Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 2

MEETING NOTES - 17 JUNE 2001

Guest relations received no complaints from Marcon or LFS guests. All had a good time and all would like to return.

Programming expressed the need for better communications with panelists and track managers regarding the seventy-five minute panel time, and filk has requested to stay on the one hour time.

Green room experienced no problems save one: the "Sanctuary" sign is missing. If you have it, please return it.

Two thousand two hundred and eighty bodies attended Marcon 36. To complete the database, updated addresses for staff and panelists have been requested. Lists of past chairs are also needed. From now until 6 May 2002, the price for Marcon 37 is $35. The at the door cost is $50.

Prices for the hotel rooms are $98 dollars a night for 2002. For 2003 until 2007, the rooms are $99 dollars per night.

The Art Show needs more hooks, and many new artists submitted pieces, several of whom were new to cons in general.

Logistics would like to have their truck next year, while they announced the storage shed needs cleaned of all unused stuff.

The deadline for submitting receipts for reimbursement for Marcon 36 is 31 August 2001. After that, ConCom approval is necessary for you to get your money back. Please turn in receipts as soon as possible to our Treasurer.

John Callicotte has been elected the Chairvictim for Marcon 37.

In light of John's new responsibilities, Kim Williams has accepted the position of Treasurer.

Many of you may not know that Kim Williams suffered a serious accident in recent weeks, breaking both of her ankles bad enough for one to require surgery. She is at home convalescing now and living vicariously through other, being confined pretty much to her loveseat. Please send her all your well-wishes, and maybe an entertaining story or two.

First off, I'd like to thank everyone for the hard work you all put into making Marcon 36 a rousing success. It was definitely one for the record books.

In case you weren't at the meeting (which wasn't many of you, seemed everyone was there), I have named Judson Lohr as my vice-chair. As for the treasurer's spot, I have asked Kim Williams to take over that post. Due to Kim's accident, we are just a little behind on transferring the books over to her but we should have it done by the end of this week (June 30^th). As the job of treasurer has gotten more involved, there will also be an assistant treasurer who will be announced at a later date.

In regards to department heads, several people have given me your preferences for where they'd like to work for Marcon 37, Unfortunately, there is a large number of you that haven't given me any input yet. Please try to get your preferences to me in writing soon. I will be sitting down with Judson this August to decide who will be heading up what departments for Marcon 37. Please do not assume I know what you want to do next year. You are liable to be disappointed if you do.

Contact Info:

E-mail - jcallico@columbus.rr.com(the highlander@marcon.org, still works, but I am trying not to use it any more)

Phone - (614) 921-0117

I look forward to hearing from you!

Well folks, it's that time of year again. Time for us to kick back and relax for a change at our annual picnic! The meat, pop and chips will be taken care of so all you have to worry about is bringing....

Last name beginning with

A through K -- Side Dishes

L through R -- Dessert Type Stuffs

S though Z -- Salad Stuffs

Don't forget those squirt guns, super soakers and bubble blowers folks!

As in the past, the picnic is at The Hoover-Y Park on Saturday, July 14^th. Getting there is as easy as...

23 South to Rathmell Road, the first light south of 270. Turn left. At the second light (Lockbourne Road), turn right. Go 1 mile; turn left onto Rohr Road. Go approximately 1.2 miles; turn left into the Hoover Y Park.

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 2

A WORD FROM THE CHAIR - JOHN CALLICOTTE
Greetings Folks!

I hope your summer has been as relaxing and pleasant as mine has been. With the end of summer comes the time to start bearing down on Marcon matters. Several key things at this point.

I have several departments that no has currently volunteered for at this point. They are...
Art Show
Autographs
Dance (a new department)
Gophers
Teen Programming
Party Liaison
If you would like to do one of these departments or know someone who would like to do one of these departments please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

Kim is currently working out the next year's budget. She has scheduled a budget meeting for October 14th from 2 to 3 pm in Meeting Room A at the Upper Arlington Library. This meeting is for department heads only and it is HIGHLY recommended that all department heads attend. And since it is just before our regular October meeting there is no reason not to be there.

Speaking of department heads. I am currently contacting those that volunteered to be department heads as to whether or not they have gotten a nod. If you haven't heard from me yet don't panic. I will be in touch with you in some form soon.

The meeting schedule is as follows.
09/16/01 - 2:00 pm to 4:45 pm in the Little Theatre
10/14/01 - 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Meeting Room A (department heads only)
10/14/01 - 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm in the Little Theatre

See you at the Meeting!

E-mail - jcallico@columbus.rr.com
Phone - (614) 921-0117

THE MARCON SERVER
For those of you who don't know, the Marcon server has been unplugged. Infinet, in its CoreComm incarnation closed the doors to its Columbus office, effectively leaving the server homeless. As Marcon searches for a new home for the computer, it will be undergoing diagnostics to correct the problems experienced over the past few months. Please have patience. We will update you as soon as the situation changes.

THE MARCON CHRONICLE
If you have information for the Marcon Chronicle, please send it to the Carrie Franklin at marconchr@insight.rr.com.

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 3

MEETING NOTES - 16 SEPTEMBER 2001

Marcon voted to donate $300 to the Red Cross Relief Fund for the WTC disaster.

The checks have been sent to the artists with the control sheets soon to follow.

The final hotel figures should be in for the October meeting.

Art Show Orphans will be auctioned off at the October meeting.

PUBLICITY: Fliers are ready to go. Contact Lisa Garrison Ragsdale at 421-2066, or lragsdale67@yahoo.com for copies. Bookmarks are being worked on. PR1 is slated for a January mailing with postcard reminders to go out in March. Also, publicity wants to have a Marcon presence for the release of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" November 16. If anyone has information pertaining to any upcoming Drexel SF marathons, please get in touch with Lisa.

WEB INFO: Currently, the Marcon web site can be found at 209.235.59.71/marcon1. Research is being conducted for alternate remote web housing.

GUEST RELATIONS: A deadline has been set for the response of potential media guests from the television series "Andromeda." If there is no response by the deadline, Guest Relations will be contacting Dee Wallace-Stone, a veteran actress of several genre movies including "E.T.," "Critters," and "Invisible Mom."

Several suggestions were made for potential Children's GoHs. They were:
Amy Sefton-Killus Daniel Pinkwater R.L. Stein Bruce Colville

OCTOBER MEETINGS:
Sunday, October 14, 2001
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
DEPT. HEAD MEETING
Meeting Room a
Upper Arlington Library

Sunday, October 14, 2001
3:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
GENERAL MEETING
Upper Arlington Library
Little Theatre

FROM THE CHAIR - JOHN CALLICOTTE
Howdy All!

Just a couple of reminders for the next meeting.

1. Kim has scheduled a budget meeting for all department heads at 2 pm in Meeting Room A. If you have been contacted by me to be a department head, I expect you to try to make it.

2. We will be auctioning of the Art Show Orphans at the upcoming meeting. There are some good pieces left behind this year unfortunately. Don't forget you check book.

I still have several departments open. Please, if you know of ANYONE who might be interested in one of these positions please have them contact me soon. The positions are...

· Art Show
· Autographs
· Gophers
· Kid/Teen Programming
· Party Liaison

See you at the meeting on the 14th!

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 4

MEETING NOTES - 14 OCTOBER 2001

The Budget for Marcon 37 is available. Contact Kim Williams if you haven't picked yours up yet.

Marcon 36 grand total of bodies: 3636.

The Hotel has been paid and to date, Marcon 36 has made a profit.

Due to a misprint in the Marcon 36 Program Book, the money raised for our charities must be divided four ways instead of two.

Hotel Notes: If you are in a department that needs deliveries from the hotel, a department head MUST sign for the deliveries if said delivery isn't something that is free. In a pinch, the assistant may sign, but Marcon prefers for the department head to sign for deliveries.

Your staff lists need to be sent to Kim Williams. They MUST include real name, address, and the badge name.

From Publicity: Fliers are ready for distribution at other conventions. If you plan to attend any cons, please get in touch with Lisa so she can give you some fliers to take with you and spread the name Marcon.

Also, having a Marcon presence at local theaters for the premieres of many upcoming films has been discussed. If you are interested in helping out, contact Lisa Garrison Ragsdale for more information.

Marcon 37 charities are the Children's Hospital Lending Library and Cat Welfare. Monies will be split 70/30 in favor of the library. Thanks to everyone who turned out with suggestions.

Art orphans were auctioned off with all but one pieces finding new homes. Yea team!

FROM THE CHAIR - NOVEMBER, 2001

Well folks, we are getting into the rush of the holiday season now. That time when our thoughts are more of turkey, holiday decorations and really cool movie releases. However, there are some things we do need to try and get done here soon.

Department heads need to get your updates for the web pages in as soon as possible. Shell may maintain the web pages but it is your responsibility for web content.

At the upcoming meeting we will be going over the new alcohol policy. Btw, many thanks to Carrie for the work she put into revising it. I would also like to get the ball rolling on guest we would like to try to line up for Marcon 38. Bring your wish lists (and any contact info you may have).

Here's hoping the holiday season treats us all well and see you at the meeting!

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 5

MEETING NOTES FROM 11-17-01

The new web page is up and running. Within a few days, you should be able to reach it again my simply typing www.macron.org. It is taking a little time for the DNS servers to spawn through.

Kim Williams needs staff lists by May 15. Any staff received after that will be treated as a gopher. The pre-reg cut off is May 6. Please note that in order to receive your staff badge, you will need to submit your real name, a badge name (if desired), and your address! You can e-mail that information to Kim Williams at marcon37@yahoo.com.

For staff rooms to receive the lower staff rate, send Kim the last name the reservation is under and the confirmation number by April 29.

David Winning has agreed to come to Marcon. He is a director of numerous SF television shows. Suggestions and contact information can be mailed to Dale Mazzola at gilrand@yahoo.com.

In the publicity corner, 4,000 bookmarks are to be printed. Thanks to Wendy Carlson for designing them!

ALL DEPARTMENTS need to submit articles for PR 1. Guests, Registration, and Hotel are the most crucial information needed. If no information is received, Lisa will be printing your name and home phone number as contact information for your department (Folks, she's a redhead, and I don't think she's bluffing). Articles can be e-mailed to Lisa at lragsdale67@yahoo.com.

MEETING DATES

From The Chair - December, 2001

Hope this issue of the Chronicles finds you full of holiday cheer! Even if the stores have been hyping Christmas since before Thanksgiving (one store near me had artificial x-mas trees for sale the week before Halloween).

We got a lot of good ideas for possible guests for Marcon 38 at the last meeting. However, we are always open to other ideas. If you have one, just drop me a line by the end of December.

We will be having a department head meeting before the regular December meeting. This will start at 2pm. This will be more an informal "touch bases" meeting so we are all up to speed on what people are planning. It will be held in the little theater (same place as our regular meetings). I would like a rough timeline from the department heads as to what they expect to do and when up to convention time. Also, if you haven't updated your e-mail address with Nick lately, please get me your current e-mail addy. Looking through the current list I see a lot of people still listing their old marcon.org address.

The regular meeting will be at 3pm. As we didn't have a chance to go over it the last time, we will be reviewing and tweaking the alcohol policy for Marcon 37. As recommended by a number of people, here is what I have to date.

Tentative M-37 Alcohol Policy

For years, Marcon has had a no-alcohol policy. This means that if you are in a room that is designated function space, i.e. the movie rooms, the Con-Suite, or any of the other rooms where Marcon has talks or operation space, absolutely no alcohol is permitted in the room!

Folks, It is illegal to bring private alcohol into the function space. This is per state and county laws!

It has also been made clear that further violation of these laws in Marcon function space will result in the convention will be closed down immediately!

(insert stuff about what can happen to violators here)

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 6

Over five hundred programming invitations went out by e-mail and snail mail, and a number of people have already responded.

Bruce Coleville has been confirmed as Marcon 37's Children's GoH. Peter Woodward is returning to Marcon.

If you need a blurb in the program book, please let Mark McKean know by the February meeting so that he can plan for the space. The initial deadline is April 1 to get articles in to him. After April 1, he will be bugging the living daylights out of you for information.

Staff lists need to go to Kim Williams and Mark McKean.

On the Hotel front - if you want/need to talk with Marcon's Hyatt representative, please contact Kim Williams to set up an appointment for you! The hotel likes the fact that we have a chain of command, and if we violate it, they will stop giving us free stuff.

Programming is researching the possibility of having some panels attached to continuing education credit programs for students making presentations. Hopefully more information will be forthcoming shortly, as the science panels are the most heavily attended. Also, two couples have approached Marcon about the possibility of having a wedding at Marcon 37. They have been invited to the Jan. 20 meeting to present their requests.

The first item on the agenda for this meeting is the Alcohol policy. Please bring your thoughts, concerns, and questions, and be prepared to share them.

Some concerns have been raised about outdated information on the web page. If your department has information for the web page, send it to Shell Franklin. He can't get it out there if you don't get it to him. The e-mail address is cshell8@yahoo.com. Also on the web page front, check out the new message board.

The deadline for gamemaster registration is May 1!

From The Chair - January 2002
A happy new year to all! May this year be a good one for all and free from the pain that many felt.

Got quite a bit going on this month folks. First up is our Publicity Mailing Party on Saturday, January 19th. It will be at the Hyatt, starting at 5pm. As soon as we find out what room number it will be in I'll get an e-mail out to you all. Remember, the more the merrier and the sooner we finish the PR mailing the sooner we can kick back and relax!

We also have a number of things to deal with at the meeting on January 20th. Foremost is the election of a S.O.L.A.E. trustee. Shell's term is coming to a close. Whoever is elected will be serving a three year sentence, er, term. Be thinking about who you would like to see doing this folks.

Attention all department heads. The web site is back up and totally revamped. However, the information for many departments is a little stale. If your department needs to update its info, you need to get in to Shell ASAP! With PR1 going out soon web hits are going to increase.

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 7

Lisa reported that Jack Needles is in charge of making arrangements with theaters to allow Marcon to offer pre-registration; such as at the Drexel and ? (missed the name due to spontaneous multiple conversations occurring - i.e. argument)

PROGRAMMING
Want permission from the Hyatt for Friday & Saturday evening for the furries to have access to a restricted (?) elevator. Some costumes were not designed for staircases.

Need permission for the Furries to use their sound system (fee may be involved)

Forward a list of panels to Shell for the website

Movie & Children rooms have schedules that they have turned in

Filk schedule - not a problem/problems resolved. Doing a parade again for opening ceremony - ask for other fan groups for involvement (they will be acknowledged/listed alphabetically in the program book)

Movie room - Request for Doug - do an adults only Rocky Horror Picture Show with costumes & props as well as the top 10 movies of last year (From the Marcon 36 panel that named their top 10 favorites).

Computer display & presentation - Nick would appreciate any donations/loaning of personal and/or hardware for history of computers presentation.

Equipment lists need to be e-mailed to Dennis & cc the Chair & department heads need to get this in if they expect to have their needs met

SECURITY
Concerns mentioned about the military costumers with realistic weaponry, public still nervous about terrorist attacks. Suggestion made to put a red cap on the end (required in some states on toy guns - not Ohio, though). Peace bond hand guns into holsters. If it has a trigger, Security is to wrap it with red duct tape to designate it as "not a real gun". Need to find a red tape that's highly visible yet not easily purchased by any yahoo who wants to sneak something in.

**Security and/or ConChair will write up a notification about realistic projectile/explosive weaponry (edged/medieval weaponry isn't as much of a concern) and it will be posted prominently on the website as a special announcement. Some discussion about the interpretation of the General Rules but no one wanted to change our current policy (my understanding was that they didn't want to make it sound like the tax code in defining specific weapons, etc.)

OTHER ITEMS
Mark repeated that he wants stuff that is to be put in the Program Book.
Deadline is Monday April 1, 2002

Ed has requested people to volunteer as science fair judges at Columbus State Community College on March 23. He stated that the volunteers would be Marcon Representatives as well. The fair starts at approximately 8am and the awards are given out at 3pm.

Ed has also requested that the widow of Steve Schwartz be allowed to have his Con membership. He also wants to get Steve's sons involved and encouraged us to think about contacting them as they grow older and could really gopher, etc. - Get them involved!

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 8

17 March 2002

Guest Relations: Artist GoH for Marcon 38 is Ruth Thompson.

Publicity: Updated fliers are available from Lisa Ragsdale. Ann Cramer is arranging ads in the Columbus Dispatch, and Lisa is trying to get Marcon listed on the Events Calendar for the Columbus Visitors' Bureau. Also, Walter Hunt will be at Barnes & Noble at Easton on April 17 for a signing. The possibility of having flags made and hung outside the Convention Center is also being looked into.

Hotel: For the special rate, please give Kim Williams your confirmation number and the last name of the person under whom the room is reserved.

Con Suite: There is NO SMOKING in the Con Suite this year.

BAG STUFFING: The bag stuffing will be held in Harrison this year. People are encouraged to show up around 6pm so the bagging can begin around 7.

Next Meetings:

April 21, 2002
Upper Arlington Library
Conference room across from the theatre
Department Head Meeting 1:30
General Meeting 3:30

May 5, 2002
Upper Arlington Library
3:00 pm

From the Chair

Well, less than 40 days till convention time folks! And things seem to be going together pretty darn good. My thanks to all of you for the hard work you put in so far.

We have a department head meeting scheduled for 1:30 at the UA Library. The focus will be budgets and expenditures. Bring your plans with you so we can review what's up as far as spending.

Department heads. My list of second in commands is incomplete. Please drop me a line as to who your backup is soon.

By the time you all read this, the deadline will have passed for getting your staff list into the program book. That doesn't mean it's too late to get them in at all though. Please get your staff lists in ASAP to Kim (with a copy to me). Don't forget to include staff address' with that. Also, do not expect to be able to "add" staff to your list at the door. Unless you have a good reason for it, it will not happen. Any last-minute additions will have to have either Judson's or me okay it to be processed.

Take care and keep up the good work, folks!

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 9

MEETING NOTES - 21 APRIL 2002

PROGRAMMING - The Slave Auction will be held in Fairfield. There is a proposed chain mail workshop to have an extra fee of $10 - $15 for materials. At 5:30 pm on Saturday in Morrow, there will be a Java Workshop (not the caffeinated variety). Participants will be required to bring their own computer AND sign a waiver. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops.

ACCESSIBILITY - Cory Gray and her second in command, Nicole Nicholson, will be making rounds to ensure that Marcon function space is wheelchair friendly. Please make sure it is.

OPS - Department Heads and Seconds need to call Ops when going on and off duty. You must call AT THAT TIME. If you leave the building, please notify Ops that you are going off-premises. Also, Department Heads and Seconds staying in the hotel must provide Ops with your room number so that they can reach you in an emergency. Ops also requires that Department Heads and Seconds submit a list of responsibilities and duties. These can be sent to the following address: phread@iquest.net.

Lost and found will be located in Ops.

You must have a photo ID to pick up your name badge. NO EXCEPTIONS!

TREASURY - So far, everything is down by about 20% this year. This means we are projecting a similar drop in attendance. Therefore, Department Heads are strongly encouraged to reduce expenditures by 20%. Kim Williams will be in Ops. If you need her, call her there. Due to her broken ankles, Kim cannot get there fast, and she has a designated runner named Janet.

DEADLINE FOR STAFF LISTS IS MAY 15. There will be NO ADD-ONS for staff this year. If you fail to submit your staff list to Kim by the deadline, that person will be required to register and become a gopher.

GOPHERS: If you need gophers, please inform Ken Baughman as soon as possible and keep in mind that written requests take priority.

People must have their badges to enter Marcon function space.

PUBLICITY - Lisa has submitted the following Press Release to a number of local papers:

"COLUMBUS - MARCON, Central Ohio's premiere science fiction and fantasy convention will be held Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Greater Columbus Convention Center. Guests for MARCON 37 include: author, David Weber; artist, James Wappel; children's author, Bruce Coville; author and physicist, Catherine Asaro; editor Stephen Pagel of Meisha Merlin Publishing; international musicians, Zander and Countess Nyrond all the way from England; media consultant, Eugene Roddenberry Jr. and Dr. Demento, DJ extrordinaire, returns as this year's Toastmaster.

"MARCON offers a wide variety of programming including writing workshops, Masquerade, Art Show, concerts, children's activities, and seminars on literature, science, art, film and TV, plus costuming, makeup and special effects. Each year MARCON holds a charity auction; last year more than $1600 was raised for our charities. This year's designated charities are Columbus Cat Welfare League and Columbus Children's Hospital's Lending Library. MARCON 36 had over 3600 attendees. Similar attendance is expected this year. MARCON 37's themes are Women in Space, Diversity, Equality, and Parody.

Prices for weekend memberships to MARCON 37 are $50 for adults and $30 for children over 7. Children under 7 are free when accompanied by an adult at all times. Single-Day Adult Memberships are Friday $25, Saturday $30 and Sunday $25. Single-Day Children's Memberships are Friday $15, Saturday $25 and Sunday $ 10. For further information visit www.marcon.org or email marpub@cshellsweb.com."

If you have any questions, contact Lisa at (614) 421-2066.

CONFIRMED GUESTS FOR MARCON 38:
Author: J. Gregory Keyes
Artist: Ruth Thompson
Costuming: Dragon Drone

FROM THE CHAIR - JOHN CALLICOTTE

In the last Chronicles as well as at the last meeting, I put out the call for a list of second in commands for each department. My list is still far from complete. I need info from the following departments...

Art Show Babysitting Computer Gaming
Charity Auction Dealer's Room Guest Relations
Green Room Video Rooms Security
Video Rooms

I know that several departments run solo or it may be that I missed it in an e-mail or something. In any case, if you could get me the info I want to have the final org chart available for the next meeting.

Also, Phread has put out the call for ALL departments to get her a list of what you are responsible for. I would recommend you get this to her ASAP. She has threatened to write them for departments that fail to do so.

That's all for now. Take care and see you at the next meeting!

T-SHIRT ORDERS
The shirts are Ash-Gray and are available as T-shirts, Polo Shirts or Henleys. The prices are...

Size T-Shirt Polos Henleys
____________________________________________________
small -xl $13.00 $16.00 $14.00
2xl 14.00 17.00 15.00
3xl 15.00 18.00 16.00
5xl 18.00 n/a n/a

Orders can be sent as follows...

Phone: 1-800-900-9056
Fax: 1-630-739-5924
Net: offworldbv@aol.com
Mail: Offworld Designs
317 Huntington Way
Bolingbrook, IL 60440-2112

Order deadline is May 16th and the shirts can be picked up at the convention.

Marcon Chronicles, Vol. 37, 10

FROM THE TREASURER
If you need reimbursements, bring all receipts to the upcoming meeting. Kim will have the checkbook with her and will be able to make out the checks.

Also, if you OWE money to Marcon, please come prepared to pay what you owe.

If you took home something that belongs to Marcon, please document what items are in your possession and bring the list to the meeting.

The books will definitely be closed by August 31, 2002. However, Kim would like to get it done sooner, so everyone please help and get receipts and payments to her as soon as possible.

MARCON WRAP UP MEETING AND ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR MARCON 38
Sunday, June 23, 2002
2:00 PM
Upper Arlington Library

CHAIR TICKET #1 - DENNIS PALMER
I, Dennis Palmer, am running for Chairman of MARCON again this year. I feel with the experience I have running my own business and working with several organizations that I can bring good solid organizational skilss to the position, I have been head of many departments over the 16+ years that I have been involved with MARCON.

One of the things I feel strongly about is we need to get back to what made MARCON a great convention. And that is, it is a literary convention first. Its all will and good to involve other types of media in the convention, but foremost the written word is what made us the convention we are. I think we need to have a balance between authors and actors. And quite frankly I don't see where some of these actor quests have helped us draw extra people to MARCON.

I urge you to come to the wrapup meeting and help select the next Chairperson.

CHAIR TICKET #2 - LISA GARRISON RAGSDALE AND SHELL FRANKLIN
After much discussion and consideration, Shell Franklin and I, Lisa Garrison Ragsdale, have decided to join forces and run for the chairmanship of Marcon 38 as co-chairs. With our combined experience, we can effectively lead MARCON to a stronger future in community, communication, and last but not least financially.

In recent years we have made many efforts to make Marcon more fan friendly and financially secure. Shell and I want to build on Marcon's strengths and limit Marcon's liabilities by streamlining our convention policies and procedures. Marcon has a great reputation for our diverse programming and stellar events and guests. We are considered a well-run convention with something for everyone.

Our goals as chair include improving the sense of "fannish community", developing good communication among the committee members and staff, and enhancing Marcon's policies and procedures to be cost effective and efficient.

We need to improve community and communication because the two go hand in hand. We will continue to hold the regular monthly committee meetings in addition to frequent, informal, department head meetings, and quarterly social gatherings. We promise to have an org chart developed and distributed to all department heads and staff no later than the September meeting. In addition to this we promise to listen to all input, concerns and criticisms, with open minds. In order to improve Marcon's fannish relations we will encourage involvement in regional conventions and improve our relationships with fan area groups.

We want Marcon 38 to be a positive experience for all participants: Guests, attendees, staff, and con com. We intend to help former and new department heads develop "guidebooks" for each department to insure continuity for future years. In an effort to increase attendance we intend to build on the foundation laid by the publicity department this year and encourage our fans to pre-reg while working to perfect the at-con registration experience. We want Marcon 38 to be the best that it can be while still being efficient and fiscally responsible. To that end, it is our intent as co-chairs of Marcon and members of S.O.L.A.E. to have the 501C(3) paperwork filed this fall. By doing this, Marcon will be able to increase the donations made to its various departments; thereby reducing overall costs of running the convention.

We are asking you as our friends and fellow con com to support us on June 23rd. Remember, you can mail in your vote if you are unable to attend the elections. Please just snail-mail your signed vote to Nick Winks care of Marcon at P.O. Box 141414 Columbus, Ohio 43214, or send it with a friend that is attending the meeting.