This was my first attempt at coming in a day early, and it was a great idea. Mind you, it meant 23 hours with only short naps on the plane for rest, but I count it a wild success.

I was able to solve two minor problems with the help of terrific con staffers and was soon out and about in the behind-the-scenes exhibit-floor set-up. I have a bit of a video look at the apparent disorder out of which everyone's entertainment will emerge this evening. (August: the month of Maggie video posting!)

I spoke with dealers who suggested opening a PORTION of the floor early for comics buying and selling not unlike the Expo of years gone by, but for collectors, rather than pros. Hmm. And I've already lined up a couple of news stories on the collecting aspect of the field. I'll do those interviews today, I hope.

The evening was spent at Richard Starkings' delightful informal bash at Mondo Gelato, 435 10th Ave., luxuriating in (yes) gelato and great chit-chat, meeting Fabrice Sapolsky of Comic Box (www.fullfx.biz) and Liz and an assortment of terrific people whose names a full night's sleep has wiped from my mind, including the kind soul who bought me 4 more scoops of gelato! Argh!

This morning, NPR's KPBS announces it's providing a Comic-Con blog at KPBS.org, and its reporter suggests, "Comic-Con is whatever you want to make it." Her top-of-the list event choice is The Spirit. And her closing advice to attendees: "Have patience and have fun." Yes, indeed!