GUFF

Posted by jukkahoo

Who doesn't want to go to Australia? I know I do. I'd love to. But (there's often a "but" following thoughts similar to these) so far I haven't had the chance, time and/or money to do so. At presently, I might have the money, provided I'd stop doing this bidding business or various other fun stuff like arranging Åcon8 and being kindasorta active in Finnish fandom. 

So, Australia, yes please, very much so. 

However, now there is a Chance and the Means, all I have to do is provide the third part, the Time ("So, um, boss... I may need to have a long Easter holiday next year?"). I believe I'm good for that. 

This wondrous opportunity is called GUFF, short for Going Under Fan Fund (when traveling the Australia/New Zealand way) and I'm an Official Candidate. It's one of those really cool things that fandom does, giving opportunities to realise a dream, to give back to the community and make the world more like a village than a series of interconnected tubes. Like the internet. 

But why should you vote for me and not the other candidate? Well, I guess my main reasons for that would be: 

- if you want to meet a genuine Finnish fan, who has been fanning for nigh 30 years, I'm your choice Numero Uno!

- if you'd like to see a program participant from somewhere a bit different at Contact 2016 in Brisbane, I sure would fit the bill!

- if you think that international fandom is cool recommended, choose me! (Choose me! Meee-e!)

- if GUFF sounds like a great idea (and it is!), then you definitely should consider voting for me!

- if you'd like to meet someone who loves to read, meet new people, doesn't shy away form an offered beer (or some other interesting beverage), why not give it a go and send/bring me to Australia? 

- if you'd like to witness the world-renowned jollity of the Finns, you would see ALL THIS! And more.

That other candidate is a dour fellow, a tight-lipped and stingy chap, who would rather stay at home than travel to Australia. Sure, Mr. Hold Over Funds sounds like fun, but is really not someone you might have a chat or talk about fanzines, or New Weird, or creating programming for a con, or bidding a Worldcon, or talk about the finer points of cricket. Scratch that last one, I still have no idea how even the scoring system works.

Here's my official pitch:

Model 1967 recovering illustrator, editor, writer, reviewer, con runner, fanzine-fan etc, who is currently part of a bid to bring Worldcon to my hometown of Helsinki. Chaired three Finncons, been involved with a number of other conventions since 1989. Besides doing pretty much everything there is program-wise, does also mean quizzes at cons. Married, with two small dogs and an apartment filled with books. Never been to Australasia, but would love to see the place and meet the fandom. And have a pint or two with you. I might be persuaded NOT to bring Finnish candy with me!

Here is the actual ballot. I am running unopposed, which is sad, but I hope to run a great campaign nevertheless. I have great bunch of nominators: Bellis, Cheryl Morgan, James Shields, Damien Warman & Juliette Woods jointly, and Sue Ann Barber. Best of both worlds really and I want to make these people proud of my candidacy. 

Where can you see me in the meanwhile? Well, I'll be in Linköping, Sweden in a week, at this years Swecon. Less than two weeks after that, I'll be in Sasquan, at the 73rd Worldcon, in sunny Spokane, USA. Then I'll come back to Helsinki and start hibernating for the Winter, since a) it IS coming and b) it's a long one in these latitudes. During that time, I may be reached via those marvels of modern technology: Facebook and Twitter. And this blog, of course.  

I promise to not say mate too often and Bruce and Sheila even less. I'd love to see as much as Australia as possible, and who knows, budget and time permitting, the Hobbitland as well! 

Vote early, vote often!

Comments

[Martha]

As someone who has enjoyed a con or 2 with you, I'll just say the the Ozzies don't - yet - know how lucky they would be to have you in their midst.
Hyváá Suomi and Good Luck

[Jukka Halme]

Suur aitäh, Martha!