ParaConOCon

(I wish I could take credit for the title but I heard it on an online radio show.) 

Today's topic boys and girls is Paranormal Conventions, as if you could not guess by now. 

What makes or breaks most para-cons? You. Not you personally, but you the collective. I am sure you will get a different answer to that question if you asked the event planners. In reality, they can book 12 para-celebs, 5 demons, 3 aliens and Nessie herself - if no one comes, what's the point?

Of course not everyone can book a line-up like that, nor should they. It's true, there is something out there for everyone, but that doesn't mean everyone should be trying to do it. 

The really big over-the-top cons usually grab the most people, cost the most and offer the least as far as substance. Those are what I call Glitter-Cons. Big names, big prices to pay for the big names. Sometimes there is an investigation attached -for an additional cost- where you can be paired with the para-celeb and 29 other lucky people. That's not an investigation, that's a circus.

Bigger is not always better. 

Private groups have jumped on the band-wagon and started hosting events on their own. A few have delusions of grandeur and greed. Most just try to offer a more affordable alternative to the Glitter. Some have para-celebs, some have future-celebs, few have no headliners at all. Not as big of a turn out, sometimes that can be a good thing.

The drawback with the privately planned events is, there is a bigger chance of failure due to the inexperience of the group holding it, the lack of funds to pay for speakers, and all out fraud. 

Yes, believe it or not kids, there are frauds in the paranormal. I know, it's a shock. I will wait while you collect yourselves. 

Better now? Good. Let's move on.

Yet another type of convention really isn't one at all but I feel they are important enough to be included. Few people give them much thought because they are devoid of the glitter, the para-celebs and have little publicity.

Every once in a while, I will hear a whisper of a group putting together a very small gathering/investigation for the sake of charity. They are usually held at and for a historical site. Limited tickets, no names, all money going directly to the location. To those people, kudos! 

** Open Letter to Event Planners, Agents and Para-Celebs **

Dear (insert your name here, you know who you are),

I have a two part question for you all - 
Do you remember what it was like when you too were a Nobody? 
If you do, did you ever wish being able to see/listen/talk to someone was easier/affordable/possible?

Granted, I am just one person but without the common people, you would have nothing spectacular to sell and few who could afford it. 

Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem,