FanExpo is now going to include a "Sports" section. Mistake?

[Shockwave 75]

Surprised there's no discussion about this yet.

So I saw this on Facebook today. At first I was excited because all I saw was that Hulk Hogan was coming, then I saw the next post announcing the expansion into another building and the inclusion of a "Sports" expo.

I can't help but feel that this is a mistake on their part.

It all comes back to the old jocks vs geeks argument. I think many of the "geeks" might stay away now because their "safe place" has been taken away.
I've already seen/heard in the past few years, since the inclusion of video games, some "gamers" walking around and laughing/making fun of all the "nerds".

The FanExpo people have taken the stand that sports fans are geeks too, just a different kind of geek. I happen to agree with this.
Instead of dressing up like Green Lantern, they put on Sydney Crosby jerseys (or whoever).
The problem is that these "sports geeks" don't know that they're geeks and don't view themselves as such.

I have no problem with the FanExpo people wanting to put on a sports expo, but I don't think it belongs as part of FanExpo.

I think many people might not come this year because they won't feel free to let their freak flag fly around the group of people who may generally make them feel marginalized in the first palce.

This is the second time this week that I have seen; what in my view is, the mainstreaming of "geek culture".
First the Space channel changes their logo to something that I feel better represents a channel about interior decorating than one about sci/fi & fantasy, then the addition of the show Castle to their roster. The show may be entertaining, Nathan Fillion may be a genre favorite, and there may be the odd genre references, but I don't think that makes it any more appropriate for the Space channel than TJ Hooker would be.
And now FanExpo has gone to the jocks.

Thoughts, feelings, insights?

[Nullray]

Fandom knows no boundries.

[UltraPrimal]

Originally Posted by Shockwave 75

Thoughts, feelings, insights?

It's fucking stupid.

Comics: YES!
Video Games: YES!
Sci Fi: YES!
Anime: Yes!
Horror: Okay
Sports: GFTO! Seriously, GTFO and don't come back!

[Hellboy]

I work in the Sports Collecting industry and I don't get it... but I don't get sports collectors in general. I thought we were crazy for the money we spend on toys... what they spend on memorabilia is nuts.

[canprime]

Personally I think it is a mistake, and I don't think it will go over well. I understand the need to try and expand your customer base, but I think the two groups are too different to coexist in the same show.

[FEZaid]

sport convention = any bar and grill.

[Metroplex79]

WTF?

Sports is so out of place here.

Comics: Has ties to sci-fi, video games, anime, and horror.

Sci Fi: Has ties to video games, anime, comics, and horror.

Video Games: Has ties to sci-fi, comics, anime, horror, and sports.

Anime: Has ties to sci-fi, video games, comics, and horror.

Horror: Has ties to sci-fi, video games, anime, and comics.

Sports: Has ties to video games.

(correct me if I am wrong)

I think HobbyStar is doing a cash grab. Possibly trying to muscle out the various small sportscards shows in the Toronto area.

If a brawl breaks out at the convention, I'm standing with the sci-fi or comics crowd...even though I used to be a jock.

[Knockout]

I haven't attended Fan Expo since 2010. After dealing with their BS for 3 years. I refused to give them anymore of money. I only attend Anime North (This year is my 13th year), Niagara Falls Comic Con (2nd year) and Transformers Con (2nd year)

[ryceball89]

I love sports, especially hockey so Bobby Orr and Joe Sakic and Martin Brodeur going to this sounds awesome.

HOWEVER, like many ppl have said, I don't feel like sports is going to fit in well. I'm already noticing my 'jock friends' on facebook talking about this, and I know 100% that they know sh*t about scifi, anime, comics and gaming.

[brr-icy]

yeah, bad idea, opposite ends of the spectrum,