ESCAPADE
--Open to Extreme Possibilities
Here's a confidential communiqué regarding what's in store for you at ESCAPADE 9! February will be here before you know it, so grab yourself some sort of fortification (may we suggest sunflower seeds?) and make use of this handy checklist to confirm that you have:
ESCAPADE
--Your Best Chance for a Girlie
Scream
We're leaking the information that this ESCAPADE, California's Premier Slash Slumber Party, is going to be bigger and better than ever (more fun than chasing a rock? You bet!) Please notice the detailed information on the contacts page (no--it's not encrypted, people really spell their names that way), for the names and addresses of some people who apparently will never be brought to justice. They know no law. But, if you sign up now, you can at least get a chance at throwing them in the pool!
The Hotel
-- You Go Underground, You Gotta
Learn to Live With the Rats.
Just kidding, guys--no rats (Damn!). However, please do make your reservations soon, because our block of rooms will only be held until 2/1/99. Be sure to mention ESCAPADE's code (ESC-2) when you call the Holiday Inn (either the local or national reservations line), or the phone will come alive in your hand and eat you.
Well, okay, maybe it won't, but giving them the code will ensure that you receive the discounted rate of $79 for 1-4 guests, and it will keep the hotel happy about ESCAPADE and completely in the dark about our plan to take over the world. Make your room reservations by calling the hotel directly at (805) 964-6241 (ask for Shannon), or toll-free at (800) HOLIDAY (800-465-4329). Rooms with queen or king beds, or two double beds are available, and rollaways can be provided if requested. Remember to give every roommate's last name when you make your reservation, so that whoever arrives first will be able to check-in for your group and get a key. We've really enjoyed the new function space available, and we're looking forward to seeing you there again this year!
Convention Registration
--Trying to Run this Thing Right,
Not Like some Ridiculous Paranormal Free-For-All
The cost of membership for ESCAPADE 9 is now $45, and dealer's tables are still available at $35 each. We considered offering a 50% discount to those persons who can sing the entire theme song from "Shaft", but in the end we just couldn't do it. We hope you don't let that stop you.
--But I Wrote That Under a Pseudonym
Due to not-quite-overwhelming demand (and some tiny frustration with returned mail), we've decided to now keep track of legal (mailing names) and the names on badges separately. If you haven't received snail-mail from us, this could be why. If you want a name on your badge that is different from the one we're mailing to (or vice versa), please drop us an e-mail with the change to escapade09@hotmail.com.
The Art Show
--Truth is as Subjective as Reality
Once again, the Art Show, Auction and associated conspiracies are operating under the able directorship of Shoshanna Green (a.k.a. Well Manicured Woman). We want everyone who wants to participate to be represented, so if you tape an "X" on your window and write to Shoshanna, she'll send you control and bid sheets to fill out in advance. Also, the Art Show and Auction will require the usual number of warm bodies who are willing and able to cling to the art like a flukeworm until it is torn from their anguished bosoms and sold (don't ask us what happens to the warm bodies after that). If you'd like to volunteer specifically for the Art Auction, send a note to Shoshanna directly. If you plan to assist in the Art Show, you should make every attempt to attend the 1:30 meeting on Friday in Fiesta I. For information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope or E-Mail to Shoshanna. (Shoshanna Green, 215 Beech Street, Belmont, MA 02178 or shoshann@tiac.net)
The Songvid Show
--You Do the Things you Do Because
you're a Homicidal Maniac
In attempt to reduce the recent epidemics of fanny-fatigue, here's how the video shows will break down this year. Saturday night's show will be reserved for vids debuting at ESCAPADE (yes, we recognize it could be very short). On the other hand (since we, unlike some people, have another hand), we have great faith in our members' creative output. On Friday night, we'll be showing vids that are new since last ESCAPADE, but that have been shown at another convention this year.
ESCAPADE's video show will be displayed on a big-screen TV with an external stereo system, providing the best in fan entertainment with great visibility and audio quality. Please let us know how many vids you plan to bring.
Slash Swap Meet
--Pick Out Something Black and
Sexy and Prepare to Do Some Funky Poaching
This will be the fifth year for the Slash Swap Meet. The Swap Meet flies in the face of the ëTrust No One' theory, as it works on the honor system. At a designated table in one of the large meeting rooms, you can deposit your fannish flotsam you no longer want: zines, collectibles, circuit stories, old Assassins' Union badges, pictures, posters and more. Other fans will choose prized treasures from what is there as an exchange for their own contributions, or simply contribute a voluntary amount of money which is then given to ESCAPADE's charity. This has proven to be a great way to fund the charity, clean out fannish closets and collect things you never thought you'd see again, all in one simple package. So start sorting through your old stuff now!
Dealer's Information
--Two Alien Implants--I Made
Them Into Earrings
There are dealer's tables still available for $35 each, and can they be reserved by sending us a request and a check. The list of currently registered dealers includes:
Buffalo Chip Press, IDP Press, Futures Without End, Orphan Zines, Denetia Arellanes, Designs of the Equinoxe
Volunteers and Member Services
--Resist Or Serve
Consortiums...um...that is...Conventions, require staff support; we just couldn't do it without you. Volunteers are needed in the areas of Security, Consuite Support, Registration, and Art Show, so please let us know as soon as possible if you're willing to join in. Volunteers who contribute 5 hours or more of their time will receive $10 off of next year's membership, as well as advance copies of the convention schedule so they can create the perfect plan of when to work, when to play, and when they'll have to bring in a clone (you must bring your own clone). Misti Wright is handling the scheduling of volunteers. Please write her or give her a call to let her know you'll be helping out.
The Local Color
--Here's a Tip: Aluminum Foil
Makes a Lovely Hat, and Keeps the Government's Mind Control Rays
Out
But seriously, one of the reasons that ESCAPADE has been scheduled for later February is because we're hoping that rainy season is over by the time the Convention happens. We hope. In any event, the ESCAPADE hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to a variety of restaurants and shops. There are also two supermarkets within six blocks, and a 24-hour restaurant right across the street. Like the beach? Goleta beach is only 1.5 miles south of the hotel, complete with a great pier for walking or fishing, a good restaurant, and plenty of surfer boys in wetsuits to improve the view. Last year, of course, we had surfers actually cruising down the street the hotel is on, but we won't talk about that any more. In any event, you may want to bring an umbrella.
The Charity
--Things Are Looking Up
ESCAPADE's charity is "Good Hearted People", a local organization that assists women and men in obtaining good jobs by helping them with interview skills and job training. We're happy to have this opportunity to support women in the workplace, and to be part of the fandom community's support. Clothing, cosmetics, nice shopping bags and accessories are also being accepted. Take this opportunity to clean out your closets!
Panel Scheduling
--That's Why We Like You--Your
Ideas Are Weirder Than Ours
ESCAPADE's scheduling is generated entirely from the feedback of convention attendees, ensuring that ESCAPADE is YOUR convention. Interest is determined by ballot system, and you can expect to receive your ballot with Progress Report #2, which will be mailed to you in early December. To generate a comprehensive ballot, however, we need to hear from you about what panels, topics and suggestions you have, and especially which panels you're willing to chair. Please take the time to let us know what you'd like to see at ESCAPADE 9. We are proud of ESCAPADE's reputation for having a wonderful selection of programming, and we want to keep offering you the best in controversial, entertaining and educational panels.
Panels already volunteered for the ballot include:
Themes of atonement in HL
XF appreciation panels: Mulder droolers anon, Why Mulder & Skinner are the perfect couple, or the Beautiful Butchness of the Surly Pectoral god (Skinner)
Male slash fans-welcome voice, or infringement on "our" space?
Slash & Sexuality (the characters, not the writers)
What new shows w/ slash potential?
Does print fandom have a future?
METHOS METHOS METHOS
Why are messed up/psychotic/evil characters so interesting
Popular fantasies in fan writing (are these what fans really want?)
Crossovers in Canon
History of Fandom (again)
Death/dearth of the buddy show (see form)
Buffy's popularity among slashfans
Duncan Haters: what is their problem?
HL: Where is D/M fic headed
When does evil become irredeemable?
Bad stories and the women who love them
Sex scenes 101 (how and why to add spice to your stories)
Walk on the Wild Side, or, Vanilla is for Wussies
Damaged Characters: What's the attraction?
Fannish Pimping (how to successfully hook others on your show)
Fan Hierarchy (what happens when we become fans of fans?)
The Methos Committee (Is it possible to determine the truth of Methos' statements?)
Songvid aesthetics
Reviews vs. LOCs--difference in techniques & goals
Homicide (Frankentim: Too intense for sex?)
Slashiness in movies and professionally published novels
Outdated Stereotypes: what makes so many writers portray one character as "weak"?
The Mechanics: A registered GayBoy(TM) offers to answer all your questions
Objects of Torture: Why do Mulder, Blair and Illya top the Most Abused List?
Prettyboys, love 'em or hate em?
Slash & Feminism
Sleeping with the Enemy: When your couple are on opposite sides
Gay Sex & WW II
What about each pairing is attracts us as fans?
Overview of ESCAPADE
--Sometimes the Need To Mess
With Their Heads Outweighs the Millstone Of Humiliation
ESCAPADE is all about you (well, you and a bunch of horny guys, anyway). Eight years of solid experimentation on an unwitting populace has yielded the conclusion that The Truth Is At The Bottom Of A Margarita. Function space is open from Thursday night on. Programming begins on Friday, and the Dealer's room will be open on Saturday and Sunday. Here's the basic rundown of the ESCAPADE schedule:
Thursday:
Meet your mystery contacts in the Consuite, this year open for both registration and hospitality on Thursday evening at 9:00p.m.
Friday:
The Consuite opens for registration, coffee and light snacks at 9:00. This is a great chance to sign up for open video time, or grab some friends or possible converts and a favorite tape and head for the open video room. At noon the shadow government (a.k.a. the ConCom) will serve a free lunch (by the pool if fair, in the Consuite if not). Bring your appetite, your bathing suit, and your readiness to meet new friends as well as greet old ones. Panel programming will begin at 1:00, and the Art Show will open for viewing at 4:00. On Friday evening the Consuite is the place to be, with the cozy and hilarious Bed-Time Story Reading, followed by the unequaled Friday Night Party. The free appetizers and margaritas are always quite popular, but still can't hold a candle to that all-time-favorite Friday Night activity: watching Jenn get so drunk she embarrasses herself terribly. Bring a camera, and possibly some earmuffs.
Saturday:
Consuite opens at 8:30 (cucumber sandwiches, you say? But of course, we reply.) The feeding frenzy in the Dealer's room begins at 9:00, and the room remains open until 1:00. The Dealer's Room reopens at 3:00 and closes at 6:00. The Art Show will be open for check-in at 9:00, and open to the attendees at 10:00. Videos and Panels begin at 10:00, and run all day. Saturday night starts off with the Song Video show, and quickly degenerates from there into fan-based entertainment. In keeping with a tradition begun last year, we will be selling margaritas during the Saturday night entertainment, with the proceeds going to charity. It was a test run, and honestly--we've never gotten such a great response to our singing!
Sunday
A full complimentary breakfast buffet will be served at 9:00 on the courtyard lawn. The Art Auction follows breakfast, and the Consuite and Dealer's rooms will open at 10:00. The Dealer's room closes at 4, followed immediately by the Dead Dog Party in the Consuite. For those of you who always wanted to be inside Mulder's apartment, this is your big chance--you really can't tell it apart from our Dead Dog. Bring your left-over food, and your great ESCAPADE memories, and hang out with your fellow attendees. Over the years the Dead Dog Party has proven to be one of the highest points of the weekend, where you can bask in the mellow glow of camaraderie and the love of your friends while you listen to those who still have use of their vocal cords. A light supper will be served.
Escapade Registered Members (as of 11/9/98)
We have almost 90 of 150 places filled (see your e-mail for a list of currently registered members). Be sure to have your friends contact us as soon as possible if they want to attend!