Conventions are strange.

Over the years, gatherings of comic nerds, gamers and trekkies have become easy targets. They are traditionally defined as a migration of dweebs in Spock ears that dream of one day kissing a girl, or maybe as a place for people that can't function in society unless it involves some sort of role playing. Certainly at least they are looked at as a simple carnival of sad, pathetic losers.

Unfair, you say? Well yes, but there is always some truth in stereotypes. Look, I'm a big Star Trek fan but grown men communicating in Klingon generally makes me want to punch my self in the face.

That said, I can only imagine the level of dorky bizarreness that takes place at the Annual Lima Bean Growers or Plumbers Association of America conventions. Fuck all that, can you even wrap your head around how twisted a simple realtor’s convention must be? We have all seen those creepy photos of real-estate agents on bus benches. Throw a couple thousand of those freaks together at the Holiday Inn discussing mortgage rates and you've got the definition of weird!

Suddenly those Klingon dudes aren't so annoying.

I've been to my share of conventions. As a kid I attended a handful of comic and Trek cons. In 2001 I did a signing with my band at San Diego Comic Con and in 2008 I was back at the same event as a correspondent with FEARnet.

Last year, as I walked the convention floor I became energized. Totally inspired. Truth be told, at that time I was a bit creatively spent. I had lost a little fire. I was in the early stages of writing an album and having a tough time. Being at San Diego Comic Con sparked something and suddenly I was reminded of how much I loved all of this nonsense and being around people who felt the same was incredible. I felt totally at home.

Conventions are powerful.

A lot of people complain that events like Comic Con have gotten too big, too commercial. Purists are bummed out that it is more about movies than comics. I say the essence is still there. The heart of what makes these things special beats strong. I feel like the people are the same as the ones that were at the little comic conventions I remember as a kid. There are just more of them, lots more.

I was shocked at how big Comic Con had become. Stand out side the convention center at closing time and watch as thousands flood the streets. It is impressive. There is power in numbers, so don't be bummed by the expansion of your world. Use it! Imagine the possibilities. I think a common thread that we all share as fans of anything left of center is that you are alone (especially when you are a kid). Comic Con is proof positive that there are more dorks out there like you and me than you can count. This is good! This is power!

So, I look forward to being there again this year. I can't wait to see you all and get a new burst of inspiration. Look for me, I'll be the bleach blonde with a microphone roaming around.  Let's hang out and chat and I'll put you on FEARnet.

Or better yet, tell me a convention story now.