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| What was the point? |
Dia daoibh, a chairde.
Alas, Fantasy Creature Store will not be at Oregon Renaissance Faire this year.
I’m writing to document why to the curious and baffled. Prepare to be more baffled. I have also linked to this blog in the email sent to WRAES and WITP requesting clarification on this situation. To be clear: this concerns the owners and operators of WRAES and WITP and their agents. If you are one of the many performers, musicians, merchants or food vendors: we’re all victims of toxic capitalism and I DO NOT hold it against anyone who participates to pay the bills. I only wish I could join you this year. Unfortunately my application was denied. Even though I was invited back. More on that later.
I was watching my email regularly in late 2024 when on November 20th the invite for entertainers went out. I checked the website; nothing on merchants yet. About a week later there was still no email about merchants. I emailed the WRAES merchant coordinator on Dec 2nd about when to expect applications. Afterwards I looked at the website and saw the link for merchant applications was live. A bit odd as it’s usually merchants from the year before who are sent an invite before it’s opened to the public. But the link went to Eventbrite and appeared to be the same process. I decided to just do it then and get it out of the way. This is important because it means I was one of the first merchants to register before the invite email was sent.
On December 5th I received the merchant invitation to register. So I thought that was done and done. Invitation and reply. I did send an additional email with an undated photo of my booth. On Dec 28th my application was rejected.
At first there was a vague “we can’t accept your application at this time” email from the coordinator:
Then Eventhub sent me another email giving the reason my category, “magic, fairy and fantasy”, was full:
My selected category from Dec 2, 2024:
Problem: this was untrue and remained untrue for months afterwards.
One can simply go through the process using another email account and or device to check this. There’s even an example of a category that was full to compare it with.
A sold out or full category is highlighted in red and cannot be selected:
These are screens from an incomplete application process on Dec 30th and Jan 4th, one from the computer and another from the phone:
As one can see the “magic, fairy and fantasy” category is clearly not full. Therefore that cannot be the reason my application was rejected. Also, a representative on Facebook confirms the process is allegedly "first come first serve":
In light of my extremely early application and the initial vague “we can’t accept your application at this time” waffle, I am forced to speculate what the real reasons were for being declined:
~ Is it “The Othering”? Othering cannot be fixed by “ignoring it”. It always leads to marginalization and loss of livelihood. WRAES claims to be open and inclusive as an infinite box of chocolates:
Code of Conduct:
All WRAES events aim to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all of our patrons and participants, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious/non-religious beliefs, disability, immigration status, military/veteran status, or socio-economic status. WRAES events are spaces for all.
However I observed cracks in these aspirations by the second year I attended (2023). At least two individuals gave me “the stare”, the sustained hostile glare bigots give when trying to intimidate someone. Gay people know exactly what I mean, as well as POC. What was odd was, in one case the woman was Latin and also working for a merchant booth. I remained civil with this person, going so far as to be actively friendly. Because during the “The Othering” anything can be spun to manufacture a complaint of feeling “threatened” or “uncomfortable”. So I kept it light, cheerful and friendly so they have nothing to complain about.
But I shouldn’t have to “babysit” my neighbors to protect my business. I never found out what her problem was and she kept it up all the time we were there. And no, she didn’t treat anyone else like that. The odd thing? The woman who owned the booth, a relative, was extremely friendly and authentic. That was the only reason I didn’t report this to WRAES. I am 99% certain the “otherer” thought I was a lesbian or even trans, because the force of her hostility couldn’t be explained by racism or sexism.
Another example of “The Othering” afoot was not directed at me, but observed at the “Robin Hood and Maid Marian” show. Firstly, these people are cracker. Absolutely class. I always try to make time to catch one show. They reenact fairy tales and myths, with characters are played by audience members. Casting is color and gender blind. Most people think this is great fun. But not the two lads in the back making nasty sexist and homophobic asides in the last show of 2023.
Worse these comments were directed at CHILDREN. The princess was being played by a little girl(you have to scream really good to get this role), and Saint George was being played by an older girl. While the Princess and George were acting a scene, these lads were saying things barely under their breath like “Ick! Boobies!” no matter how uncomfortable the people around them appeared. I say “lads”, but they were mature adult men in their mid 20’s to mid 30’s, and from their garb and gear very much a part of the faire scene, possibly directly connected to WRAES. I intended to speak with “Robin” and “Marian” after the show, but a thunderstorm forced us first under the tavern tent, then to the barn.
The worse evidence of “The Othering” lurking in WRAES culture came from this thread on Reddit I found earlier this year. Someone discovered the Youtube channel of a knight, known as “Sir William of France”, who in IRL is a minister who spews about evil feminists, and transwomen from the pulpit. (after the 50 minute mark)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VCA9WkWMqU
People were gobsmacked; apparently there is nothing in this person’s public persona to suggest they are sexist, transphobic or homophobic to the point of ranting on the subject in public. WRAES might say he’s has a right to his personal beliefs, et...except he is making public Youtube videos about his beliefs that directly contradict the kumbaya rainbows and chocolates statement of tolerance WRAES wants to project and presumably doesn’t want participants to undermine. At least that’s the impression one is left with when WRAES allegedly requires performers, merchants, etc to not ever say anything negative about WRAES/WITP reputation.
With this much “Othering”, the scope must be much worse in totality. It’s hard to believe this wasn’t a contributing factor in my application denial. Unfortunately, it is a recognizable pattern: initially enthusiastic acceptance in a community, followed by slow marginalization and cooling if not outright rejection. It’s origin can be traced to inventions, rumors, speculation and outright lies about my ancestry, sexual preferences or gender identity, among others. This can go years without my knowledge until someone lets slip something problematic because they are "uncomfortable" with my appearance.
This was rife at another allegedly progressive and tolerant market that eventually pushed me out after over twenty years. I suppose I'm moderately grateful this process only took three years with WRAES/WITP/ORF, because I don’t have another twenty years to waste.
Still, spreading “othering” lies is irresponsible and inexcusable, and most importantly maliciously damaging to ones livelihood.
~ Another possible reason: Was it because I – along with my neighbor and others -was vocal about the badly laid out Tornado Alley in 2024?
During the ORF 2024 season a new row was placed along an access road that previously ran behind booths. This became problematic almost instantly. Dust covered product before the faire even opened. But the worst came the first Sunday with the rain and wind.
Many people who were not on Tornado Alley will also speak about how bad the wind was. But we had the brunt of it as we faced the grassy field-cum-carpark with nothing to break the wind. At one point I took all the expensive breakable product off the walls in addition to holding the center of my roof down manually. I didn’t dare leave for anything; with every buffet the walls shook and the canopy sucked up as if aliens were trying to hoover the event. I have lived near tornado country and so was familiar with the effects, even if it wasn’t an actual tornado. As one very informed volunteer confirmed, it was a matter of fluid dynamics.
I don’t think anyone could have predicted the weather dynamics would be that bad. But it got worse: at one point I watched the entire 15-20+ feet high cyclone fencing opposite us by the road, the only thing separating the queue of patrons waiting to entire, rock towards us. I told my neighbor who called it in. Apparently that fence was only tied down on one side. Had it fallen, even if it hadn’t damaged or destroyed our booths, patrons almost certainly would have been injured as the footing and base kicked up. So I thought I’d done a good deed. But associates of mine warned me WRAES has a history of shooting the messenger. I wouldn’t like to believe preventing accidents and injuries would be punished, but now I’m not sure.
~ Or maybe it was because of the stress and awkwardness leading up to the 2024 after I my application was accepted but documents weren’t being approved on time?
Here’s the thing: even if you are confirmed, WRAES has been very stern in the past about risks of cancellation if documentation is not submitted within certain time frames. Insurance in particular gets fiddly. When I submitted documents through Eventhub, then they would sit unapproved. Meaning instead of focusing on making product, I was online almost daily checking in and writing messages to the organizer when appropriate. I did have people confirming “yes, you’re approved!” implying I don’t need to worry. But I’m staring at my Eventhub account that still says “pending”. It got so bad production crawled to a halt. It is a lot of work making ceramics to sell for three weekends and I’m not going to work hard for nothing if something is so disorganized I could be dropped through no fault of my own.
Then a couple months into the year I was informed through the grapevine what had actually happened: the previous merchant coordinator, Richard Kirton, had been fired after being caught in an FBI sting for attempting to hook up with a minor.
This would have been back in late January of 2024. I had mixed feelings. First I felt bad for the coordinator who was undoubtedly overwhelmed trying to juggle the mess that had fallen into their lap. But secondly I was baffled: why hadn’t they or WRAES just released a statement like: “Please bear with us - our previous coordinator has left suddenly and we will process applications as fast as we can.” When I communicated this by email, the coordinator replied that everything was announced on the Facebook group. (For many reasons I do not camp out on social media. Checking email is quick. Going to Social Media is a recipe to waste hours I don’t have.)
When a responsible organization has a longstanding member with great responsibilities caught by the FBI for allegedly attempting to procure sex from a minor, you do not rely on a Facebook group to inform your members. Furthermore, it is unethical and irresponsible -- if true --- to forbid cast and crew from speaking of any unethical activity as is alleged in this Reddit thread .
No less than a PUBLIC STATEMENT should have been release IN ADDITION TO direct emails, not only to keep participants informed but to HELP THE FBI AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FIND ALL POSSIBLE VICTIMS.
The reckless endangerment of the public is sweeping in it’s irresponsibility. Not to mention the confused priorities WRAES is giving its merchant coordinator: were they not allowed to explain why they were overwhelmed and overworked? I’m sure my emails and messages can be weaponized to claim “this person is difficult to work with”. But it’s clear the only reason I felt I had to micro manage that situation was WRAES failing to communicate promptly and properly Richard Kirton’s firing in early 2024 and to alter our expectations.
Note I say WRAES/WITP/ORF and not the merchant coordinator by name. After decades of being near various toxic situations, it is rarely down to one person but a collection of factors and pressures. The fact they put a relatively young and new organizer up to the task is a slimely tactic I’ve observed before. Someone expects me to give out at this person and score two wins: “proof” I’m a “difficult person”, and complete alienation of the person put up to it. Brón orm, tá mé ro-chliste faoi sin.
~ Some have even suggested I was rejected because I sold at Canterbury Renaissance Faire. Childish, if true.
The fact is I don’t know what happened or why after being invited I was “disinvited”. Oh yes, that email sent out is for people Oregon Renaissance Faire has decided they want back. I was accidentally sent proof before the 2023 season on March 8th:
Relevant text, emphasis mine:
You are receiving this because it doesn't appear that you have submitted your information to our event management software which means I cannot issue you a contract. Nor can I continue holding your space for much longer. For those of you who do both ORF and WMRF the good news is that you only need to complete one form for both shows. The potentially bad news is that I already have a waitlist for all categories and need to get my final list locked in by the end of the month. So, you absolutely MUST complete the event essentials form by March 27th, after which there's a high likelihood that I will have given your space to someone else. Sorry to be so blunt, but even though we really want you back we have deadlines we must meet.
It’s clear in this followup I mistakenly received (I had finished my paperwork) everyone was approved and the only barrier was their failure to finish their paperwork. If they don’t want you, they don’t invite you back.
Those of us who are familiar with fairs(or faires), conventions and the event scene know inviting dealers and merchants in good standing back is a common practice. Some events operate on very thin margins. Confirming merchants/dealers/vendors pays event fees, and helps with advertising and promotions. Events with stricter guidelines on presentation like Renfaires also benefit from inviting merchants that are known quantities who have proven they can abide by the rules. It makes no sense to invite someone and then arbitrarily reject them. More so to be dishonest about why.
That dishonesty tells me WRAES/WITP/ORF and/or their agents and representatives are telling untruths about my business, and has damaged my livelihood with said untruths. I make half of my earnings for the year at ORF so I will not be letting this drop until it is resolved to my satisfaction. Taking that opportunity away for no reason, worse, trying to gaslight me with a fake reason, is pretty sleazy. It is clear from their actions I am no longer welcome though I have done nothing wrong. This post is in part to protect my reputation.
A question has also been raised about uniqueness of products. Associates I’ve spoken with are baffled. My dragons -- and elf crowns for that matter, but mainly the dragons -- are so unique, what would inspire someone to suggest they are redundant? Thus the issue of copyright and trademark infringement has been raised. Yes, my products are 100% made, designed and developed by myself, the artist. The dragons were developed well over 20 years. The crowns developed during the lockdown. Both are amply and exhaustively documented by photographs. If found, I will pursue infringement to the fullest extent of the law.
Thus I’ve sent an email to WRAES demanding the real reason my application was rejected. It doesn’t matter whose name is on the application denial. Ultimately it is WRAES and WITP who are responsible.
As sad as this situation is, I am grateful to ORF for one thing: objective proof I should have been able to make a living from my art for decades while I was gaslit at another craft organization for years. People variously suggesting my display could be better, and refused to respond to concerns that affected my ability to promote the business. ORF proved there was nothing wrong with my display and I can sell my products at twice the price and sell out. In part it’s because WRAES spares no expense at promotions, one of the things they do quite well. In comparison the market in question thinks it can get top of the line advertising by luring vendors to volunteer in a points scheme. As a result I was unable earn enough to save for years. Those same years full of “othering”, lies and innuendo probably didn’t help. The point is, the three years at ORF showed me that I was not doing anything wrong and my low sales before was a result of a toxic market riddled with nepotism (Who also fail to inform their membership and public about child predators, hindering police) LINK].
Thus I am grateful for that experience at least. I had hoped to build on the ORF experience, and start saving again. But that appears to not be in the cards.
So that’s why I won’t be at ORF: I was invited, then rejected for untrue reasons and have no idea to date what has happened except it has cost me half my livelihood for the year.
To the merchants and customers attending ORF this year, I will miss you. But I will be selling at Canterbury Renaissance Faire in July if you happen to be in that neighborhood, as well as other events. Otherwise have a good faire and we’ll see you on the flip side.
Lea Meas,
~The Artist
For more context on WRAES:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1jzfqlb/the_ugly_truth_behind_the_washington_midsummer/
CAUTION: as has been stated in previous communications with WRAES and others:
Separate from the business, I am not now, nor have ever been, a pubic figure. There is no personal information I have consented to share with or through third parties. I should be notified immediately by email of anyone requesting or sharing information beyond interest in my products and trade. Old associates seeking me out in good faith may also use the business email.
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