Connotations is a multimedia, multi-fandom slash convention. Back in 2003, Claire and Temaris decided to run a small friendly slashy get together that rapidly turned into a con -- thirty people came along to the first one in October 2003, and every year we've grown a little bit more. Over sixty people came along to the our fifth event in 2007, and we're looking forward to 2008. We want to stay as a small, friendly event -- we don't ever expect to go over a hundred people, and we like the freedom the smaller group offers.
We like having panels where everyone can see everyone else's face, and feels free to speak up; we like having the freedom to steal the tv and force new found friends to watch new shows -- or old shows that they just haven't seen yet! We like arguments and agreement; controversial subjects and well worn retreads of perennial topics (because they're endlessly fascinating -- why slash? why beta? WTF feedback? -- Never old!) We like meeting people, hanging out, having raucous conversations at breakfast, and quiet thoughtful ones in the middle of corridors. We like playing games, and watching the picture collecting feeding frenzy as each attendee opens their con pack, the quiet concentration as they fold their origami penii, and the horror on their faces when they pick up their 'subject' from the slash pictionary collection! We figure that most of the people who come along like it too, because a lot of them come back ;-)
Connotations 2008 will run 3-5 October 2008 in Tynemouth, England (near Newcastle), and yes, you can book! If you are interested please check the Registrations page.
And in case you were wondering, 'We' are the Connotations Convention Committee, Temaris and Claire. We're still talking to each other after five events and a sixth one in the planning stages, and we're still alive, which is about the best recommendation you're going to get! We've been slashing for a while now, and writing fanfic since before we knew what it was! Claire started out in the Marvel universe, and Tem in the wonderful world of Trek. Since then we've drifted through dozens of fandoms until we finally met at Homeland '98, a Highlander con. We've moved on since then, I think the kind word for it is eclectic. (The unkind one is fickle ::g::). At the moment, we're both hanging out in Stargate: Atlantis, though primeval and Torchwood are creeping in there :-)
Information always goes first to the Yahoogroups mailing list, and our LiveJournal community Connotations, so do check there before sending emails!. Please join, and feel free to chat, ask questions or lurk!