Worldcon is almost here, all those delights, diversions and parties... you might be tempted not to sleep, to stay up all night watching movies, or at parties or in the con suite, eating snack food for hours, or whatever. There is simply too much fun to have, too many distractions and we are like children in a candy store. Why at my first Worldcon (1998) I might have starved if there were not a hotdog vendor right outside the convention centre. So I'd like to remind everyone about the 5-2-1 rule. Well, it's not a rule exactly, more like a guideline, one that has been around a while.

It goes like this: Every day at Worldcon you should try to get at least 5 hours of sleep (all the better to have stamina for the next party), 2 meals (no, snacks don't count) and 1 shower/bath (please, for the love of your fellow fan). Getting more sleep, eating more meals or taking more showers are all allowed at your own discretion, but remember to aim for the 5-2-1 minimum. And have a blast. Pace yourself... but have a blast.