Oh yeah, it's not that I think it's sekritly a slash con or something or that most participants are, like, actively not wanting new people or ideas to come. Or that I have some uncharitable vision of it from online discussion, b/c I really don't (i.e. it's not like I'm not interested in going b/c I think people would be unwelcoming or something). It's more that...I wholeheartedly believe it's great fun and full of great people, but at the end of the day it's still...130 people in a specific multi-fandom setting that largely appreciates particular aesthetics presented as the center of a vidding universe. Like it's perceived as a different "level" of vidding in some way, when really it's just for a different type of audience? Obviously that's because for participants, I think they do often save their "best" stuff for VVC or because they plan their VVC vids all year, so it's understandable how it happens, but it's a rather cramped view of vidding and rather limiting/frustrating for those who can't or don't want to go/submit. And I don't think the answer to that conundrum can be: just go, you'll love it! (Not that you were saying this). Because that doesn't really help much with the larger collective presentation of it, which will always exist because, hell, it's a con of 130 people?

Welcome back online! It's nice to hear you happy to be online. :)