Social Media: Devourer of Time

The current wisdom is everyone from the writer to the musician to the actor to the small business entrepreneur needs “a platform.” A platform is your social media foot print. And there are many to choose from including Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, and Tumblr. If you want to be taken seriously in the modern age of technology, I am told you need to be online as much at three times a day. The idea is to get “followers.” The more you have, the more credibility you have in the cyber world and the real world.

I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult some days to juggle my pay-the-bills job, my writing, and social media. After a rather dramatic panic attack two weeks ago, I decided I needed a break. And today, I’m returning from a social media vacation. While on my little holiday from the cyber world I didn’t visit any the social media sites where I have accounts and the only posts on these were scheduled before my taking the time away from the internet.

Did the world come to an end, because I wasn’t posting? Did anything earth-shattering occur?

Okay, there was a small earthquake in Southern California, but I don’t think you can blame me for that.

In the quiet solitude, I found something I had forgotten – time. Social media and the internet, in general, devours that precious commodity.  A quick “I just need to post this,” becomes two hours sitting in front of the computer. I’ve lost track just how many times I sat to do something that should have taken but a few minutes and found myself rising from my chair hours later stiff, sore, and wondering where the day had gone.

With less time in with my backside glued to the office, chair some things changed around the house. I got more writing done (yes, technically that’s done at the computer, but the internet was turned off), I finished a book I’d been trying to read for months, I cleared much the programming on my DVR, my house was cleaner, and my dogs got walked more often. And since I was up and moving more, I had less stiffness, less pain, and I lost five pounds.

Did I miss some things? Yes, I did. I missed a podcast I listen because I didn’t get Facebook or Google+ reminder they were starting. I also didn’t a funeral for a ninety-eight-year-old woman from my church; I didn’t see the notification on the church’s Facebook page.

So, what did I learn?

Moderation and balance are needed. I require a plan to keep the things I enjoy and desire protected while maintaining a presence in the cyber world. Perhaps setting a timer would help, for every hour in the seat, I must get up and do something more active for an hour. There are also websites that you can use for scheduling posts, a short session and the week is done. It seems simple, but it requires commitment and be accountability. Feel free to ask me how I’m doing on this in a few weeks.

The Star Trek Convention: Cosmos, Celebrities, and Causes

“Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprises. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man had gone before . . .”

 

The world’s most famous split infinitive became a part of our cultural identity fifty-one years ago. A show that almost didn’t get made, twice saved by the first fan-based letter writing campaigns. It was canceled after three seasons but continued in syndication. Now a half century later, there have been five televisions series (with a sixth on the way), an animated series, six movies based on the original series, four based on the Star Trek: The Next Generation (ST:NG), and the “reboot” films by J.J. Abrams referred to as the Kelvin Timeline. That’s a lot of Star Trek in five decades.

But it did more than entertain. It was different the previous space adventures that warned us that the cosmos was dark, dangerous, and out to get us. Star Trek is hopeful. It is a future where humanity survives its worse impulses and reaches out to take out its place among the stars. It also dealt with controversial topics, such as racial equality, war, and greed. They inspired both boys and girls to become scientist and astronauts.

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of ST:NG, which continued the tradition, changing “where no man had gone” to “where no one had gone” to demonstrate this would be a more inclusive storyline. They also added the struggle of what does it mean to be human with the sentient android Data.  Women’s roles were even more prominent. For example:

• Doctor Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) as the head of the medical department
• Fleet Admiral Alynna Nachayev (Natalija Nogulich) as Captain Picard’s immediate senior officer, who will also appear on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (ST:DS9)
• Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby), a senior security officer
• The mysterious Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), tending Ten Forward, a futuristic bar.

I was four when the first episodes Star Trek: The Original Series (ST:TOS) aired in 1965, so I can say I literally grew up with it. I’ve seen all of the ST:TOS episodes at least twice and some maybe a dozen times, thanks to re-runs, video tapes, and now DVDs. When the opportunity arose, I went where I had not gone before, the Star Trek Convention put on by Creation Entertainment in Las Vegas at Rio Hotel and Resort. This year the event’s focus was the celebration ST:NG’s thirtieth anniversary.

To say it was overwhelming at times would be an understatement. The convention center of the Rio was decorated with banners and photo backgrounds, where fans could pose and snap a selfie. A good number of attendees were dressed in simple to very elaborate cosplay. Three unique gallery displays attracted attention these included a set reconstruction of ST:TOS bridge; an array of props, photos, and a replica of Ten Forward from ST:NG; and presentation of props and costumes from new Star Trek: Discovery. Photo Ops and Autographs sessions with the actors were available, for a fee. There at least three panels going on simultaneously and there was the exhibition hall where you could shop ‘til you drop.

 

A fandom convention requires that many participants display their love with the flair of a peacock. The Star Trek convention was no exceptions. There were Star Fleet officers and denizens from the far reaches of the galaxy. The creativity and the eye for detail were impressive.

 

The gallery displays were well done and set up like small museums. They were well worth the short wait in line.

• ST:TOS Bridge set: a recreation of the bridge with flashing lights and sound effects. You could tell someone put a lot of work into making it as accurate as possible. For a fee, you could have a photo taken of you seating at one of the stations, including the captain’s chair.

• ST:NG Ten Forward set: The set itself was rather dull just a beige and brown bar, but for a fee, you could have your picture taking with one of the stars of the show sitting at the bar. The best part of this room was the display of props, photos, and memorabilia from the shows seven-year run.

 

• ST: Discovery: This gallery was filled with props, costumes, and photos from the new series. The sleek designs and elaborate detail each item showed an emphasis on detail that will not be lost on the screen. And as a bonus, you could have your picture taken in the commander’s chair, a gift from CBS.

 

Throughout the weekend there were opportunities to get autographs and photo-ops with some of the actors. Most of the time you paid a fee, received a ticket, and then waited in line. They had this down to a precision dance. For the photos, you waited in line, stood next to the star, flash, and you’re done. You’d return a few hours later and pick up your photo. For the autographs, you stood in line with the item you wanted to be signed and sticky-note with your name for personalization, you handed them to the actor, they signed, and off you go. With the numbers waiting there was no time for chit-chat.

As multiple panels were happening at once, and since I haven’t mastered the art of being in two places I once I chose carefully. Here are some of the highlights:

• Q & A with Astronaut Mae Jamison – She spoke about how seeing Nichelle Nichols on ST:TOS inspired her to set her goal to one day go into space. She went on to discuss her current project, 100 Year Starship with the aim of interstellar travel within the next 100 years. (Ms. Nichols also surprised the audience by joining Ms. Jamison on stage.)

• The Women of Star Trek – Moderated by Gates McFadden, the women discussed the changing role of women as reflected in characters of the Star Trek franchise. One panelist said that when she saw Whoopi Goldberg on ST:NG for the first time she called out, “Mama, Mama there’s a black lady on TV and she ain’t no maid.” This young woman is now volcanologist (Just to be clear, she clarified she studies volcanoes not Vulcans).
• Remembering Leonard – A brief film documenting the actor/director Leonard Nimoy’s life and his struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The feature was beautifully presented with remembrances from his wife, children, and grandchildren.
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Panel – several members of the cast (Rene Auberjonois, Nana Visitor, Terry Ferrell, Armin Shimerman, Aron Eisenberg, and Max Grodenchik) sat on the couch and talked about their time together. It was generally expressed the end of the show was bittersweet because they didn’t want the show to end but it had run for seven seasons and hundred and seventy-six episodes, it was time to move on.

• A Science Trek – Scientists from Cal Tech spoke three times over the weekend about the search for planets, especially Class M planets like Earth, and the upcoming solar eclipse. They are finding more planets within the “habitable zone” every day, so we are getting closer to being able “to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations.”
• Star Trek: Discovery – Four hours were devoted to introducing the newest Star Trek series, Discovery. Panels included storyline, actors, creatures, and comic/novel tie-ins. This show will be a bit different. First is the time line, Discovery will take place ten years before ST:TOS and shortly after Star Trek: Enterprise. This means we could see a young Sarek (Spock’s father) or Christopher Pike as a new graduate from Star Fleet Academy. The second is the focus of the stories will be below decks, where most of the franchise focused on events on the bridge this one will be following a young woman whose role on the ship wasn’t revealed, only that she is human but raised on Vulcan. The third, and most controversial, is that it will air on CBS All Access subscription service in the United States. Yes, we will have to pay to watch it.
• Various stars gave one-on-one Q & A sessions, including George Takai, Walter Koenig, William Shatner, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Rene Auberjonois. Brent Spiner and LaVar Burton interviewed each other. This gave them also a platform to promote their favorite causes. For example, Mr. Auberjonois and Doctors without Borders; Mr. Shatner and Hollywood Charity Horse Show raising funds to support equine therapy groups; and George Takei and his support of LGBTQ organizations. These sessions whether in the large main hall or one of the smaller venues were full of stories, laughter, and few tears.

The exhibition hall was full of everything Star Trek, from clothing and toys to memorabilia. It was best to visit first thing in the morning as fewer shoppers were filled the aisles. I bought a few things. As I forgot to bring any earrings, I had to buy some Star Trek chevron ones. There were also tables where some actors were doing autographs in addition to the previously mentioned ones. I visited with Nichelle Nichols, James Darren, and Michael Doran.  As this time was less pressed, it was also a time for a short conversation. My favorite vendor was the girls at LLAP (Live Long and Prosper). This small business founded by Leonard Nimoy and his granddaughter Dani, offered some well-made t-shirts, jewelry, and memorabilia. A portion of all proceeds goes to COPD research. Dani, her mom Julie (Leonard’s daughter) and their friend, were warm and friendly. I don’t usually bond quickly with people, but when I said my farewells at the end of the weekend, it felt like saying goodbye to family.

 

Overall, the convention was well organized with a variety of events to keep everyone entertained. Creation Entertainment puts on several conventions for different fandoms throughout the year with ticket prices that vary depending on the perks you are willing to pay for. For example, general admission will get you into the venue space permitting (if all the seats are full you miss that event.) Gold level, on the other hand, gets you reserved seating in the front of the auditorium, autographs and meet & greets. I went with Copper level, so I knew I had a seat halfway back for the panels, like Sir Patrick Stewart, if all the general admission seats were full. But I could help feel like I was “nickeled and dimed” as some events required an additional fee to attend, even for the Gold level (Captain’s Chair Level, they were included). When you spend $400 or more to attend a convention, it’s disappointing when you get there and find you can’t attend all of the activities without additional cost.

The Rio Hotel and Resort was a lovely venue. Situated on the other side of Interstate 15 from The Strip, it was a more relaxed location. During the summer on Thursdays they show a movie by the pool under the stars, this week it was Galaxy Quest, which I enjoyed watching again. The only issue I had was the daily $22.99 “resort fee” added on to my bill that I was never told about until check out. When I made my reservations, the only amounts listed were the room and taxes.

It was a fun but tiring weekend. I’m glad I went, but would I do it again? Probably not. Though not as crowded as San Diego Comic-Con, it was significantly more expensive.  I think I would prefer a smaller fan convention. My hope is next year to visit the San Diego Who Con (a Doctor Who convention) or Gaslight Gathering (a Steampunk and Victorian convention).  Though another smaller Star Trek convention isn’t out of the question.

Until next time . . .

The door is always open, and the kettle is always on.

Crowds, Cosplay & Comics: Comic Con 2017

Last week I attended San Diego Comic Con International at the convention center on the harbor in San Diego. This is a semi-regular event for me, my husband has attended most years since 1972. When we were newlyweds, I went with him every year but when we returned from Japan in 1997, the Con I remembered was no more. It had morphed from a small convention of 18,000 members to a whopping 90,000 people. This year the estimated attendance was a massive 130,000. With numbers like that it causes difficulty moving just from one panel to another.

 

The large crowds do allow for some wonderful people-watching and cosplay gazing. I’ll admit the cosplay was cool – lots of Wonder Woman outfits this year. The cutest was an Elsa (Frozen) / Wonder Woman mash-up – she wore Elsa’s blue gown with Wonder Woman’s chest armor, tiara, and sword in blue (Sorry no pic, her mom declined when I asked if I could take a picture). The oddest one was the bearded Wonder Woman, he told me his wife helped him create the costume.

 

Bearded Wonder Woman

Don’t Blink

I found Waldo

Doctor #4

Big Barda

Despite the large crowds, there were some panels worth facing the crowds and attending. Here are three I went to:

 Star Trek: The Next 50 Years – Authors Mark A. Altman and Edward Gross (The Fifty-Year Mission) along with Scott Mantz from Access Hollywood looked back over the last fifty years of Star Trek and speculated on where the franchise will boldly go during the next fifty years. They looked at how the television program and the movies have inspired generations to explore careers in science and technology – both male and female, and of all ethnic and racial groups due to the strong characters in the series. They cited the importance of Uhura (ST:TOS), Benjamin Sisco (ST:DS9), and Michael Doren (ST:NG) as role-models to name a few. It wasn’t easy to deal with the serious topics of equality and war, but under Gene Rodenberry’s leadership, determination to preserve his vision, and tenacity to stand up to network executives he won most of the time. One example when he backed down was that of Majel Barrett being demoted to Nurse Chapel from Number One in the original pilot because the network said no body would believe a woman as second in command.

Most of the lore they discussed was familiar, but they talked about a new movie in the works as well as a new television series – Star Trek: Discovery. Discovery is reported to take place ten years before ST:TOS, but it’s unclear if that is before or during the same time as ST: Enterprise. It will launch part one of the pilot on Sunday, September 24 following NFL Football and 60 Minutes, then part two will stream on CBS All Access immediately following. All remaining episodes will also be available on CBS All Access. It was discussed if fans would be willing to pay the approximately $4.95 per week to watch the weekly series. I’m sure I will find out more at the Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas next week (more on that to come.)

 

 Comics Arts Conference #5: Lassoing the Truth: Marston Verses Wertham in the Wonder Woman War –  The Comic Arts Conference is an academic conference within Comic Con study the role of comics in society, as well as the history and art. The topic was looking at William Moulton Marston, a psychologist and creator of Wonder Woman, who wanted to empower America’s youth and especially the girls to reach for something higher. He believed that if women were in power, the world would be a better place and free of war and poverty because the female of our species was more nurturing and empathetic than the males. When Fredric Wertham, a psychiatrist, wrote his book the Seduction of the Innocent (1954) he blamed the rise juvenile delinquency on the proliferation of comic books.  Wertham attacked Marston, who passed away in 1947, and his creation. Wertham felt it promoted S&M and lesbianism. He also felt that Wonder Woman gave girls a false sense of their abilities, and encouraged them to be un-feminine.   Time has shown that Wertham’s thoughts couldn’t be further from the truth. Wonder Woman has inspired countless girls to grow up and be soldiers, pilots, and police officers (and much more).

The panel included several notable participants: The first was Trina Robbins (The Legend of Wonder Woman), who I met at my first Comic Con in 1984, a comic book writer and historian. The other was Christi Marston (The Wonder Woman Network and Family Museum) William Moulton Marston’s granddaughter, whom I’ve wanted to meet.   Also leading the panel were Doctors Travis Langley and Mara Wood, whose book Wonder Woman Psychology: Lassoing the Truth was released this month.

 

Christy Marston, Trina Robbins, Me

Trina Robbins

Comics Arts Conference Panel

 Tales from the Comic Book Crackdown – This was more than a panel, it was a performance by the Captured Aural Phantasy Theater, led by Ben Dickow, about EC Comics publisher of titles such as Tales from the Crypt and Weird Science. , Within the pages of their comics, there was clever commentary about the issues of the day including racism and McCarthyism. This “panel” was a presentation about the publisher of EC Comics, William Gaines, being brought before the U.S. Senate to testify in a hearing that would lead to censorship of comic books in 1954. Presented with music, slides, actual testimony from the hearing, and with additional commentary by comic historian Grant Geissman, it entertained the audience as well as informed them. The group, working with the Gaines family, hope to bring a full production to the stage in the fall. I heard about this hearing but listening to the actual testimony and looking at the actual pages of comics in question was enlightening and entertaining.

 

Many fans will wait days in line to get into Hall H, where many big stars appear to promote the latest blockbuster films – Thor Ragnarok, The Kingsmen II, and Justice League just to name a few. I personally won’t go there, for two reasons. First, you can spend the entire day waiting in the heat (the line is outside) to see one panel, and given what the cost of membership is to me it’s not worth it. Second, most of the events will be posted on YouTube so I can see them later.

Confession time – I did stand in one line, but only for ninety minutes, to get an autograph. It was worth this shortish wait for five minutes with John Barrowman. Best known for his roles in Doctor Who and Torchwood (Captain Jack Harkness), and is most currently in Arrow (Malcolm Merlyn). When I asked him, with a new Doctor in the wings wasn’t it time for a Doctor/Jack reunion? His response – “Hell, yes!”

 

John Barrowman and me

Signing

John chatting

Waiting in line

One major attraction of Comic Con is the Exhibition Hall. Here publishers, writers, authors, and Hollywood studios vie for your attention. There are opportunities to see artists at work, get autographs, free swag, and of course for shopping. This year I was in the company of my husband’s eleven-year-old sister.  This being her first Con, she was a bit overwhelmed but reported that it was “freakin’ fun” and that I, her sister-in-law, was “really cool.”

The Exhibition Hall, the size of six football fields or more, could keep anyone busy for the four-day run of the convention. I bought a few books, a Star Trek t-shirt, a Doctor Who t-shirt, and Sarah Jane Pop! Toy. I stayed well within my budget for the weekend.

 

My shopping

Exhibit Hall

My sister-in-law, me, and a Dalek

It was a long, exhausting weekend, but a time to spend with my husband and catch up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while. According to my Fitbit, I walked 52,191 steps (approximately 22 miles) over the four days. Most days we left my parent’s house at 6 AM to get parked and didn’t hit the sack until nearly midnight.

Hubby and me. (photo courtesy of Dave Davis Photography)

I am just now recovering from the long, active weekend I’m off on another adventure. This will be the last of the summer as I return to work on 7 August. This week I’m heading north to Las Vegas, Nevada (not to be confused with Las Vegas, New Mexico) for the 50^th Anniversary Star Trek Convention. To boldly go where I’ve never gone before.

Until next time remember the door is always open and the kettle is always on.