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Wither the Merchandise?

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I've been pondering the future of enjoyable collectible stuff for fans.

You know what I'm talking about.  The plastic collectibles, plushies, bobbleheads, etc. 

I've been wondering what the economic future of these is, to be frank.  Little useless trinkets may be fun and collectible, but in a touch economy, I figure they're going to get less and less attention (and as I expect it to be years for the economy to recover, this could be awhile).  There's far more payoff in a rare video, a neat book, etc. than something that presents no other use than ownership.

So I wonder if the collectibles are going to take a hit in the geekonomy and the fannish economy.

This is a casual speculation, but these collectibles form the basis of some specialty stories, they're big at conventions, etc.  This would in turn affect the social experience of fans as stores close, change focus, etc.

Just some idle, geekonomic speculation.

– Steven Savage

Some thoughts on career and mobility

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With many of my friends and family looking at career changes, many of them also talk relocation.  I'm consolidating a few random thoughts on relocation, with a fan-to-pro/geek-pro viewpoint here.

* Consider how permanent a move may be – as painful as it may be, a relocation close to but not at an eventual goal may be a good thing.  If you want to go to a particular city relocating nearby, in the same state, etc. as a temporary measure for a few years may be a good idea.  If you can find a job easier in a nearby location that lets you plan the final stage of your move, get a job in a lousy economy, and scope out your intended destination.

* Consider a tryout if possible.  Are there friends and family in a location you can live with for a few months to see if you like it and can find work?  It's tough, and can be scary, but may be a good bet.  It's also a good way to push yourself.

* If your career or job involves a lot of travel, or will, you may want to look at a good hub city as a possible relocation destination (permanent or temporary).  If you plan to fly all over the country, Chicago or St. Louis, for instance, could be good choices.  Even if transport hub cities are not your first choice, they may be good for awhile – and face it, it'll be easier to leave . . .

* Keep educational facilities in mind when you relocate because training is going to be vital to keep up with things in the future (not that it ever was NOT important).  Don't just think notable universities – see what kind of adult education, training companies, etc. are nearby.  I once had an interview with a company located right next to a major university – that definitely had me interested since classes would be easier to take with a walk right after work.

* Whatever you do, keep a city's fannish and geek life in mind – you do NOT want to end up in a personal cultural wasteland long-term (a few months maybe).  Go online and check meetups, conventions, groups, events, etc. in detail.  You'd be surprised what places do AND don't have fannish or geek culture.

So that's just some random thoughts from your friendly pro-geek blogger.  Anything you want to add?

– Steven Savage

Library

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Welcome to the Fan To Pro Library.  Here you’ll find articles, resources, and links to important series in the blogs.  Updated 1/9/2011.

PRINCIPLE:

CULTURE:

RESOURCES:

GUIDES:

  • Epic Resume Go! – A Geektastic guide to how your resume is like a story.
  • A Guide to Fansourcing – Go on and try – or use – fansourcing, the activity of turning to fandom for skills!

SERIES:

  • Convention Ideas – An ongoing series exploring ideas for fan-to-pro events at conventions, as well as profiling conventions with interesting events for the career-oriented geeks.
  • Stereotype-Fu – An on-again/off-again series (with it’s own tag) about how people can turn stereotypes used against them as fans and geeks to their advantage.
  • The Viability of Virtual Stars – How the creation of Virtual Stars may be a viable ventures.
  • I Have a Job They Don’t – Tips on using your progeekery and position to help others looking for work.
  • Promoting Professional Geekery – How you can promote the Fan-To-Pro ideal!