Worldcon : Anticipation to offer "Taster" memberships

Initially, the plan was for me to cover everything that had to do with the upcoming Worldcon, from the pre-production stages to the convention itself. But when they refused to grant me a press pass, well this initiative went down the crapper and stayed there.

Hence, I've been promoting Montréal, for I want everyone to make the most of their experience while in town, but not the con in particular. And yet, these taster memberships are such a good idea that I've decided to make an exception and post the content of this press release:

Heard about World Science Fiction Conventions (Worldcons) and thinkthey sound cool but not sure they’re worth the money? Then Tastermemberships are for you.

Here’s how it works. Whenever you show up, you go to the convention’sRegistration Desk. There you’ll pay for a Day Membership (75–95 CAD),depending on the day of the convention and whether you are buying anadult or a child membership). Your membership badge will betime-stamped. Then you may wander about the convention freely. See theExhibits, the Art Show, and the Dealers Room. Hear a speaker. Getautographs. Watch a film. Join a filk sing. Go see a program item ortwo (there will be hundreds over the course of the convention).

If Worldcon really isn’t for you, then just go back to Registrationduring posted open hours within three hours of your time-stamp andyou’ll receive all but $20 of your money back for an adult membershipand all but $10 of your money back for a child membership. But if youlike what you find and want to hang around the rest of the day andevening, then just stay for the rest of the day. Your badge will letyou stay and attend all open events until the next morning. If youwant to attend more days, just come back and buy another DayMembership or convert your Day to a Full Membership. It’s easy andsafe. And you’ll find out for yourself what all the fuss is about.(We’ve been going for years and there’s so much great stuff to do wecan’t imagine anyone wouldn’t want to stay but some people need to tryit for themselves to be sure.)

Taster Memberships paid by cash, traveler’s check, or credit card willbe refunded immediately. Memberships paid by check will be refunded bymail. We will not issue refunds after registration closes for the day.On days where registration is open until 20:00, no refunds are givenafter the close of that day’s Registration. We encourage you topurchase by 17:00 on those days, otherwise you will not have the full3 hours benefit of the taster membership. One Taster Membership perperson. We will accept US dollars as well as Canadian dollars atRegistration at the convention. Due to the volatility of the currencyexchange market, at the door rates in US dollars will only be set afew days before the convention.

The 67th World Science Fiction Convention, known as Anticipation, willtake place in Montréal, Québec, Canada from Thursday, August 6ththrough Monday, August 10th, 2009.