In this episode, we’re joined by Devra Langsam, publisher of Spockanalia and organizer of the first Star Trek convention in 1972 in NY, and Lynn Cohen-Koehler, who helped organize the first Philadelphia convention in 1975. We discuss how Star Trek changed the face of fandom and science fiction conventions, the history of early conventions, the rise of the “corporate” con, and how cons and con culture have evolved over the last 45 years.
Download Now (right-click and save)
Hosts: Jarrah, Sue
Guests: Devra Langsam and Lynn Cohen-Koehler
Editor: Jarrah
Transcript: Andi
Download Transcript: PDF or Word
Notes/References:
- The Making of the Trek Conventions by Joan Winston (1977)
- Journeymen of Fandom
- WorldCon
- World Fantasy Convention
- IlluxCon
- Arisia
- SmofCon – The Convention Planner’s Conference
Episode Image: Registration desk at the first official Star Trek convention in 1972. (Photo by Charles Frattini/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
We’re Having a Giveaway!
Women at Warp is having a giveaway for two Star Trek Infinity Scarves from the Her Universe 50th Anniversary Collection. The scarves are 100% viscose and measure 13″ x 40″ (80″ doubled over since they’re infinity scarves). Entry is open to listeners in all countries.
To Enter: Send an email to crew@womenatwarp.com with the subject line “Giveaway” and briefly tell us your favorite part of Discovery or why you’re not watching. Each respondent will be entered into a randomizer and two (2) winners will be chosen. Responses may be collected into blog post. Entry will remain open until noon:eastern on November 12.
This was amazing! Hearing those brilliant women talk about what they did. How the advanced fandom. Talk about pioneers!! Hats off to them. Thank you for having them on.
I want to add in the old days people would get upset if I used foul language in fanfics. Anyone reading them would be upset if they saw foul language in a story. Arguments this was not broadcast television or professional publication fell on deaf ears. I knew people who were shocked by STAR TREK IV.
I really enjoyed this show!!! It was totally excellent!!! I really liked fanzines. I spent hours reading them. The good thing about the web is you do not have to go through an editor to get published. This does not reflect on fanzine editors.
Below is a link for a story that was rejected by three fanzine editors a long time ago:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/4157769?hide_banner=true&view_adult=true