In light of experiences at this WorldCon, I am amending my panel requirements: No all-male panels, and at least _two_ panelists who are persons of colour.
Even more strangely, I have seen items labeled as 'panels' with one person scheduled (albeit not at a Worldcon - that I can recall). Hence my question.
For bonus unrelated fun, however, I have also attended panels where zero panellists turned up, but there was a room full of audience. Including several people more qualified to talk on the topic than the original panellists. No prizes for what happened next. (Again, not a Worldcon.)
Not long ago, a con put me on a panel where I turned out to be the only panelist for some reason.
I appointed myself moderator, and we held a discussion of the topic among audience members. Worked out fine, on this occasion. The concom later apologized.
This wouldn't work so well if the panel was supposed to be a conversation among people with specialized knowledge.
Re: Something's advocate
Date: 2020-08-03 12:26 pm (UTC)For bonus unrelated fun, however, I have also attended panels where zero panellists turned up, but there was a room full of audience. Including several people more qualified to talk on the topic than the original panellists. No prizes for what happened next. (Again, not a Worldcon.)
Re: Something's advocate
Date: 2020-08-06 09:13 pm (UTC)I appointed myself moderator, and we held a discussion of the topic among audience members. Worked out fine, on this occasion. The concom later apologized.
This wouldn't work so well if the panel was supposed to be a conversation among people with specialized knowledge.