Conventions ... Conventions ... Conventions ... Conventions ...

" Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay "
July 2003 USA Convention
Crowne-Plaza Union Square, San Francisco, California
11th to 13th July 2003

Convention News - Table of Contents

CON NEWS BULLETIN - 23 April 2003

CON NEWS BULLETIN - 17 April 2003

CON NEWS BULLETIN - 9 April 2003

CON NEWS BULLETIN - 7 April 2003

CON NEWS - Issue 8 - 14 March 2003

CON NEWS - Issue 7 - 14 February 2003

CON NEWS - Issue 6 - 10 January 2003

CON NEWS - Issue 5 - 12 December 2002 - 02:50 pm, PST

FIRST ONLINE MODERATED CON CHAT - 23 November 2002 - 04:58 PM

CON NEWS - Issue 4 - 8 November 2002 - 05:22 pm, PST

What's on the Con Web Site? - 9 November 2002 - 07:22 PM

CON NEWS - Issue 2 - 29 August 2002 - 11:45 pm, PST

CON NEWS - Issue 1 - 2 August 2002 - 12:30 pm, PST

CON NEWS BULLETIN

17 APRIL 2003

Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay
http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

85 DAYS TIL THE CON
Yes, you read that right - just 85 days left til the con!

WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE - CONFIRMED GUESTS FOR THE CON
You've heard there were discussions going on. I said there wouldn't be
any guest announcements until there were absolute confirmations - given
costs and schedules.

Well - there is news! Confirmed guests for the Follow Your Heart Con:

* Jay Acovone

* Roy Dotrice

* Lee Holdridge

* Jamie Murray (aka Myhr !)

MORE INFO

Jay Acovone - our endearing JOE MAXWELL! He's been to many a B&B con -
always bringing an abundance of wit, warmth and charm. (Remember his
airplane story in NYC? Or his antics with that fanny pack in Orlando?)
His career has taken him to many an acting project after "our"
television series - and he's well used to "the circuit" of media cons,
etc given his Stargate SG-1 work and more. However, he loves to "come
home" to be with us once a year - for a "different kind" of gathering -
in the Tunnels. He'll be with us for 2 1/2 days! Now here's a man
with a HEART!

Roy Dotrice - FATHER IS COMING! It's been a long while since Roy has
been able to spend some quality time with us - and we'll have 2 1/2
DAYS with him! His list of professional credits is long, varied and
interesting. He rings as true in person as he did in B&B - a real
"gentleman" - with class and genuine warmth. Imagine our Banquet.
Imagine the candlelighting. Imagine - HEARING FATHER's VOICE at that
special time!!!

Lee Holdridge - who can bring us to instant tears with those FIRST SIX
NOTES of the theme from our beloved series. Here's another talented
man with a long list of credits to his name. His music inspires. In
person, he is warm and personable. He'll be with us on Saturday
afternoon. Come hear how "that music" was born. Come meet the gentle
soul who creates such musical magic.

Jamie Murray - nudged out of retirement - to visit with us! His B&B
paintings - created over many years - speak to his own personal
connection with Beauty & the Beast. While Jamie is known for his
paintings, his artistic talents extend to 3-D models and science
fantasy book cover illustrations. Jamie - and his ever irascible -
ever entertaining - and ever lovable MYHR (his alter-ego) has been to
many a B&B con - and many industry type media cons. However, his days
with "us" ended with his retirement as of the 2001 con in New York
City. NOW, we are please to announce that both Jamie AND Myhr will be
at the con - for 2 1/2 days! Come along and meet BOTH of them! He's
now famous (or infamous) in PN Elrod's new book about the adventures of
Myhr! Maybe we can coax him into another of his famous "top ten
lists"??

Con News Bulletin

April 23, 2003

Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay
http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

MOUSE's MALL has gone LIVE!

I am ever a believer that acknowledgements are important - so let's do that - then move on to tell you where in the Tunnels you can find Mouse's Mall.

Huge and heartfelt THANK YOUs to:

Jeff Carden who has spent many a programming hour (week, year?) to create this online shopping application for us. There are really FOUR things he has done with this. There is the "store"/MOUSE's MALL that all of you will see. There is the behind the scenes DATABASE so that we can manage our inventory quantities properly. There is the TRACKING & REPORTING, so that we can process the orders, manage the shipping, communicate with anyone who buys something and track money correctly. And finally, there is the application where we can easily and quickly ADD MORE ITEMS to the Mall. Jeff also dealt with gazillions of e:mails with Suze Howe and myself - in the process of designing this to begin with - working it - making it - refining it. And here we are. Going live! GREAT JOB, Jeff!!!!
Kathy Battershell and Diane Kenny for doing real time testing (and actual BUYING) - then providing feedback to us - to make sure this works as we were hoping it would. We sure appreciate your time and energy. Now that we are live, we might even ship your orders to you! lol
Suze Howe who "hooked up" the running application to be live at our con web site. While Jeff is the database guru, Suze is the web mistress and can "make it so" on that end. She's also managing the photos and descriptions sent to her - for all the things you'll find at the Mall. She readies those - archives them - then it's back to Jeff to add them to the database and get them "live at the mall", etc. Bless her, she is also our "spreadsheet queen". We have literally over a thousand individual ITEMS we are managing - for ebay, Mouse's Mall, art auction, Follow Your Heart auction, Beast Bingo prizes, decorations or supplies, you NAME IT! Given what we need - she's created the sheets - that JoAnn Baca and myself use to allocate items - for here or there - for the con. Suze will now add regular updates on MOUSE's MALL to her already long list of spreadsheet tabs/REPORTS she maintains - let alone all the other con projects she has in hand.
For the future, Jeff has built an application where Suze or myself can easily now "add our own items" without going back to Jeff each time. VERY COOL!
JoAnn Baca who has spent so many hours (and dollars) helping to collect the inventory we have available and is now - as with ebay - spending hour upon hour writing item descriptions, getting scans done, etc. Then, she - like Suze and myself - is one of our primary CON SHIPPERS. (Now there's a new fandom term for you!) JoAnn - NOT exactly a "techie" - is now living off spreadsheets just like Suze and I. Congratulate her on this when next you see or write her! Seriously, JoAnn (& Suze) contribute mega hours day after day after day. Mouse's Mall is just the latest of many ongoing con projects.

As you see, I can't say enough to acknowledge what these folks are doing. They are VOLUNTEERS - doing this out of love for B&B - and for you. I have a vision of what can be. I can design what we need. But without those who believe in what we're doing - those who donate items to us - or those with the skills to MAKE IT SO - it would not be a reality. THANK YOU!

Now - back full circle - to MOUSE's MALL has gone LIVE! We have a mall in the Tunnels now!

Head to: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/mall.asp and explore. We hope you like what you find there. Depending on what Mouse rounds up - you never know what you might find there over the days, weeks and months to come! So have a good time - and let us know what you think!

FAN PANELS & FAN ACTIVITIES

We've added TWO MORE panels (B&B Writer's Workshop and one on what it was like on the sets during the filming of B&B) - making SIX total so far. We know of least two more to come - so we'll keep you posted on those.

And - we've added TWO MORE activities - (Beast Bingo and Beastrivia) making FOUR total. We think you're going to like ALL of them!

Go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/activities.asp. You can read the list of all panels, workshops and activities - then click on any you want to read more about.

CORRECTION

Got the url close, but wrong - in a previous Bulletin. To see the newest page of Con Helpers, etc - go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/acknowlege2.asp.

POLLS

Back in 1995, there was something called the B.B.Q. - the Beauty & the Beast Questionnaire. Fans answered questions on all kinds of things re: B&B. We're going to pull a few of the questions done back then - and see what you think in 2003! We'll just keep adding them now and again at the site. It's set up so you can visit anytime just to see what the results are over time, so ENJOY!

To start us off - there are two questions up now - in the FAN POLLS section:
1 - What BATB quotes do you consider a signature phrase?
2 - What is your favorite original BATB quote?

And remember - there are two FAVORITE MOMENTS POLLS running - til 15 May
1 - Favorite B&B music
2 - Favorite Father moment
You can find all four polls at: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/vote.asp

EBAY AUCTIONS

We'll be back again this coming Sunday, 27 April, with more ebay fundraising auctions. As always, check on seller name batbtunnels. Once again, we thank you for your support.

MONEY

Speaking of fundraising? Bills are coming due for the con - so we need your help. We've been making payments to the con hotel in advance - and there will be a large final one due the week after the con. Money will be needed in May - to pay our guest fees and airfare. We'll need money UP FRONT to do all the printing for the Con Program Book, Con Zine and con merchandise like tote bags, t-shirts, etc.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

1 - Register NOW at http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/registration.asp
2 - Sign up for other optional con events - in the same place - in the same way - as registration.
3 - Donate money. You can earmark it as a general donation to use wherever we need it - or mark it for the guest fund and we'll use it to offset the celebrity costs. We are not particular on the HOW. PayPal (to fyhcon@yahoo.com) - checks - money orders - cash - shoot, even pennies rolled up in a sock! Bottom line, every little bit HELPS! Write us at Donate@batbtunnels.org if you can help or click on one of the DONATE boxes one of the pages at the con web site.
4 - Donate a gift certificate - for Office Max - where we'll be doing con printing or for Home Depot - where we are getting materials for the art panels we'll build for the Art Room
5 - Donate goods - that we can in turn sell - for added income
6 - Some other bright idea? (smile)

AND LASTLY

As the clock ticks down - we look forward to several days TOGETHER in July. It will be good to see you.

See you soon,
Deb

Con News Bulletin
Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay
9 April 2003
http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Follow Your Heart con is pleased to announce that we will soon have
an automated, online "store" at the con web site. What you've all seen
so far in MOUSE's MALL .. four items at the moment .. with the ability
to order manually from us .. is turning into ...

MANY MORE ITEMS .. with an online shopping cart .. much like we use for
the online registration and con activities part of the site. It will
then take you over to PayPal where you can pay for your items.

What we need NOW are some VOLUNTEER TESTERS. Just as the registration
testing .. we would like to have people from different parts of the US
.. and from outside the US .. to test that it's working properly before
we "go live" for all of you.

We're looking for at least TWO in the US, and TWO outside the US.

We'll give you a url .. (not live yet) .. where you'll be able to look
at the photos of the things in the mall, read the descriptions, click
on the item to get further descriptions if there is one .. and a larger
photo. We'll ask that you try to "buy something" and pay for it.
We'll also ask that you put something in your cart .. then try to
delete it before going to pay .. to make sure that works.

At the end of the test .. you can tell us if you "REALLY" wanted to buy
that item, and we'll process the payment .. and ship it to you .. or if
you were just helping the testing .. really don't want it .. and we'll
go delete the order and put the item "back into inventory".

VOLUNTEER TESTERS needed for MOUSE's MALL TESTING: to start monday, 14
April 2003.

Write: Mall@batbtunnels.org

Thanks in advance!
Deb

CON NEWS BULLETIN

7 APRIL 2003

Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay

http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

EBAY

A new group of ebay fundraising auctions went up today on ebay. Search on seller name batbtunnels out at http://www.ebay.com LOTS of stuff this round, so enjoy yourself. They’ll close throughout the day on Sunday, 13 April 2003.

NEW AT CON WEB SITE

There’s a place at the con web site for con reports, photos, etc. This was originally built to give all of YOU a place to post your reports, post San Francisco. However, to get you started, we’ve posted a con report there from the first TUNNELCON – followed by a 2001 con report. THANK YOU, Margaret Davis and Suze Howe, for your permission to post your reports. It’s fun to see how things have changed – and how they ever remain the same – looking at con #1 vs con #12 ! You’ll find both at: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/conreport.asp

FAVORITE MOMENTS POLLS

A reminder to get your votes in for the two currently running Favorite Moments polls – due to close on April 15. (Favorite Joe Moment and Favorite Vincent & other Character moment) Head to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/vote.asp

REGISTRATION

Registration fees at the current rate of $180 were extended to April 15, and now that’s right around the corner! So, figure out your tax returns and get your registrations in NOW. Remember, you can mail or fax your form/money – or you can register & pay online. Head to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/registration.asp

CON CHAT

Mark Saturday, 4 May 2003 on your calendars for the next Con Chat. More information will come on where it will be held before the end of this month. What’s it going to be about?

----- Banquet choices – what, how to send in your menu choice

----- San Francisco Bay Cruise – what, where, when, cost, how to sign up

----- Guests – who, when

----- Art at the Con – how the art room works, how things get to auction, reserving space, selling your art, displaying your art, donating your art

CON ZINE

The submission deadline is fast approaching – 12 April. If you haven’t sent your writing or art in to CathyM yet, please do so. Also, if you’re struggling with those last few lines or brush strokes and think you might be a few days late? Just write ConZine@batbtunnels.org NOW so Cathy knows something else is coming and can work with you individually. To see information about submission guidelines,etc – go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/conzine.asp

CON HOTEL

As you know, our contract for this year’s convention is with the Crowne-Plaza, Union Square in San Francisco. Please get your room reservations in AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This will not only help YOU to know you’ll have a roof over your head, but will also help US as we monitor our actual group numbers vs those planned. This has a direct impact on what our final costs for all our con activities at the hotel will be. Rooms will be “let go” from our block and sold on a first come, first serve basis as of 4 June. Go to: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/travel.asp

You can call the con hotel at (888) 218-0808 and identify yourself as part of the “Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay” group when you make your reservations. Be sure they give you the con rate of $159/night – plus tax. You can also reserve your guest room online via the hotel’s reservation system. Be sure to select the correct Crowne-Plaza (Union Square, San Francisco) and use the group code of FYI to identify yourself as one of US. (smile)

DEALERS ROOM and ORPHAN TABLE

If you want to reserve a Dealer Table at the con, let us know soon. The tables are 8 ft long by 30 inches wide. NEW and available – you can reserve a HALF TABLE or a FULL TABLE.

If you just have a few items – and you would like the con to sell them on your behalf – consider the ORPHAN TABLE. Fill out the form with your contact information, what you have and what you want to sell it for. We’ll sell on your behalf for a 15% commission fee – on the Orphan Table in the Dealer’s Room. This is great for fans who just have a few things they want to sell and don’t want to set up a dealers table of their own. It’s also great for fans – since now YOUR treasures might become THEIRS if those batb items are out and available for them to buy at the con. Go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/dealers.asp and / or http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/orphan.asp

FAN PANEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Besides the fan panels and fan activities already listed at the con web site – it’s now confirmed that Betty Neiswender (of Tunnelcon fame in Las Vegas, amongst other things) will be doing a session about what it was like to “walk around the sets” while BATB was being filmed. This is going to be FABULOUS and she’s got some great stories to share with us!

APRIL MESSAGE FROM DEB

As of today, there are 95 days left til the convention. We have a lot of reminders in this Bulletin – and we’ll talk about several more things at the scheduled con chat. I hope you can see – that the closer we get to the con – more and more is getting FILLED IN – and READY – for our time together. You can help by getting your con registrations, dealer table reservations, Orphan Table lists, con zine submissions, hotel room reservations IN as quickly as possible. We’ll have the art room space reservations and art control sheets finalized for your use in about two weeks.

If you know of batb fans that are not currently subscribed to one of the fan mailing lists – or subscribed to Con News/Bulletins – or getting CABB Update or HNH or HNH-UK, let us know by sending us their names and contact information – online or snail mail. We’ll send a con package out to them. We have a group mailing scheduled this month – so let us know asap of anyone who needs to “hear what’s going on” and we’ll add them to our list.

Meanwhile, we’ll keep running our auctions. We more than appreciate your support. Speaking of your support, if you have a moment, take a look at http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/acknowledgements2.asp Helpers are alive and well in fandom and I hope we all take our hats off to them. We couldn’t do what we do without your help, dreams and support.

And - we’ll continue to work on both the big things and the tiny details – that together – will create a con experience for you. Aaaahhhh .. just 95 days TIL …

See you soon,

Deb

CON NEWS - Issue 8 - 14 March 2003

CON NEWS

Welcome to the eighth issue of CON NEWS – your source of information, updates and announcements for the 14^th Annual BATB convention.

The convention: Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay

Dates: 11 July to 13 July – 2003

Location: Crowne-Plaza Union Square, San Francisco, California

Con Web Site: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

q Message from Deb

q BIG NEWS!! Another month before registration costs go up!!

q So how do we communicate from now til the con?

q Con Calendar

q Con Reminder – Con History Display Items

MESSAGE FROM DEB

Ah, here we are again – and now it’s just a couple of days til St Patrick’s Day. That means, we are just 4 months away from the time we’ll be together in San Francisco!

And so, this issue of Con News brings with it – some changes. The days of long issues or two part issues of Con News are now over. Many of us who have been working for 20 months now – will be working the hardest ever during these final four months. And – it will become more and more important to get news items to you QUICKLY as we get closer and closer to the con. Ah, can’t you feel it? Almost time to come to the Great Hall? And so – the tappings on the pipes change.

Instead of gathering up several topics and publishing an issue of Con News every month or so – you’ll begin to see something called CON NEWS BULLETIN. In each, you’ll find a short con announcement. They’ll be sent whenever there’s something to send out to you.

So – with that said – let’s move on to just a few items in this issue 8 of Con News – then expect to be reading Con News Bulletins from now til the con in July.

So what else do we have to talk about here and now in this issue of Con News? We’ve just talked about Con News Bulletins. Read on about Con Registration – Communications as we move ahead – and finally, a con calendar./ reminders.

CON REGISTRATION NEWS – DEADLINE EXTENDED!

For those of you who live in the United States, there’s a little thing called the Internal Revenue Service. Some of you are planning to file your tax returns – get a refund – then use that towards your con expenses. Well – here’s where we can help.

Con Registration is scheduled to go up from $180 to $190 as of tomorrow, March 15. That is now EXTENDED OUT for another month! That’s right. So no matter WHERE you live – or what country - you have another 30 days to get your con registrations in.

You’ll pay the existing $180 rate that’s been in place since mid-November!! So – get your registrations in by APRIL 15^th!!!

Visit: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/register.asp

COMMUNICATIONS as we MOVE FORWARD

Well, you read about moving to short Con News Bulletins instead of longer Con News. However, the closer we get to the con – the more TIME MATTERS – and we’ll need to get late-breaking information out to you QUICKLY. And, you’ll want ways to communicate with US.

So what do we do?

q Con News Bulletins will continue to be mailed to the seven yahoo mailing lists as it is today. Remember though – that not all lists post messages the day/time they were sent. On many, they’ll post immediately. If you are on a moderated list – depending on the policies, it could be one to five days later. .

q If you want to see Con News Bulletins as soon as they are available – there are three ways to do that:

q Subscribe to Con News – and it’ll be delivered to your personal e:mail address

q Read it at the con web site – where current and all back issues are posted

q The MAIN SOURCE OF INFORMATION besides Con News Bulletins – will be the Con’versations Message Board at the con web site. In fact, in the month before the con? That will be the PRIMARY way to communicate news to all. http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/forum.asp

q What if you really need to get a message to “us”? Maybe you have a question. Maybe you need to get a message to someone. Maybe you’re looking for something at the con web site, and can’t find the answer you’re looking for. Maybe you need to ship your art and can’t find the address. Who knows???

q Post a message on the Con’versations Message Board. You’ll get a posted reply right there on the board. Or, if you want a private reply – say that – and be sure to put your e:mail address inside your post.

q Send an e:mail to Feedback@batbtunnels.org You’ll get a return response via e:mail.

q If you have a specific area you need to talk about – check the e:mail addresses listed on the CONTACT US page at the con web site. Select the one that best matches what you need to discuss or ask about. Then – send an e:mail.

q For anyone reading this on hard copy in their mail - directly from the Con or via one of the fan group's newsletters? Yes, there is certainly a time delay. For right now, that's ok. During the last 30-45 days or so before the con, it will be better to revert back to the days of the phone trees if you have something that's urgent. Call someone you know is online and have them post or e:mail for you - or have them e:mail me for my phone number - or send me yours. I'll call you and we can talk!

CON CALENDAR

1 Mar to 1 Apr Fan Poll – What CONNECTS YOU to Beauty & the Beast?

15 Mar Registration was supposed to increase from $180 to $190 Now EXTENDED to 15 April

15 Mar to 15 Apr TWO Favorite Moments Polls running at the same time!

#9 Favorite Joe Moment

#10 Favorite Vincent & other character Moment

12 Apr DEADLINE for submissions for the CON ZINE

15 Apr Registration fees increase

4 June Rooms reserved for our group at the con begin to be “released” at the con hotel. At this point – it becomes “if there is room” for all who try to reserve a room during the last 5 weeks before the con. Moral of the story? RESERVE YOUR ROOMS BEFORE THEN.

CON REMINDER – Con History Display in the Art Room at the Con

For any of you who said they had con memorabilia – available for loan or donation – or those who said they could send a photo – or an electronic photo file? Now is the time I need to be COLLECTING what you have. If you haven’t said that – maybe you CAN? (smile) Look to see if you have a Banquet centerpiece, a tote bag, a mug, a con zine .. ANYTHING that is CON MEMORABILIA and let me know!

Please contact me directly at deb5ca@yahoo.com with subject line CON HISTORY DISPLAY so we can make arrangements. Sure would appreciate it! Now – all I have to do is find room for more incoming BOXES! J

AND IN CLOSING THIS LAST ISSUE OF CON NEWS .. making way for Con News Bulletins:

It’s been great sending you con information this way for these many months. Now – our attentions will turn to making sure all is ready in San Francisco. We’ll continue to add content to our con web site – so continue to check the “What’s New” section there when you visit. Visit the Con’versations Message Board. And if there’s something you want to know? POST there. That’s the best way to get your questions answered – or just to chat with other fans also getting ready for San Francisco!

You never know – you might even find a “Message from Deb” now and again! (smile)

For right now though – I’ll ask you to go watch the Con Promo Video again.

I’ll ask you to think about our “help the helpers” idea for our charity this year – what that means to you – and how you might help

I’ll ask you to get your registrations in as soon as you can – to help us better know what people and what monies we can really count on as we finalize our events for the con.

I’ll ask you to contribute to the con zine – or the Talent Show – or or or or

I’ll thank you – for your continued support of our con ebay auctions

I’ll thank you – for keeping the Dream alive

I’ll thank you – for being here – in the Tunnels

I’ll look forward to lighting our candles – as we stand together – in person – shining brightly

Soon

Be well,

- Deb

CON NEWS

Issue 7 -- 13 February 2003

Welcome to the seventh issue of CON NEWS – your source of information, updates and announcements for the 14^th Annual BATB convention.

The convention: Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay

Dates: 11 July to 13 July – 2003

Location: Crowne-Plaza Union Square, San Francisco, California

Con Web Site: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

q Message from Deb

q Con Highlight – Favorite Moments Polls & Brunch

q Mouse’s Mall

q Con Highlight – Orphan Table

q Reminder - Pre and Post Con Events

q Opportunity Drawings

q Fan Poll

q Con Calendar Reminders

q What’s Coming in the Next Issue

MESSAGE FROM DEB

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! To celebrate, this month’s Favorite Moment poll is “Favorite Vincent & Catherine Moment”. How on earth do we choose? In this issue, you’ll see which polls have already come and gone – and which are still to come. Meanwhile, think romance – and head out to add your favorite choice!

Meanwhile – in the world Above – it seems to be more and more dangerous each day - with talks of potential war, acts of terrorism and the idea that a few world leaders can influence the lives of so many. These days, it’s more important than ever to continue to pour our individual LIGHT into this world. The individuals in this fandom – you sitting there reading this – are by and large some of the most caring people I know. I hope we find a way towards peace. I hope you each find ways to endure, survive, even thrive – in the midst of these fearful days. It is a gift to see “possibilities” – to create – to dare to love – ESPECIALLY in the midst of darkness and adversity..

And so we go on. We do what we must in the world Above. And – for the world Below? The one that gives many of us sustenance and encouragement to do those things Above? We’ll again go on. We’ll read this issue of Con News. We’ll write our stories. We’ll light our candles for others in need. We’ll prepare for our time together. We’re at the end of winter – looking forward to spring – with just five months til the con. It will be more than good to see you all.

CON HIGHLIGHT -- FAVORITE MOMENTS POLLS & FAVORITE MOMENTS BRUNCH

You all know Favorite Moments polls have been running for several months now. They’ll keep on coming each month right up through mid-June. Each poll lists episode clips to vote as your “favorite” for that month’s category.

On Sunday morning at the convention – there is an optional Favorite Moments Brunch. While you enjoy a buffet Brunch, we’ll not only announce all the Favorite Moments WINNERS, but we’ll show them to you - on the big screen! Given many of the choices, I can easily imagine a lot of sighing and clapping during the Brunch!

You’ve voted your favorites in SEVEN polls so far. Favorite: (1) Vincent & Catherine “look” (2) Guest Star Moment (3) Catherine & Joe Moment (4) Dialog (5) Vincent & Father Moment (6) Setting and (7) Catherine & other character Moment

There are SIX more polls to come – so make a note – and vote for YOUR favorites!

Feb 14 to Mar 14 #8 Favorite Vincent & Catherine Moment

Mar 14 to Apr 14 Two Polls

#9 Favorite Joe Moment

#10 Favorite Vincent & other character Moment

Apr 14 to May 14 Two Polls

#11 Favorite Music

#12 Favorite Father Moment

May 14 to June 14 LAST POLL

#13 Favorite Vincent & Catherine hug or near kiss

To vote in a Favorite Moments poll, go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/vote.asp

To sign up for the Favorite Moments Brunch, go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/register.com

MOUSE’S MALL

Many of you know that Jeff is the technical wizard behind several of the things at the con web site – like the online registration system. He’s almost finished with Mouse’s Mall. While he gets the last bits in place, you can head to Mouse’s Mall NOW and order any of the four items posted there. When the shopping cart arrives, we’ll bring up all the rest of the stuff we have in inventory for you. Head to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/mall.asp .

CON HIGHLIGHT – THE ORPHAN TABLE

The Orphan Table is one or more tables set up in the Dealer’s Room at the convention. The things for sale on the table come from fans. However, it’s not the same as all the regular Dealer Tables – where someone buys a table space – then brings all the “stuff” to put on then – then staffs it and sells their things throughout the con. .

Many fans might have one or a few items they would like to sell, but not enough things to fill an entire table for 3 days. Yet, other fans might be interested in what they have! So, an Orphan Table is the answer!

The FYH Con will set up an Orphan Table in the Dealer Room – and sell your things “for” you.

What to do

1 – Go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/orphan.asp and download the Orphan Table form

2 – You go through your stuff – and decide what you want to “recycle” to another fan

3 – You decide if you want the con to sell this for you – for a 15% commission – then give you the 85% after the con OR if you want to donate one or more of your items to the con.

4 – Either way, you fill out the form – listing all the things you are going to send to the Orphan Table

5 – You decide SELL FOR ME or DONATING THIS for each item you list

6 – You decide what the selling price should be

7 – Option 1 - You mail your stuff to Deb in California (as soon as possible) – marking each item with a REMOVABLE and SAFE sticker – with your initials – and the selling price

8 – Option 2 - You bring your batb items with you to the con – but send in just your Orphan Table list NOW.

IMPORTANT

Make sure your items are MARKED or we won’t know what of yours sold vs someone else’s!

We will NOT be accepting Orphan Table items we didn’t know were coming at the con itself. We have to plan out the amount of space needed & the table layouts way before that. So, send us your stuff and your FORM (your list of stuff) – or just the form if bringing things with you - by JUNE 1^st

The Orphan Table is a great way for fans to recycle their batb items – and for others to find things they’ve been looking for that were in someone else’s closet! J

PRE & POST CON EVENTS

Reminder – you can sign up for any of the pre and post con events any time. All the events are on the registration form – so you can sign up just as you do for registration – with a mail in form or online signup/payment.

q THURSDAY – 7/10 - Walking Tour and Lunch in Golden Gate Park

q MONDAY – 7/14 - Grayline Bus Tour of San Francisco (4 hours)

q TUESDAY – 7/15 – Two Post Con Events (1) BATB fans invade Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardhelli Square and (2) San Francisco Bay Cruise (1 ½ hours)

Go to: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/optional.asp to read more about them – and to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/register.asp to signup.

OPPORTUNITY DRAWINGS

This is yet another good thing about being at the con! Imagine bells ringing from time to time throughout the con. When they do? SOMEONE will have won something in our con opportunity drawings! Of course, we’ll be shooting photos of all the lucky winners, so bring your smiles along with you too. You never know what the next drawing might turn up! (smile) So bring your dollar bills – and we’ll bring the goodies – and the bells – and we’ll have some fun with this!

FAN POLL - When did you first discover BATB?

Come chime in on the latest fan poll at http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/vote.asp

Here’s the poll description. << We all love "Beauty and the Beast", but WHEN did you fall in love with it? Did you discover the magic right from the pilot episode? The second season? Third? Syndication? Inquiring minds want to know! >>

CON CALENDAR REMINDERS

14 Feb to 1 Mar Favorite Moments Poll in honor of Valentine’s Day

Poll #8 “Favorite Vincent & Catherine Moment

5 Feb Fan Poll “Your First Time” (for an American batb Convention) closed

4 Feb to 5 Mar Fan Poll “When did you first discover BATB?”

22 Mar Online Con Chat at 10 am PST, 1 pm EST, 6 pm UK time, 7 pm Europe

12 Apr DEADLINE for submissions for the CON ZINE

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Announcement - Banquet Menu Choices

Con Highlight -- Beast’ro by the Bay – Sunday evening

Fan Sign Ups for Con Activities (fan activities & workshops, fan costume walk, fan talent show, art room, loan/donation/photo of any con history item for the display, Orphan Table, volunteer options at the con …)

Best thoughts with you all

Be well,

- Deb

CON NEWS - Issue 6 - 10 January 2003

CON NEWS

Welcome to this first issue of the new year – and the sixth issue of CON NEWS – your source of information, updates and announcements for the 14^th Annual BATB convention.

The convention: Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay

Dates: 11 July to 13 July – 2003

Location: Crowne-Plaza Union Square, San Francisco, California

Con Web Site: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from Deb
Con Chat Schedule
Two Basics – CON REGISTRATION and HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Con Highlight -- Fan Night (Friday evening) -- with a message from Suze
International Fans – BATB around the world
Help Support the Convention
Con Calendar Reminders
What’s Coming in the Next Issue

MESSAGE FROM DEB

It’s 2003!!! Time to turn your thoughts to registration, hotel rooms, airline tickets, writing something for the con zine, getting art projects finished, sending in spare BATB items for the Orphan Table or ebay auctions, finding that special momento you want to have autographed, planning the number of rolls of film you’ll need to bring, loaning or donating a past con momento for our exhibit, practicing your song for the talent show, planning & making your outfit for the Friday night Costume Parade and – back to basics – finding & dusting off your suitcases! (smile)

As you each look at what’s ahead for this New Year – ask yourself how YOU want to participate in this, our annual tradition. So many parts of fandom – all coming together – in so many individual and group ways. So much time and energy for months on end – to create this annual time in the Tunnels. How will YOU “follow your heart” and contribute to quality time in the Tunnels together in San Francisco?

As we look forward to July, let me here in January - wish each of you the very best for this New Year. May it be a year where you find your own unique way to make a difference in this world .. for your own well being .. and for others. We have a LOT to look forward to – and many possibilities we might create and share! We’re in the final count down now! We’re just SIX MONTHS AWAY from seeing each other at the con! Happy 2003!

CON CHAT SCHEDULE

Get your calendars out and mark off January 25^th for another CON CHAT. We’ll do another in March – then again in May. If there are specific things you want any of the con team or myself to talk about, drop us a line! We’ll send out a list of topics a week or so before each chat..

Next con chat – 25 JANUARY

Time – 10 am, PST in US – 1 pm, EST in US -- 6 pm, UK time -- 7 pm, western Europe time

Go to the con web site, re-read Con News #5 or go to the following url http://www.scifi.com/chat/chat.faq.html to make sure you’re “ready to chat”. Review how moderated chats work. Meanwhile – add Jan 25^th to your calendars! If you belong to an online list – add it to the calendar of your site. See you online! (smile)

TWO BASICS: CON REGISTRATION & HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Two basic things now that we’ve entered these countdown months to the con:

1) REGISTER FOR THE CON & for any of the optional events

http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/registration.asp

2) RESERVE YOUR GUEST ROOM AT THE CON HOTEL

http://con2003.batbtunnels.org – then either call them or use their online reservation system

Con Hotel: CROWN PLAZA SAN FRANCISCO, located in Union Square at 480 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108.

To RESERVE YOUR GUEST ROOM at the hotel:

* By phone – call Hotel Reservations at 888-218-0808. Identify yourself as being with the group called “Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay”. Be sure to specify the Crowne-Plaza, San Francisco – in Union Square. (There are “lots” of Crowne Plazas, so you want to be sure to make reservations at the right one!)

* Online – go to the hotel’s web site at sfo-unionsq.crowneplaza.com/index.shtml then click on reservations from the menu at the left. Fill in your personal information – specify the dates you need a room – and put in FYI as your CODE. This is the only thing that identifies to the computer that you are a part of this group, so be sure to enter it! Note that it “isn’t” FYH for Follow Your Heart – that code wasn’t available. Our code is FYI

* When you reserve a room as a member of our group, you’ll receive the con pricing of $159 per night, plus taxes. This is single or double occupancy. You can select either one king size bed – or two double beds.

CON HIGHLIGHT -- FAN NIGHT (Friday, 11 July)

Friday night is really three events – then a break – followed by a Fan Mixer. The evening is centered totally around FANS. We’ll have:

--- The traditional Fan Costume Parade

--- The traditional Fan Talent Show

--- A New Surprise -- we’ll tell you it’s a slideshow -- we just won’t tell you in advance what it “is”! (smile) We think you’ll like it though, and it’s a great addition to “fan night”.

--- Fan Mixer -- the Banquet Room will be open and available for individual fans and fan groups to informally hang out and “Mix” with each other! Groups are welcome to have representatives there – and literature – to let folks know what their group is all about. A no host bar will be open. It’s a great opportunity at the end of a full day and partial evening of “the con” – to sit around with other fans – meet, visit, TALK – and “no one” is going to object if you obsess about Beauty & the Beast!

Now let’s turn to Suze Howe – who is managing Fan Night at the con. She has some things to say about the Costume Walk and Fan Talent Show. It reads like one of her famous (or infamous) con reports! J She certainly brings energy & enthusiasm to Fan Night! Should be a lot of fun. Let’s see what she has to say:.

MESSAGE FROM SUZE HOWE re: FAN NIGHT:

Come one, come all, to the Greatest Show on Earth!

Okay, well, maybe not, but we do have fun! What am I talking about??? FAN NIGHT! We are continuing the con tradition of a Costume Walk and Talent Show on Friday night, but with a bit of a twist - we've decided to dedicate the entire night to celebration of BATB fans, BY BATB fans. And the best part is that ANYONE can participate!

The Costume Walk is an easy and fun way to get in on the action. If you can throw together a Halloween costume and walk across a stage, then you can do this! Dress up as your favorite BATB character (Catherine? Vincent? Devin? Arthur?)...get creative and become some unique Tunnel item (Catherine's rose bush? Vincent's stained glass window? Great Expectations? A Great Hall tapestry?)...or just let your imagination run wild! Also, there will be a Tunnel Tailor workshop earlier that day, so even if you don't have the chance to create a costume ahead of time, you can do it right at the con! Bring an old shirt, vest, pair of jeans, etc. and with Maranda's help, you can work that Tunnel magic on them. This is a HUGE amount of fun (I did it last year, myself!) and you'd be amazed at the cool things you can come up with. You'll get to model your duds as a kick-off to our Fan Night. All participants will have the chance to parade across the stage as their costume is described by our M.C. Picture a fashion runway show for the Tunnel crowd. :)

Now, for those of you who are looking for a little more time in the spotlight and a chance to show off those hidden skills, the Talent Show is for you! Don't get scared by the word "talent"...we're not looking for the next Kelly Clarkson or Justin Guarini (although some of you could probably beat the pants off them!). Think of it as a family get together and we're just entertaining each other. Think of it as that scene in "The Breakfast Club" where they're showing off their talents (Molly Ringwald's lipstick trick, anyone?). No pressure, and we love EVERYBODY! Do you sing? Do you dance? Do you play an instrument? -- Great! Stand-up comedy? High school cheers? Yoga moves? -- Bring it on! Balloon animals? Ventriloquism? Plate twirling? -- Go for it! Get the idea? As with the Costume Walk, let your imagination be your guide, then grab your 15 (well...5) minutes in the limelight. Give it a shot!

I am challenging EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU to get involved with either the Costume Walk or the Talent Show (go on....I double dawg dare you!). And if you just can't overcome your stage fright, think about volunteering - I know that I'll need at least a couple of helpers to keep me sane! This is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow fans and a great ice breaker, so I expect to see you all there!

FOR AND ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FANS

FIRST -- We are blessed and delighted to have so many fans attend the cons in the US from literally “around the world”! And many international fans don’t just attend the cons – they PARTICIPATE in the cons! This year will be no exception – but – I have a request for ALL FANS. The international fans want some HELP this time around! (smile)

Several of the international fans attending the con are currently brainstorming “something they might do as a group” at the con. The problem? They haven’t decided yet on what that “something” is going to be! They would love to hear ideas or requests – on what fans might like to see or hear from them to get their creative muses going.

They’ve done a panel in the past about the differences amongst countries in “Beauty & the Beast” – from the subtle or not so subtle variances in meaning given the language translations from english – to the textures of the dubbed “voices” of the characters. They’ve thought about acting out a portion of a scene from an episode – in multiple languages – and leaving it to the audience to decide “which episode” is being presented. If any of you have any bright ideas you want them to think about or consider? Contact Sandra Hensen at sandra.hensen@skynet.be They are “all ears” – so let them know what you’re wishing for as they’re starting NOW to dream up something “wonderful to delight us” in San Francisco. Whatever their surprise turns out to be? It will be WONDERFUL

SECOND -- When Beauty & the Beast was released around the world – international fans saw the same Vincent & Catherine that appeared in the US version – but the voices were different – and the english was “translated” when localized for multi-country airings. If you have an episode – on videotape – in a language other than english – please contact Sandra.

THIRD -- This is as good a time as any to announce that several international fans have once again agreed to share the “opening dialog” in multiple languages with us during Opening Ceremonies. Not only do I want to say “thank you” in advance – I want to warn everyone coming to HAVE KLEENEX with you. It’s an amazing thing to see and hear – and extremely moving.

LAST -- If you are an international fan? Three guesses? Naw – too easy. Contact Sandra! (smile) Join up with other international fans and get in on the fun for the FYH Con!

HELP SUPPORT THE CONVENTION

There’s nothing like a calendar flipping to 2003 to have the REALITY of a July CONVENTION hit in full force! And so – here I go – asking for your SUPPORT.

We need all the help we can get to cope with the hotel/catering costs and the celebrity costs – let alone all the other expenses of putting on an event of this size and complexity. We want to “pay all the bills” – so that when all is said and done – we can go on from “breaking even” – to raising money for charity. For most cons – this being no exception – it’s a struggle just to “get out of the red”. Reaching the “break even” point is a major accomplishment, given the tens of thousands of dollars needed to do a con. The goal, of course, is to go beyond that – so we can do what we’ve pledged to do – and “help the helpers”.

Given that our conventions are “fan-based” – not commercially sponsored or run – that means fan SUPPORT is needed to make the Follow Your Heart con a success – for us – and for those we want to help. That means – fan blood, sweat, tears and money!

YOU CAN HELP!

1) Register NOW

2) Reserve your hotel room NOW

3) Donate some money NOW. Head to any page at the con web site. Look for the DONATION BOX on the lower left side of any page. It’s connected directly to PayPal, where you can forward funds from your bank account or charge card – to the con bank account. You can earmark your money for the “Con Guest Fund” – or just send money and leave it up to us to use where we need it.

4) Donate some of your batb collectibles – that we can use for fundraising, the Dealers Room or in the FYH Auction. Share your goodies with others – and help the con at the same time.

Yes – that was a DIRECT APPEAL for your HELP! Come from all Chambers to the Great Hall and share what you can. We’ll surely appreciate it.

CON CALENDAR REMINDERS

1 Jan to 21 Jan Favorite Moments Poll #7 -- Favorite “Catherine & Other Character” Moment.

5 Jan Fan Poll “Your Beauty & the Beast Life” closed. Our thanks to the 55 fans who chose to share a bit about themselves – and therefore – about this fandom.

1 Jan to 5 Feb New Fan Poll “Your First Time” (for an American batb Convention) (We already have some CON VIRGINS on there! (smile)

25Jan (Saturday) Online Con Chat at 10 am PST, 1 pm EST, 6 pm UK time, 7 pm Europe

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Announcement - Banquet Menu Choices

Con Highlight -- Orphan Table

Opportunity Drawings at the Con

Post Con Events – Grayline Tour of San Francisco (Monday), Fisherman’s Wharf (Tuesday) and San Francisco Bay Cruise (Tuesday)

IT’S NOW THE YEAR OF THE CON!

As you see, the theme of this issue was “it’s 2003” and the con is getting closer and closer! (smile) SOON, we’ll see each other in the Tunnels again. Register for the con and any of the other pre or post con events you want to attend. Get yourself a room at the con hotel – or post on the Find-a-Roomie Board if you want to share a Chamber with another fan. WATCH THE CON PROMO VIDEO AGAIN - to remind yourself what you’re looking forward to! (smile) .And most importantly? It is 2003 – our year is here at last. So don’t forget to “dream”. We’ll see each other very soon now!

Be well,

- Debbie

CON NEWS - Issue 5 - 12 December 2002 - 02:50 pm, PST

CON NEWS

Announcement - from Deb for the Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay 2003 Convention

Con News #5 - December, 2002 - is now available.

In this issue:
-- Message from Deb
-- Fan Poll Results
-- Preparing for Con Chats
-- Con Highlight - CHARITY
-- What's Happening at the Con Web Site
-- A Con Registration on eBay!!
-- Con Calendar Reminders
-- What's Coming in the Next Issue

The main convention web site - http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

The con web site seems to just keep growing and growing and growing! (smile) Each section has many, many sections within it. Check out the
site map and the "What's New" sections when you visit.

Another good place to visit often is what we call Pipe Tappings. When you arrive there, it says "Welcome to the communications hub - our
virtual meeting place!". This is YOUR place to interact with us during these months leading up to the convention.

There, you'll find:
-- Contact Us (A list of con e:mail addresses - by topic)
-- Fan Polls & Favorite Moments Polls
-- Con'versations Message Board
-- Find-A-Roomie Message Board
-- Con News (all issues are posted there, as well as a link to the "subscribe" form)
-- Publicity
-- Link to view the con promo video
-- Con Calendar
-- Link to any current con fundraising auctions on eBay
-- Links
-- Con Chats

You can get to all of the above at http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/pipetappings.asp

To go directly to all issues of Con News, go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/connews.asp

To go directly to this current issue of Con News, go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/connews/2002-1210.asp

For registration information, go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/registration.asp

To put in your two cents on Fan Polls & Favorite Moments Polls, go to http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/vote.asp

If you feel like talking, check the Con'versations message board at http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/forum

If you want to receive Con News directly in your personal e:mail account, you can subscribe to receive it at: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/mailsignup.asp

All of us on the Con Team wish you and yours a warm and healthy holiday time. We'll see you for the next round of Con News in January, 2003!

Be well,

- Deb

First Online Moderated Con Chat (Sent 23rd November 2002) - To take place 26th October 2002

Announcement from the 14th Annual BATB Con July, 2003 - Follow Your Heart: BATB by the Bay

FIRST ONLINE MODERATED CON CHAT
Saturday -- 26 Oct 2002
US Times: 10 am, PST -- 1 pm, EST

We told you this was coming in the last issue of Con News. Well, the time is here THIS WEEKEND! :)

Go to: http://www.scifi.com
Go to: chat and enter by selecting "chat now"
Fill in your desired user name, etc
We'll be on Channel: #beautyandthebeast (you'll have a pull down menu to select this channel)

As you enter the chat room - you'll see the names of others in the room listed at the right of your chat window. This is a moderated chat. You're the audience in the virtual theater.

As the guests (in this case, "us", your 2003 con team) talk about the con, you'll see the dialog on your screens. If you have questions or comments as the discussion and announcements are going on - you can send them privately to the MODERATOR who will collect them - and during the Q&A time .. send them to us to reply to.

We may also stop the discussion here and there and ask you, the audience, a question. Then, the moderator will collect your replies .. and send those to our shared chat screen.

We'll give you some "chat tips" at the start of the chat, so don't worry too much about "how it works". We'll fill you all in when you get there. To get started? On saturday .. just pOint your browser - and soon - you'll be hearing what's up for July, 2003!

So mark your calendars - and we'll see you this weekend!

If you already have topics you HOPE will be talked about? Let us know! Write Feedback@batbtunnels.org with a subject line "Con Chat" or drop a post at the Con'versations message board at http://con2003.batbtunnels.org/forum and we'll try to get that topic "on the list"! :)

See you on saturday!!

- debbie

CON NEWS - Issue 4 - 8 November 2002 - 05:22 pm, PST

CON NEWS

Welcome to the fourth issue of CON NEWS ¡V your source of information, updates and announcements for the 14th Annual BATB convention.

The convention: Follow Your Heart: Beauty & the Beast by the Bay

Dates: 11 July to 13 July ¡V 2003

Location: Crowne-Plaza Union Square, San Francisco, California

Con Web Site: http://con2003.batbtunnels.org

Table of Contents

Message from Deb
Online Registration available NOW!
Con Highlight ¡V Auctions
Con fundraising on ebay
Con History Display at the Con
Ways to Participate in the Con
The Beast'ro by the Bay
Con Calendar Reminders & Message for batb fan groups
What's Coming in the Next Issue

MESSAGE FROM DEB

Incredible as it seems, we are headed for the Nov and Dec holidays ¡V then will be coming down the 2003 home stretch to the con in July! It's downright exciting! :) And this issue, over six pages of information for you!

Several good things to talk about this time ¡V but right at the start ¡V we're excited to announce that ONLINE REGISTRATION is now available! You can sign up for any of the pre-con, at the con or post-con events you like ¡V all from the con web site, then use PayPal to send payment. Quick and easy! (Still time to get yours in before the rates go up on 15 November!)

The Follow Your Heart Auction (sat night) and the Art Auction (sun afternoon) is the Con Highlight this time ¡V complete w