(Jan 25) THU 7:02PM
Tammy named the group JME Div Heads.
(redacted)
Tammy: Are we missing anyone?
Elise: : Yes, we are. Give me some time to round up the crew.
Eddie: Tammy... You already know my opinion. I have things to do for vending and I will jump in when I have the opportunity. If things finish up quickly then well you know my vote already
Tammy: Yes, I do, thank you Eddie
Eddie: So I actually have something to say
Tammy: Please do
Eddie: Regardless of what my beliefs happen to be, whether they are for or against Jeff, that doesn't matter right now. Because what we are deciding is what is best for the company... As a whole. I have no idea if Jeff did any of the things that he has been accused of or if he is innocent. Right now, I have to worry about the company in the people who are attending the event so that there is possibly work for everyone in the future. I say without hesitation that I am going to be there regardless of Jeff being there or not. I have a job to do as the vendor coordinator and the vendors are there to make money. Without me there is no set up, no one's getting their badges, no one knows where they're going and no one knows where to set up. That means the people who are completely innocent to all of this are just going to have nothing if I decide to not go to the event. So I want you to know that your feelings are valid and I respect all of your opinions. But I want you to remember that there are a lot of innocent people who don't know anything about anything who are going to be attending this event and they are counting on all of us to make things work. So whoever is planning on not going to the event and boycotting it because Jeff happens to be there I hope you all remember that that while you think you are doing something right you are in fact just f****** over a bunch of innocent people.
Eddie: That's my two cents now I have work to do
Tammy: I also intend to be at the event and do my job (and whatever else is needed of me) regardless of whether Jeff attends or not.
Eddie: I am also of the mind that if someone wants to jump ship just because Jeff is there they would all be doing us a favor by leaving anyway
Elise: : I think that your stance fails to take into account the safety of the attendees. I think that blindly pressing on in the face of all of this shows a lack of awareness.
Eddie: That's fair and I respect your opinion.
Jesse: I willing do my best to give our patrons the best possible experience. The show must go on.
Eddie: However I don't possibly think that any of us would allow anything to happen to Jeff, or to let him do anything that could possibly hurt the company we all want to continue
Jesse : I’m here and not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. Agree with Eddie
Amy: I want to be at the event. I want to have fun, I want to do ConCardia (because frankly we'll be liable for the cost of the printing otherwise I'm sure) However while there are going to be a LOT of people who don't know anything about anything as Eddie says, I also think that it would go against the policies we have in place regarding harassment. From what I've been told, and again, not really involved in this at all, it seems we shoot first and ask questions later. Does anyone believe that allowing Jeff to attend would by hypocritical to the policies that we have set in place?
Eddie: I think you are a good person Elise: . I think you are all good people. If anyone here thinks that Jeff being at the event is cause for them to not be you should absolutely do what you think is right
Elise: : Eddie, That doesn't work. We can never keep that close of an eye on someone. I've dealt with that this year at Brimstone. It failed. It always does.
Tammy: Jeff started this company for the attendees...everything is about the attendees. Jeff is not going to cause harm to anyone at Wicked Faire - period.
Amy: I don't see it as harm, I see how there could be a public perception that JME allows the alleged behavior because it's the head guy.
Tammy: That said, if we do ask Jeff to step down for Wicked, it would be for HIS safety and the safety of the company and for no other reason
Eddie: Well, I hope you're wrong. I really hope nothing bad happens because I'll feel f****** terrible if it does. Unfortunately I have about 60 vendors who all paid between 300 to $500 who don't have any other event to go to and can't get their money back.
Amy: Yes, I agree with Tammy
Eddie: Do they become any less important
I mean it's a really hard decision I understand. You've got that one or two people that might get hurt if Jeff does something. But you have all of those people who will definitely be f***** if people just decide not to show up for that maybe
Tammy: There are vendors who would go out of business without SPWF and Wicked/Gdark
Amy: Eddie brings up a lot of very important points.
Elise: : Clearly it's not been about the attendees. Should we talk about everything he's done for attendees like Kalita (an experience which is corroborated by multiple other people including his partner).
Michael: Sorry, just got here. Didn't realize we were having a meeting. Just got caught up
Eddie: And I admit that I definitely have an alien way of thinking but I'm okay with that. If everybody wants to vote me wrong that's cool I'm okay with that
Tammy: No, this is not the time or place to discuss his innocence or guilt.
It has nothing to do with his innocence or guilt.
Eddie: You are absolutely right Tammy. Because if this was about his innocence or guilt then I would be moving to cancel the whole f****** event
Michael: First, I agree with Eddie that there's an event to put on. I also am pretty sure that Jeff is not a wild dog who can't control himself and might attack someone at any moment.
Eddie: Honestly the moment that physical violence threats started I was pretty much ready to hand in the towel and just said f*** it it's not worth it
Elise: : People are literally planning on picketing. Eddie has reported that vendors are getting violent threats. Sure. Then focus on the public perception. Currently the public perception of Jeff and this company is horrendous. Take steps to do damage control.
Eddie: However people cared enough to step forward and fix it. Whether it was a ruse or not
Eddie: I have already suggested to Jeff that he not come to the event and I have vehement Lee stated to him the reasons why. However Jeff is a grown man and I can't make him do anything. If he goes and causes more damage then I'm out. But for this event I'm going to do my job and I'm going to take care of all of the people who are there to try to make their living
Amy: I'm going to say my two cents: I believe that in this case we should request that Jeff not attend Wicked. And I say this for his own protection and also for the benefit of the people who have paid, attendees and vendors. It will show that we take our own policies seriously. It will also allow Jeff some down time to plan a comeback. Whether he agrees to that, I don't know.
Michael: Amy has some good strategy there.
Tammy: I agree that we should ask him. I believe he will be in legit physical danger if he attends.
Elise: : Agreed.
Amy: It's obvious our harassment policy and consent board needs to be revised. No offense to current or past members. But it seems the system is broken. This is a way to fix it. Let's re-evaluate it.
Eddie: I agree. I definitely think it should be suggested to Jeff that he not be at the event. I think it is a PR Nightmare and I think he is putting himself at risk. I think it would be better for the company as a whole if he wasn't there so that we could start doing damage control immediately
Elise: : Tammy how is jeff responding to your request that he not attend?
Tammy: I just want everyone to know that if he does decide to attend, I stand by this company and I will do my damn job.
Michael: Is there a summary of the accusations? Because I know about Kalita, I know about Sofia May. Are there others?
Eddie: But if he doesn't want to listen to my suggestions I am still going to show up and make sure that everyone else is taken care of
Tammy: I have not directly requested he not, simply raised it as an option
Amy: Hanna is another one, Michael.
Elise: There are many others.
Amy: I would like to volunteer to write the letter we submit to him.
This needs to be a joint effort, and I do words good (that was a joke)
I don't believe Tammy should go this task alone.
Elise: : We've been receiving reports for months. Picketing because of his consent violations has also been planned for months, as others here can confirm.
Eddie: Well whatever gets decided let me know. I think I've clearly made my decision. if you want me to deliver the letter in the news I will be more than happy to so nobody else has to do it.
Michael: Before we write any letters to anyone, let's talk about what the actual accusations are.
Tammy: Yes, and this attack was supposed to happen this weekend, or immediately after, but Jeff's post about seeking staff made it impossible to postpone.
Eddie: While the accusations matter because of the people involved have feelings and they are valid, right now I thought we were just trying to decide if Jeff should be there for his safety and the pr
Listing the accusations is going to turn this into a guilt and innocence trial
But I want to be clear, the accusations are important and all of the people involved matter. But right now that's not what we were trying to do. However if I'm mistaken please let me know
Michael: I want to go through them because so far I am not aware of one that would warrant banning an attendee
Elise: : Eddie I know you don't care whether jeff is a serial predator or might be a danger and will do your job regardless, but I think it's relevant.
Michael, speaking as a former member of the consent team, I can say with assurance that the reports we've received would warrant a ban.
Tammy: Elise: , this is NOT the time for that. This is a business meeting, not a violation investigation meeting.
Michael: Sofia's is extremely dubious. Hannah's is a bad relationship that shows he's a bad dom but not a threat. Kalita's own story indicates that she gave consent, although, again, bad dom, accepted consent from a bottom in sub space.
Eddie: Let me correct you there. I absolutely care if Jeff is a Serial predator. I however happened to be a very black and white person. One thing at a time type of guy. Right now we are trying to decide if he is coming to this event or not. Deciding what he can be banned for or not is a matter of another time because if he's not at the event it doesn't matter
Eddie” I mean it does matter, but you know what I mean
But Jesus f****** Christ Elise: , do you really think I'm the type of person who doesn't care if somebody's a predator?
Elise: : I haven't seen Sofia's. I was around for the Hannah relationship. He certainly fucked up a lot. He become an alcoholic. He gave her drugs. But she asked for a relationship based on service.
Eddie: Why would that even come out of your mouth
I mean unless that's what you believe I am in which case there's a very good reason for it to be said
Michael: I spoke to Sofia, and the story, such as it is, is dubious.
Elise: : Maybe our order of steps are different. I think one impacts the other.
Amy: If we are going on the basis of security and safety for Jeff , we have eery right to use just that for our request for Jeff to not attend. Regardless of innocence or guilt this particular situation warrants a "time out"
Tammy: I agree with Amy.
Amy: It's the best thing for the company. It's the best thing for Jeff. It's the best thing for the vendors and attendees and performers.
Michael: I'm inclined to agree that security suggests he not attend. I don't think we should send a letter. I think someone should call him, and I'd be willing to do that.
Tammy: I just want it goddamn clear that I am for this because I want to protect Jeff and staff and attendees - not because I feel Jeff is guilty or a danger.
Elise: : I am very confused by your stance, Eddie. I think we differ in respect to our beliefs about how to keep events safe and the degree to which events are safe with dangerous people in them.
Michael: To be clear as well, I agree with Tammy.
Tammy: There is no such thing as an event without dangerous people in it.
Eddie: That's fair and we can definitely talk about that another time when we aren't trying to discuss what's happening with the event and Jeff
Amy: Michael, do you think that not putting this in writing and having you or Eddie do this verbally will show that there is a majority of folks behind it?
Eddie: I would love to explain to you what my exact stances so you don't make the mistake of thinking that I don't care about people safety
I just feel like that now is not the time for that
Tammy: It is not the time, you are right, Eddie
Michael: I could be wrong, but from speaking to Jeff, he seems quite at a loss for what to do and offering a solution would be welcome
Tammy: Yes, this is true.
Eddie: I feel like we are both hearing totally different things when we're talking. It might end up being a long conversation. So this isn't the time. But rest assured I'm going to approach it with an open mind when it happens and I'm open to be proven wrong
Michael: If the consensus is that,for his own safety and for the good of the event and to prevent an accidental interaction that puts fuel on the fire he should not attend, I would think that would be acceptable.
Amy: Ok. Well how do we proceed from here?
Eddie: To be clear, if the majority votes to boycott the event because Jeff is going to be there then I think we should just shut it down
Tammy: And - I really need to be blunt here - this is a time we all need to stick together, rally around JME, and take a unified stance. If ANY of us honestly believes Jeff is an evil, monstrous, rapist serial predator who deserves to never work in the community he helped create - then perhaps this is not the right staff for you to be a part of.
Michael: Yes
To Tammy, that is.
Amy: Have we moved away from the boycott and are now just moving towards asking him to not attend?
(sorry want to keep us on track)
Tammy: I never knew there was a boycott in talks
And I would never have agreed to one anyways
I would prefer to ask him to not attend.
Eddie: Tammy. Am I needed here right now? I have some letters to write up to the vendors and I feel like I've made my opinion pretty well-known. I will absolutely stay if you need me too but otherwise I've got things I've got to get done before I lose all my energy
Michael: Without Jeff Mach there is no Jeff Mach Events. Others have tried to duplicate it and failed. That mad creative genius with a tendency to promise things he can't fulfill has something that allows him to create events that no one else can.
Elise: : I will say that multiple people today, who have not had a chance to speak here, agreed that that was an appropriate stance
Tammy: No, please go ahead, Eddie, and take care of what you need, your thoughts are plain and in the logs
Amy: Thanks, Eddie!
Eddie: (tell them to send an email so that we hear it from them and this way it's official)
Michael: I put no stock in "multiple people". I've been on the wrong end of those "multiple people" have said situations too many times to give any credence to that kind of hearsay.
Elise: : Jakal has been firm on his stance that Jeff needs to step back. He feels we need to show the community that we give a fuck. He feels that it shouldn't take us telling Jeff he needs to step back. He should "be an adult" and at least make it appear as though the company cares about consent violations.
Tammy: I could easily say that multiple came and told me that Jeff was seen in Las Vegas stripping on a table. It holds as much weight as any heresay - none.
Jesse: I agree with points made by Michael,Amy and Tammy
Tammy: You are welcome not to sign the document / verbally agree if you do not feel right doing so
Michael: There's a document?
Tammy: I feel like we have a majority of opinion anyway
Amy was thinking of writing one
Once we knew what route we were taking
Elise: : I would like to give other parties such as Robbie, Kim, and Jakal a chance to cast their votes.
Tammy: Jakal is a contractor
Michael: This is a democracy?
Amy: Rob and Kim are out to dinner with friends at the moment.
Tammy: We value his opinion, and he is welcome to speak
Elise: You stated you had a majority. I know.
Tammy: I have no idea - is it?
Michael: I am pretty sure it's not.
Tammy: That's true, there are two others to ask.
Did we also wish to include Missy from volunteering?
Elise: Additonally per Jakal protesters void our company insurance and we can be shut down.
Given the circumstances I would say no.
Michael: Then you call the police and have them removed. That solves your insurance problem.
Tammy: Protesters can happen whether or not Jeff stays away from Wicked.
Elise: The police per Jakal would both shut us down and remove them.
True. Just a reality to think about.
Michael: That's a bold opinion and I'd be curious where his surety comes from.
Elise: If the police find out it voids our insurance, they can and likely will shut us down.
Tammy: The hotel is located on private property - they could not protest very closely
Michael: This is not a house party. It's a quarter million dollar event.
Jesse: Can we see that on the policy
Elise: Protesters make us ineligible.
When Jakal is available.
I am on the phone with him. He is working.
Amy: Do you believe, that if we get Jeff to not attend and we make that known to the public in the form of a Press Release or whatever you want to call it, do you believe that may help curtail the protesters?
Elise: Our issue begins if they spill over onto hotel property.
Michael: Then they are trespassing and they are arrested and we continue our event.
Jesse: And technically protesters have to stand outside of hotel property
Tammy: If they do, they get arrested for trespassing.
Michael: They have no grounds to break up a peaceful properly organized event.
Amy: That sounds correct. But I'm not insurance expert and I know fuck all about protesting.
Tammy: Correct
Michael: If you could break up an event by protesting it, you can bet that CPAC would have protesters for days
Elise: They do but the act of trespassing there breaks the magic seal.
Tammy: And if we get the private security we were thinking of, they'd have a hard time doing that.
Elise: I doubt those events use the same insurance carrier we do.
Tammy: They'd be risking jail time, for what? Not much.
Jesse: Sounds like we have shit insurance
Elise: Has that ever stopped protesters before. ?
Tammy: It depends on the spine of the protesters
And I don't think this crowd is very ballsy.
Elise: We absolutely have the cheapest insurance available. It has high deductibles and basically sucks.
Michael: Well, if they could down an event just by showing up. Which is why this sounds like... inaccurate information.
Elise: They can't. They have to be on hotel property.
Eddie: Hi, sorry more things from the peanut gallery. What will stop them is when the news shows up. Because these are a bunch of kinksters and I bet the last thing they want is their faces attached that
Tammy: That's not inaccurate, heh.
Jesse: We can have security post outside the entrance of the parking lot s
Elise: Yes, outing people will earn us tons of good will with the community...
Tammy: sigh
Michael: Fortunately, Wicked Faire is not a kink event
Eddie: I'm sorry they'll be outing themselves. No one's calling the news but I bet you 20 bucks that as soon as a protest start someone is going to be calling channel 12
Tammy: Especially if they catch wind of it being consent-related
Jesse: Yeah definitely
Tammy: Elise: , are you speaking for Jakal here?
Jesse: Regardless of Jeff or no Jeff this are things we need to prepare for
Tammy: Yes
Elise: He was on the phone, but he's gone now. He told me to make his opinion clear - he thinks jeff should not attend. He also thinks Jeff in an ideal world should be an adult and realize he shouldn't attend. He was helping to organize discussion around that today with a number of staff members, including some here who have since changed their stance.
Jesse: Please pull up on our insurance contract what it says about protesters, also Rob works for police departments we can get info on how to properly deal with protesters and possible terrorizing
Michael: I agree that it is strategic that he not attend. I don't like the tone of "he should be an adult".
Jesse: Agree
Amy: (sorry, had to be a mom and wife and serve dinner...tammy, I went with pasta. Much easier less maintenance)
Michael: There is no clear right answer to this. We are dealing with a mob mentality. Things are being ascribed to him that he was not even accused of. (Thank you Amy)
Amy: You're welcome.
Tammy: Michael is completely right
(pasta is amazing)
Jesse: It’s better for his image if he was to take himself out due to the allegations
Tammy: Yes but we can ask him to do that and if he does, the press release (or similar) can be worded properly to help that
I don't think it's any less adult to want to attend something you spent years and thousands of dollars building
Michael: The challenge is to make something that sounds like an admission of responsibility without sound like admission of guilt or gaslighting... which may be impossible
Jesse: Definitely, I think we should all take a moment and talk to jeff as a person and as a friend.
Elise: Ask Jakal re insurance. I did not buy the insurance for this event. Feel free to go to Event Helper and see for yourself. Jakal's words, but I don't disagree. If we look at what happened with Murphy recently (and this is far far worse) he's going to get metaphorically run over.
Amy: (I don't know who Murphy is)
Elise: Murphy Blue. Even the people who simply defended were removed from the NELA board and forced into exile from the scene.
Jesse: What happened with Murphy
Elise: Defended him*
Amy: Ah, the rope guy?
Jesse: What did he do?
Tammy: We aren't defending anyone
JME and JM are not the same thing.
Amy: We know that, but not everyone does
Elise: Multiple accusations of consent violation. CTan cleared the entire NELA board, firing them all. They stood by him. Right. We are currently taking about the man and his impact on the company.
Michael: They're not the same thing but JME is nothing without JM
Amy: Right, I get that. In this case, I believe a temporary separation of JME and JM needs to happen and that needs to be brought to the public's attention for the sake of both JME and JM
Eddie: Hi I'm here to interject again. The company can absolutely survive without Jeff. Jeff created an idea, it's the idea that is carrying the company not the person
Tammy: ^ QFT
Jesse: I also think that all these people got together to fuck us over, and tear us apart
Tammy: I also don't see why he couldn't stay on in marketing in the background, if he stepped back temporarily.
Yes, they did, that has been confirmed
Michael: I've been studying what makes JME tick for a long time. The secret sauce is the authenticity that Jeff brings.
Tammy: I won't go into detail here, though
Eddie: So I'm going to bang my gavel here and tell you all to get back to the point of this conversation about whether or not Jeff is going to be coming to the event. I'm noticing a lot of grey in this very black and white conversation
Jesse: I’m just afraid Jeff will see it as mutiny
Amy: Thank you, Eddie:.
Tammy: I know. I've been worried about that, too.
Eddie: I already told Jeff that he shouldn't come to the event and maybe should drop out of the company all together for a year or two and he definitely did not take it as Mutiny you understood my point of view and valued my opinion
Amy: I would like to propose the following: Request Jeff not attend Wicked at the very least. While we do need other department heads who cannot make it to chime in, I would like to put that out there.
Michael: I thought we had agreed that he should not attend and that someone should call him and say so. We then need to draft a release that shows accepting of responsibility and desire to improve things
Amy: Yes, that.
Elise: I agree we can go on without him. Jesse, are you saying that people made shit up to fuck jeff over?
Michael: As a side note, why don't we have these meetings when we don't have a crisis. I think they'd be pretty valuable.
Eddie: I am definitely saying that some of these people are definitely making s*** up to f*** Jeff over. There are definitely some of these people that I was actually there for with the situations that they are talking about that it absolutely did not go over that way. Yes I'm calling the liars
Michael: I will absolutely say that people made shit up to fuck Jeff over.
Eddie: However all of the consent allegations? I don't know anything about those
Tammy: I will also say that people made ** up ti ** him over. And it was timed, and planned.
Michael: Happened way to fast to just be coincidence
Eddie: Like for instance, is everyone going to really pretend that it never happened that knocks tried to use his position to get into girls pants?
*****
Elise: I doubt the validity of some things, but a lot of it has been documented for months just not publicly.
Eddie: Is there a blind eye being turned to the fact that ***** had so many consent allegations against him that he was almost tied with Jeff
Elise: Nope. That totally happened.
He was fired for that.
****** was*
Not a big secret.
Eddie: Right. But not sickly nobody's looking at any of that. All of the people who were banned from our company, quit, or fired or suddenly all grouping together to tell us how horrible we are
(sentence redacted)
Elise: If we "parted ways" with ***** over it, then why not Jeff?
Amy: ^True
Eddie: 2 thats my friends I call b*******
Amy: (sorry, that was for Michael’s statement)
Elise: Some of this is definitely revenge.
Eddie: Once again I'm not saying we shouldn't. What I am saying is that this is not the conversation we are having right now
Tammy: The Avengers are having a meeting tonight specifically because they are causing massive collateral damage and they can't stop it like they thought they could
Eddie: Jesus f****** Christ how do I herd cats any worse than this
Elise:
But there's a lot of truth in things.
Eddie:
If I get some Ritalin will you all Focus
Amy:
PEOPLE!!!!
Elise:
Not enough Ritalin in the world.
Jesse
I’m going to say that there is some partial truth about the two situations I was present at, but people are definitely lying and over Exaggerating things because they were let go from the company, or as Jeff’s partners
Eddie:
Okay I guess I'm just going to sit here and tell people to shut the f****** until you're actually talking about what we're here to talk about
Michael:
I think we already agreed. I'll call Jeff if that's desired. I've been talking to him a few times over the last couple days.
Tammy:
Amy: , do we know when our missing compatriots are able to come online?
Michael:
But whether the situation is one of dealing with an evil leader or dealing with a hatchet job is pretty important.
Amy:
@Tammy:, I don't know. Kim has not responsded.
FOLKS SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT WE HAVE AN EVENT GOING ON IN 7 DAYS.....CAN WE GET BACK TO THE PLAN OF ACTION?
Ok, let's get back to the fact that many of us that are chatting here agree he should not attend. I would like to see Tammy: take over the responsibilities that Jeff would normally handle.
I would like to assist in drafting a public statement with people's OK.
Elise:
They are not done with dinner yet.
Amy:
As for what happens after next Sunday, I don't know.
What we do need to know is what Jeff would normally handle that we need to make sure is taken care of. I cannot arrive onsite until late Thursday afternoon/evening.
So if the others vote to do this, I'd like to have a plan in place so that we don't have all of these extra side conversation.
Michael:
Aren't the operations managers supposed to handle all the details and Jeff just does the gladhanding?
Tammy:
I will be there as early Thursday as I can, but it is a 5 hour drive
Elise:
Jeff waves and kisses babies.
Tammy:
Pretty much.
BUT
There will be questions asked this time.
Michael:
So operationally there's not a problem?
Elise:
We really don't need him. Even he himself said that to us during GKE and GKNE.
Tammy:
Not that I know of.
Elise:
It actually makes the MODs lives easier.
Michael:
That is good.
Elise:
Jeff won't be going around telling people they can do things they aren't supposed to do. We call it "Jeffing".
Tammy:
But we do need a figurehead. Someone even for just the people to prod with questions. Since I do not have an on-site duty, per se, it would make sense for me to do that
Elise:
What kinds of questions?
Tammy:
What do you think?
Michael:
"Where's Jeff?"
Amy:
Infodesk will get questions about the company, Jeff, what happened...
Jesse:
Like hey there is probably a fire up there
Elise:
All operational questions should go to MOD. We need a spin person.
Amy:
I'd like to see Tammy handle the Jeff questions.
Elise:
Makes sense.
Jesse:
Agree
Amy:
There aren't operational questions. These are questions about the rumors, accusations, stuff like that.
Tammy:, I'd like to chat with you about FAQ's my staff will get asked and how we should properly answer.
Tammy:
And business questions, should there be any, would also be ones I ought to fall on the sword for
Yes, indeed, and I may even write them uo with you so we can circulate them
Jesse:
Also I can talk to Jeff as well, been chatting about marketing and our public image than this happened.
Michael: should definitely do it first
Amy:
That's fine, Tammy. Now is there any logistical stuff Jeff needed to do pre-con? (contracts to sign, any of that crap?)
Michael:
Technical question: what is the organization of the Company? Is it an LLC? Does Jeff own it?
Tammy:
No, all of that is all done
It is an INC, and Jeff is the CEO
AFAIL
err
AFAIK
Michael:
Is there a Board?
Tammy:
There used to be
Amy:
Ok, good. Financial stuff is good to go with the hotel in terms of food, etc? Will someone have access to funds at the end of the event for reimbursement?
Tammy:
The eboard used to be Noah, Genevieve, and Jeff
I have will have access to funds
And I am handling food
Elise:
Then it was Me, Jakal, Jeff, Eddie, and genevieve.
Amy:
Ok.
Tammy:
We paid the hotel in full up front
Elise:
What about room drops and paying for those?
Jesse:
And I have one of Jeff’s personal acc cards under my name so we should be good financially
Tammy:
That is attrition and is included in the estimated master bill based on prior years
Circuit 6 is in charge of paying performers, I assume?
Elise:
I know what it is. I did a lot of the research for our contracts. I imagine this year may not follow the pattern. I also don't know what agreeable attrition rates Jeff negotiated.
Jesse:
I believe so we should double check
Amy:
I haven't seen C6's contract, so I don't know.
Tammy:
Let's double check because if not, I want to make sure that gets done properly
Elise:
Those contracts were super vague.
Tammy:
I do not want any more unpaid folks
Amy:
I'll ask Dr Andy if you'd like
Jesse:
Yes please
Tammy:
Yes, please
Elise:
Tammy do you have access to those contracts?
Jesse:
Also before we contact Jeff we need to know from Rob an Kim
Michael:
Shall I call Jeff?
Tammy:
I can request access, yes
Do we want to wait for Rob and Tom?
Jesse
Please do
They have a say as much as any of us
Michael:
Are they going to suggest something other than "stay home and make a statement"
Tammy:
Very agreed
I unfortunately do not know
Jesse
It doesn’t matter they need to be heard
Tammy:
Even if we aren't unanimous, we need to hear them
Amy:
a note from Dr Andy:
Amy:
We're preparing a list of checks to be cut. Someone from JME is to be designated as "The Bursar", and performers show up to [a place you designate] after 2pm on Sunday to pick up their checks from sad Bursar. said* Bursar can write them on the spot, or can prepare them in advance and have them there with a sign-off sheet.
Tammy:
That will be myself
Jeff asked me if I would do that
Amy:
Great! So that's taken care of!
Jesse
Ok good
Just text kim
Michael:
If we had meetings like this every couple weeks, this company would run like a well oiled machine! Well, not just like this... but, you know what I mean.
Amy:
I messaged her earlier. But I can get specific now.
Eddie:
What? What did I miss?
Do you mean a well-oiled machine that gets distracted by the shininess of its own Gears?
Tammy:
I do like machines that are well lubed.
Michael:
We worked out a bunch of logistics and are still going to suggest Jeff not attend and we draft a statement
Eddie:
Lol
Elise:
Kim and rob are still at dinner.
Tammy:
Good!
Michael:
No, I mean this whole: all the div heads talking about stuff so everyone knows what's going on.
Eddie:
(slave nodes)
Tammy:
Yes, I very much love that idea
Elise:
We were having weekly meetings with the people in our divisions. It went quite well.
Tammy:
Excellent Maybe let's take a break until Rob and Tom are done with dinner and can join us
Elise:
Kim*
Jesse:
Who is here from the security team
Tammy:
Tom was also invited though
Elise:
Maybe Jakal will also be able to hop on
Tammy:
Tom was invited
Elise:
Emily?
Elise added Emily
*** added Kimberly Calantoni Inzano.
Tammy:
Oh! And anyone who hasn't friended each other, we may wish to do so I would be happy to be FB friends with all of you
Jesse
Consider friending my brother Al he’s a dick
To me mainly
Tammy:
I would love to especially to talk Merch
Jesse
Yeah definitely!
Ok stepping away for a big
Amy:
Ok, @Jesse
So now, where are we? Are we waiting for Popcorn, Emily, Kim and Rob to participate?
Tammy:
Yes
Jesse
Yeah
Michael:
Merch. I know merch. Are we talking about merch?
Tammy:
We're going to!
Jesse
Lol
Amy:
Yay, Merch!!!
Eddie:
You're talking about March so you must have come to a conclusion of what the answer is
Merch
Jesse
We need our own group so we don’t make Eddie’s head explode
Elise:
Maybe there can be a Kerch chat?
Merch*
That.
Amy:
Yes, let's take that to a different group
Eddie:, we're waiting for Popcorn or Emily or Gadot or something.
Tammy:
Yes, Jesse, want to make a Merch chat?
Eddie:
You aren't offending me I'm just trying to make sure you get s*** done
Michael:
Yup, we're actually on track.
Amy:
My new button display rack arrived at the Hyatt today! Yay!!!!
Tammy:
YAY
Amy:
Ok, so we need to get the say of a few more people. Hopefully on this forum. Are we good for now?
Eddie:
Jesse...bro
Tammy:
Yes
Jesse
Yes
Eddie:
Hey just wanted to ask a quick question, you keep saying that all of this is b*******. Do you actually have some proof that it is that we don't know about that can change things around?
Michael:
Who's that question for? Which b*******?
Jesse
Sadly no, because it becomes a he said she said game
Amy:
That was for @Jesse Guillen
Tammy:
That's for Jesse I think, the bullshit being the accusations
Eddie:
I mean I completely understand what you're saying if you are just making offhand comments but I just wanted to remind you that at the event everybody is going to be listening to everything you say and they are immediately going to think that any statement like that is you invalidating somebody who says they were attacked
Tammy:
Oh, sorry, I should have used stars
Jesse
Oh I know this is just talk between us
Eddie:
And I know you may not mean it that way but that's how it's going to be taken. So I'm not jumping down your throat but you really need to remember that
Jesse
I’m going to refrain from mentioning Jeff
Amy:
Once this is all sorted out, I would like to schedule a staff meeting with everyone so we are all on the same page.
Jesse
Oh I hear you
Amy:
I'm sure that Jakal will do that, but if not, we need one
Jesse
Emily is here
We can get her opinion
Tammy:
\o/ Hello, Emily!
Emily
Hey, I'm about an hour behind on the conversation and trying to catch up. Give me a couple of minutes
Tammy:
Take your time!
Tammy:
Michael: does need to sleep soon, just as an FYI
Eddie:
I am making an official statement that I am no longer allowed to make official statements for the night
Michael:
Effective just after that statement, I hope.
Emily
Okay, sorry, I had no idea we were meeting and my phone was charging. My responsibility is the safety of everyone at the event. I talked to Jeff earlier today about hiring an outside security company for Wicked. No idea where that stands now. As for Jeff not attending; it may be a good idea. The threats do make me worry for the safety of everyone at the event, not just Jeff, but if we issue a statement and he steps back we may be able to mitigate some of the threat. Are there any other options we are considering or just asking Jeff not to come?
1
Jesse
I second
Eddie:
Yerp
You know I could have answered that question moments ago
But I just revoked my privilege to make official statements
Emily
Hehe
Eddie:
Macallan told me to sleep
Tammy:
You can make unofficial statements
Eddie:
You are all wonderful people
Eddie:
Even if you have the focusing ability of stoned ferrets
Amy:
Right now him not attending is the easiest option. I'm concerned private security could be an additional cost that we may not be able to afford. Am I wrong?
Hey, I was focused!!! Though I do need a new prescription for my glasses
Tammy:
Hides her completely legal medical Rx What ferrets?
Jesse
I say we sleep on it and tell him tomorrow once everyone is up to speed
Eddie:
Hey do not ask me to do my real-life job right now
Tammy:
The problem is that he is raring to post official statements
Amy:
You don't do side work?
Tammy:
And I cannot stand lying so I have been asking him to hold off
But not telling him why
Eddie:
That's not true. At every event I have all of my tools and they will always fix somebody's glasses
Provided it is not after 6 p.m.
Tammy:
LOL
Eddie:
Because that is when I start drinking at events
Michael:
To reiterate, from where I stand, we are suggesting that Jeff should not attend because it is the best for security and because it gives a space to avoid exacerbating the situation. We are NOT saying he should stay away because we have lost faith in him. We are NOT saying he should stay away because we do not support him.
2
Amy:
Yeah, but I need a new prescription. Unless you can cut new lenses!
Eddie:
If you want to make jokes about glasses we can totally do that but we should not do it in here when people are trying to be serious
Amy:
Yes, you're right
Eddie:
And if you tell anybody that I have the capability of being a responsible adult I'm going to deny it
Tammy:
It's not exactly secret
Eddie:
I did not consent to having to be responsible
Amy:
Wouldn't hurt if someone called him tonight to suggest he not attend on their own accord and not on behalf of the staff?
Emily
Jeff and I discussed hiring the security with his private savings. He was supposed to email me details this afternoon but I haven't heard from him. I see Jeff not attending as him and the company acknowledging the accusations and showing we take them seriously
1
Amy:
* Would it
Eddie:
I'm going to stop now
I don't see a reason why it can't wait till tomorrow it's almost 10 p.m.
And by the way if you choose to do it tonight there is no way that I'm doing it
Amy:
Can we get Jeff to hold off on social media?
Eddie:
Yes
Amy:
This is going to be a long 24 hours.....and he's getting a number of emails requesting ticket refunds.
....coupled with a few insults
Eddie:
Wait, has he done anything on social media recently that has been bad or are you attempting to stop something that you are worried he might
Do
Emily
We should also talk to the lawyer before making any public statements. Has anyone besides Jeff been in touch with him?
Michael:
We are not issuing refunds I hope?
Tammy:
I have control of his FetLife at least
Amy:
Sorry, Eddie I meant attempting to stop him from doing something.
Elise:
His responses on Fet have been awful.
Amy:
No we are not issuing refunds.
Tammy:
And he has promised me he would not post on social media until we approve the press release
I have access to the lawyer
Eddie:
Okay. If it comes up let me know and I will get on the group chat and tell him that if he makes another social media post I'm going to quit
Michael:
His response that I saw was actually pretty good, but he could commit sepuku and people wouldn't think his apology was sincere.
Elise:
Did you see the post that broke down his gaslighting?
Eddie:
But please don't make me do that because I wouldn't actually quit and then I'd be lying and I'd look bad
Michael:
We actually need a PR expert more than a lawyer
Yes, I did. It's bullshit
Tammy:
^
Eddie:
No. I am actually fairly certain that I told a few people that I am removing myself from things that I regard as negative for my own mental health reasons and that would be one of them
Even drunk my stance is still the same
Tammy:
Saying "I recall something different than you do" is not gaslighting.
Just saying.
Eddie:
But saying that I am going to light this light with this gas is specifically gaslighting
Michael:
No, "I recall something different than you do" is saying that you recollection is different than someone elses.
Elise:
I recall things differently from everyone else sure. Then let's save those discussions for later.
Eddie:
Can we stop now
Tammy:
Yes
Group paused until morning
Amy:
G'night folks!
Eddie:
Luv you all
Tammy:
Night night all!
Michael:
Good night
Tammy:
I will be around for a while if you need me
Amy:
Love you folks!
Tammy:
Love you!
Elise:
Bye guys!
6:14AM
Robert
My apologies that Kim and I weren't available for this, we needed mental health time (not from JME, from life). I agree with Jeff being asked not to attend. I believe the public perception will be that he is guilty until proven innocent for every single infraction he's accused of, whether official or heresay. I only mention that because I do not believe we will be able to run the event the entire weekend. We will be shut down by the police or by attendees/vendors/staff who want to see the company fail. There are two types of people involved in these accusations: people who were actually victimized and people who are using this as an opportunity to see or cause the company to fail.
Robert
The latter will move forward and try to make us fail whether Jeff is there or not.
I'm getting ready for work. I'll be in on and off today.
Tammy:
Thank you, Rob, and no problem at all!
No need to apologise for needing a break
Amy:
Thanks, Rob!
Tammy:
https://www.facebook.com/hollybrewer/posts/10159947626470080
TL;DR: Holly Brewer says she has only ever been done right by JME and does not immediately believe the accusers.
Robert
Thank you. Driving, couldn't read. Only skim at lights
But got that feeling
1
Jesse
Make sure waits before he makes a public statement
*Jeff
Tammy:
GODDAMN IT JEFF STOP COMMENTING
Jesse
On what
Tammy:
The Holly Brewer post.
Jesse
Tell him to stop
Tammy:
I did yesterday!
Jesse
Eh it wasn’t too bad
But please tell him to stop and that we need to have a serious talk with him tonight
Tammy:
He promised me
Jesse
Well reminder would be good
Tammy:
I did
It might have had a few words in all caps in it
Jesse
He’s emotional so it’s hard to communicate
Kimberly
Hi everyone, sorry about last night. Here are my feelings about what's been happening. I don't know, what is and what is not true. Jeff has only been a nice, loyal friend to me. So I'm thinking for the best of the company. At this time, I think he should sit this event out. If we had patrons accused of violations, we would take that in account and take measures to protect others from it happening again. We have loyal vendor's and performers that are coming to make money. So we must push forward with the show. Show up, do our jobs and have a successful show. We owe it to our performers, vendors and patrons to try keeping the show going and if that means not having Jeff on the grounds. Than he shouldn't be. He's still the owner of the company and he should have a say. But as things are right now, i think it would be best for him and the event, if he didn't come.
1
Jesse
Like this morning.
Jesse
Michael could you send him a quick message saying to refrain From posting until we talk to him tonight
Tammy:
I just did
Jesse
Ok thanks
Tammy:
I'm about to call him in a bit, too.
Jesse
Ok cool thanks
Amy:
Hi again folks! Just a heads up, I've spent most of the last 2 business days looking at posts regarding all that is going on, and I've fallen behind with my normal duties. I have about 100 invoices i have to process this morning, so I will most likely not be available. However if you need me to answer or address anything directly, please PM me in a separate message. Thank you!
10:22AM
Tammy:
Does anyone have confirmed reports of vendors or performers, or even attendees, being harassed or threatened?
Amy:
I do not
Jesse
Nope
Sounds like they fucked up and they are trying to cover their tracks
Just the stuff palko, Mayfair moon, and Gil posted about reposting we he created
Tammy:
Good, at least there is that
Jakal, if we have new bans, how do we best ensure those get enforced for Wicked?
Elise:
Of course jeff is still posting. We warned you, Tammy, that that would not stop. Eddie has reports of threats against vendors I believe.
Tammy:
He removed the post and has since stepped away from Facebook
Elise:
Jakal is working. Because removing posts 1) certainly removes them from the internet and 2) has always worked fantastically for Jeff in the past.
Tammy:
I hear your point but it was early enough that it wasn't really seen.
Jesse
It’s ok we move forward
Tammy:
Exactly
Eyes forward!
We are waiting for one last piece of information before Jeff decides whether or not he is going to attend the Faire
Jesse
Let’s not start getting at each other,
Elise:
New bans would need to go through our ban process. Tammy, as the new person on the consent team I am sure you are aware of the full process and how we document and communicate such bans to the relents parties and who the relevant parties are. Are you talking about how to physically enforce bans? Eyes forward! Blinders on! Full speed ahead!
Tammy:
Yes, I am talking about ban enforcement
I do know the procedure
Eddie:
November regardless of the procedure I'm not willing to go ahead with a ban until all allegations are emailed to our consent team and made proper accusations
Nonetheless
Elise:
We don't really enforce the bans. As part of the procedure for the most part that falls on contractors.
Eddie:
Regardless
Elise:
Eddie, Tammy asked about it.
Jesse
Thanks Elise
Tammy:
These are bans that should have been finalized in the past, not new ones
I misspoke
Eddie:
While all of their feelings are valid and I value their opinions the one thing that hasn't sat right with me the entire time is no one from this group has sent us an accusation in email format
Elise:
Additionally I would point out that you, Eddie, have never been part of our consent team and don't know how we've operated as a company in that area.
Eddie:
Have they? Am I wrong?
Tammy:
Eddie, we're not talking about Jeff
Eddie:
Oh
Tammy:
We're talking about attendees
Eddie:
But me being part of the consent team or not to have an opinion doesn't matter
Tammy:
These are bans that the ball was dropped on that should be finalized
We already have all evidence and a ruling was already made, it was just never followed through with
I want to make sure we follow through
No more balls dropped
Elise:
It just means that what you are saying is counter to what we as a company have done and have publicly spoken about being a deeply held value.
Amy:
I will tell you that Jeff did ask Michael and I to assist with that, however nothing happened after that.
Neither of us were comfortable using our own names for sending out ban notifications.
We did not hear anything after that.
Tammy:
How do we ensure that banned individuals do not gain entry to the event in any capacity?
Amy:
I believe that Reg should have a list of banned people. Performers and vendors should be required to provide names of all of their assistants. If we have a record of every person who walks in the door, we may be able to curtail banned folks from getting in.
Elise:
PMed you.
Amy:
I can tell you right now, performers just request a number of badges. No names.
Elise:
It's a more complicated system than that. It falls on a lot of people.
Amy:
But wouldn't that help a bit?
Jesse
Yeah that’s a bit of an issue, we should be able to have an attendance manifesto. That way we know in case of an emergency, Whether a person was there or not
Robert
(just marking where I stopped reading, don't mind me)
Tammy:
Is there a problem with the registration and info desks getting a list of names only to not let in?
Elise:
It's more complicated and challenging than that. Guys I respect your ideas. In an ideal world this sounds great. I just don't think you have a full understating of the logistics involved.
Tammy:
Can we also give the names list to security?
Jesse
Well we could if we tried
Elise:
There are a limited number of people who have access to our ban list.
Tammy:
Elise, instead of naysaying and telling us we're inept, just HELP us understand.
Amy:
^This
Tammy:
I have the ban list.
Elise:
For privacy reasons and to protect the people on the list.
Amy:
I also have the ban list.
Elise:
I know.
Tammy:
I see no reason we can't issue a list of names and aliases ONLY that should not attend.
Not why
Just a list.
If the name matches, turn them away.
(possibly name and birthdate)
Elise:
This is a long process involving multiple contractors and departments. That list is useless. Please tell me how you would pick Fire out of a crowd.
Tammy:
Fire shouldn't be IN the crowd
Elise:
Just Fire. Even if we gave the physical description we have.
Tammy:
We can keep them from getting in the door.
Amy:
Well there's an option of trying something out or doing nothing and not resolving the problem.
Elise:
We don't have their legal name.
How would you propose we do that?
Tammy:
I just gave a proposal.
Elise:
I was going to ask Tammy for a phone call, so that I can explain this process to her. Except that this chat keeps exploding.
Tammy:
Tickets have names. Attendees much check in.
Elise:
Yes, but I'm going to guess that banned individual's name isn't actually Fire.
Tammy:
That's fine, pause the chat and go with me to PMs, I can't do a call, listening to a super boring presentation on the Dark Web for the day job
For all of the people we DO have names for, we can do our best
Elise:
We the past consent board have discussed things like this. Even with you, @Amy . We talked about how legal names along are functionally useless. We rely on other measures.
Tammy:
We're asking you to outline those measures - I doubt any of that is classified info. We're all division heads here.
We all need to help with this
Elise:
Actually our ban process and the number of people who have access to that list has historically been very small.
I am happy to outline.
Tammy:
They don't need the ban list, no.
Just the information on how to enforce bans
Elise:
It's just a lot of steps, which is why I would prefer a phone call.
Tammy:
I realize and I am sorry, but I can't If we outline it here, anyway, we can all see it
Just how to enforce, not the ban list itself
Jesse
Please lay it out we are all going to be question about this next week
Eddie:
I need that list by the way
Jesse
And all of our policies
Eddie:
So this is going to be a conversation for later but the policy for check in with vendors needs to change so that I have a more secure way of checking who is coming in as an assistant for the vendors
2
Amy:
Yes!
Tammy:
Agreed, Eddi:, I think our methods need a revamp
Some of the complaints have shown that whatever our process is, it's not enough
Elise:
1) THE has our ban list. They are supposed to check it against people.
(At least that is my understanding)
2) programming vets all performers. **Harder at non kink events because we just give out badges in lumps. They could technically be going anywhere. **
3) volunteering does the same. *note most other departments have internal ban lists.
5) vending does the thing.
4) we check the staff and comp list. Pretty much anything we add to the coil doc I believe we are responsible for.
@Jesse with all due respect I have things I need to do, and while I am currently hired to assist with questions people have about institutional knowledge I can't lay out "all of our policies".
Elise:
Those complaints were about programming guests. They were in the doc. Genevieve missed them.
Jesse
We all have shit todo ok , we are dealing with a crisis cut us some slack
Tammy:
That's all fine and well but they need to not be missed again
Elise:
If you want to create a program which matches names on a list to names on the other lists, that would be helpful.
Tammy:
And Elise , the phrase "with all due respect" usually meant the opposite, so please try to word things a bit better.
Elise:
The other issue is that some of our bans lack essential information.
Tammy:
Yes, this is true - those are unenforceable.
Elise:
Exactly.
Fire and ice could literally be any generic white men. We know nothing about them and their physical descriptions are identical.
Tammy:
That's fine, I am not talking about those people.
I am talking about the people on the list we have enough info to enforce.
Tammy:
Additionally, Elise , you have no current role at Wicked, and to my knowledge, are still on leave. (Correct me if I am wrong.) So while I realize we all have things to do, I am asking you share the institutional knowledge you have when we need it so we can make Wicked as successful as we can. That's all.
TJ
I literally made our ban list one doc now all that needs to be done is adding the names from programming vending and volunteering to the main doc under their tabs.
Also. ***** was never officially banned until this last time.
No bans were put in place ever and he was never contacted.
That's why he continued to come to the event.
Those also happened before Elise was in her position.
Tammy:
We should not be discussing names, if the banlist is not widely known
Eddie:
My apologies for the delay but I am at work
Elise:
I am happy to do my job and share institutional knowledge. There is just simply no way for me to share "all of our policies". What does that even mean? What level of detail? Which areas? I will gladly do my job and answer specific questions.
Eddie:
You are incorrect. I check in all vendors and all vendor assistance and it has always been that way for all vendor coordinators
Tammy:
I personally am only asking for one policy, if you have not already finished explaining - enforcement of bans
And what we do if we need to add names to the list. Who do we contact at THE?
Elise:
Correct. @Jesse asked me to share "all of our polices".
Jesse
The ones in question was the general consensus
Tammy:
Yes, I agree that that request is not easy, but I think he meant in context
Yes, that ^
Elise:
I would assume the people selling tickets at the door I assume would be responsible for checking at the door. I don't know how feasible that is or whether they do it.
It's far far easier at our kink events, and that has always been our main focus.
Tammy:
Yes, this is true, but we need to extend our efforts
No more half measures.
Does anyone disagree?
Elise:
We maintain the ban list. Jeff, Jakal, and I I believe have editing access.
THE does not.
Tammy:
Okay, so I will reach out to them and let them know we have additional names for the ban list and ask them how they wish to get the information. I will let them know the ban list is effective for Wicked.
Elise:
Sure. You will then likely have to negotiate with both of our contractors. I also don't know if Andy is contracted to do this, as he was placed into a new role for the show.
Add them to the ban list and email THE.
They will then have access to than.
Them*
Tammy:
Yes, that can be done
Thank you
Elise:
Unlike major conventions we don't put names on badges. There is literally no way to prevent people from getting in. Even if we did that, you could still give someone your badge.
Tammy:
Okay, Div heads who feel they need to help vet their respective groups of attendees/etc against this list, we'll have another meeting later to decide how best to do that
Yes, that is true.
But we can do the best we can.
Elise:
We also demand that people put their names on their badges.
Tammy:
And we will have the mediator's information accessible for the event so if someone spots an abuser, they can contact us safely.
I believe names should be on badges, even if it is a nickname.
Elise:
Only certain heads (Eddie is the only one here that I can think of other than amy in her assistant role) has this responsibility.
That is a requirement. Security will stop you if nothing is written on your badge.
Tammy:
Good
Elise:
All staff should be doing the same. Carry a sharpie.
TJ
And THE will also get an email telling them the ban list is updated when you add names
TJ
It's automated from the sheet
Tammy:
Sexy!
Eddie:
Hi..back
Tammy:
Did Elise apologize to you?
Eddie:
Legal names are not required on badges. Just names
Um.. Was she supposed to?
Elise: Tammy is dragging private conversations over into public ones. Sorry for the confusion.
Tammy:
Yes, I'm sorry, that was for PM. I apologize.
Eddie:
Tsk
Lol
Tammy:
I know Too many windows. Again, sorry.
Eddie:
So last night some things were said. One of them was something along the lines of if you think Jeff is a monster this is the wrong place for you to be and there was something also about this being the time where we all need to stick together. I agree with both of those and because of that I would like to give my official standing on everything. I do not believe that Jeff is a predator. I also do not believe that Jeff is a purposeful considered Violator. I do believe that Jeff has made some mistakes that he's going to have to make up for. There have been allegations made against Jeff regarding his mental health that I cannot confirm nor deny. I believe that if there are mental health issues that are attributing to these actions or could contribute to further actions then there needs to be help gotten on his part. I want to make it very clear to everyone that I do not believe that a permanent ban is necessary. I do believe a temporary separation may help but I also do not believe that one needs to be enforced if everyone is not in agreement. If there are other things that people have questions about that need to be discussed with the division heads or if anyone has any questions further about where I stand that anyone feels should be voiced please let me know and I will be happy to do so. I know this isn't anything that we were talking about and it seems a little rain. It's just some things were asked in the past by people and some things were said and I felt it necessary to come forward and just make it public on how I feel. You're all wonderful. Back to work
2
Tammy:
(That was so long I had to scroll up to find the like button! <3)
Eddie:
Sorry
Tammy:
No need!
It was just amusing
Eddie:
So is anyone hear going to be at the event but NOT working?
here*
Eddie:
I just want to know who to NOT ask for help if I need it
Tammy:
The only one here who does not have a staff role at Wicked is Elise
1
Eddie:
Lucky...
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to just attend an event.
Tammy:
(I've done it, it's too boring for me )
Jesse
Boring
Amy:
Done it. It's really dull.
Robert
Kim and I will be there from Thursday to Monday barring extenuating circumstances (I work in government and if this thing goes completely and uncontrollably off the rails, I'll need to leave) We will do what we always do... Our jobs and help or other divisions as needed. We do this job because we like the people.
1
Robert
And by "our jobs" I mean I'll make a total shit show look like it was awesome and planned that way all along lol
2
I. Fucking. Love. You. All.
Tammy:
Hey, with enough glitter, a turd can look like a gem, right?
Michael:
Just popped in for a second. Agreeing with Eddie. Anyone on the team should support Jeff. And I'd like to point out that every event without exception looks like a shitshow one week out.
2
Ok, going back to work. Turning notifications off again.
1:33PM
Tammy:?
Tammy:
I am here!
Robert
True Michael lol.
Tammy:
Hey all! I am planning on reaching out to performers and other folks who we may legitimately owe compensation to - if you happen to know of any unpaid accounts, please let me know?
Jesse
Mayfaire moon
Tammy:
Thank you!
Dept heads with their own ban lists, can you please PM me so we can get that info into the unified ban list?
Elise:
Just a note some/many of those bans are due to performance in a professional context and don't have anything to do with consent violation.
Tammy:
Oh yes, I know
If it was consent, they'd be on the master list
Elise:
Okay. Just making sure that was common knowledge. You would think that, but that is also not always the case.
1
Tammy:
I'll add a note to the top of those tabs
5:14PM
Tammy:
We have a statement ready
And an answer
Michael:
What's the question? I've been off all day?
Eddie:
Ok
Elise:
What are they?
Eddie:
Yeah what is the question we've been talking about a lot of stuff
Hey just so everybody knows, that big thing about us letting in a band person was all a bunch of shit
Tammy:
?
The question of Jeff attending Wicked and a public statement
Eddie:
Apparently the person involved who was supposedly removed from our event wasn't actually ever removed from our event. Furthermore if they were still in a poly Triad with the person who was accusing them. The accusation came out afterwards after the event after the person had gotten into a fight with him and his wife
Eddie:
Said person was never banned
Elise:
What are the statement and the answer?
Michael:
What? Bullshit? Say it ain't so? I just heard that Jeff was 40 in 2006 from the Internet.
Eddie:
Lol
Tammy:
Jeff will not be attending Wicked.
Eddie:
nods that's unfortunate but I completely understand
Tammy:
He has also directed me to begin the process of finding a new company name that we can transition to
Elise:
I think that is the most reasonable decision.
Michael:
I think that is capitulation to evil, despicable people.
Tammy:
That part isn't set in stone and if he does want us to change it, for real, then I plan on suggesting JME at the name
Michael:
I'm a little incensed at the moment. Just read Sofia May's story, in which she says that she approached Jeff when she was of legal age and consented then explains why her consent didn't count so he's a predator.
Eddie:
Well if we are switching to a new company Under New Management that I don't think he needs to sell off the Kink events any longer. Not if he's not going to be part of it
Tammy:
This is the public statement he sent me:
Eddie:
I mean none of us have any accusations against us or allegations so I don't see why we should lose it
Tammy:
No, he is not leaving the company or the events, just not being the public face
The statement he sent me:
Tammy:
"I am writing to you all with regards to the recent allegations about myself and my staff. The past few days have saddened me greatly and I know they have been difficult for the entire community. I wasn’t aware of the extent of the problems and miscommunications until you all started speaking out about them. I want more than anything to address all of the issues individually and make amends where necessary. I hope you will give me the opportunity to make my events better and safer. Which I pledge wholeheartedly to do with your support. In order for this to happen, I need your help. Complaints should be brought to our company through official channels so they can be properly logged and responded to. We have set up third party mediation to help the conversations get started. We need to have a clear and accurate picture where things have gone right and wrong in order to improve, make amends and start healing wounds. I hope you will reach out so that we can make sure these problems don’t ever happen again. I am ready to listen. I am ready to institute new guidelines for safety and consent and enforce them rigorously. I am ready to organize my business better to ensure there is more clarity and transparency with regards to contractual obligations. I am ready to replace people in my organization who do not meet all of these high standards. I am ready to learn and change and grow. We all make mistakes and I want to understand where I went wrong through the years and correct it. Please give me a chance. I promise you will see big changes. I know that the events that I produce are bigger than I am and give happiness to so many of you. I want you all to know that I respect the patrons, performers and vendors immensely. I don’t want any of these groups to suffer because of issues within my organization that need to be sorted out. I want you all to enjoy Wicked Faire and feel safe, appreciated and compensated. That is why I am announcing that I will step aside from Wicked Faire and leave the run of show to Tammy: Shipps, COO. She is intelligent, passionate and will produce a wonderful weekend for you all. I will use this time, beginning now, to start reorganizing the business so that going forward the community can be involved with our events and feel good about it."
1
Tammy:
(I did not fucking write this, and I am considering taking out a certain section.)
Michael:
What section?
Tammy:
The part calling me intelligent and blah blah
Michael:
I think that part is good.
Tammy:
You would
Michael:
No one knows who you are. It shows that we didn't just grab a volunteer and uplift them to leadership in a panic.
Tammy:
That's true
Are we good with this?
Michael:
w
Where is this to be distributed?
Elise:
That part is good other parts are questionable. It looks like a deflection of blame in some spots.
Eddie:
Sec
Tammy:
Michael:
On Jeff's page? Not the Wicked Faire page, right?
Tammy:
Yes, on Jeff's page
Elise:
I think it should be put on all the major pages. No?
Along with the info about the new mediator.
Michael:
Absolutely not
That is the worst possible idea
Many of our attendees don't know or don't care about this. People who care will find it on Jeff's page. People who don't shouldn't have it put in their face.
Elise:
Don't we want to be upfront with our desire to fix what is seen as broken? Especially if they will see picketers.
Michael:
On Jeff's page will be up front
Tammy:
The url to the mediator page will be linked
Elise:
He hit his FB friend limit a while ago and asked people to follow professional pages for updates.
Tammy:
Sorry that I'm quiet, I'm actually in tears and trying to get it under control
Michael:
There are 1200 people coming to Wicked Faire. Probably 500 of them care about this. The rest probably think of it as scene drama. They're there to have a good time
Elise, you are proposing something that would be actively detrimental to this event and this company.
People managed to find Alexandra's post and Masha's post. I think they'll find Jeff's
Elise:
Okay. I think it would cut off people saying we are hiding things. I haven't seen either.
Michael:
Every asshole is going to share it because you can't twist words that you can't see
I would just like to make very clear that I feel that evil and injustice has won a great victory today.
Tammy:
I agree, to a point. BUT.
He is not going anywhere
He just isn't going to be the face of Wicked.
This information is internal ONLY
Michael:
Jeff created something amazing that no one else could have created. Then he did it three more times. Small minded, selfish, greedy people, not understanding his value worked to undermine him, steal his company, and, when they could not get their way, launched a smear campaign based on lies, innuendo, and misrepresentations to ruin his reputation and take that which is most valuable to him.
1
Tammy:
and is not to be repeated
But he has said he will not go to Dark Side either, nor any other events.
Which is why I'm crying.
I respect his decision, though. And we can try and make him reconsider when this shit blows over.
Michael:
There won't be any fucking picketers. They knew that if they pushed Jeff hard enough he'd fold, and he did, and now they win. And who will be the next victim of the mob?
Tammy:
You are welcome to call him if you like
Are there any strong votes of no to posting this? I'm in his account now.
Michael:
Unless the entire staff is fully behind him, it doesn't make sense. I have read every accusation. I've read every link I've been able to find. Nothing in the primary posts are damning enough to justify this.
Tammy:
We know there is more coming, though.
Eddie:
I'm sorry I still haven't gotten a chance to read it because of all the vendor stuff that's currently happening I'm doing my best
Michael:
It's a smear campaign relying on the laziness of people not looking for original sources and their excitement to see another witch burned.
Tammy:
I agree with you
And I am praying to every god I can think of that we can clear his name
1
I don't want this. I want him safe, yes
But I don't want it this way.
Elise:
@Michael: it could be that you don't have all of the information yet, as @Tammy: said more is coming through.
Michael:
We know that the conspiracy against him is not done with their plan, yes.
Tammy:
It's going to get worse before it gets better
And we need to make a statement SOON
We've already waited too long
But I wanted to give Jeff time to think about what he wanted to do
Michael:
OK, so let's have the conversation I wanted to have yesterday
First, let's look at what the accusations are, then look at what the right thing to do it
I am aware of three primary sexual allegations: Catherine, Hanna, and Sofia. Are there others I am not aware of?
Elise:
Has it occurred to you that not all of the accusers have come forward publicly and some may not wish to come forward publicly at this time?
Or that maybe other people are acting with information you don't have?
Tammy:
The mediator is working actively to investigate several cases
Michael:
No, this is my first rodeo. Please explain how a smear campaign functions?
Tammy:
I do not know the details as of yet.
Michael:
Is it accurate that there are three primary allegations?
Is there another I am not aware of?
Amy:
(folks, I have to catch up, bear with me)
Eddie:
Unfortunately the only people we can do anything about are the ones that have told us something has happened
Elise:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was not aware that you had a background in dealing with consent violation accusations.
Eddie:
blink
Michael:
I have a considerable background in dealing with false accusations and the political weaponization of accusations.
Eddie:
Elise: ...
Tammy:
I don't think he needs a background in consent violations to have a moral code and common sense.
Elise:
Eddie:.
Michael:
Is there a fourth accusation?
Eddie:
We all here have some kind of background with consent and violation issues because we are part of this company. The security, the vendor staff, and everyone else has to deal with them on some levels we all have some kind of knowledge and no one here is ignorant
Tammy:
Not as such, to my knowledge.
Elise:
No. But I was the one who was the onsite contact for consent violations. No one else stepped up to that job. No one else gets hired to do that as part of their jobs at other events as far as I am aware.
Amy:
Correct me if I'm wrong....no one was asked to do that.
Michael:
For those who have not read them, let me summarize: Catherine says that Jeff asked her to participate in a scene in the dungeon at GKE, got her into sub space, and asked her to consent to being handed off to two other partners. She says that she may have nodded, but claims that consent in sub space is not valid consent Hanna says that Jeff, among other things, during their relationship would hypnotize her to sleep, share medication with her, made her to company work because she was his sub, and that the relationship was not a healthy one, but she does not claim that he ever did anything to violate express consent
Amy:
I wasn't asked to do that.
I would have totally done that.
Eddie:
That's because no one feels they need to... You do a great job. But that doesn't mean everyone else is ignorant about the topic
Aside from that, if you think that any part of that letter looks deflective what is your suggestion on what it should be corrected to?
Elise:
So why are they acting as though they know what they are doing and feel confident in labeling this a witch hunt? There are entire classes talking about why subspace, an altered mental state, is like other altered states when it comes to consent.
Michael:
Sofia, just posted her full story. she actually says this: I knew of Jeff and his events. He had the respect of a community, he had charisma, and had experience with bdsm. I approached him and he agreed to meet me and teach me." She then claims that even though she gave enthusiastic consent through the entire thing and was legally of age, it was not valid consent because she was 16 (which I believe Jeff did not know at the time)
1
Eddie:
Because I looked for the deflection that you said was there and I'm not seeing it. It's not impossible that I'm missing something but if I am I want to know what it is
Tammy:
(Amy: , may I include your name as Administrative Assistant in this announcement?)
Amy:
So the one thing I'm not hearing is "Yes there is additional information" I'm hearing a lot of "you don't know that there is...or isn't information"
Tammy:
(Jeff sent the suggestion)
Amy:
I'm sorry, Tammy:, in what context?
Tammy:
Where it mentions my name as COO
Eddie:
Amy:
Yes.
Michael:
OK, so there are the three allegations. I would like to know who here stands with Jeff if these are true, and who does not. And for those who do stand with him, what in the next allegation could change your mind.
Eddie:
I'm sorry but my belief is that if a minor sneaks into somewhere that's meant for adults then they get tried as an adult
Tammy:
I would also like your help to guide me through this whole process
You know the company as well as anyone
Amy:
Go for it.
Tammy:
(I love you)
Michael:
Please don't post anything yet
Tammy:
I'm not.
Michael:
To be clear, I'm not saying Jeff did things that were not wrong in some way. But we all make mistakes. We shouldn't all be run out on a rail for them.
Eddie:
However, on a whole different topic, that can never happen again.
How did they get in?
That's not something for right now and it though I know we have a lot of other stuff to talk about
Michael:
What Sofia? That wasn't at an event
This was 2006
She knew him from Contra dancing. He was just some guy who ran an event no one had heard of
Eddie:
Oh... what?
Elise:
Guys I'm being inundated. I can look at the letter once I am off the call I'm on. Amy: , company policy dictates that we not share victims reports unless they give us explicit consent to do so.
1
Eddie:
Inundated?
Michael:
We'll get to the failure of our consent investigation system in a moment. Would you like me to share the full text of Sofia's story?
Eddie:
Oh. Well feel better
Elise:
Lots of messages. Computer is updating. I am trying to type on my phone.
Amy:
I just want to take a moment and say a few things. This has been draining for everyone, but what angers me more than anything is that there are several posts blaming the staff, executive staff specifically. But what gets me is that while I am not part of the consent board, I am not someone who usually gets attendees talking to them about things like harassment and assault, I feel responsible. And I can't do a damn thing about it. I couldn't do a damn thing about it if I knew it was going on. And I'm pissed about this whole thing. I'm pissed this has changed the company (though happy we're making positive changes), and I'm pissed that its founder has felt he needs to remove himself from all events.
1
Elise:
I think the staff part of the letter looks like he's deflecting.
Feel free to share the text I haven't seen it.
Michael:
Elise: , that's step 8. We're on step 1
Elise:
Okay. You asked about sharing.
Michael:
Amy:
Elise I know you can't disclose specifics. But the "i know something you don't know" prose within this group is what's irritating me. Why not just say, "There are additional investigations that are under way through the mediator" That's all. I don't want specifics.
Michael:
Elise , are there accusations that are more severe than the ones currently being presented?
Tammy:
I thought I did say that, I'm sorry, did I communicate poorly?
Elise:
Because these reports predate that system.
Michael:
Meanwhile, I'm going to call Bank of America and ask them to void my old credit card debt. I was young. They took advantage of me. It seemed good at the time, but now I realize that it was bad.
Elise:
I can't say whether they have been reported to the mediator. I know some people don't trust the mediator, and likely will not come forward.
Tammy:
There are indeed additional investigations underway, though I do not know if they are duplicates of the ones we have seen or how many there are
Elise:
Micheal if a 16 year old consents to having sex with their teacher should that teacher be reprimanded?
Tammy:
And Jeff was told by a source he wouldn't disclose that there is at least one other allegation coming.
Michael:
Is Jeff a teacher?
Teachers have special rules on them due to their special relationship.
Elise:
That was a yes or no question.
Tammy:
It is apples to oranges.
Elise:
Jeff has a position of power within the community.
Michael:
In 2006?
Tammy:
He did not in 2006
So it is a moot point.
Michael:
He was about as influential as I was in 2006.
Tammy:
Michael, please continue.
Elise:
What was he doing having scenes with 16 year olds in 2006?
Tammy:
NJ age of consent is 16
Michael:
Not knowing they were 16. Accepting a request from a new sub to get training from a dom
Elise:
Jeff stated he knew she was 16 in a post he made in the staff group if I'm not mistaken.
Tammy:
It does not matter if she was 16, it was legal and consensual
Michael:
Let me lay out where I'm going. I see three allegations. I have read all three. Even if they are all completely true as written, I would stand by Jeff. I would say he did bad things. He made mistakes. I wouldn't recommend anyone date him. But he is not a predator, rapist, child molester, and he should not receive the ultimate punishment of what is effectively having his life's work taken away from him. When I say I stand by Jeff, that is what I mean. And I stand by Jeff.
Jesse
I second Michael:’s ideas
Jesse
Michael:
I would like to make sure everyone understands what the allegations are, then find out who stands with Jeff and who does not, then understand why anyone who does not stand with him is still here.
Tammy:
I do as well
I stand with him, period. I also stand by his decisions, especially because he took the time to make them - but I am hoping after Wicked, we can roll back his self-imposed exile publicly
Michael:
This is Catherine's story: http://owleyeview.blogspot.com/p/posted-with-of-author-jan-2018.html?m=1
Tammy:
He plans to use the time not at Wicked to begin picking apart the lies and work on the cookbook
Michael:
This is Hanna's story: http://owleyeview.blogspot.com/p/the-east-coast-predator.html
Amy:
I think for now, we have to go with his decision, and this could eventually change. He may come out of his exile, but for now we have to focus on the company and its direction.
Michael:
I'm going to give everyone a chance to read the accusations if they have not. Then I'm going to want to know if I am in a room of Jeff's friends or not.
Tammy:
This is the last thing Jeff said to me before going dark for a few hours to enjoy his birthday:
Okay, I will begin:
I do not believe the allegations, but even if they were true as written, I know Jeff is not a monster or a rapist or anything of the sort. I think his punishment and trial by public is shitty and bullshit and shouldn't have happened. I stand with him and by him.
Next?
Michael:
If they are true as written, they might be bad judgement, but any one of us, if the worst 5 parts of our lives were laid bare by our ex's would probably look pretty bad. I stand with him.
Robert
Innocent until proven guilty apparently doesn't exist in some people's minds. I'm going to be so fucking miserable next weekend.
Tammy:
No, it doesn't exist in the court of public opinion. It's fucked.
Robert
And the worst part is, people who claim to be his friend are acting as his judge, jury and executioner. Disgusting.
Michael:
I looks like some people need to catch up
Jesse, what's your thought?
Amy:
Rob, do I need to do Lois for you all weekend?
Rob, do I need to do Lois for you all weekend?
1
Robert
No. I mean, you can, but the best I'll feel all weekend will be when I forget the bullshit and remember I'm with a few friends. But overall I'll probably be irritated and sad. But I'm telling you this because I REALLY DO love you all, even though it might not seem like it all the time at wicked while I'm withdrawn.
1
Tammy:
This is going to take a lot of spoons for all of us to get through
And for what it's worth, I am beyond sorry any of this needs to be discussed and worked on at all
I would give anything to go back to how everything was Monday before Kalita's post.
Anything else, guys?
Michael:
I'm curious to hear where Elise: stands.
Jesse
I think that letting things cool off is the best things. We keep jeff directing from Home. We should never rule anything out from anyone, so Jeff must go through all the checks. I stand by Jeff because all of this just doesn’t add up to me, specially after how perfect everything came together.
Amy:
I will say that I will stand with the company. You are all family, the performers, the vendors, the attendees. I want this machine to keep rolling along. I respect Jeff's decision, and I will support Tammy: in her role.
Elise:
I still haven't had a chance to read the thing. As I stated I am in a meeting and have difficulty keeping up.
I love my JME family. I have reached out to a lot of you. I love you guys. I care about you guys.
Tammy:
I know, Elise: , I didn't just mean you.
Elise:
I didn't feel like you did! Sorry if my intermittent messaging made it seem that way!
Michael:
Elise , you're the master of the consent review process, and the first allegations came out a week ago. What do you mean that you haven't read them?
Tammy:
Sorry!
No worries
Let us know when your meeting is done
I think she means the letter Jeff wants us to post
But I could be wrong
Robert
I want a group hug on Thursday or Friday. I'm probably gonna cry. Please don't tell anyone. I'm barely hanging on to my man card lol
Amy:
BIG HUGGLES
Tammy:
Real men cry!
Elise:
I too am distraught that this has come to be.
@Michael: the first allegations came out publicly a week ago. Some of us have been dealing with this for months longer.
I've been on the road. I haven't been on Fetlife all that much.
Tammy:
HUG
Amy:
GIPHY
2
Michael:
Don't you get all patriarchal norms of masculinity here, @Robert Jason
Tammy:
Hahaha
Michael:
You seem pretty ready to throw Jeff to the sharks for someone who hasn't had the chance to be on top of things.
Robert
I know, I know Michael:, but I'm still trying to change some ways I've learned for most of my life, and it's not easy to change an entire belief system. But I'm trying.
Tammy:
Robert, you're doing a fine job, and we appreciate you
Robert
Thank you.
Michael:
Elise: , that comment about throwing Jeff to the sharks was for you
Tammy:
I realize I haven't gotten to work with many of you directly very often, but I am very glad that will be changing - I respect you very much for the work you have done for Jeff and JME and I have watched like a creepy weirdo from behind my IT desk for a long time
Elise:
I realize that @Michael:.
I've stated that some of us have been dealing with this for an extended period of time.
Michael:
I've had it up to here with your "I know something you don't know." If you know about an allegation, you should let us know. You don't have to tell us who, but now would be a good time to share what.
Elise:
I will not under any circumstances violate the privacy of any victims that have come forward to me in private. You have absolutely no right to that information. It violates our actual written policies. Even sharing stories, which I can tell you from personal experience leads to people inadvertently getting outed. I actually care about victim's rights. Jeff stood on these ideas. They are the foundation of our consent policies. If you don't like them, I'm not sure why you started working here in the first place.
Tammy:
That is not what he is asking you to do, Elise: .
Michael:
You mean in 2008 when I started here? I started working here because I was working with one of the best event organizers in the world
Tammy:
He is asking for general information on information we could use to help soften the damage this company is sustaining
Michael:
Is it a rape allegation? Is it an assault allegation?
Tammy:
He doesn't want specifics. He wants a general idea.
No names, no stories.
We need to know what to expect.
Michael:
Did he eat a child? Did he fuck a monkey?
Robert
I WAS on the consent violation team, and aside from anything that was brought up that happened at the last event, I know absolutely nothing about any violations at all.
I WAS on the consent violation team, and aside from anything that was brought up that happened at the last event, I know absolutely nothing about any violations at all.
Michael:
That's interesting.
Elise:
With all due respect Robbie you were not one of the three people on the consent team. You were certainly very helpful onsite, however you were a part of almost nothing we dealt with offsite.
Michael:
Who was on this secret tribunal?
Robert
I'm not aware where I was needed or not needed, just saying I didn't know anything about it.
And it's on my job description.
I think it was at least. I'll have to verify
Elise:
Jeff, Jakal, and I. It was no secret it was in the company structure. We were also the people in human resources on the other end of the HR@Jeffmachevents.com email. At one time the Harassment page had our individual emails on it, but we updated it to have the HR email for simplicity.
Michael:
The company structure was a secret, practically. Things have been so non-transparent for the last year.
Elise:
I have copies of those updates. I can look up the job description, Robbie; I wrote it.
Michael:
Well, really forever
Elise:
We released charts. Amy: made them.
Things moved around somewhat as people quit.
Tammy:
To be fair, as a company, we suck mightily with making sure people see updated documentation and understanding it.
Robert
I could be wrong, I'm looking for it. But I was asked by you to sit in on and I'm some cases handle consent violations. So going forward, if it's not my place, ill send people to the right people and not handle it on my own.
Jesse
I seriously think we should all take a step back and stop attacking each other. We are all here for the same cause playing for the same team.
1
Michael:
Yup
Tammy:
We are also off-topic.
Elise:
@Robert Correct on site or when they were directly relevant to you.
Tammy:
Elise: , please read the letter Jeff wishes us to post so that you can answer @Michael:'s questions
Michael:
The question remains, what is coming next.
Elise:
Jakal should be able to give some input when he is done working in about an hour.
Tammy:
I can repost it if needed
Elise:
Please do! It's lost in all the chat.
Robert
Reread my job description. It specifically stated "on site" so I wouldn't be involved off site. Fair.
Tammy:
"I am writing to you all with regards to the recent allegations about myself and my staff. The past few days have saddened me greatly and I know they have been difficult for the entire community. I wasn’t aware of the extent of the problems and miscommunications until you all started speaking out about them. I want more than anything to address all of the issues individually and make amends where necessary. I hope you will give me the opportunity to make my events better and safer. Which I pledge wholeheartedly to do with your support. In order for this to happen, I need your help. Complaints should be brought to our company through official channels so they can be properly logged and responded to. We have set up third party mediation to help the conversations get started. We need to have a clear and accurate picture where things have gone right and wrong in order to improve, make amends and start healing wounds. I hope you will reach out so that we can make sure these problems don’t ever happen again. I am ready to listen. I am ready to institute new guidelines for safety and consent and enforce them rigorously. I am ready to organize my business better to ensure there is more clarity and transparency with regards to contractual obligations. I am ready to replace people in my organization who do not meet all of these high standards. I am ready to learn and change and grow. We all make mistakes and I want to understand where I went wrong through the years and correct it. Please give me a chance. I promise you will see big changes. I know that the events that I produce are bigger than I am and give happiness to so many of you. I want you all to know that I respect the patrons, performers and vendors immensely. I don’t want any of these groups to suffer because of issues within my organization that need to be sorted out. I want you all to enjoy Wicked Faire and feel safe, appreciated and compensated. That is why I am announcing that I will step aside from Wicked Faire and leave the run of show to Tammy: Shipps, COO, assisted by Amy: Whitehouse, Administrative Assistant. They are intelligent, passionate, and will produce a wonderful weekend for you all. I will use this time, beginning now, to start reorganizing the business so that going forward the community can be involved with our events and feel good about it."
Tammy:
(I added Amy: )
Robbie, I am the only one on the consent team now and I would actually like it if you wanted if you would join the team
Amy:
(Thanks)
Eddie:
Who?
Tammy:
Who who?
Eddie:
Somebody was asked to join the consent team and I don't know who it was
Michael:
Tenor GIF Keyboard
Tammy:
Robbie
Elise:
I think he's trying to get at the we don't pay people stuff, but "about myself and my staff" will look like deflection. He should focus on himself, and the company as it relates to him. People are going to criticize the use of the word "miscommunication", but that's probably as good as it gets.
Elise:
Ahhh I have more hit enter too soon
Tammy:
We can change those words, if we agree on what to change them to
Michael:
I think it sounds like he's saying that nothing has ever been done to fix the company, and it's as bad as it's ever been and now he's ready to change
Tammy:
And actually, there have been allegations made about staff, other than Jeff.
Michael:
All of these accusations are old. Some are really old.
I don't know how to make it not sound like shifting blame, but I'd like to see some mention of the fact that the process of reform has been ongoing.
There are three basic issues: sexual misconduct, event safety, and failure to fulfill promises.
Sexual misconduct is why there's such a bruhaha, but the failure to fulfill promises was the kindling that they used to stoke the fire
1
Elise:
If he is stepping back, maybe consider weaving it in in that second paragraph? People are going to give him shit because he's given the whole "I'll do better" speech before on fet a lot. Again nothing can be done; just brace for impact. The overall lack of Oxford commas bothers me, but that might only be me. "I don’t want any of these groups to suffer because of issues within my organization that need to be sorted out" could also get called out for looking like deflection away from him. People see him as the man that makes all the choices. Change that final "it" to "them".
Amy:
I do like the idea of noting that he's stepping back.
Eddie:
And I like the it to them
I also agree about the I'll do better speech
Tammy:
Did that, how about this for a first line?
"I am writing to you all with regards to the recently-raised allegations."
Michael:
OK, here's the problem. It's too vague. People will assign various lines to whatever they want. Admitting that "things need to be better" will sound like "I will try to stop raping people" rather than "we need to pay our bills better"
Elise:
eh. "I am writing in regard to the recent allegations that have been made regarding my conduct both personal and professional"
sorry that took me a while to word, @Tammy:
Michael:
Yeah. It says apply each line below to whatever topic you feel like
I think we need to structure the statement around the three kinds of allegations
Eddie:
We really need to be specific and transparent about who the third party mediators are
Michael:
Because on the owing of money the answer is basically, yeah, we owe a lot of you money. We have had some people we trusted to manage the books who did not do a very good job. Those people have been replaced some time ago and we are in the process of getting to a place where we can repay our debts.
Tammy:
Or we just cut that part out and go with a shorter, harder to misconstrue report
Eddie:
And who is now in charge of handling complaints. Otherwise this is empty
Elise:
I agree with that Eddie:. I was going to say inserting the contact info is important.
Tammy:
Per the text, we have a mediator and I am the consent team (and maybe @Robbie? Robbie, would you join the consent team?)
I will
Eddie:
Please give me a chance sounds like begging
1
Michael:
The safety part should be a plan of what we're going to do and what our new policies will be and whom to contact. The misconduct part should be something about making mistakes and learning and trying to become a better person.
1
Eddie:
The line about addressing issues individually seems almost creepy. People have tried to address things over and over and been let down
Elise:
That
Eddie:
I would take out "I would like more than anything to address all of the issues individually..."
Elise:
Especially since Jeff has talked about wanting to do that for the purpose of disproving things.
Eddie:
Yep
Tammy:
First part:
Tammy:
" am writing in regard to the recent allegations that have been made regarding my conduct both personal and professional. The past few days have saddened me greatly and I know they have been difficult for the entire community. I wasn’t aware of the extent of the problems and miscommunications until you all started speaking out about them. I hope you will give me the opportunity to make my events better and safer, which I pledge wholeheartedly to do with your support. In order for this to happen, I need your help. Complaints should be brought to our company through official channels so they can be properly logged and responded to. We have set up third party mediation to help the conversations get started. [ Contact Info ] We need to have a clear and accurate picture where things have gone right and wrong in order to improve, make amends and start healing wounds. I hope you will reach out so that we can make sure these problems don’t ever happen again. "
Tammy:
I ^
Damn copypaste
Eddie:
Also, "I wasn't aware of the extent..." Seems inaccurate
1
Amy:
I may have to agree with that, Eddie:.
1
Eddie:
That looks better.
Michael:
"When one is in a position of authority, one can lose their sense of perspective and lose sight of things that might harm another person. Things that might seem like good fun to me could be harmful to someone else. It is no excuse for such errors, and sometimes it can take a public reckoning to bring home a truth that I should have been able to find on my own. In reading the accounts of the three individuals who have been brave enough to step forward, I have realized that my actions have been inadvertently harmful to many people. I would like to step back from my public role to take the chance to reexamine many parts of my life that I have taken for granted, and I hope that may return a better person and a better part of the community."
Tammy:
He kind of was a bit oblivious
Elise:
He talked regularly about people having issues.
Tammy:
That's true
I like that second paragraph
Eddie:
Sorry accidental thumbs to some meeages
Take out 'things that might be fun to me'
Michael:
I said "good fun" but, perhaps "harmless" or "harmless fun"
I said "good fun" but, perhaps "harmless" or "harmless fun"
Eddie:
And take out "inadvertantly" before the harmful. It feels too much like a lawyers apology
I would just take out that sentence
Michael:
But it makes clear that he didn't do it on purpose
Eddie:
With the "fun for me"
Michael:
He's not a monster, just ignorant
Eddie:
Okay... But again, this is supposed to sound different
Not like every other time he's "apologized"
Michael:
"Things that might seem like just having a good time could be harmful to someone else."
Eddie:
I think he needs to just straight up apologize without excuses
Michael:
He didn't step away from his company the other times he apologized
Eddie:
But that's just me
Michael:
Where's the excuse?
Elise:
He claimed to step away from things like fet, only to be back posting three hours later.
Tammy:
Okay, we are literally ripping apart what Jeff put together and approved and he is gone for the night so
We won't be able to get huge sweeping changes approved
Eddie:
We already have "lose sight of things that might harm another person". I think it makes it clear enough that it wasn't malicious. I think the whole letter does
Oh, sorry. I thought that removing an almost repetitive sentence wouldn't be a big thing
Tammy:
I mean from the original
Michael:
We can't use the letter he approved. It conflates three levels of issues. Too vague. Too open to interpretation.
Michael:
When one is in a position of authority, one can lose their sense of perspective and lose sight of things that might harm another person. It is no excuse for such errors, and sometimes it can take a public reckoning to bring home a truth that I should have been able to find on my own. In reading the accounts of the three individuals who have been brave enough to step forward, I have realized that my actions have been inadvertently harmful to many people. I would like to step back from my public role to take the chance to reexamine many parts of my life that I have taken for granted, and I hope that may return a better person and a better part of the community.
Michael:
Eddie:, you're right. It can come out
Eddie:
But largely you've done a good job. Just trying to provide honest feedback
I like that much better.
Tammy:
Let me open a doc for sharing and we can have at it
Michael:
In 2006, I was removed from leadership in the Come Again Players which I founded because I have inadvertently done things to make people uncomfortable, and it took 2/3 of the cast voting me out to allow me to learn what I had done wrong. I understand the place he's in.
Eddie:
He just hasn't learned yet
Michael:
Took me about 9 months after I got booted to learn. Took me about 6 to stop being angry.
Amy:
And then you met me and life became awesome!
1
Tammy:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LbPdP4NB6sz1_7X8l4n2UCiBRsL1XH37N20C880NxIM/edit?usp=sharing
Michael:
I think we need to start over. The letter conflates the three issues
Let me try drafting something rather than trying to explain
Hold on, just found something out
Eddie:
Oo
Elise:
Updates?
Tammy:
?
Eddie:
drum roll
Amy:
Tenor GIF Keyboard
Eddie:
Quick everyone, place your bets
Amy:
$5 on 12
$100 on red
Michael:
**** **** practically states in a locked post that she is one of the people orchestrating this.
Amy:
......???
Tammy:
Mhmm
Eddie:
....
Tammy:
Aleks and Masha as well
Michael:
I'm not at liberty to say who gave me the access to the post, so I can't share the screen shots, but I can transcribe them. It'll take a bit.
Eddie:
That... What?
Robert
"practically"?
Ojhhh ok
Eddie:
When I was her vendor assistant I had to do all of her f****** work because she had so many anxiety attacks all the time because she didn't know what she was doing with her job and so overwhelmed with all of her problems I had to basically carry her through the entire 2 years that I worked with her
Eddie:
And then after she got fired she admitted to me they weren't even anxiety attacks she just didn't want to do the stuff and why should she have to if she had an assistant
1
Michael:
Initial post: I am watching a bridge catch fire, and it is glorious. It's okay, the bridge was VERY flammable and the walkway had a number of broken stairs
Eddie:
I actually asked Jeff to get rid of her a number of times and Jeff argued with me that he didn't want to get rid of her because he felt that she was an asset to the company and had been with him for so long that he couldn't do it
Amy:
Damn, she was friends with Rowan on facebook.......and now she isn't.
Robert
She also cried sooooo hard every time we tried to fire her and it would end up with "ok, we'll give you another chance"
Michael:
In a comment she says: Also, as far as Wicked is concerned, Jeff is currently left with about 10% of his original staff. He fired about 80% of his staff on Friday, and another 10% went with them. He then posted a plea for new staff on his Facebook page
Eddie:
But he hasn't fired anybody
Michael:
So, you believe we're dealing with a conspiracy yet?
Tammy:
(I already knew we were.)
Michael:
I think we need a statement of support from the staff, at least along with his statement, possibly instead.
Tammy:
I think along with, not instead.
But I think we can go much shorter with the post.
MUCH shorter.
Eddie:
Michael:
The Jeff letter still needs to be in three parts. Because we are readily admitting to some things and cautiously reflecting on others.
Eddie:
I...am fucking livid
Michael:
We've got to be explicit about what we're responding to.
Robert
I think we should also remind Jeff of our support. Although having no contact with him recently, I'm very concerned for his welfare. I don't want Jeff to make a bad decision while in a dangerous state of mind.
Amy:
Why are people so fucking toxic and volatile?
Eddie:
This letter is not Jeff admitting guilt. This letter is a short explanation to the public about why he is not going to be at the event and why he is stepping aside
Michael:
Eddie:, now do you understand why I want Jeff to come to Wicked Faire, so we can shove it in the fucking, worthless, pieces-of-shit's piece-of-shit, worthless fucking faces?
Robert
Because they're miserable, and if they have to be miserable, so does everyone else
Michael:
Hell, Eddie:, I ended up doing a lot of Erin's job. Sponsorship sales became customer service.
Eddie:
Yes I do Michael: and I actually agree with you. Unfortunately I equally disagree with you and my own belief. Because regardless of how much I want to do bad things to people right now I have to remain neutral and think about what's best for the event goers and the company
I personally feel like if I made a vote to have Jeff at the
Tammy:
Jeff is actually doing alright
Eddie:
I personally feel like if I made a vote to have Jeff at the event it would be for personal and selfish reasons that would do more damage than good
Tammy:
I've been in nearly constant contact with him
Eddie:
There will be a time to bring all of the false accusations to light but that time isnt now
Tammy:
He did have a dark period where he started to have suicidal thoughts but dispelled them on his own
1
Robert
Michael:: I understand why you think the way you do. However, I believe we need to take a "make attendees feel like we're on their side" stance, not a "we can't let the terrorists win" stance. Our image to our attendees is more important than shoving it in the assholes faces.
Tammy:
I am writing in regard to the recent allegations that have been made regarding my conduct both personal and professional. The past few days have saddened me greatly and I know they have been difficult for the entire community. I wasn’t aware of the extent of the problems and miscommunications until you all started speaking out about them. My company’s goal has always been to work constantly to make our events better and safer. To continue working toward that goal, we ask for your help. Complaints should be brought to our company through official channels so they can be properly logged and responded to. We have set up third party mediation to help the conversations get started. [ Contact Info ] I know that the events that I produce are bigger than I am and give happiness to so many of you. I want you all to know that I respect the patrons, performers, and vendors immensely. I don’t want any of these groups to suffer. I want you all to enjoy Wicked Faire and feel safe, appreciated, and compensated. That is why I am announcing that I will step aside from Wicked Faire and leave the run of show to Tammy: Shipps, COO, assisted by Amy: Whitehouse, Administrative Assistant. They are intelligent, passionate, and will produce a wonderful weekend for you all. I will use this time, beginning now, to start re-organizing the business so that going forward the community can be involved with our events and feel good about it.
Eddie:
What Rob said
Michael:
No, no no no no - that letter I mean. I see what you're trying to do, but it will not work well. Allow me to explain by annotation...
Eddie:
I mean, I equally want to go onto FetLife and just tell people to come at me with their problems so I can make the actual truth known to what people accuse me of or anything else they might have to say but that's not going to do any good except for me and it's going to do damage to what I need to do for the vendors
Michael:
I am writing in regard to the recent allegations that have been made regarding my conduct both personal and professional. [you mean that you're a rapist?] The past few days have saddened me greatly and I know they have been difficult for the entire community. [because we found out you're a rapist] I wasn’t aware of the extent of the problems and miscommunications until you all started speaking out about them. [you call rape a miscommunuication?]
Robert
Michael:: Eddie: and I are specificly referring to Jeff attending vs not attending. Not the letter.
Michael:
Oh, sorry, Yes, I agree that you are right. Your points are quite valid and I am convinced
Robert
I think (don't want to speak for Eddie:)
Eddie:
You're correct
Tammy:
"I am writing in regard to the recent allegations that have been made regarding my conduct both personal and professional. The past few days have saddened me greatly and I know they have been difficult for the entire community. I wasn’t aware of the extent of the problems until you all started speaking out about them."
Tammy:
Or wait, "I wasn’t as fully aware of the extent of the problems as I should have been until you all started speaking out about them."
Michael:
I'm in an asshole mindset, so it's easy for me to see how an asshole would see this.
OK, gonna draft something. Stand by
Tammy:
You are as far away from an asshole as a forehead, Michael:.
Robert
(also, Kim and I are more or less one vote. We're discussing what I'm posting. Wouldn't be fair if we were two votes )
Michael:
I have an inner asshole that I keep in reserve for, well, warfare
Robert
Michael:...I know the feels.
Tammy:
I can't stop giggling!
I needed that
Robert
Answer 911 calls for 16 years.... You get a pretty shitty attitude towards people.
Tammy:
Ugh. For serious.
Robert
We ALL need it Tammy:
1
So the good in all this: it's TOTALLY bringing us closer together and making us much more comfortable talking to each other.
It's going to make communications going forward much better.
Eddie:
I mean, I never really had a problem talking to anybody. I just never really thought anybody had anything to say to me
Michael:
I keep saying that we need to have these chats like weekly from now on.
Just to update each department, or even to shoot the shit and see what comes up.
This letter's harder than I thought. Stand by
Amy:
I have a lot to say to everyone......I'm just shy.
I have a lot to say to everyone......I'm just shy.
1
Tammy:
Before this happened, I hid behind the websites.
Robert
I'm very awkward in person and I feel like my opinion isn't needed unless it's my department (I know that's not at all true, but my fucked up brain keeps telling me that) so I feel like I'll be told to shut up of it doesn't concern me. But now I feel more comfortable with you all.
Tammy:
I'm not shy but as the IT director, I had a lot of power and I was terrified someone would think I was going to abuse it.
Amy:
(Side note, I am going to have to make a BUNCH of chocolate chip meringues for everyone...best gluten free cookie ever (nom nom))
1
Robert
I understand that fear, Tammy:
Kim's making rice Krispies treats and brownies
Eddie:
So agreeable Agony dropped our event because of what happened and they made a public announcement on FetLife
Robert
I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted. Goodnight loves.
Eddie:
Somebody probably asked them if they were still going to be doing Dark Odyssey events after what happened after 2016
Promptly
Amy:
ugh.....how many vendors have dropped out?
Tammy:
This is why we need to stop dicking around and make the announcement
2
Amy:
Goodnight Rob!
Eddie:
4
Tammy:
Goodnight, Rob!
Okay, my bad, 4
Amy:
Out of how many total?
Michael:
Still writing
Amy:
(Wine and meringues are awesome....)
Robert
I agree. Kim and I don't want to hold you up like last time. Whatever this group decides regarding the letter, we'll trust your judgement. We don't pretend to be good at PR stuff. Not our kink.
Tammy:
Robert
I mean I agree the letter needs to go out asap.
Michael:
PR is totally my kink.
Still writing
Robert
So Kim and I abstain from the letter vote for now. Go forth with or without us. If there are specific questions that we need to be involved in before tomorrow or any time, our numbers are (redacted). Call or text is fine.
Amy:
Considering we don't have many other kinks left...
Robert
Just like medical is our thing. We all have our things.
Tammy:
By the way guys: http://wickedfaire.com/wicked-goers-important-information-dress-code
Wicked-goers, important information about dress code! - Wicked Winter Renaissance Faire
Michael:
Please confirm, everyone who was on staff last year is still here?
last week, rather
Tammy:
Janelle quit
And Aristotle quit.
We lost a couple volunteers
But that was all after Tuesday
Amy:
Oh, really? Aristotle quit.....am I cancelling his hotel room?
Tammy:
I think his leaving is after Wicked
Amy:
Ok
Michael:
Who's Janelle? What's she do?
Amy:
Do you believe that will change if Jeff is stepping back?
Tammy:
She was on the web and marketing team.
I do not know
I don't think so.
Michael:
But no operations staff, so I'll go with it. Here it is, unproofread:
Amy:
Did Janelle also do payroll administration?
Tammy:
Ari and Jeff have been friends a long time and the last year has run Ari through the ringer.
Michael:
In recent days a number of things have been said regarding my conduct both personally and professionally. Many of the things said we're quite valid, while others may have been the result of rumors. Some of the issues raised are from a long time ago and have been addressed, while others are more recent. I would like to address three different concerns: the company's failure to treat some individuals fairly, safety concerns at events, and consent concerns. There are a number of people to whom we, as a company, have financial obligations that we have not fulfilled. In some cases it was honest error on my part. In fact, in many cases I have made promises that I should not have made. We have also had an issue with finding properly talented financial officers, allowing debts to be unpaid and other consequences. We now have an excellent financial manager who is working very hard to straighten out our books. She is currently developing a program to determine who might be owed money and to work to repay those debts. Some of our debts go back many years, so it may take many years to pay them, but we are dedicated to making this right. I am personally dedicated to making this right. Safety concerns regarding whom to ban is very complex. In the complaints that have been raised, there are complaints both of people who should have been banned or ejected but were not, but also complaints of people who were banned or ejected who feel they should not have been. Our Consent Team has been replaced, and new policies will be announced shortly to make our process clearer and more easily navigated. Furthermore, we have hired an independent moderator who will serve when accusations are directed towards senior staff members. Finally, and most importantly, there is the matter of consent. When one is in a position of authority, one can lose their sense of perspective and lose sight of things that might harm another person. It is no excuse for such errors, and sometimes it can take a public reckoning to bring home a truth that I should have been able to find on my own. In reading the accounts of the three individuals who have been brave enough to step forward, I have realized that my actions have been inadvertently harmful to many people. I would like to step back from my public role to take the chance to reexamine many parts of my life that I have taken for granted, and I hope that may return a better person and a better part of the community. I am gratified that my entire staff has remained dedicated to our events and our attendees. Tammy: Shipps will be leading the company as our head of all operations, assisted by Amy: Whitehouse as her administrative assistant. Our talented and experienced department heads and contractors will continue to do the great work I have come to depend on them for, and, I hope that we can all focus on having a fun, safe weekend at Wicked Faire.
Tammy:
Not that I know of
Robert
None of my staff informed me they're leaving. In fact one messaged me just to tell me that although things are fucked up, we still have a job to do.
Now we're going to bed.
Tammy:
Goodnight, you two!
Jeff is adamant that the payment issues is not all that bad
Michael:
We can soften that.
On this staff letter, we can come out harder than Jeff can himself. Do we want to talk about certain elements seeking to cause harm?
Tammy:
No
It will come off as deflection
Elise:
It definitely comes off as deflection.
Tammy:
I need to take some spoons time soon, folks, we need to finish this
Michael:
Like most people, we were shocked by the allegations regarding Jeff Mach that have come out this week. While some of the allegations were over a decade old, some of more recent ones were still concerning. However, as people who work closely with Jeff, we do not feel he is the monster that some people are making him out to be. He is a flawed man, and perhaps a public accounting is what he needs to realize that there are some things he needs to change. Jeff is taking the time to step back and address those most important things, especially those failings that have led him to hurt people when he did not intend to. As his staff, we support him in his efforts to improve and stand by him. We look forward to, after a period of reflection for him to learn the ways that he must improve, his return to his work that has brought joy to so many. Ultimately, that is why we are all remaining with the company and continuing in our roles. For all of his flaws, Jeff Mach has built a series of events like no one else could, although many have tried. Over the decade and a half that Jeff Mach Events has operated, thousands of people have found events that gave them a joy that nothing else could. There have been mistakes and missteps, like in any enterprise, but we learn from each one, we improve, we get stronger, and we serve our community better with each passing year. There are some, who for whatever personal reasons, choose to try to tear down rather than build up. Rather than support our community, they spread rumors and seek to destroy what brings so many joy. Some are bitter because they were ineffective in past roles with our company. Others are bitter because of conflicts they had with individuals. Regardless, the company is stronger without, and our communty is vibrant and filled with people who want nothing more than to enjoy good times with friends new and old. We look forward to seeing you, our friends whether you are new to us or well known, next week at Wicked Faire.
Michael:
I also need spoons, well one spoon, and cereal.
1
Tammy:
I think it might be a bit long but it isn't bad
Michael:
How do we distribute the staff letter so it's clear it's from all the staff?
Amy:
We have the facebook group....
Tammy:
We have a JME public group, yes
Michael:
Post Jeff's letter on Jeff's page and our letter on the Group page?
Then each staff member comment that they support the letter (because otherwise it could be Jeff's one remaining staff member pretending everything is fine)
It doesn't have to be every staff member, just a bunch.
Tammy:
We ought worry about that tomorrow methinks
Michael:
Both letters have to go up at the same time
But I think it's fine for both to go up tomorrow
Tammy:
At this point, it is too late to post it tonight and expect it to be seen much
Plus I can take it to Jeff for his edits
Michael:
Cool
Tammy:
I do not think we should throw any shade at past employees in our post
I think that leaves us open for more attacks
Michael:
I think walking on the earth leaves us open for attacks
Tammy:
There's a difference between open to and asking for
I really don't think we should say that
Michael:
I think that if it's there some people will say "what do you mean?" and we can tell them
Tammy:
It makes us look petty
We aren't and the points are valid, but they won't be taken that way
Elise:
I am heading to sleep for the night folks! I will talk to you all later! Best of luck with the letter.
Tammy:
Thanks, Elise: !
Some edits:
Tammy:
"In recent days a number of things have been said regarding my conduct both personally and professionally. Many of the things said were valid, while others may have been the result of rumors. Some of the issues raised are from a long time ago and have been addressed, while others are more recent. I would like to address three different concerns: the company's failure to treat some individuals fairly, safety concerns at events, and consent concerns. There are a number of people to whom we, as a company, have financial obligations that we have not fulfilled. In some cases it was honest error on my part. We now have an excellent financial manager who is working very hard to straighten out our books. She is currently developing a program to determine who might be owed money and to work to repay those debts. Some of our debts go back many years, so it may take many years to pay them, but we are dedicated to making this right. Safety concerns regarding bans is very complex. In the complaints that have been raised, there there are some about those who should have been banned or ejected but were not, and also complaints from those who were banned or ejected who feel they should not have been. Our Consent Team has been replaced, and new policies will be announced shortly to make our process clearer and more easily navigated. Furthermore, we have hired an independent moderator who will serve when accusations are directed towards senior staff members. [ Contact Info ] Finally, and most importantly, there is the matter of consent. When one is in a position of authority, one can lose their sense of perspective and lose sight of things that might harm another person. It is no excuse for such errors, and sometimes it can take a public reckoning to bring home a truth that I should have been able to find on my own. In reading the accounts of the three individuals who have been brave enough to step forward, I have realized that my actions have been inadvertently harmful to many people. I would like to step back from my public role to take the chance to reexamine many parts of my life that I have taken for granted, and I hope that may return a better person and a better part of the community. I am gratified that my entire staff has remained dedicated to our events and our attendees. Tammy: Shipps will be leading the company as our head of all operations, assisted by Amy: Whitehouse as her administrative assistant. Our talented and experienced department heads and contractors will continue to do the great work I have come to depend on them for, and I hope that we can all focus on having a fun, safe weekend at Wicked Faire."
Michael:
I think we're going to face more attacks either way. With shade we plant the idea that someone may be behind them, rather than just a grassroots effort
Tammy:
The problem is that this is our one chance to prove we're making changes
Michael:
Oh, yes, no shade in Jeff's letter
Tammy:
Oh oh I mean in ours either
Michael:
But I think the staff letter is the place to mention it
Tammy:
I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that, though - we're trying to make a fresh start
Trying to be the better people
Michael:
We could also leave that out, and maybe something is said in the comments as questions are asked
Tammy:
Ugh I'm going to have to put my face in my avatar, aren't I?
Michael:
Naw
Tammy:
Yes, that I am okay with - or we use a certain blog you know about
Yes, that I am okay with - or we use a certain blog you know about
How do those edits look? @Eddie: OfVending? @Amy: Whitehouse?
Michael:
Oh, yes, good call
Letter looks good
Amy:
I'm sorry, I'm actually talking to a few vendors and performers I know about what's going on. They're reassuring me we're going to be safe, I'm reassuring them they are phenomenal people.
Where am I looking at the final doc?
Tammy:
Amy: , you are an ANGEL, you know that?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LbPdP4NB6sz1_7X8l4n2UCiBRsL1XH37N20C880NxIM/edit?usp=sharing
Michael:
I removed the shade paragraph
Eddie:
I'll read when I'm calm.
Tammy:
Can I show you all something heartening?
Eddie:
Yes
Tammy:
Firstly, we just got another volunteer application in
For Wicked
So that's awesome!
And this is the stats on the post I made about the dress code needs:
It's only been up a little while
Michael:
It's almost as if most people don't give a crap and just want to have a good time.
Tammy:
RIGHT?
Amy:
I know Jeff made a post in the FB staff group, but do we need to restate that Tammy: is taking over main responsibilities in the staff letter just to make that clear?
Tammy:
Jeff read them:
I'm gonna vote no because I'm a pansy
>_>
Michael:
I want at least 6 staff ready to comment a "signature" on the staff letter when it goes up
Tammy:
We can poke in the other chat
Do we want to do this tonight while we are brave?
Michael:
Better that we act before the Enemy does. They might post something overnight
Tammy:
Here fucking goes nothing.
Michael:
Probably should show them the letter first
Eddie:
Signature? Like... My scene name?
Tammy:
Or post a thumbs up
Michael:
No, like, "I agree" "I approve this message
or
Michael:
Tenor GIF Keyboard
1
Jesse
Lol yeah
Michael:
Probably best not to sign your scene name from your Facebook account
Jesse
It’s been a long day
Eddie:
Jokes on you my Facebook account is my scene name
1
Jesse
Haha
Eddie:
Eddie: ofVending
Michael:
Oh, right, your Facebook is your scene name
Eddie:
Of course. Tell me when it's up
Amy:
Q: Has anyone heard from Popcorn at all?
Tammy:
No, not yet.
https://www.facebook.com/thatjeffmach/posts/10157419517718636 Jeff's post is up
In recent days a number of things have been said regarding my conduct both personally and professionally. Many of the things said were valid, while others may have been the result of rumors. Some of the issues raised are from a long time ago and have been addressed, while others are more recent. I would like to address three different concerns: the company's failure to treat some individuals fairly, safety concerns at events, and consent concerns. There are a number of people to whom we, as a company, have financial obligations that we have not fulfilled. In some cases it was honest error on my part. We now have an excellent financial manager who is working very hard to straighten out our books. She is currently developing a program to determine who might be owed money and to work to repay those debts. Some of our debts go back many years, so it may take many years to pay them, but we are dedicated to making this right. Safety concerns regarding bans is very complex. In the complaints that have been raised, there there are some about those who should have been banned or ejected but were not, and also complaints from those who were banned or ejected who feel they should not have been. Our Consent Team has been replaced, and new policies will be announced shortly to make our process clearer and more easily navigated. Furthermore, we have hired an independent moderator who will serve when accusations are directed towards senior staff members: http://jeffmachevents.org/about-us/incident-mediation-assistance/ Finally, and most importantly, there is the matter of consent. When one is in a position of authority, one can lose their sense of perspective and lose sight of things that might harm another person. It is no excuse for such errors, and sometimes it can take a public reckoning to bring home a truth that I should have been able to find on my own. In reading the accounts of the three individuals who have been brave enough to step forward, I have realized that my actions have been inadvertently harmful to many people. I would like to step back from my public role to take the chance to reexamine many parts of my life that I have taken for granted, and I hope that may return a better person and a better part of the community. I am gratified that my entire staff has remained dedicated to our events and our attendees. Tammy: Shipps will be leading the company as our head of all operations, assisted by Amy: Whitehouse as her administrative assistant. Our talented and experienced department heads and contractors will continue to do the great work I have come to depend on them for, and I hope that we can all focus on having a fun, safe weekend at Wicked Faire.
Amy:
OK to share this?
Tammy:
Yes
Michael:
Wait until we get the other letter up
Tammy:
https://www.facebook.com/JeffMachEvents/posts/2012405582109507
And I commented
With a Pikachu gif so no one can naysay me
Michael:
Should we change the profile picture for the group?
Tammy:
Yes
Jesse
So what happens when the person doesn’t agree with statement
Michael:
Doesn't matter. It's the opinion of the staff leadership
The important thing is that us commenting on it refutes Erin Goss claiming that 80% of the staff is gone
Eddie:
Ok
Jesse
Right...
Eddie:
I like the original letter better but it's fine
Michael:
Now, Amy: and Jesse and Eddie: should actually comment (unless you did and Facebook is just not updating)
Eddie:
I gave it a like
Amy:
I'm in the process of typing my note while sharing the post with my comments.
Eddie:
If everyone thinks it's it more appropriate for me to comment I can say that I endorse the message
Tammy:
A like is just fine
Jesse
Ok so let’s keep an eye on the wording of future possible replies from former staff. The fact that they not signed may indicate they will not be returning for future events
Amy:
Now may I share this post from Jeff?
Michael:
Yes
Tammy:
Yes
Share away
Michael:
you should also comment on the letter
Eddie:
Who should comment on the letter
Michael:
Everyone who supports it and wants to say "Hey, Erin Goss, I'm still here"
Amy:
Kalita is asking who is on the consent team.
Can someone answer that?
Tammy:
Oh yes
Jesse
She Fucking hates me so ill abstain from that negative vibes
...
Tammy:
Who what?
Jesse
Just post positive comments like hi I’m a member since... and we are looking forward to seeing people enjoying them selves at our event
Tammy:
Oh yes
Kalita is never going to be satisfied with any answer we have
Jesse
Because that’s their role in the grand scheme of things. Make noise and cause uproar
Have they tried reaching out to us formally?
Tammy:
Not yet
I intend to offer the olive branch
I have no pride to worry about on the subject
Michael:
I haven't seen Brenna and Loki in many many years. Scumbags borrowed hundreds of dollars from me and split, and now they're bitching at Jeff about owing money
I know, I shouldn't be picking a fight on Jeff's post, but they're such lowlife scumbags
1
Jesse
I know and we should not stoop to that level
Michael:
Should Jeff just block them?
Jesse
We need to keep our heads together
Amy:
I don't think that's the right thing to do
That says "anyone that doesn't agree with Jeff is going to be blocked out"
"because he's guilty and he's wrong"
Jesse
Yeah I don’t think so but if we can create a place to get everything out of their system away from the main pages
Tammy:
I feel you guys should know this: (image removed)
Tammy:
It is a personal choice I made years ago when I joined the staff - I am lucky enough to not need the money to live on from the events and I would much rather redirect the funds to people who work hard and could use it rather than myself. (Jeff did offer me payment, several times, and every time, I declined. And will continue to do so until all debts are squared and we have enough surplus to pay everyone fairly.) JME has some dept it needs to pay and if my taking no check helps promote their repayment, then it is entirely worth it to me.
Tammy:
^
Jesse
Like a we are listening page we can divert all comments to
Tammy:
In the spirit of transparency
Eddie:
Thanks
I feel like that's offering a place for more poison to grow
Michael:
There's actually some benefit to drawing all the fighting to this thread. We can all see it
Points can be made in response to their comments that we could not initiate otherwise
Tammy:
Agreed
And I want people to know that I am unpaid because I choose to be, not because I have to be
Michael:
And who the hell gets paid for working cons!?!? I mean, I won't turn it down, but...
I can never do this, but I want to make a ConCardia card called "mention sexual trauma" : Cancel any effect, cannot be cancelled.
Fortunately, Jennifer Jesia is a freakin' honey badger over there
1
Amy:
Ok folks. I'm tired. I am finishing my whiskey and going to bed. this has been an evening! Tammy:, I got you!
And apologies to whoever is going to deal with Kalita....she expects transparency.
Tammy:
I got you too, Amy: ! We will be fine
Sleep well!
Eddie:
It got so quiet in here
Jesse
Time for some rest we got a storm coming
Tammy:
Goodnight all
Eddie:
You guys have time to sleep? What the hell is that like
Night all
Jesse
You guys rock good night
Tammy:
Eddie:
Jesse
What is our stand on Gke
Tom
I just got on. What did I miss?
Jesse
A lot
Want to talk?
Tom
spill the beans
Tammy:
Dear lord. There's no pleasing anyone
sighs at the post thread
Jesse
So what’s our position are we considering selling?
Eddie:
Huh?
What post are you looking at Tammy:
Jesse
Everybody but you is exhausted
Please take into consideration how tired everybody is before I leave really heavy questions are asked and then do what you feel is necessary
Goodnight everybody
Eddie:
Jesse
Ok
Eddie:
But by all means feel free to fill popcorn in
Tammy:
Tammy:
Eddie:, I'm talking about the thread on Jeff's post
Eddie:
Whatever you're talking about... Don't run yourself into the ground
Tammy:
I just turned off notifications on the thread for now
Some of them aren't interested in closure or compromise or even civil conversation
Eddie:
I didn't even notice anything negative
So don't talk to them. Just block them
If they're problem is with Jeff then they should have no problem with the staff
And if they just want to create problems then they need to be tuned out
Night
1
Eddie:
Who is that one person who is speaking Jeff in a good name but at the same time cause in a ton of trouble
Block them
Tammy:
I can't block anyone, it's Jeff's profile. I will speak to her though
Eddie:
Jes Jessia
SAT 1:24AM
Eddie:
Sleep?
Eddie:
Not you either?
TJ
Nope
Eddie:
Tammy:
Me neither
SAT 7:17AM
Robert
Who's Bob Eisenstein? Some performer? Got a friend request from him but I'm very careful, especially now, about accepting people.
Doesn't appear he's friends with any of us
Amy:
This dude?
Robert
Yeah
Amy:
Well he's friends with a lot of performers....performers who have already reassured me they are going to rock the hell out of Wicked Faire....may not be too harmful.
Amy:
Oh yeah, side note: Last night I messaged Halo, Karnevil, Daniel Greenwolf, Nigel, The Eternal Frontier, Scott Helland and a few other people. I've asked them for their support not just for Wicked but for future events. I told them that these changes should be for the benefit for the company, and everyone involved and asked for their support. I haven't heard from everyone, but so far I've received nothing but positive remarks. This is good!
Robert
FYI: as I read through to get caught up, sometimes my phone likes, dislikes, anger, laugh, etc on messenger posts. I don't use those things. I write words. So if you see an angry face or whatever on a post here, ignore it. I stopped reading FB posts regarding today whole thing on phone so I don't accidentally like a post or something.
Robert
*regarding this whole thing
And thanks Amy: . I think I'll wait to meet him I'm person before accepting.
Amy:
That's legit!
Robert
Also @Tammy: Shipps , my place of work is limited to friends only, so the public cannot see where I work. I noticed you mentioned that to kat or whatever her name is. I just don't need people calling my place of work and telling them that I support a monster or some bullshit like that.
1
Robert
And if any of these human persons DO try to involve me in their smear campaign and cause a monetary loss for me, they'll be selling their kidneys to pay their legal fees. HA!
Robert
And here comes the anger brewing: kat is soooooooo willing to post her sexual assault story all over Facebook, and loves telling people that the consent team shouldn't exist and people should just go straight to the police, but has she taken her own advice? Grrrrrrrrr
Amy:
I have to thank Tammy: for taking most of the blows last night. There are some very difficult people making comments. Although I appreciate Kalita's request for clarification, I also believe she's getting to be very pretty and refuses to try and make things work.
Robert
I second that.
Tammy:
It's what I'm here for
Eddie:
I am at work until 9 p.m. If there is any matters that require my immediate attention please email Travis or myself
1
Tammy:
Will do, my friend
SAT 10:45AM
Tammy:
If anyone is here, I have a possible draft of a quick and simple volunteer NDA-ish-thing for review
Jesse
Jesse
Hello I’m back
Tammy:
Wb!
Amy:
I'm back and forth. Michael:, thanks to Loki, cannot participate in chats all day.
Tammy:
I'm wondering if we ought to add those names to a list of potential people to look out for coming for day passes
Jesse
Yeah definitely
SAT 1:22PM
Tammy:
When someone gets a moment, can someone let me know of the supplies for the con suite have been ordered?
TJ
They don't get ordered
They get picked up Friday before the show starts
Jesse
Jesse
I can also do Thursday night since I’ll have the truck, instead of running back and forth we can try to get everything before the event and ration it out through out the weekend
Also please let me know what our budgets are. Would really like to use some of the funds to buy alcohol and soft drinks for the staff party
I was planning on doing that this weekend or during the week prior to the event
Tammy:
I was going to order the stuff in bulk
And yes, let me get the catering and snacks handled and I'll give you a budget
Jesse
From where we can compare prices with Costco and Walmart
Ok sounds good
Tammy:
We need pizza for the setup too
Jesse
Ok cheap pizza or real pizza
Tammy:
I'm price shopping between Amazon, BJ's, and Restaurant Depot
Jesse
Cuz little Cesar’s is dirt cheap and fast
Do we have a bjs card
I have a Costco card
Alo restaurant depot gives large full portions wrapped in one big box
Tammy:
I have a BJ's
Jesse
Costco has multiple single packets, this is what we need
Tammy:
Jeff needs to get me the Restaurant Depot card
Jesse
Usually when we buy bulk items we want them to be individually wrapped so we can put away and ration with out wasting open product
Yeah
Tammy:
Fair point Jesse
Do we have a way to keep cool things cool?
Jesse
It saves us money
They are small fridges on the suits
Tammy:
Good!
Okay
This is great
I need to eat and rest a bit but I'll be back
Jesse
But I can always store it outside on my truck or ask for fridge space at the back of house
Tammy:
Jeff's getting me access to funding this evening
Jesse
Ok we’ll talk later
I want to make sure I don’t go over budget and we have minimal waste
1
Robert
Kim and I are going to the container later to drop off some equipment. Anyone need anything checked or looked at while we're there?
TJ
If we bulk order stuff goes bad and then we have waste.
Even non perishable stuff will just sitin the container forever.
Tammy:
I'm talking bulk order of things like granola bars
Robert
Jesse I know it's sometimes difficult to plan because shit gets in the way, but can we try to have a more nailed down time to unload the truck? If we do, more people can plan to be there to help.
Tammy:
And not huge bulk
Just bulk pricing
Only enough for the amount of people we'll have to take care of
1
Jesse
Definitely rob I should have my crew with me but I’m shooting for 11am on Thursday
Robert
That would be perfect!
Jesse
Tammy: add about two to tree people on the final count. Is better to have a little extra than too little
1
Also I need to get together with missy on the welcome bags for volunteers
SAT 3:29PM
Eddie:
Work has been nuts
Has anything literally caught on fire yet?
Amy:
I almost burned my lunch.....does that count?
Jesse
... yeah but just the normal things that are on fire around me....
Congrats on passing your test by the way Amy:
Amy:
Oh hey, thanks! I'm stoked! Now I'm an Accredited Real Estate Manager! Well, after In sworn in. LOL
1
*I'm
Jesse
Robert
Yayyyyyy Amy: !!!
SAT 6:13PM
Eddie:
Oh! Oh! I heard I got my own personal insult from Masha... Does anyone know what it is?
Robert
No, not when I posted I agree with the staff message, she posted a gif that said "disappointed but not surprised".
Tammy:
Eddie:
Should I not challenge her to prove herself?
Robert
Probably shouldn't engage anyone. I paced for two hours before I decided to ignore it. Plus side, I got my steps in for the day!
Tammy:
I would prefer it, personally, if no one else could give them to try getting us banned off Facebook for a day
Robert
Angry people can only stay angry when people give them a reason to. If we don't react, they have no satisfaction and will go after someone else that will engage them.
Or they'll get hit by a train. W/ever
Sorry. That's not nice. But I'm angry at the angry people.
Tammy:
I plan on us getting this company up to speed and so successful that it might as well be a speeding train
And if they get in front of it, well...
Robert
Now we're talking!
Proverbial train. I love it!
Eddie:
Sure
Tammy:
I would like to post the first name and last initial of the leadership on the website along with their title
Eddie:
I'm really upset that that's the best you could come up with though. I mean, if she's calling me a pathological liar because I'm standing with my own then doesn't that mean I'm not standing with my own and I'm actually on her side? And aren't I generally known as the person who's brutally honest and blunt in the company? LoL
Tammy:
Is that okay with everyone?
Eddie:
You?she*
Tammy:
You assume she's not batshit right now
She's not being rational or logical, just angry and petulant
Eddie:
Eddie: B: Vendor Coordinator
Tammy:
Perfect
Robert
Rob I: Public Safety
Tammy:
Also, this is how they are handling their side of the argument right now:
Robert
Good. This is the point where their lies unravel and they lose momentum...... Hopefully?
Tammy:
Even if not, eh, we got a train to catch
Robert
Yep!!!
Jesse
I say you let them talk and let it be. This is all they are doing with their time, is kind of obsessive.
Robert
Your so right Jesse
*you're
Tammy:
Does anyone NOT wish to be named on the website? (first name + last initial only plus title)?
Amy:
Michael: and I are fine with it
Tammy:
Jesse
I’m cool
Robert
I don't know about Apple or PC, but on Android those hearts float up the screen and you can touch them and drag them around the screen!
Tammy:
Not on PC, just mobile for me
Robert
(very simple things amuse me)
Tammy:
Tammy:
^
Those you can move too I think
Since we don't seem to actually have an upt o take org chart, can everyone put their official title here (and fill in for who isn't online)?
Robert
No
Tammy:
I have Rob's and Eddie:'s and Amy: 's
Tammy:
PC is head of security, aye?
Robert
Correct
Tom C
Tammy:
You're all getting title promotions, just saying.
Emily is his assistant?
Robert
Haha
Yes
Emily T
Amy:
Michael: is Kahuna of Infodesk and Merch.
Robert
I'm technically head of medical also
But I think it's better to just have me there once
Otherwise looks like lack of staff is causing people to wear multiple hats
Tammy:
I can append it to your title
Robert
K
Kim I is my assistant in both roles
Tammy:
And Travis is Eddie:'s assistant, yes?
Jesse
Tammy:
And Jesse, you are Special Operations, yes?
Jesse
Yes and marketing
Tammy:
And do you have an assistant?
Robert
Everybody is Jesse's assistant haha
Jesse
Jesse
Is the other way around
Tammy:
LOL
Robert
It's both ways
Tammy:
Chief of Staff Tammy: S. Deputy Chief of Staff Amy: W. Chief of Vending Eddie: B. Deputy Chief of Vending Travis P. Chief of Public Safety & Medical Robert I. Deputy Chief of Public Safety & Medical Kim I. Chief of Security Tom C. Deputy Chief of Security Emily T. Chief of Infodesk & Merchandise Michael: W. Chief of Marketing & Special Operations Jesse G.
Tammy:
Am I missing anyone?
Jesse
Two contractors
Tammy:
What is their information?
And goddamn it Jeff, he went to dinner without sending me the banking information.
Robert
I like that a lot.
Jesse
What about jakel and Elise: ?
Tammy:
This is just for full staff, contractors aren't legally liable the same as we are
Jesse
Ok, what are those legal liabilities?
Tammy:
Fair point, I'll at a contractor section
(I have no idea what they are, being the point)
Jesse
Well let’s do what we do know
Tammy:
http://jeffmachevents.org/company-leadership/
Jesse
Jesse
Cool thanks
Tammy:
Does anyone know how an attendee can add ticket addons to their ticket purchase through Coil?
Eddie:
Ask Jeff?
Robert
Yeah none of us worked with coilreg afaik
Eddie:
Did you already post that list?
Tammy:
Yes
But I can edit it
Eddie:
Just was gonna ask Travis is he would prefer a Russian title
Tammy:
LOL
Eddie:
Tammy:
The short answer is yes, I know, but...uh...I'm not sure any of the mob are smart enough to read it
Eddie:
Do they need to be?
Tammy:
I wish they were because if so, none of this would have happened
Robert
I'm not sure some of them can read English, though.
Tammy:
I am sure that none of them can adult, either.
Robert
Well to be fair, I don't adult very well
But I don't let it affect an entire company
Tammy:
,3
Ugh I can't type straight
Eddie:
No one is required to do anything straight in this company
Robert
Not at all!
Tammy:
Thank gods.
Robert
FYI I've heard from about half my staff who assured me they are coming and will continue coming for the foreseeable future.
And they came to me. I didn't ask them.
Tammy:
Thank heavens
I am so glad to hear that
Robert
And still, I'm stress eating junk food
Tammy:
I may have popped open a bag of reese's mini cups....
Robert
Ohhhhh so good
SAT 10:40PM
Michael:
I have returned from exile!
1
Amy:
Tenor GIF Keyboard
Tammy:
Can I get thoughts on this?
It's the volunteer sort of NDA
Tammy:
"As a volunteer at Jeff Mach Events, you may get access information that needs to be kept safe for the protection of our attendees, presenters, guests, vendors, performers, your fellow volunteers, JME, and of course, yourself. As a JME volunteer, you pledge to: Not share or disclose any personal or private information about attendees, presenters, performers, vendors, staff, or volunteers with unauthorized parties. Not share or disclose any sensitive business information or practices related to JME and/or the event with unauthorized parties. Only share sensitive information about an individual or incident with responding medical or law enforcement professionals when you have consent from the individual(s) involved, or in cases of life or death situations. As always, use your best judgement. If in doubt, assume they are unauthorized and ask a member of JME staff. We’re here to support you!"
Michael:
So it's not so much a contract as a "please don't be a jerk, and here's what we expect"
Tammy:
Yes
We can't ask them to agree to a contract without notice
Michael:
It goes against tradition to actually make expectations clear. We usually just assume people read minds and then get mad at them. But we can try it your way
1
Amy:
I believe it's acceptable.
Tammy:
I snorted my tea, thanks Michael:.
Eddie:
#fineart, #masterpiece, #amazing, #drawing, #sketch
Michael:
Ah, the org chart I heard about
Amy:
Getting really really annoyed at the internet's.......why, oh why do former staffers need to latch on to this??? Don't they have real lives??? Let us run this event and move the fuck on. Start your own damn events.....ok, I'm done. I just had to get that out. Eddie:, got any more of that scotch?
Tammy:
hugs and cupcakes for Amy:
Michael:
They did start their own event. It was called Twisted World and it failed.
Tammy:
Maybe they should have picked a better name
Oh gosh, did I say that?
Tammy:
Michael:
Because apparently I hate myself, I just read the most recent comments. There is definitely a belief that we are swimming in money and that Jeff is getting fat and rich off our efforts. I don't know if there's a way to disillusion people about that, but it is definitely a problem.
12:40AM
Eddie:
Amy:
I can get more
I'll probably bring a bottle of Oban and a bottle of Macallan 15
1
Tammy:
My hypoglycemia just kicked my ass so going to make like a responsible adult and sleep lol
Amy: , I know you're not my mom, but make sure I eat tomorrow
I'll forget
Eddie:
Did anyone talk to him vampirefreaks yet
Eddie: started a group video chat.
Eddie: joined the group video chat.
The group video chat ended.
Eddie:
TJ
Vampire freaks regarding what?
Eddie:
What's going on at the event
And how it might affect Darkside
TJ
Ahh that makes sense.
No I doubt anyone has.
I can chat with Jet about it.
Eddie:
Please do?
TJ
Absolutely.
5:35AM
Robert started a group video chat.
Robert joined the group video chat.
The group video chat ended.
8:13AM
Michael:
I've been looking at comment thread and I think we need a more organized and unified response to questions. We need a "Questions" page on the web site where we answer questions were getting so we can control the environment where they are read and ensure everyone sees the same responses.
Robert
That's not a bad idea. But we need to tailor it to people who are genuinely concerned, not people who are just fishing for information.
Michael:
Right
Michael:
But it gives use the chance to clarify things like "while none of these issues have been brought to us directly, our team is doing their best to review reports that have been posted. All (most? Some?) Of the incidents of most concern happened over two years ago, and we were aware of them which is why considerable reforms have already been undertaken including revising policies and replacing staff.
Robert
People will complain that their question (which is not at all relevant) isn't answered there, and they will latch onto that and accuse us off withholding information, being non-transparent, etc (I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know)
Michael:
Yes, but they'll be doing so in a whiney corner of the Internet and we'll have a microphone.
We can't engage with each troublemaker on their own turf where if they like what happens they can screen cap and share, but if they don't, they can just rely on the fact that no one else will see it.
Robert
Good point.
Also a good point.
Amy:
Sooooo a thought. We just has Valentine Wolfe drop from Wicked. Perhaps we should be sending out a notice to the performers....I can 100% tell you that they cancelled due to pressure from the Internet. At least one or two people called them out online for appearing at Wicked. I don't want anyone else to drop. I contacted the vendors and performers that I consider friends to ask for their support. I had two vendors not respond and just remove themselves from my group text (Michelle Greenwood and Mary Hearth). All performers, however, have given me the thumbs up. But I think that we need to address then as much as we do the attendees. Any thoughts on that?
Michael:
I think that one to one is better than mass. It allows them to ask questions and for us to explain things like the fact that these are a lot of old accusations, that Jeff is broke and doesn't make money from the success of his events, that security is in place, etc
But yes, Amy: is quite right.
Robert
I think we should find a way to not separate old from now accusations. It makes it seem as though we're saying old have less merit
Michael:
They have less merit. We fixed them.
They had great merit. Such great merit that WE ALREADY FIXED THEM! Which is why they're all old. Because we closed the door and it stopped happening.
Robert
I don't think people are they're fixed, whether they are or not.
Michael:
Of course they don't. Without dates on the reports, it looks like they happened yesterday.
That's why I think we need to address them and put them into context. Maybe even specificy when we made what changes and ask people to send is incidents that occurred since those reforms.
Robert
Hmmmm, interesting.
Of course, that would require someone to report something to us. If they don't, oh well
11:13AM
Jesse
At this point we apologize for the inconvenience of the situation and tell them that the issue is under company and outside investigation. We regret the current state of affairs but guarantee you a safe environment.
Along the lines of that
Just, a hey quick yeah we know and working on it but we can make sure you will be treated well
Robert
I get the idea, but I think we keep doing what we'd normally do a week out. Promote. Maybe an FAQ section on the website. But we don't want to keep pointing people towards the negative.
Amy:
I don't think it's a good idea to guarantee anyone's safety. Coming from my industry, that's a lawsuit waiting to happen.... especially if it's in writing.
2
Jesse
Great point
Tammy:
I just wanted to let everyone know, even though I wish it didn't have to be, that we are moving towards a company name of Just Magical Events.
Robert
Agreed about not guaranteeing anything, and that's probably a good idea, as much as I hate to say it.
Amy:
You can't....even when things were great....never guarantee safety
Jesse
Robert
Side note: be extremely careful what you say on the radio. Certain ex staffers had their own radios and if they show up, there's a good chance they could be listening. I've got a backup plan should they attempt to interfere with our communications. Bottom line is to stay professional. Keep details to a minimum. Face to face conversations are preferred, agree via radio where to meet and then discuss if possible. Think about the information going over the air and how it could be used against us.
1
Robert
Share this with all your people please. Maybe leave out that I have a backup plan when telling volunteers. They don't need to know that.
Michael:
Our radios kind of need backups for communicating anyway. It doesn't take malicious intent to make us unable to reach each other. People forgetting to turn their volume up does that pretty well.
Robert
Unfortunately I can't fix user error. I try every single day.
Michael:
But I think this crisis will push us to revise and tighten a lot of proceedures that needed tightening anyway. Communication is one.
Robert
Agreed
2:04PM
Eddie:
I still have not received a copy of the ban list
Tammy:
We don't have a scrubbed one, as of yet
Eddie:
So normally this is a packet event. That means I make an envelope full of patches and it to a vendor and they give it out to their assistants. If need be I can send an email out to vendors and tell them that I need to give badges out individually this time because of the current problems as well as going forward because of extra security
Eddie:
This is of course going to make large events a very very long process going forward but that's fine
Michael:
I'd like to get together a meeting of all the department heads tonight at 6 so we're all on together. I'm entertaining my mothers right now but there's a couple things I'd like to get agreement on.
1
Tammy:
Meeting tonight at 6!
Robert
Ok got it
Elise:
Eddie, you have access to the ban list in the drive, and I might be wrong but I think you've had that access for a while. I don't know if you're referring to something else, sorry if I missed something in the conversation!
Eddie:
I guess I'll look but I don't think so
Can you share it again?
Tammy:
Yes, you are shared on the Ban List, Eddie:
Eddie:
I don't know why but everytime I try to find it nothing comes up so could you just share it again?
Thanks
Amy:
Do I have the updated list too?
Tammy:
Done!
Amy:
Danke
Tammy:
It is called Jeff Mach Events Ban List
Robert
Amy: , you check my volunteers against the ban list, right? So I don't need it.
Amy:
I have access to the volunteer list thanks to Missy so I can do that for you
Robert
I.....uh......haven't provided her my list yet because I've been busy. But you already have everyone but one, I got a new person about 2 weeks ago
Amy:
That's fine. I'll scan it shortly.
Tammy:
Other than the obvious financial crap, guys, talk to me about concerns about cancelling Wicked all together
Amy:
Is that an option on the table? I feel like although people are dropping out, there are still people who are attending because they like the event. If we cancel Wicked, the events end. No Dark Side, no SPWF....we're done, imo.
Tammy:
The finger pointing has shifted to JME the company instead of JM.
We lost another person who blamed the company.
This is a real issue
Amy:
Just posted something that won't do any good......but I'm trying.
1
Michael:
Everyone hold on. I'm speaking to an expert.
Tammy:
Anything
?
Michael:
Yes...
Before he did geek promotions, Alexi Vandenberg did crisis communications for politicians and corporations. I just spoke with him at length.
We went through a plan which is very similar to our existing plan, but with some key details that I agree will allow the company to continue successfully
He's going to prepare a quick summary for us within the hour, and says it will take 6 hours to write the full plan
Jesse
Ok we definitely don’t cancel and is typical they are now shifting the balance towards the company because they never would have thought of us keeping it going without Jeff
Amy:
I believe that Alexi can be very helpful given his experience. We will still deal with the naysayers, and the difficult people of the internet world....but it's a step in the right direction.
7:17PM
Tammy:
Are you still all okay with me taking the company? I'm more than willing to let someone else run with it, if they wish. I'm also willing to do the running.
I just want to make sure while we still have a way to change our minds that this is what you want
Amy:
Yes, I'm OK with that.
Tammy:
(I'm asking the div heads this to keep from de-railing the other chat)
Amy:
Tammy:, did you see the e-mail from C6?
Tammy:
Yeah, I did.
I'm hoping we can convince them to change their minds once the company changes hands
Amy:
Ok.
Michael:
How is C6 not already contracted for SPWF?
Tammy:
Jeff Jeffed it
It was never finalized
Michael:
Tenor GIF Keyboard
Tammy:
Yup.
So unless we can convince Dr. Andy, we fuckered.
Robert
You're not kidding
Michael:
There's other production companies. They're not C6, but there are others.
Amy:
I can certainly try to talk with him.....though I can't guarantee it will help.
Tammy:
As much as I think Jeff is innocent and getting shafted hard....this is also highlighting why he wasn't the right person to be CEO
Robert
To be clear, are they contracted for wf but not spwf?
Tammy:
Yes
Robert
Ok, that's better at least
We have time
Jesse
Cell dying I’ll be back in an hour
Robert
Ok
Amy:
Yes....but Dr Andy may not be as willing to take a bet on us.......even with new ownership.
Tom
i still have not eaten dinner yet
Amy:
Or Management
Eat, Popcorn!
Tom
and have been up since 2 am
Amy:
Duuuude. Eat!
Robert
Or without a comma, eat popcorn
2
Amy:
I thought that too.
Tom
wait... thats kinky?
Tammy:
Hot
Robert
Tell Beth I said that.
Tom
sleeping beauty has to get up at 3am
Robert
Maybe tomorrow lol
Ok, eat then sleep. Kim and I are tired too
Tom
btw...read the e-mail & let me know
Robert
I will. Thanks
Tammy:
Sleep well all
Robert
I won't, but thanks for the sentiment
Tammy:
Robert
Oh well. I'm used to it. Gonna cuddle with puppies and wife and hope for the best
Michael:
I know that a lot of us are very worried about what is going to happen. What will happen this weekend? Will we survive as an organization to SPWF? But I am confident that we will survive and thrive. Let me tell you why. I have been involved with JME since 2006, and I have been amazed by what has been created by Jeff's imagination and charisma. I have worked on the staff of over 30 different events over two decades, and I have never seen anything like the Jeff Mach events in their joy and creativity. The free spirit that anything is possible pervaded the events and made them wonderful. I have also never seen an organization that ran so poorly, was so mismanaged, or had such constant internal strife. Staff not only did not communicate but often didn't even know who held other key positions. When I sold a web site ad, it took 4 months for me to figure out who could actually put the ad on the web site. But what I have seen in the past week. This, right here, in this chat room, is the way a con should run. A group of people, dedicated to the cause of creating great events for people. Communicating openly, supporting each other, in it for the best of the community and not looking out for themselves: that is what a strong event committee looks like. Yes, we face a challenge. Performers have dropped out. Vendors have dropped out. But hundreds of people will be at the Hyatt on Friday, and they will have a good time. They will have a good time because when you put fun people together in a building for a weekend, they find a way to make it fun. The people who will show up will be certain kinds of people. Some will just be out of the loop and not know anything is going on. Some will love our events and not care what's going on. But it will be the right kind of people. Those with anger in their hearts will stay away. Those with joy will attend. And this will be the best event we have ever run. The people will have fun, and they will tell people how different things feel. They will say "wow, for a company that just fired its leader, this event is so well organized." I could not imagine a better team to work with, and I have worked with many teams. This weekend is going to be awesome, and I can't wait to see you all in Princeton.
1
Robert
Well said, Michael:
TJ
Jesse
Michael:
Does anyone know who is making the program book and if they've been given the list of sponsors?
TJ
Aristotle and I think it went to print last week
Tammy:
Gods I hope it didn't
TJ
Not sure if if he had sponsors in there though.
I didn't get a proof so I'm not sure.
Tammy:
I got a mock but no proof
Eddie:
The only thing I gave to Aristotle was for one of the makeup vendors. Otherwise they are generally given a map with the name of the vendors on it and that's who they put on it
The only thing I gave to Aristotle was for one of the makeup vendors. Otherwise they are generally given a map with the name of the vendors on it and that's who they put on it
Everything else having to do with sponsorships was sent to you Michael:
And to Jeff
TJ
Unless we are using a last minute printer and paying an atm and a leg I would guess it went out already.
Arm*
Michael:
Minuteman would have printed them Wednesday at regular price
As probably would have any local printer
TJ
The day before the con?
What if they have other jobs waiting?
We usually send to print 2 weeks out.
Just in case something happens.
Michael:
If you let them know in advance, they can be ready for it and just plug the file. A program book is printed entirely automatically, fold and staple right in the machine. It takes about an hour to print them.
TJ
Schedules are usually a week out
Michael:
right, program books are earlier.
Jesse
Let’s see if we can find a way to get a full on digital app or map going because people prefer that
Michael:
Eddie:, I'm not sure how to read this spreadsheet, but I only see one vendor with an ad. Is that right?
TJ
Digital app is nice but people will always wa t the paper copy.
Want*
Remember when we tried to go all digital that was a nightmare.
Michael:
I put a stop to that one right quick
TJ
Yeah. That was ridiculous.
Even hippie jam band festivals haven't gone all digital
Michael:
The more I'm learning, the more messed up I am realizing this company was. We should have been having these kinds of group chats or virtual meetings all along. Trying to switchboard all the information through specific people just doesn't work.
1
TJ
We have tried a few times with different mediums.
It just never sticks.
Michael:
But no one ever thought of freakin' Facebook?
Or Google Hangouts or something that everyone uses?
Tammy:
I have been begging us to use Slack for over a year
lol
Michael:
We used Slack.
Tammy:
But it never sticks
TJ
Nope
I tried slack twice during my run
This w ont stick either
And this is no good because if I need to find something I have to look for ages.
You need to make it mandatory that people get on.
Tammy:
Slack join link ^
TJ
Or have the app for the program or what have you.
Tammy:
It has search and shit.
TJ
Most of us are already on there.
Tammy:
And it's more private
Amy:
You can search within a group chat on the desktop version I believe on facebook.
Tammy:
No risk of mispasting something
Yeah but it's clunky
TJ
Trust me we tried to use slack
People just stopped using it.
Amy:
Yeah, we did
Elise:
TJ
It faded away
Tammy:
Guess what, we're trying it again
TJ
Just like every other program this company has tried to use in the past.
I mean we already have groups and everything on slack
Michael:
This company has never had a leader who could actually lead. We've never had all the leadership talking to each other. We've never had all the leadership acting like one team.
Tammy:
Slack. In it.
TJ
I appreciate that....
Tammy:
Michael:
Facebook also has the slight problem of periodically banning people
1
Jesse
I think Tj did a great leadership role, he inherited a broken system
TJ
I am still the MOD of this event.
I had to rebuild everything from the ground up she. I took over. So I tried my best to make systems that worked and put things in order.
I mean I only laid out the company manual at the end of last year.
Tammy:
That isn't what Michael: meant, I don't think.
Michael:
But Jeff apparently was still sitting at the top of the pyramid, which I did not realize. So, it was like trying to run with an elephant on your back.
TJ
Yes that is true.
Michael:
I notice we're still on Facebook
Jesse
Definitely and none of this would have came together is you didn’t let people voice opinion
TJ
If that's what you meant then I no longer take offense to your statement.
Michael:
Yes, that was pointed right at Jeff. No one could have turned this company around with him micromanaging here and there.
Jeffing, as Elise: said.
TJ
Tis 100% true
When you try to do something and get shut down at every turn or backed up 40 pages things never get fixed.
That's why the company manual took so long.
I had it done for almost 4 months
Michael:
OK. Rowan wants me to read to her. I'm signing off. See you tomorrow, on SLACK!
TJ
And I know it's not perfect bit I wrote it off the top of my head with the best knowledge I have of company manuals.
Good night!
Jesse
TJ
So when the company rebrands do I lose all of my severance options?
Cause that would be shitty.
Jesse
Also I dislike the new name
TJ
Did it get changed again?
Or is it still just magical events?
Jesse
Magical
TJ
I was thinking merrimentertainment.
Jesse
Or mayhem
TJ
Mayhem sounds like a fight club
Jesse
And?
TJ
Or a monster truck event
Jesse
....
Still don’t get your point
TJ
Are you high?
You must not be high cause your thinking is off.
Jesse
Definitely not
Lol
I don’t know think of the juxtaposition
But yeah merriment way better
TJ
Haha
12:28AM
Tammy:
Bleh
The mediator is going to send us some finished reports tonight
Eddie:
Good
3:52AM
Amy:
GIPHY
6:35AM
Tammy:
GIPHY
Amy:
Hi folks. Just an FYI I will not be available today between 8:30-5:00. I'm closing out the month for my normal job and I have a LOT to do. This whole thing has taken up several work days and has put me behind. In order for me to arrive in Jersey on time in Thursday, I need to accomplish a lot in the next few days.
Amy:
If it is an emergency, please text me at (redacted)
9:40AM
TJ
Did we have an update? All this head dealing early in the morning seems like something happened.
Desking*
Tammy:
Sort of?
The websites are cleansed of Jeff
We're waiting for Alexi to answer some questions (PR person)
TJ
Sort of?
So you got some kind of report then?
Tammy:
We have a PR plan of action
TJ
Okay.
See PM
11:08AM
Elise:
TJ
Can you please post a screenshot of what happens if you click yes on the protest option?
Elise:
I know we discussed this before, and a number of people expressed skepticism that the mere presence of protesters related to our event could get us shut down. Here is the site we use for our insurance.
I did some research this morning to confirm. I believe I was correct.
TJ
So we select the answer no, which means if there is a protest we are in direct violation of our insurance policy.
Elise:
This is what happens when we select "yes".
TJ
The yes option when I spoke with the agent was over 6x as much money.
Elise:
So particularly @Michael: and @Robert your plan of calling the police and us being fine won't help us.
TJ
It will help if they can prove the protesters aren't allowed to be there.
If they have permits then we can't do anything.
Elise:
They will be on public property, if the rumors are true. We can't do too much. They will still be related to our event by those standards.
People need to be aware that if we don't have insurance we will not be operating legally. Correct, @TJ?
TJ
This is correct.
So people can make their own decisions to keep working or step away.
That is true.
TJ
I am prepared to stay on for another hour after any potential breach of contract to help sort things accordingly but if you are going to continue to run it will not be with me. I filled out the event insurance and will not continue to work and be the person liable for us operating illegally.
TJ
You all have this information so no one is misinformed
Please make sure that you pass it along to any other staff under you.
Elise:
If we could have a sign off sheet for larger departments like EMS, I think that would be helpful for ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.
TJ
I don't need a sign off sheet.
Just make sure you inform people.
We are all adults.
I will reiterate it during the public safety meeting.
Elise:
I just want to make sure that all of the staff members are informed. Given the level of skepticism that this information was greeted with originally, I want to make sure it is taken with the appropriate gravity.
Eddie:
Amy: ...you got this?
Amy:
I'm sorry, I'm at work doing our month-end closeout. I'm very far behind on the conversation. I'll look at it shortly.
Eddie:
@TJ Blackwell small favor to ask of you. I'm going to be at work today until 6:30 or 7 as we're having a corporate visit. Do you think you could please email me anything that's going on and if there is anything that requires our vote please call my phone and I will step away from what I'm doing to take care of the vote?
TJ
Yes I will absolutely send you recaps as I am paying attention.
Eddie:
Normally I would be paying attention, I just can't do that from work
Not with a corporate visit
Amy:
Today is the only day where i cannot pay attention...despite not paying attention to my real job for the last several business days. Jakal, what are the specs on our insurance right now? Can you send me any type of COI that you have already for the event?
TJ
I can send you the full policy.
Amy:
Sweet! Thank you!
Tammy:
Is there way to call t he insurance company and add protester protection to our policy?
Elise:
It will cost all the money, if they approve it at all.
TJ
If you want to pay 1300 dollars
Elise:
As Jakal explained above.
TJ
And they will ask for info about protesters to which I would guess they would decide not to insure us after that.
Elise:
I imagine they might also decide to potentially pull our coverage if we opt to not add it on after contacting them.
TJ
The main clause hurting us is the protestor one.
Amy:
Are we 100% sure there will be protests? I know I've heard us talking about it, but then again, I'm not really paying attention to ALL of the trash talk going on through Facebook...haven't even touched Fet.
TJ
Because we marked no if it happens we are in violation
Not even positive 10%
That protest talk was a long time ago
Elise:
From what we heard the protesters planned to gather long before everything exploded on the internet.
TJ
Yep