Well, I'm decidedly not going this year. But, yanno, I'd just tell ya to do what feels like the right thing. There are a lot of important things in life besides cons, and I know cons really aren't the bread and butter of what makes my want to draw my pictures.

I think for people who aren't artistic, it's a real good opertunity for them to finally connect with the artwork and lifestyle maybe, but for people who are the artists, it can often feel like they are, as you siad, 'required' to be a part of the fandom becuase they are what makes the fandom.

I dunno, it's odd to explain. Not to sound ungrateful, the support it wonderful, but for me it's always been more about the art than the fandom, and it's tough to be burdened with something you don't care too deeply about. Maybe that's how you feel.

Anyways, yeah. I wish you and your father well.

Seriously, you're under no obligations to anyone. If you don't feel up to going, don't feel that you have to for anyone else's sake.

Personally, I'm kinda on the fence about it myself. But, that's ONLY because it's a different location this year. Otherwise, it's the same old con, run by the same people. The whole reason it moved was because the other hotel wasn't big enough anymore. I agree, it was a great hotel. But, when AC moved from the Adams Mark to the Westin (I'm not counting the Wyndham that it landed at inbetween, 'cuz that was WAY too cramped, in my opinion) there was complaining right up until people realized that the new place actually WAS better suited to it.

Y'never know. The same might just apply for MFF, too. :)

Despite that, no matter what, your father's health is the most important thing. If you choose not to go because of that, I'm sure people will understand without question.

Well I know I'd be very happy to see you again, as this will be my first MFF, but there's no reason for you to go if you feel forced. I'm sure you would have fun, indeed, but again only if you feel you should go.

I can only wonder what the past MFFs were like, as they sound like they were great, but I can hope towards this being a great one.

And for those that expect you to be there just because they demand your presence and the want/need to buy from you and place commissions... well, pay them no mind. If they only see you as a vendor for their pleasure and NOT as a person, then they really don't seem like they understand what others go through. Or simply oblivious to the obvious. Hell, I'd love to commission you there, but I won't go foaming at the mouth with anger if you choose not to take them up.

I know I'm pretty much repeating what has been said above. Sorry if I'm just harping. ^^; And for your father, I truly hope and pray that he will be okay and will recover. If things turn for the worse, it's best you be with him.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Hope your dad feels better, but if you need to stay close to home, family comes first!

That's the way it is in my family. Besides, I'm sure everyone here understands if you have to hang back from MFF.

I will not be there, but then I really don't like conferences (I've had some bad experiences related to reservations, food, etc) and I truly can't afford it anyway.

I've only gone to one astronomy conference this year, but that was back at the end of May; and I was camping; and it was colder than shit (10 degrees at 5 AM in the campground colder than shit...).

Anyway, I wish your dad good health for no other reason than that.

I won't be there, but I hope I can meet you at AC09 if you go.

they moved it from a place I could easily drive to and back from to some place way up north that I would have little fun driving too. Argh!

Well, let us know how it goes.

hope your dad feels better and if you go I hope you have fun.