Panels

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Commander Charles S. Tritt on April 22, 2010 at 11:35am

Great suggestion.

Phylis, did you intend this discussion to cover just the etiquette suggestion or possible TC panels in general?

Permalink Reply by Countess Bathory on April 22, 2010 at 11:39am

I think a list of possible TC panels defiantly needs to be made asap so those leading the panels may start preparing.

Permalink Reply by Countess Bathory on April 22, 2010 at 11:38am

I think we now have a new summer project my lady! As if we are not going to be busy enough!!!

Permalink Reply by Captain Brennan on April 22, 2010 at 1:26pm

The staff from Midway Village in Rockford, IL might be able to come up and give a couple of talks, they do outreach programs pretty regularly. They are still new to the whole "steampunk" idea, but they know their Victorian history and they like the idea of steampunk.

http://www.midwayvillage.com/

Permalink Reply by Captain Brennan on April 22, 2010 at 1:31pm

Speaking of more general panels: what do people like in convention panels? My experience with these things is limited to academic conference panels and trust me, you don't want to recreate those unless you want to have a panel to cure convention insomnia (and I say this having been a panelist!)

I think a lot of that can be handled by focusing on public speaking skills (something you would think academics have, I know, it baffles me too), hands on examples, demonstrations, and humor. But I've never been to a convention panel I would think is "great." What do successful convention panels have? What should they always avoid?

Permalink Reply by Commander Charles S. Tritt on April 22, 2010 at 4:54pm

I have 3 panel suggestions. These are more food for thought than finished ideas. They run some risk of being overly academic (see Capt. Brennan's comment), but done correctly I would hope they could made interesting.

1) Build your own crystal wireless (radio) receiver. An aside - it just struck me how the old term "wireless" has gained renewed usage in the past few years.

2) Demo and discussion of a Telsa style spark gap transmitter. A variation on this would be for someone to give a presentation as Telsa himself, based on his actual writings.

3) How to design a Zeppelin. This would be review of the basic design equations involved and their application. It would address issues such as: How big does the gas bag need to be to lift a particular mass? What is the typical ratio of the mass of the ship to its payload? What are the propulsion requirements as a function of payload?

I am not an expert in any of these areas but would be willing to attempt any one of them. I'd be equally happy to defer to anyone better qualified on any of them.

Permalink Reply by Phyllis Rogers on April 25, 2010 at 8:43am

Mr. Bobbins has some great panels planned for the 'adult' attendees. These will be fun and informative. I can't say too much about them yet, but will hopefully be able to spill the beans soon.

Permalink Reply by Lady Paullé Jung Alexander on April 25, 2010 at 9:10am

I would certainly love to see panels on etiquette or a formal tea. Miss Phyllis, I would love a copy of your pamphlet. I believe as people come to this cultyre and are totally new and seeking advice, such a pamphlet would a very valuable aid.

Permalink Reply by Countess Bathory on April 26, 2010 at 6:05am

Lady Alexander, Miss Phyllis and I are still in the research phase of her pamphlet. We will post when it is completed. Thank you for your inquiry!

Permalink Reply by Countess Bathory on April 26, 2010 at 1:16pm

Phyllis, several people have asked me about the pamphlet. I think we need to get working on it ASAP. There is a lady who is interested in drawing cartoons for it as well. I am excited!