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Charisma +1: The Guide to Convention Etiquette for Gamers, Geeks & the Socially Awkward
In D&D there are certain attributes you start with, just as in life there are certain things you’re born Strength, Will, Charisma, Wisdom, Intelligence and Constitution. Whether you’re a veteran convention attendee, a con-virgin, a volunteer, vendor or a guest, everyone can use a bump in their life stats.Do you know what the 6-2-1 rule is? What do Barbarians and cell phones have to do with hygiene? Do you know when it’s okay to take a photograph? How do you flirt with that cute girl or guy across the room? Who are Booth Babes really? In Charisma +1 you will •Suggestions on how to network, flirt, and interact with attendees•Tips for dealing with crowds, people in costume, and that weirdo that keeps following you around•Rules for keeping yourself sane, happy and safe•Advice on shopping, attending panels, dealing with volunteers, vendors, staff and other attendees
- GenresWritingNonfictionEbooks
96 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 4, 2014
I greatly enjoyed this book. It addresses some very touchy (pun intended) topics very well. I recommend convention staff, volunteers, and attendees read the book.
The book gives advise on how not to be one of the problem people, why the average socially awkward person doesn't need to worry about violating codes of conduct (read them), how to have a good time, how to help when you see a problem, and uses humor when appropriate to get points across. It will help you prepare for the con both in what to bring, how to be physically comfortable while there, as well as how to behave and have a great time.
Big takeaway: Everyone you come into contact with is a person. Treat them with respect be they the janitor, a fan, cosplayer, dealer, famous author, or your best friend. And clean your hands frequently - hand sanitizer is your friend.
I have a few "minor" quibbles. In one or two places I feel it is too optimistic about how well cons handle harassment complaints. Due to that the emphasis it puts on those harassed/assaulted reporting concerns me. I wish we lived in a world where complaints of harassment and/or assault were taken seriously and handled properly by most SF/F conventions. But if anyone has followed SF/F on social media 2012-2014 they know of a number of major conventions that have screwed up as well as SF/F and ComicCons who claim they they don't need codes of conduct while we hear of issues at those same cons. I also would have preferred it not to have a "flirting" chapter as I personally think the attitude that cons are for hookups is a big part of the problem. But other than those "small" quibbles the book is full of great advice and hopefully someday soon most cons (and our country as a whole) will take claims of harassment, stalking, and assault seriously.
The book gives advise on how not to be one of the problem people, why the average socially awkward person doesn't need to worry about violating codes of conduct (read them), how to have a good time, how to help when you see a problem, and uses humor when appropriate to get points across. It will help you prepare for the con both in what to bring, how to be physically comfortable while there, as well as how to behave and have a great time.
Big takeaway: Everyone you come into contact with is a person. Treat them with respect be they the janitor, a fan, cosplayer, dealer, famous author, or your best friend. And clean your hands frequently - hand sanitizer is your friend.
I have a few "minor" quibbles. In one or two places I feel it is too optimistic about how well cons handle harassment complaints. Due to that the emphasis it puts on those harassed/assaulted reporting concerns me. I wish we lived in a world where complaints of harassment and/or assault were taken seriously and handled properly by most SF/F conventions. But if anyone has followed SF/F on social media 2012-2014 they know of a number of major conventions that have screwed up as well as SF/F and ComicCons who claim they they don't need codes of conduct while we hear of issues at those same cons. I also would have preferred it not to have a "flirting" chapter as I personally think the attitude that cons are for hookups is a big part of the problem. But other than those "small" quibbles the book is full of great advice and hopefully someday soon most cons (and our country as a whole) will take claims of harassment, stalking, and assault seriously.
October 27, 2014
This was a really interesting book. It's not something I think I'd have bought if not for being in a bundle, but I'm glad I got to read it.
The tips weren't anything particularly new (shower & be polite), but it was fun to read, and I did learn a few terms for the people I see at conventions. There was a good balance of serious comments with humour, the examples used to illustrate points were clear, and I was glad to see some comments about harassment, as my first convention experience did not have an obvious policy. I'm also going to keep a copy of the list of items to take to conventions, because I love the format: "Cold Medication (Healing Potion +1)."
I consider myself a gamer, and I play RPGs. However, I've not played D&D specifically and found that although most of the book was accessible, their were a few terms that were confusing. One problem with having the kindle copy was that the glossary of terms, which was pretty clear when I did use it, is tricky to find then go back to the original page. Also, the glossary terms were often only a sentence long, and I feel this wouldn't have been difficult to include the definition in the text rather than "Term, go look at another page to find out the meaning."
Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book and for someone fairly new to the convention scene, it's would be a handy checklist and reminder book.
Four stars.
The tips weren't anything particularly new (shower & be polite), but it was fun to read, and I did learn a few terms for the people I see at conventions. There was a good balance of serious comments with humour, the examples used to illustrate points were clear, and I was glad to see some comments about harassment, as my first convention experience did not have an obvious policy. I'm also going to keep a copy of the list of items to take to conventions, because I love the format: "Cold Medication (Healing Potion +1)."
I consider myself a gamer, and I play RPGs. However, I've not played D&D specifically and found that although most of the book was accessible, their were a few terms that were confusing. One problem with having the kindle copy was that the glossary of terms, which was pretty clear when I did use it, is tricky to find then go back to the original page. Also, the glossary terms were often only a sentence long, and I feel this wouldn't have been difficult to include the definition in the text rather than "Term, go look at another page to find out the meaning."
Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book and for someone fairly new to the convention scene, it's would be a handy checklist and reminder book.
Four stars.
August 29, 2014
GOING TO A CONVENTION THIS WEEKEND? READ THIS FIRST!
This is a quick and easy guide on how to (or how not to) act as a participant, guest, or vendor at a convention. It's specifically designed around any of the many science fiction/fantasy/fandom conventions but can apply in almost any social situation.
Not sure if that girl/guy is flirting with you?
Not sure they think you are flirting with them?
Should you talk to that author/actor/guest?
This book helps you to recognize the types of situations where behaviors are and are not appropriate.
Even if you are an old hand at the convention game this is worth reading.
This is a quick and easy guide on how to (or how not to) act as a participant, guest, or vendor at a convention. It's specifically designed around any of the many science fiction/fantasy/fandom conventions but can apply in almost any social situation.
Not sure if that girl/guy is flirting with you?
Not sure they think you are flirting with them?
Should you talk to that author/actor/guest?
This book helps you to recognize the types of situations where behaviors are and are not appropriate.
Even if you are an old hand at the convention game this is worth reading.
June 22, 2015
A nifty book for con newbies. ;)
Especially recommended for its advice on:
-fartingStinking Gas Cloud
(For an object lesson, watch how Taryn hugs the wall in this video.)
- how to recognize a soft no, or when you're pushing your luck without realizing it
(Incidentally, folks who don't recognize my soft no, often get hard kicks. Horsey is as horsey does.)
Especially recommended for its advice on:
-
(For an object lesson, watch how Taryn hugs the wall in this video.)
- how to recognize a soft no, or when you're pushing your luck without realizing it
(Incidentally, folks who don't recognize my soft no, often get hard kicks. Horsey is as horsey does.)
September 15, 2014
Both humorous and helpful, this book contains practical information on social interactions (with real people!).
But seriously, it was very helpful to be able to actually know what the "unwritten rules" are at conventions.
But seriously, it was very helpful to be able to actually know what the "unwritten rules" are at conventions.
March 20, 2016
I have attended quite a few conventions over the last couple of years so when I found Charisma +1: The Guide to Convention Etiquette featured in a StoryBundle collection, I immediately added it to my Amazon Wish List. As a somewhat outgoing Introvert, I am always looking for ways to improve my interactions with strangers. Sometimes I feel like an overeager puppy once I start talking and can’t seem to stop.
Charisma +1: The Guide to Convention Etiquette for Gamers, Geeks & the Socially Awkward (Life Stats) is a lighthearted approach to appropriate social interactions and how to go about meeting people. It also provided a quick break down of some common convention terms like the dreaded Con Crud, cosplay and Dealers Room.
Advice I Plan to Remember
“A fellow writer gave me the formula that he adopted for conventions, to help keep him sane and relatively healthy. Just remember 6-2-1.
6—At least 6 hours of sleep a night
2—A least two meals a day
1—One shower every day”
It’s the 6 hours of sleep I find the hardest do when I am among my own people!
And while I didn’t pick up any personal tips beyond…don’t be shy, it doesn’t hurt to approach people and try and start a conversation (and get plenty of sleep)…I do believe it would be a helpful book for someone who has never attended a fanish convention before. Or perhaps for a convention committee looking for ideas (Hygiene fairies?!).
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
Charisma +1: The Guide to Convention Etiquette for Gamers, Geeks & the Socially Awkward (Life Stats) is a lighthearted approach to appropriate social interactions and how to go about meeting people. It also provided a quick break down of some common convention terms like the dreaded Con Crud, cosplay and Dealers Room.
Advice I Plan to Remember
“A fellow writer gave me the formula that he adopted for conventions, to help keep him sane and relatively healthy. Just remember 6-2-1.
6—At least 6 hours of sleep a night
2—A least two meals a day
1—One shower every day”
It’s the 6 hours of sleep I find the hardest do when I am among my own people!
And while I didn’t pick up any personal tips beyond…don’t be shy, it doesn’t hurt to approach people and try and start a conversation (and get plenty of sleep)…I do believe it would be a helpful book for someone who has never attended a fanish convention before. Or perhaps for a convention committee looking for ideas (Hygiene fairies?!).
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
December 18, 2015
The author at one or two points suggests giving this out to con-goers if you see them acting inappropriately. Oh, how I wish.
There is a rule I'd love to see included for staff/panelists: Don't interrupt someone else's panel! I have been at cons where staff-run panels were loudly interrupted by another panel's hosts barging in...sometimes bringing their panel attendees with them. NO. Just no. It's rude - if I wanted to be at your panel, I'd be at it. Don't come bringing it into the one I am actually trying to enjoy.
For con-goers, I think this book will both make you think of the best people you've seen at conventions...and the worst (see my above remark). It's a wonderful guide to have and I'd recommend it to anyone getting ready for their first con or their fiftieth.
*Edited only to correct wording errors.
There is a rule I'd love to see included for staff/panelists: Don't interrupt someone else's panel! I have been at cons where staff-run panels were loudly interrupted by another panel's hosts barging in...sometimes bringing their panel attendees with them. NO. Just no. It's rude - if I wanted to be at your panel, I'd be at it. Don't come bringing it into the one I am actually trying to enjoy.
For con-goers, I think this book will both make you think of the best people you've seen at conventions...and the worst (see my above remark). It's a wonderful guide to have and I'd recommend it to anyone getting ready for their first con or their fiftieth.
*Edited only to correct wording errors.
January 1, 2015
I picked this up with the NaNoWriMo StoryBundle selection. It's a quick read, and while I was familiar with several of the topics, it does have a nice overview for anyone new to conventions, as well as adding a few tips and such for both the average convention goer and staff. It also has topics that could be useful but not normally covered.
Not a bad read, and the use of role-playing terms was a nice touch.
Not a bad read, and the use of role-playing terms was a nice touch.
December 29, 2014
This book was extremely thorough and we'll-written. I know several dozen people who absolutely need to read it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews