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I've
just returned from the "2BeCONtinued" convention
in Merrillville, Indiana...the first convention I've been
asked to attend in a very long time. I thought I'd share
some observations as they cross my mind:
I like conventions. SciFi fans are nice, they know how to have fun, and generally
are quite entertaining to watch and listen to. This was a small con, very organized
and very comfortable to attend. The con staff did a terrific job!
I had the great pleasure of meeting Rockne O'Bannon (Farscape) and reuniting
with castmates Jason Carter and Rick Biggs, who were a blast to be with again.
We agreed that we don't see each other frequently and need to work toward remedying
that.
Fat and Flat. That's how I best describe the Midwest. Each meal seemed to contain
enough cholesterol to convert the entire population of Japan into Sumo Wrestlers...and
the landscape is still void of elevations taller than highway overpasses.
The realization that we are approaching the ten year anniversary, marking the
start of B5 was both alarming and calming. At first I was shocked that the calendar
has moved so quickly and worried that we should be hatching some decade-celebration
convention-tour scheme...but also relieved to have a logical excuse for not being
able to remember all the details of scenes that fans were asking me about. After
all, do you remember what happen to you during episode 16, scene 3, ten years
ago??
But here are the real warm-fuzzy thoughts about my trip to Mid-America. There
are still a lot of people who truly enjoyed watching Babylon 5...and they simply
want to say "thank you" for the experience. Rest assured, I never get
tired of gratitude.
And while working on the series, I amassed a large collection of memorabilia
that I have been saving for "some day". That time has come. This weekend,
in addition to the standard photos for autographing, I brought along some treasures
from my personal collection. I found that the fans were thrilled that these nuggets
had history directly from the production of B5, and not some retail outlet. More
importantly, after explaining the story behind each item I was asked, "how
much?" and replied, "what's it worth to you?". Not only did the
attendees go home with fond memories of a great convention, many also gained
a personal piece of the B5 legacy obtained at prices they felt appropriate -
free of markup. True profit for them, not some commercial concern.
And now I know that some of the goodies I've held on to all these years have
found a home where they will be honored and cherished. Just as I honor and cherish
the memories and experiences I have of working on B5.
I like conventions. SciFi fans are nice, they know how to have fun, and generally
are quite entertaining to watch and listen to.
Jeffrey Willerth
September 29, 2003