Entire board at local science-fiction convention to resign over handling of sexual harassment at recent event

Worst. Readercon. Ever.

Not that it means her harassment should be taken any more or less seriously, but Valentine wasn't just a run-of-the-mill convention attendee. She's a Nebula award nominated author and was a guest of the con.

Wow. This story made Universal Hub. Readercon has hit the big time!

... -- though frankly, other than Kirk Poland, there never was much for me there.

I'm (from the dark ages) a former ConCom member, very occasional staffer, and hosting some now former members for dinner this evening.

I'm not in any way surprised about the harassment (which is ubiquitous in the convention community, both SF and gamers), but I'm disgusted about how this has played out. The pie fighting both on- and offline has been the most vicious infighting for the lowest possible stakes.

After some less-than-courteous treatment by one (female) volunteer and one (male) staffer two years ago, I have declined any further involvement with Readercon. This mess was absolutely inevitable, given the other dynamics of the convention.

I predict that Readercon will not survive beyond 2014. Loss of institutional memory and lack of fundraising will kill it dead. At this point, IMNSHO, good riddance.

Erudite and polite is one thing, but a well placed kick in the balls could have solved her problem right there.

I'm shocked to learn people lacking in social skills or personal hygiene attend these things! Since the guy is a repeat offender, some letters to the Hugo Awards and other cons of his behavior and suspension are in order. That is much stronger than a life ban at one con. Perhaps he will edit his behavior.

Lest we forget, GW Bush's creepy shoulder massage of German Chancellor Andrea Merkel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQY1Aw9zcs