I’ve been to a ton of cons this year both as a fan and as a panelist, and because I see a lot of the same things happening at panels I thought this might be of help to both new and old con attendees. This is specifically for Q&As but can be applied to normal panels too.

If you’re going to someone’s panel, know who they are before you ask them a question.

I’m a colorist on a few different series, but I’ve noticed that at a lot of my panels I will get asked about the story, writing, or even stuff only the show staff would know. As the colorist on the comic I have absolutely nothing to do with the comic’s writing and I especially have nothing to do with what the show does or doesn’t know. I know just about as much as you, the fan.

Having discussed this kind of thing with fellow professionals, this happens to everyone, especially with voice actors of shows. While I’m not offended to be asked these questions, it is kind of a waste of time and shows that you don’t really care who is actually on the stage. The con guide book and website should let you know who is who and who does what, so make sure you’re asking questions relevant to the person on the stage!

Make sure you can speak clearly and be understood, and if you can’t, please let a staffer know.

At almost every panel I’ve ever been a part of, there was always 1-2 people that had a really hard time speaking into the mic and were very hard to understand. I feel very bad when I’m unable to answer someone’s question due to either technical problems, a language barrier, etc. and it’s likely very hard for the person to have to keep repeating themselves.

That doesn’t mean you can’t ask a question though! If you’re very shy or have a speech impediment or aren’t very good at English, you can always write your question down. The con staff is there to help you out so let them know before hand if you might need assistance. In the event a staffer needs to relay your question for you, this is where writing it down ahead of time will be helpful. Just because you might have difficulties saying your question doesn’t mean you should miss out on being heard!

For panelists and participants both, remember that there’s a difference between constructive criticism and being an asshole.

For both sides, try to be as professional as possible. If you had a problem with a comic or episode or whatever, the person on stage will be a lot more likely to actually want to fix said problem if you offer your criticism in a professional and respectful manner. This isn’t the Youtube comments, so don’t be a dick. For panelists, if someone offers criticism in any way, even if they do it like a jackass, respond in a professional manner. Reacting in a defensive way will only cause problems down the road, especially if someone is making a legitimate point and doing so in a respectful manner. (if they’re being a jackass, do your best to catch the useful parts as there might be something hidden in that epic rant about how much they hate you and want you dead)

Protip:If someone is intentionally trying to be a jerk, they’re likely trying to troll you and are doing it for the purpose if getting a reaction. You rob them of their fun if you are as nice as can be in return.

Be considerate of your fellow con goers, don’t ask 2 part questions and if there’s a lot of hands up/a long line for the mic, try not to ask really loaded questions that will involve very long answers.

At my solo panels there isn’t really a lot that can be asked about my process, so I’m fine with 2 parters and questions that might take more time for me to answer. But at a panel where there’s tons of people waiting to ask questions, it’s not cool to sneak in that second question or to ask a question that’s going to take 10 minutes to answer. (for example, “I have 2 questions”, “I have a 2 part question” just don’t do it)Q&As have a limited amount of time and I always hate to see there be a line of 20 people waiting to ask a question but only 1-2 can get answered because someone asked a loaded question or snuck in extra questions. Find ways to make your question specific and to the point.

Be considerate of children.

I work on mostly all ages titles, so I try to censor myself as much as possible to keep from cussing or going into inappropriate territory. If you’re at a con or panel that is dedicated to something all ages, keep the cussing and sex talk to the after hours panels. If you’re especially cool, let kids sit up front so they can see what’s going on.

If the word “fanfic” or “head canon” appears anywhere in your question, don’t ask it.

This might sound mean and ruin a lot of dreams, but most professionals don’t read fanfics based on the things they work on. Either because they’re straight up told not to, or because all their time is spent on that title so they don’t have time to read fanfics. So in 100% of instances it is safe to say that no, the comic/show/book did not get ideas from you, nor did they do anything to intentionally break your fanfics or head canon.

They can’t read your fanfics, not because they’re mean, but because they’re probably not allowed to. I am aware of the existence of the bigger fanfics on the franchises I work on but I have read exactly 0 of them. I’ve seen some of the fan comics/fan art/fan music, but I don’t have time for stories.

If it hasn’t appeared in the show/comic/movie/book you probably shouldn’t ask about it. (this is obviously a moot point if the series is over and is never coming back, then have at it)

I’ve found most of these result in “you’ll find out” “we can’t spoil you” “we can’t talk about that” kind of answers. Bummer I know, but a lot of us are under NDAs and have things we can’t talk about.