17.50 per unit of Art Show. A unit is either a panel or half a table. All Art Show fees must be paid in advance. Checks should be made payable to "S.C.I.F.I." and drawn on an American bank. International Money Orders, in US Dollars, are also acceptable. If you have currency conversion problems, please contact us for more options. Checks which bounce (Non-Sufficient Funds) will be subject to any fees which the banks may levy and the artwork will be held and not displayed until the check and all fees related to it are made good. Commission: A 10% commission will be collected on all sales. This covers cost of the room, supplies, postage, printing, phone lines for credit card sales, etc. Sales Tax: Due to an unfortunate series of events that occurred to one of the Artists of a past SCIFI run convention, we must now charge California Sales Tax on all sales. This will not affect the Artist's income as it is on top of the final sale price. The convention will handle distributing the collected tax to the government and will supply the Artists with proof of tax collected. Mail-in fees: Mail-in artists must include $15.00 for return postage and shipping insurance. Any excess money not used when the work is returned will be refunded to you with payment for pieces sold. On the other hand, If more money is needed to return your artwork, it will be deducted from sales. Artwork of artists who have insufficient sales and do not send return postage money will be considered abandoned and will not be returned. There is a further $20.00 non-refundable handling fee for mail in art. This is a total of up to $35.00 in mail-in related fees (depending on your individual postage and insurance costs). Final Accounting There will be absolutely no payments to artists at the convention. Payments will be mailed as soon as possible, approximately 20 days after the convention. Setup and Schedule The final schedule has not been finalized at this time. A separate letter will be sent with the control and bid sheets to all artists who have registered. We are sharing a very large space with the Dealers, so the Art Show schedule and Dealer schedule will be the same. The Registration Process If you are registering through the information from this PR, it's easy: Copy and send us the filled out form in this PR, send money, and you will be registered, receive an artists' number, and more horrible forms to fill out. Then, depending on whether you are attending or mailing in your art you will go through the following steps: Mail-In Artists Shipping Instructions: Please pack your artwork securely. We want the piece to get to the show in perfect condition, to attract buyers and higher bids. If the contents of the box shift when it is shaken, please add more packing material, such as crumpled newspapers, etc. This will help prevent damage to the contents, especially to the corners! (Please do not use packing peanuts as they tend to make a hard to clean up mess). UPS nad FEDEX require 2 inches of "Crush Space" on all sides of the item packed. Please include instructions for the location of your artwork on the panels. A map is a very good idea as it lets you see if your work will fit on the space you purchased - remember to allow space for the bid sheets. Artwork being sent to the convention should use this address: E. Klein-Lebbink 1010 E. Acacia Ave. El Segundo CA 90245 Please time your shipment to arrive by 13 August 1999. This will give us time to process your artwork before the convention. Packages may be sent by US Mail, UPS, FED/EX, or other delivery service. Artwork being returned will be shipped within a week after the convention. Please let us know how you want it shipped back. The shipments will be insured for the total of the minimum bids of the artwork enclosed, up to $600, or the maximum allowed by the specific carrier. Payment for artwork sold and a refund of excess shipping money will be made in a separate mailing. We do have our own UPS and FEDEX accounts thus allowing us to avoid the expensive box-and-ship outlets and saving money for the artists. Artist Check-In / Check-out for Attending Artists Check-in time will be between 12 noon and 6 pm on Thursday the 26th of August 1999. Please show up with your art and paperwork (which will have been mailed to you prior to this time) and you will be shown to your assigned panels. The Art Show will provide hooks and bulldog clips. When you have finished hanging your art, present your control sheet to the Control Desk and we will verify your pieces. Then enjoy the con! You're done! We are online at artshow@99.nasfic.org, and look forward to hearing from you soon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conucopia / NASFIC '99 ART SHOW SPACE RESERVATION FORM Name: ______________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ City, State/Province, Zip___________________________________________ Number of table spaces (4' long by 2.5' deep) _______ Number of pegboard panels (3' wide by 4' high) _______ Total number of table spaces and panels_____x $17.50 = $____________ Mail-in and handling fees for mail-in artists $35.00 (mail in artists ONLY) $____________ TOTAL ENCLOSED $____________ How do you plan on shipping your art? (mail in artists ONLY) UPS?__________, US mail? _________, Overnight delivery?_____________ Other delivery service? ____________________________________________ Please make checks payable to 'S.C.I.F.I.' and mail to: Elizabeth Klein-Lebbink, Jerome Scott Conucopia Art Show 1010 E. Acacia Ave. El Segundo CA 90245 USA Notes:______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interested in advertising in our Progress Reports? Send your photo-ready/Or EPS computer file copy & check for advertising in PR3 to: Tony Benoun, 1136 W. Fay Lane #15, Anaheim CA 92805 For space in PR3 we need your art by 1 June 1999, for our 25 June 1999 printing. Please make all checks out to "Conucopia." AD SIZE FAN PRO 1/4 page $25.00 $50.00 1/2 page $45.00 $95.00 full page $85.00 $160.00 inside cover $135.00 $245.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 13: Toronto in 2003 (see pr2.ads) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ VOLUNTEERS WE WANT YOU We Want You - Be a Conucopia Volunteer! NASFiC's are Big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-boggling big they are... Sorry, got carried away there. But a NASFiC like Conucopia is a big operation, and needs a lot of volunteers for it to happen from the months of pre-planning right through the wrap-up, months after the official end of the convention. Convention welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer to work on the convention. (From the cahirman on down, we're all volunteers here.) Whether you want to put aside everythiung else in your life, and join the committee for the next year, or you just want to help out for a few minutes here and there during the convention we need your help. Registration, Publicity, Promotions, Con Suite, Gaming, and Video/Film are but a sampling of the many areas which need to be staffed before, during and sometimes after the convention. There isn't a set minimum number of hours that volunteers will be required to work, but the more time you want to put in the better. If you are only able to put in one shift per day, that's fine with us though, there will be several levels of compesation for volunteers. Volunteers will be compensated in many ways (T-shirts, a special lounging area, drawings for prizes) including the knowledge that you were part of making it all happen. Please take a few minutes to complete and return this questionnaire. We will pass on your information to the appropriate area and you'll be put to work. (Please complete the questionnaire even if you're only planning to put in a short time at the convention itself not only does it help folks plan their department when they know how many volunteers they're getting, but we'll also have a drawing of everyone who returns a questionnaire.) At the convention, look for us at the Volunteer table. Remember though that all volunteers need to have Attending Memberships for Conucopia, so remember to send in for your membership early to get the lower rates. If you are ready to jump in, please take a few minutes to complete the questions and information section below. Email the infromation back to us at: volunteers@99.nasfic.org or mail to Conucopia address Attn: Volunteers. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conucopia The 1999 North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC) c/o S.C.I.F.I., P.O. Box 8442, Van Nuys CA 91409. E-mail: vols@99.nasfic.org Web site: www.99.nasfic.org VOLUNTEER FORM Please photo copy and complete this form as fully as possible, and return it to Conucopia, Attention: Volunteer Coordinator, c/o S.C.I.F.I., P.O. Box 8442, Van Nuys, California 91409. Alternatively, you can e-mail the information to vols@99.nasfic.org. Please bear in mind that most positions at the convention will not be filled immediately, so you shouldn't be surprised or offended if you hear nothing more for a while. Name ___________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ City _____________________ State/Country _______________ Zip ____________ Phone ____________________ E-Mail ______________________ @ ______________ Date of Birth __________________ (optional unless you were born after August 26, 1981. Note: Anyone who will be under 18 at Conucopia must have parental permission to work on the convention.) YOUR AREAS OF INTEREST Check the areas in which you are most interested, and attach a description of your pertinent fannish and other experience. [_] Art Show [_] Logistics [_] Computer Services [_] Masquerade [_] Con Suite [_] Office (at-con) [_] Daily Newszine [_] Operations [_] Dances [_] Press Relations [_] Dealers' Room [_] Program Operations [_] Facilities Liaison [_] Program Planning [_] Fan Organization Liaison [_] Publicity [_] Fanzine Lounge [_] Registration (at-con) [_] Films [_] Restaurant Guide [_] Gaming [_] Signmaking [_] Gopher [_] Staff Lounge [_] Green Room [_] Technical Support [_] Guest Liaison [_] Theatrical Events [_] Handicapped Services [_] Volunteer gopher coordination [_] Information Desk [_] Internet Lounge [_] Other: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 15: Loscon XXVI (see pr2.ads) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Final and Continuing Adventures of Johnny Meerkat -( The Contest )- In the years immediately following World War II, most of the science fiction pulp magazines decided to move away from the "sword and blaster" action adventure stories which had filled their issues until then. Now in the "Atomic Era", magazines were looking for stories peppered with a heavier seasoning of science. They felt it was what their readers wanted. But some struggled along in the old style. One title, Startling Wonder, tried introducing a new continuing hero in the mold of Captain Future, in an attempt to build reader loyalty. Every issue of Startling Wonder held at least one Johnny Meerkat adventure. Some were short stories, two were "novel length" (although quite short by today's standards), but most were what we would now call 'short-shorts'. A thousand words told the latest exciting tale of adventure of Johnny Meerkat, space going hero; his friends and allies; and his nefarious nemesis, the Jackal. Only a few issues of Startling Wonder were ever published and the original Johnny Meerkat stories were never collected or reprinted. But Conucopia invites you to return to those thrilling days of adventure, when a fast space cruiser and a sure eye with a blaster was all that kept evil at bay. We have received permission from the owner of Johnny Meerkat to continue his tales of derring-do for your reading pleasure. We have invited a few well-known authors to write new Johnny Meerkat adventures. Additionally, we're sponsoring a contest for the best new Johnny Meerkat story. The rules are simple. Any member of Conucopia, the 1999 NASFiC may enter up to three Johnny Meerkat stories. Each story may be up to 1,000 words in length. The elements of the story must conform to the "writers bible" of information that follows and should be more or less in the style of the 1940s pulps. Stories can be serious or humorous. Stories will be judged by a panel of professional writers. The top five stories, as selected by our judges, will be printed in the Conucopia Program Book. The decision of the judges is final. All stories become the property of Conucopia, the 1999 NASFiC and its parent organization, the Southern California Institute for Fan Interests, Inc. Entrant agrees to allow Conucopia and S.C.I.F.I. to reprint their stories in convention-related publications without additional approval or payment. Stories cannot be returned. Johnny Meerkat WRITER'S BIBLE *Johnny Meerkat* Slender of body, with short legs and a small head, Johnny is a little atypical in appearance for a hero. He has dark, piercing eyes that can stare down the worst villain and seem as if they can see straight down to your soul. His hair is brown. His uniform is comfortable and informal, a cross between that of Flash Gordon and a jogging outfit. It's tan in color, with black stripes on the legs and a black diamond outlined on the back. Johnny prefers the openness of space to the crowded confines and "proper ways" of the ancient cities, like Earthcentral and Luna, or the older colonies, like Marscol. He goes to those places when he needs to but, when he wants to relax, it's the new colonies in the Asteroid Belt that draw him. Johnny and his crew are "space bums". They'd be traveling constantly from planet to colony to asteroid mine even if their business wasn't "trading", buying whatever honest load they can fit in their ship and selling it at their next port of call for max credits. At least, that's usually the plan. It doesn't always work out. SpaceJackers, crooked customs brokers, or the desire to help out in need frequently interfere. Johnny's a real hero, never shirking from helping someone in need. He'd just be a little better at it if he wasn't so easily distracted. A sound, a bright light, and Johnny's head swivels toward the source. It's when we hear his most repeated phrase: "Huh? What was that?" that trouble usually follows. *The Hawk,* his ship. Specially outfitted, this small cargo carrier can outrun all but the fastest ships in the system. And then, it's Johnny's sixth sense for the approach of danger and his skills as a pilot that lets him outclass all others. Weaponry is limited. *Neutron,* First Mate and Chief Engineer on The Hawk. He's the maker of the various modifications (some even legal) that make the Hawk the incredible ship she is. There's nothing Neutron loves better than tinkering with the inner workings of his beloved vessel. Except, maybe, helping Johnny when he gets into a tough situation. And he loves beautiful women. And a good single malt scotch. And parties. And especially parties with drinking and beautiful women and that ends up in a big fight. But other than that, nothing comes between him and his ship. *Scorpion,* A beautiful dark-haired woman, formerly the right hand (and how much more?) of The Jackal. The most vicious of the Predators, she has one soft spot. Johnny Meerkat. She broke from the Predators when The Jackal ordered her to kill Johnny. She's a lone agent, now, with a "thing" for Johnny. You never know where Scorpion will turn up or whose side she'll be on. *Earthcentral,* Located on the homeworld, Earth, it is the central governmental body for the solar system and environs. Pure, honest, and concerned for the welfare of all of its citizens, there are a few bad apples, even here at the core. And the smaller the outpost and the further from Earth, the more likely Johnny and his friends might encounter an official who... doesn't put the citizens first. *Luna and Marscol,* The longest established colonies. Fiercely proud of their rugged pioneer heritage, these are now large civil-commercial-industrial centers. Large populations live, work, and grow here. Think of Australia. *The Asteroid Colonies,* Some have been around for a decade or more. Some are only months old. Most center around mining and low-gravity industries. Sort of a space-faring cross between the Old West and working the Alaska Oil Fields. *Kalahari,* Scientist and occasional girl friend to Johnny Meerkat. Kalahari is a beautiful blonde with one of the best brains in the galaxy. She's a research scientist with a soft heart who sometimes puts people with problems to solve in touch with the best problem-solver there is, Johnny Meerkat. She's also a frequent target for the Jackal, who wants whatever she's working on at the moment. And the evil Scorpion (see below) sees her as a rival for Johnny's affections, a rival she wants out of the picture, permanently. *The Predators,* A vicious, greedy, carnivorous bunch of space-going villains completely devoid of scruples. Anything they want, they'll take. Anyone who stands in their way, they'll destroy. Completely without finesse, they would have long since been captured and imprisoned except for the abilities of their wily leader... *The Jackal,* Leader of the Predators. Combine a diplomat with a dictator, add the knowledge of Earthcentral's finest scientists and thinkers, and the deviousness of Sherlock Holmes' arch-nemesis, Moriarity, and you begin to have an understanding of The Jackal. No one knows his true name or what made him the man he is. All that's known is that he wants it all -- wealth, power, and all the fine things they bring -- and he'll stop at nothing to get it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Film and Video Contest This close to Hollywood, how could we not want to see what's in the creative minds of fandom's budding filmmakers. George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and many other top directors, writers, and actors started out by making amateur and student films. Why shouldn't you? And the way a lot of aspiring directors, writers, and actors get noticed today is through short films entered into film contests and festivals. Starting on 15 April 1999, we'll be accepting films in 16mm and on VHS video tape (NTSC format only), to be judged by a panel of working television and motion picture producers, writers, and directors, with prizes and screenings at the convention for the winners. First prize is $150. Names of the judges and other prizes to be announced. Rules: Films must arrive no earlier than 15 April and no later than 30 June 1999 to be eligible. Films must be no more than 30 minutes in length and, in keeping with the nature of Conucopia, either science fiction, fantasy, or horror in theme. Comedy or drama, it still must be of the appropriate genre. An entry fee of $15 must be included (make checks out to Conucopia), along with the filmmaker's name, address, and phone number. Please include a brief description of the film, its title, and main cast and crew credits. Films and related materials should be shipped to Conucopia Film Contest; c/o G.M. Dazzo; 9027 Larke Ellen Circle; Los Angeles CA 90035-4222. Write for information on entering 35mm films. Small Print: The decision of the Judges is final. Entrants agree to allow Conucopia to show entered films for purposes of judging and to exhibit them at the convention without additional approval or payment. Films cannot be returned unless Entrant provides entry fee and correct mailing information with entry. Contents may settle during shipping. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 18: Los Angeles in 2002 (see pr2.ads) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ .... Join The Masquerade! Greetings and welcome to the NASFiC Masque! We hope you will use this opportunity to let your imagination loose, to re-create your favorite character or do the wildly original. The masquerade will be held Saturday night. Please remember we are one week before the Australian Worldcon, so you can stop off at NASFiC and show your stuff before heading off to Australia. While there will be on site registration for the NASFiC Masquerade, contestants are encouraged to preregister. The more information we have ahead of time, the better we can prepare. While we wish everyone can and will enjoy themselves, there are some restrictions we feel are necesssary to ensure the safety of all participants. The following is a list of no-nos. No smoking back stage. No costumes made from food products or other items which may rub on other costumes. No live steel or real weapons. No microphones. No winning costume from a previous Worldcon may compete, nor any professionally made costume (purchased or rented) or any costume which has been worn as a Hall Costume at NASFiC prior to Saturday night. No CO2 cartridges can be used. When in doubt, please use common sense. Don't do injury to your fellow costumers. Please remember that this is a visual medium. In order to keep things short, sweet and non-verbal, the following time limits will apply: 1-4 people may use up to 60 seconds. 5 or more people may use up to 90 seconds. The MC will announce the entry number, division, class and title. Any additional narration will be limited to 25 words or less. Participant and construction details will be listed in a souvenir (program) book. For a complete set of rules and entry form, check in at our web site or send an S.A.S.E to the convention address. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Dealers Room is full. Here is a list of the tables that have been reserved. We are accepting applications for a wait list, in the event of cancellations. Interested parties should fill out the application but send no money. This list is subject to change; some may drop out before the convention, and others may be added to the list. ALTAIR-4 COLLECTIBLES.........................................DAN MEDART ANGELWEAR CREATIONS (Jewellery).............................ANGELA JONES ASTRAL TRADING CO. (Tarot and I-Ching)......................ELYSE GRASSO CALLIGRAPHIC BUTTONS......................................NANCY LEBOVITZ DAG PRODUCTIONS (Tapes, CD's & Songbooks).....................ERIC GERDS DANCING WOLF STUDIO (Art, Prints, & T-Shirts).............SANDRA SANTARA DODEKA RECORDS (Filk Tapes, Songbooks & Stuffed Animals)................ ...................................................BILL & GRETCHEN ROPER DRAGON'S HOARD (Fannish Jewelry).........................MITCHELL BOTWIN DRAGONMARSH (Herbs).........................................ERIC DU'MARN DRAGONPAD............................................ANN DIETZ ROBERTSON DRAGONSPAWN CRAFTHALL LTD. (Jewelry).......................JAMES WEINROD FANTASY FASHIONS.............................................LARRY ULREY FANTASY PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (Books)......................BARRY BARD HONECK SCULPTURE (Bronze Apparel, Wearable Art, & T-Shirts).BUTCH HONECK INDIGO LIGHTS (Jewelry and Sculptures)......................SHERRI COHEN INSTANT ATTITUDES (Buttons, Bumper Stickers and Misc.)......RUSSELL AULT ISHER ARTIFACTS (Hand Crafted Ray Guns, Magic Wands & 'Techie Toys').... ...............................................................AMY PRONI J&J BOOKS (Rare and Collectable Books).....................JACK GONZALES JERRY OHLINGER'S MOVIE MEMORABILIA (Stills, Posters, T-Shirts, and More) /...................................................BARBARA FISTER-LILTZ KELLY FREAS (Art)......................................FRANK KELLY FREAS LARRY SMITH, BOOKSELLER (New Books)..........................LARRY SMITH LEOPARD'S LEAP (Masks and Headpieces)...................JUDITH RAUCHFUSS MARGARET MANNATT FINE BOOKS (Books).....................MARGARET MANNATT MASSOGLIA BOOKS (Used & Collectors Books)................MARTY MASSOGLIA OFFWORLD DESIGNS (Custom T-Shirts)....................BARBARA VANTILBURG PEGASUS PUBLISHING (Bumper Stickers, Models, Games Songbooks & More).... ...........................................................SCOTT MERRITT PODMAKER........................................JIM WIBLE & ELLEN SIDERS RAVENWINE WEARABLE ART.........................................TESS WADE REALMS OF FANTASY BOOKS.......................................OTTO FILIP SIGN OF THE UNICORN (Jewelry and Sculpture)................LAURIE EDISON STUFFE & NONSENSE (Stuffed Animals & Jewelry).............CANDY MARTINEZ SUE DAWE'S ENCHANTMENTS (Posters, Prints, Stationery and More)..SUE DAWE TACHYON PUBLICATIONS (Specialty Small Press Publisher).....JACOB WEISMAN TERRA INCOGNITA (Fantasy Hair Sticks).....................ELAN JANE LITT TIMELESS TEXTILES..........................................MARY HARKLESS TOMBO STUDIOS................................................APRIL NIINO WEARABLE STARSCAPES (Clothing, Jewelry and More)..........J.A. STELNICKI WILLOW JEWELRY (Jewelry, Buttons & Bumper Stickers)........WILLOW ZARLOW YGOR'S BOOKS (Art Prints, Posters, Paintings & More).......LARRY HALLOCK The Trimble Collection (Books, Art & More)............BJO & JOHN TRIMBLE J.V.S. (Custom Bajoran Jewelry)..........................JOYCE VAN SCYOC ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ConuCopia Memberships Geographic Breakdown AZ - 50 ID - 1 MS - 3 PA - 13 AL - 3 IL - 37 NC - 2 RI - 1 CA - 344 IN - 6 NE - 3 SC - 1 CO - 16 KS - 5 NH - 5 SD - 1 CT - 4 KY - 5 NJ - 15 TN - 9 DC - 3 LA - 7 NM - 4 TX - 53 FL - 14 MA - 25 NV - 2 UT - 4 GA - 9 MD - 14 NY - 35 VA - 16 HI - 1 MI - 9 OH - 11 WA - 29 IA - 1 MN - 6 OK - 3 WI - 4 MO - 5 OR - 9 ENGLAND - 6 MAN CANADA - 1 NORWAY - 1 MB CANADA - 2 IRELAND - 2 ONT CANADA - 6 France - 2 Scotland - 1 Netherland - 2 AUSTRALIA - 1 ALB CANADA - 1 UNKNOWN - 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 23: Oasis 12 (see pr2.ads) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back Cover: Roswell in 2002! (see pr2.ads) ------------------------------------------------------------------------