FreeCon 2008: 8-9 November 2008

FREECON 2008 is for those who enjoy Reading, Watching, Writing and even drawing all things Science Fiction. Freecon is proudly presented by Sydney Futurians. Featured are: SF&F writers; Science Fictional Science; Panels; Presentations; Discussions; Reverse Auction; Short-Story Competition.

LOCATION: The Norman Selfe Room of the Sydney Mechanics School of the Arts (SMSA) building at 280 Pitt Street Sydney - about a block from Town Hall Station.

WHEN: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2008

COST: Free....pardon....Free....YES that's right it's FREE

Would you like to suggest a topic for discussion or an activity for FreeCon 2008?  Email us as we are looking for suggestions:       
EMAIL FREECON2008 Convenor

Activities and Information

Activities

Within the Kevin Dillion Symposium this year's Ghosts of Honour are: Robert Asperin, Arthur C. Clarke, George McDonald Fraser and Thomas M. Disch.  The Symposium honours the life and works of writers who have passed on since the last Freecon.

Discussions/Panels/Talks: There will be a variety of guest speakers, discussion panels, group discussions on a variety of Sci-Fi related topics.  This usually includes and discussion of this year's "ghosts of honour" - SF community legends who have promoted thorugh writing, directing or creating within the Sci/Sci-Fi sphere.              More Information coming soon ...

Paradox Auction : This Front Table Reverse Auction comprises of books, magazines, videos, dvds and other interesting sci-fi related items.  Attendees are invited to donate items they no longer want or need.  Prices start at $10 at the beginning of day one and decrease steadily until the end of day two (but never make it to zero dollars).  Proceeds subsidise Freecon and Short Story prizes.                    More Information  ...

Short Story Competition: The Short Story competition is a one-two page entry which is meant to encourage people to write in the Science Fiction genre.   The entries must comply the entry criteria which will be available on-site on 1 April 2008.  Submissions must be written after November 2007 and not published before 21 October 2008.  More information ...

 
Information

  I am very pleased to be able to announce that the 'Magnificent Seven' * of SF&F Writers will be featured at this year's Sydney Freecon.    They are (Author, Featured book for Freecon2008, Website);

and with a lesser degree of certainty we have, Karen Miller, 'Godspeaker' series books 01, 02 and 03, http://www.karenmiller.net other Commitments pending.

Freecon 2008 is  very pleased with this 'Anthology' of Writers as it seems to be fairly well balanced mix of SF and Fantasy, Multi-book Fantasy Vs single book story telling, Adult Vs Young Adult / Children's books and Mainstream Publishing Vs Smaller Press publishing.         
                   * NB this statement holds true for all Large or Small values of Seven!

** The two Charities of this year's Sydney Freecon will be; Meteor inc - www.meteor.org.au and Sierra Unite - www.sierraunite.org who will each receive 10% of the proceeds of the Freecon (after expenses).

** The 2008 Sydney Freecon is sponsored by the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts (SMSA) and will be taking place at their building, 280 Pitt Street Sydney. 
The Freecon could not take place in its current form and location without this support.  

Convenor's Appreciation
During this year's Freecon the participation and contribution of many people will be clearly visible.    I would like to take this opportunity to thank our webmistress for the Freecon and Futurian websites; Colleen Wood (SMSA Outreach) and Gillian Polack for their behind the scenes help, enthusiasm and support in the lead up to this year's Freecon.

Freecon2008 Program of Events

Program of events available here.