Now that was really fun.
Penguicon 2003 (a k a Penguicon 1.0) was one of the most interesting cons I had been to in a while: a hybrid SF and Open Source convention. There's definitely some overlap in the crowds, but seeing both demographics with their extremes lumped together in one con was fascinating. It also felt like home, which probably makes me a freak.
I also got to meet Terry Pratchett! And have dinner with him, and stuff! Pete Abrams (of Sluggy fame) and I took him and Rob Malda (of Slashdot) on in a game of Unreal Tournament Capture the Flag (with five captures to win). I had never ever played UT before, and Terry's reputation as a great FPS player made the whole thing daunting. However, Lady Luck smiled on Team 'Toonist and Pete and I racked up 3 captures before their first capture...then we fell into a terrible lull and got pasted by Terry (and Rob got me and Pete a few times) and the score went to 4 all. We bounced around a bit and there was much screaming and oooing and aaahing from the spectators, but we finally, luckily, managed to peg the inimitable Mr. Pratchett, returned our flag and completed the winning capture. My god did I ever need that beer after the match.
A few other fun moments -- a bunch of us had gone off to the Geeks with Guns event, and while we were sitting in the ready room Terry asked, "Do you live around here then?" and I replied, "No, sorry, I'm Canadian," to which he replied, "Ah, I knew I liked you for a reason." Had me laughing my arse off and the several American friends there giving Terry the Friendly Evil Eye.
Sitting at the signing table with Eric Flynt, Marcel Gagneau, Eric S Raymond, Pete Abrams and Terry Pratchett: Pete and I were reasonably busy, but Terry (as a true worldwide heavyweight author) had a lineup out the door. And it kept going, and going, and going...
The morning Krispy Kreme run and the late-night Astoria Pastry Shop run were very satisfying. I swear I've never held cheesecake that felt like it was denser than uranium. Oh and the beer in the con suite!
The seminars were fun, the people were a gas, the con atmosphere was all about partying, and for a first-time con, Penguicon pulled off quality that was the equal to many great cons that had been around for years. The Con committee and the volunteers deserve a hearty round of applause for a job well done. It was a real honour to be invited, and great to meet so many UFies. Next year you guys have to go!
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