Dave Axler is a long-time convention fan who's been a Philcon regular since the early seventies, when he came to his first Philcon to interview GoH John Brunner for local radio station WXPN. In the years since then, he has written an M.A. thesis entitled "'Fandom Is A Way of Life': A Folkloristic Ethnography of Science Fiction Fandom;" designed the weather system for TSR's "Greyhawk" campaign; arranged for Frank Herbert to be a speaker at Philadelphia's first Earth Day celebration; ushered at six Hugo Awards Ceremonies; served as DJ for three consecutive Disclave "Senior Prom" dances; was awarded the coveted "Stud Muffin" ribbon by the 1996 Los Angeles Worldcon Committee; and is known as "Lord DaveAx" in the Brotherhood Without Banners. In so-called real life, he is a retired bit-herder; a collector of books, music, and art; a member of the Zipper Club; and an avid oenophile. He also hosts the infamous annual "Alphabetical Hallowe'en Party."