X-Message-Number: 1841
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 93 01:04:37 PST
From: Lola McCrary <>
Subject: CRYONICS: Science Fiction

As a long time reader of sf/fantasy who has been going to Science Fiction
conventions for the last five years, I found this posting to be insulting and
full of stereotypes.

Many of members of Alcor North who are organizing a party at Worldcon often
attend science fictions conventions.  Therefore we become some of the people
who Charles defines in his post.

Example:  75-80% of what I read is usually defined as fantasy.  I am a signed
up member of Alcor.  Charles defines the possiblilty of this as "nil".  This is
especially ironic in that one of the things that most influenced me was "The
Gentle Seduction", which I would define as fantasy, not science fiction.

I read some science fiction, much fantasy, comics, and am a Star Trek and
British sf media fan.  Therefore I cross most of Charles' categories, although
he states that most of them have nothing to do with each other.

*MY* experience is that many people who attend conventions have more than one
interest. 

This is somewhat beyond the point of the Cryonet medium.  However I have
several things to say that are to the point.

1.  If we want to have a positive response from Worldcon about panals in our
area of interest, a posting such as this from a potential member of those
panals trashing fandom is *NOT* helpful.  It could easily get back to con
organizers, including Howard Davidson who has net access.  People who have
spent their free time for much of the last three years organizing a con are not
likely to think kindly of someone who does not like fans.

2.  Since most of us planning this party are long time fans, we are very aware
of the limitations of fandom regarding cryonics.  The purpose of the party is
to give the out of town cryonicists attending a place to meet up, and to
provide good PR for cryonics in this community ("Well, those Alcor people may
believe in a pipe dream, but they are nice, and they throw a good party.")  In
the future these may be people who don't oppress us even if they don't sign up.

3.  Charles, there are a lot of us in Alcor who are fans.  Are you looking down
your nose at us too?  Or just the rest of fandom?

For those of you unfamiliar with fandom who come to this party, what do *I*
think you will find?

Some people come in just to check out the food.  Some latch on to one topic of
conversation, or one attitude, and obsess about it all night.  Some are
intelligent people who may have a new thought or feeling to contribute.  Some
are social misfits who feel accepted only in fandom.  Some are scientists,
writers or musicans.  Some may find the idea of cryonics interesting.  Many fit
more than one of the above categories.

Worldcon is the event of the year for fans.  Those who attend get to nominate
and vote for the Hugo Awards for the best books, magazines, media and art
published the previous year.  Many people there will have saved up all year to
be able to attend.  ConFrancisco is trying very hard to attract and cater to
people from all over the world.  It is also catering to people with various
disabilities and to members of the gay community.

I think we will have fun.

Lola McCrary

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