PROGRAM BEGINS

L.A.con IV is looming larger and larger on the horizon and it's time we get all of our ideas and plans into sharper focus.

We've already had early confirmations from, in addition to our Guests of Honor, Anne McCaffrey, Harlan Ellison, Larry Niven, Robert Silverberg, George RR Martin, Harry Turtledove, and Greg Benford. They'll all be attending L.A.con IV and will be on the program. Invitation letters will be going out later this year to hundreds of other writers, filmmakers, scientists, artists, costumers, filkers, etc. to participate in the program.

There's a lot we have planned for 2006. But our arms and minds are also open to ideas from far and wide.

To that end, you'll find a form HERE you can fill out with any ideas you have program items. We're open to any kind of idea on any subject of interest to science fiction fans. We believe that the Worldcon is for fans from all over the world and for all the worlds of science fiction. So if you have an idea for something about short stories as a form, about how to break in as a writer, about movies or television, about anime, about science or space, about filking, costuming, comics, or anything else germane to this convention, we want to hear it. And not just ideas for panels. We'll be having them, of course.

Most of the program will be panel discussions. But we're open to other types of program items as well. Last time out, we introduced Debates (from a suggestion by George R.R. Martin), which seemed to be pretty well received. We'll be doing them again. And we're going to be having a number of plays and performances. But we're looking for still more ideas for different types of program items we can have. Do you have an idea for a new form a program can take? Even if you don't have a program item to go with it, we'd like to hear about it. Please, the only way this will be the best Worldcon program it can be is if you get involved. Share your ideas with us. We don't guarantee to do everything people suggest (some things are just not physically possible) but we'll consider every suggestion we get. We're open to as many suggestions as you want to make. So click HERE.

Craig Miller, Programming

Fan-tiques Roadshow

In 1997, American television viewers were introduced to a television series that became instantly popular: Antiques Roadshow. Produced by WGBH and carried on America's PBS (Public Broadcasting System), it was actually the step-child of a British television series of the same name that's been airing in the UK since 1979.

The concept is simple: Appraisers of antiques and collectibles look over items brought in by individuals and give them their expert opinion about the item's history and current value. Selected appraisals are video taped and edited together to make an episode of the television series. For some time, we've wanted to adapt this concept to a science fiction convention. We're still working out some of the details but it looks like L.A.con IV may be that place. We've arranged for several expert appraisers of the sorts of "valuable antiques" fans are likely to have. Leave your Tiffany lamps and diamond necklaces at home. We won't be appraising those. But first edition science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels and children's books; old genre toys; movie posters; original artwork; comic books and comic book art; animation cells; etc. That's our meat.

So if you have an item or two you'd like an expert to look at to give you its history and value, plan to bring them with you to L.A.con IV. To help us make this the best possible event it can be, we'd like to get some information from you.

Fan-tiques Roadshow will take a lot of space and a lot of coordination. It will help us if we have an idea of how many people want to take part and what sorts of things you'll be bringing. What sorts of items would you like to see appraised? How many do you think you'll be bringing? We want to make sure we have the right types of appraisers and in appropriate numbers. (If the response is high, we may have to put a limit on the number of items each person can have appraised. But we'll let you know as early as possible should that happen.)

Or are you an expert dealer in rare books, movie posters, SF art, toys, or ??? and are willing to give some time to do appraisals for your fellow fans? Please let us know. We have a few people on tap – including one who appraises regularly for the "real" Antiques Roadshow – but we can use more. Please contact us and let us know. Write to program@laconiv.org or to the convention's mailing address. Please, if you're interested, contact us and let us know.