ConJose, SF conventions in general

(referencing a thread of mactavish's from yesterday)

Why I didn't go to BayCon, and why I'm a bit dubious about buying a subscription to the next WorldCon (ConJose, local).... my experiences with SF cons (a couple of regional ones, including Baycon 10 years ago, plus one WorldCon) are as a day-pass visitor. Usually onsite from about 10am - 7pm.

Panels are generally a mixed bag, I 've never known anyone else attending the given con, I don't stay overnight, and am sometimes discomfited about the widespread costumes (not having one)... the dealer rooms have all been large, filled with tables with books and merchandise, but mostly empty of people (at say, 1pm on a given Saturday).

So, would ConJose be likely to be any different or better than those previous cons? Otherwise, seeing a few pros distantly in a large ballroom panel discussion, or idly trying to identify costumes, doesn't seem to be worth $150 or so...

BTW, in a different-but-similar context, thanks baratron for the APC8 shirt and program, which arrived yesterday...