There is an often-seen phenomena on the internet that consists of a list of frequently asked questions. These usually consist of questions that new people tend to ask established communities. There is a less often-seen phenomena on the internet that consists of a list of infrequently asked questions. These are often humorous, and sometimes misleading. Well, we here at the Des Moines Science Fiction Society have decided to combine the two. What follows in this section is a list of questions that are not often asked, but that we feel should be. So, feel free to browse the questions (and answers) listed here. If you have any further questions, please to not hesitate to ask us at info@dmsfs.org.

Infrequently Asked Questions (for DemiCon 14)

1. What time does the convention start?
   Registration opens at 3:00 PM (15:00) on Friday May 2, 2003 on the second floor of the Hotel Fort Des Moines. The Opening ceremonies start at 7:00 PM (19:00), but we will have various activities starting around 3:00 PM (15:00), so show up early for maximum fun.
2. What is "Opening Ceremonies" ?
   Opening Ceremonies is the official kick-off for the convention. The Guests of Honor will be introduced, along with other attending guests and the convention steering committee (ConCom). This is followed by a performance by the Trans-Iowa Canal Company West (tm), an amateur theater troupe specializing in science fiction oriented comedy.
3. Do I have to wear a costume? Can I wear one anyway?
   You do not have to wear a costume to enjoy DemiCon. Just show up as yourself and join the fun. Some people will choose to wear costumes, and they will run the range from fun festive party clothing, to the bug-eyed monster of the week. You may even see Klingons, vampires, pirates, superheroes, renaissance costumes and whatever else our creative attendees can imagine.
4. Are there costume contests?
   Yes! There are 2 costume contests at DemiCon; the Hall Costume contest on Friday night, and the Formal Masquerade on Saturday night. Please review the rules for these events. You cannot wear the same costume for both events.
5. Are there activities for all ages?
   Most of the activities and events at DemiCon are suitable for all ages. Some special activities will be scheduled for children and also for the "youth" segment of the population- those who haven't quite reached legal voting age. A separate "youth" oriented area will be set aside for both organized and self directed activities. Activities for specific age groups will be labeled on the event schedule.
6. What about "adult" themed events?
   DemiCon offers a wide range of programming choices. If content of a program or event is intended for "mature audiences only", it will be clearly labeled.
7. Does DemiCon provide daycare?
   No, DemiCon does not provide any daycare.
8. What about parking at the Hotel Fort Des Moines?
   There is plenty of on-street and ramp parking near the hotel. The parking ramp does charge a nominal fee on Friday, but is free on both Saturday and Sunday. On-street parking is metered and is free after 6:00 PM (18:00) on Friday and for the rest of the weekend.
9. Do I have to stay at the Hotel Fort Des Moines to attend DemiCon?
   Of course not! You may come and go as you please from the convention. You are free to stay or not stay anywhere you choose including but not limited to your home, your car, a castle, a dragon's lair, an alternate dimension, or a hobbit hole.
10. What happens at DemiCon?
    DemiCon has many activies both planned and unplanned. The planned activities tend to involve entertainment, discussions, and workshops. The entertainment ranges from video to live theater to live musical performance. The discussions range from old and new issues in literature to what to expect from the new television seasons. Workshop topics vary year to year and can cover projects involving: writing, costuming, gaming, theater, music, programming, and art. The unplanned activities vary year to year, but generally seem to involve a lot of talking to old friends, making new friends, playing games, and exploring new places to eat lunch, supper, dinner, late dinner, later dinner, latest dinner, and desert. For specific information, please refer to our programming page.
11. Who is there that I would want to see?
    We have many guests, usually they fall into the following categories:
    Guests of Honor - These people are chosen by the members of DMSFS as people that we particularly wish to honor for their achievements
    
    • Author Guest of Honor This person is a professional author of novels, novellas, or short stories. They come to discuss their published and forthcoming works, to discuss issues in literature and in publishing, meet their fans, sign some books, and to generally have fun at the convention.
    • Artist Guest of Honor This person is an artist who supplies their work to the science fiction and fantasy community (often in the form of prints, book covers, posters, comic books, or magazines). They come to discuss their work, issues in creating and marketing art, meet their fans, distribute their work, and to generally have fun at the convention.
    • Fan Guest of Honor This person is someone who has been attending conventions for some time and has given a lot to the science fiction community. They come to have fun and help other people have fun in the process.
    • Toastmaster This person is the poor sap that we make get up on stage and talk to everyone. They are also known as the Master of Ceremonies. Oh, and they are also very good at keeping things running properly, a lot of fun to have around, and add a lot to the convention experience.
    Other Guests - Other guests are more than welcome at DemiCon. They tend to be people who are professionals in a field that directly effects the science fiction and fantasy genres. They tend to be authors, artists, and musicians, though this list is by no means exhaustive.
    For more information, please refer our guests page.
12. What is the cost to attend DemiCon?
    Adults: $50.00 at the door.
    $30.00 for one day.
    Children 5-12, $15.00 with paid adult. under 5, free.
13. Gee, that seems like a lot of money. Can you explain ?
    The convention begins on Friday May 2, 2003 and runs straight through, 24 hours a day, till 3:00 PM (15:00) Sunday May 4. The cost actually works out to around $1.00 an hour for a whole bunch of fun and entertainment and includes refreshments.