OK, if you were to lead--or attend--a series of panels or presentations on Nerdiquette: Etiquette for Nerds, what topics would you like to see covered?
I'm working on putting these together now, to present at various conventions. What I've come up with so far is:
Nerdiquette 101: "Gallant"-level etiquette for nerds
Reaching into the mists of time, back to classic AD&D for the
paladin's level names, this Gallant-level introductory panel covers geek dating dos and don'ts, such as why talking to a woman's chest, even if it's on display, is bad form, how to appreciate someone's costume/appearance in a respectful way, how to graciously ask for a date (and more importantly, graciously take "NO" for an answer), when NO means YES (hint: never), tips for proper hygiene, how to not cross that thin line that separates geeking out about your hobbies from being a conversation-hog and a jerk. [panelists bios here]...
Reaching into the mists of time, back to classic AD&D for the
paladin's level names, this Gallant-level introductory panel covers geek dating dos and don'ts, such as why talking to a woman's chest, even if it's on display, is bad form, how to appreciate someone's costume/appearance in a respectful way, how to graciously ask for a date (and more importantly, graciously take "NO" for an answer), when NO means YES (hint: never), tips for proper hygiene, how to not cross that thin line that separates geeking out about your hobbies from being a conversation-hog and a jerk. [panelists bios here]...
-----------------------------
Nerdiquette 201: "Defender"-level etiquette for nerds
Now that you've mastered the basics and are well on your way to forming positive relationships with potential dating partners, we get into more advanced topics. Tipping, for one, is not optional. Figure it into the cost of the convention, just like you do the price of your badge and hotel room. Group dynamics: how to tell someone else that they're being "that guy." How to read body language and posture, and overcome that initial hesitation to talk to strangers, to ask someone who looks uncomfortable: "Hey, are you OK?" Online behavior and why good behavior is especially important when no one can see you. [panel bio here]
Nerdiquette 201: "Defender"-level etiquette for nerds
Now that you've mastered the basics and are well on your way to forming positive relationships with potential dating partners, we get into more advanced topics. Tipping, for one, is not optional. Figure it into the cost of the convention, just like you do the price of your badge and hotel room. Group dynamics: how to tell someone else that they're being "that guy." How to read body language and posture, and overcome that initial hesitation to talk to strangers, to ask someone who looks uncomfortable: "Hey, are you OK?" Online behavior and why good behavior is especially important when no one can see you. [panel bio here]
----------------------------
Nerdiquette 301: "Chevalier"-level etiquette for nerds
Congratulations! You've mastered the basic and intermediate levels of nerdiquette and are ready to tackle more advanced issues and to become a community leader in making geek culture a more inclusive, open place. Slactivism vs real-world problem solving. Examining broader issues, such as DC Comics' recent reboot and its impact on women--as characters in the universe, as writers, artists and creators, and as readers. Addressing concoms who condone "that guy" behavior. Helpful advocacy versus shouting into the void. [panel bio here]
---------------------------
That's my brainstorming so far. What would you like to see?
No comments:
Post a Comment