Purely Hypothetical Question -

[Hatter]

I have been attending fest since 1978 and have noticed a significant decline in Bawdiness.  My opinion is that the emphasis on "family friendly" is a problem for many vendors.  I postulate that singles and couples spend much more at fest than the typical family of 4.  The family just can't afford more than admission and a meal.  This of course supports the festival owner but does nothing for the shops or shows.

[groomporter]

As I've said, I believe it is primarily an over-reaction to some specific complaints/incidents rather than due to any significant change in the overall presentation.

[Lord Figaro]

I think it's becoming to much PC as it is. Anymore and it wouldn't be the same fest for crying out loud. At that point it would be a why bother to go type event.

[renren]

I think it's becoming to much PC as it is. Anymore and it wouldn't be the same fest for crying out loud. At that point it would be a why bother to go type event.

I agree!

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Agreed.  One of the big draws for me is the relative lack of political correctness.  I don't wear a muzzle well, as many of you know. 

[Lord Moravec]

I also agree, the reason we attend is the jokes and humor that most PC people don't get.

[William_MacKean]

Agreed.  People that go to fest expect the bawdiness.  Those who don't like bawdiness don't go to fest.

But there is always that ONE customer who writes a letter that ends up changing the show for everyone else.  Poor way to run a business.

[Sitara]

I told George about this and he honestly doesn't know how he is supposed to effectively hawk without flirting.

[Lady L]

Speaking of hawking...there is a pickle barrel up front, across from my shop. We have noticed that they have REALLY toned down their hawking in the last few years. Still loud, just not saying the bawdy things they used to and no more "pickle hugs"  or "knicker checks".

[Marietta Graziella]

If one whiner can cause a melt down in the system, what about a stack of letters supporting the show as is?  The squeaky wheel gets the grease and while we can sit here all day and complain, justify, compare, it doesn't get the word to those that need to know. 

Lucid, well thought out arguments against the PC machine will be more heard than pages of whining on this forum.

What say you all?  A letter writing campaign?

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Count me in, MG!

[Noble Dreg]

I highly doubt, as is being suggested here, that the reaction is due to one or two complaints. A business of this size is in it for the profit and would not change direction based on a single "whiner".  MG's letter writing campaign is an excellent idea.  One person writing "give me bawdy"! won't do much, but a number that is greater than those requesting PC may indeed do something.  A letter campaign could restore balance.

A small suggestion, don't write with an angry tone, and don't use a form letter.  Neither will get much headway.  Remember this is not a public company you are writing to, there is no board of directors concerned about stock values.  This is an individual who also has an opinion and owns a business.  Show a financial win for the Fair and your cause will win out.

A final thought...This thread started as a "hypothetical question", are we really sure we are not over-reacting?  I recall last years "Feast" theme was "Syphilis", as this is the featured event at fest it hardly suggests a complete change of direction to "Disney".

[groomporter]

Have to agree we need to wait and see.
The posting on Facebook said that the details "will be spelled out further in a forthcoming text" Once that forthcoming policy actually comes out it will be easier to target specifics in any letter writing campaign. Whereas, if it just ends up meaning some of the blatant things like Gordy humping trees stop happening (at least in the open) it won't have much effect on the overall show.

As far as the "flirting" clause in the MAF sexual harassment policy, the policy went out to crafters 2, or 3 years ago and to my knowledge has not been openly enforced in any way since then.

[Lord Moravec]

I also agree on the wait and see, this sounds like the usual sabre ratteling to see who is really paying attention. Apparently we all are paying attention, and all have our views on improvements and changes that could be made.

[Cobaltblu]

I recommend making your views known before they finalize the policy.

I would also tell them that if these rules apply to staff and vendors that the same types of policies would have to be posted in the view of the public regulating how the general public behaves, I.E. no flirting, no bellies showing in shirts, no kissing, no etc etc etc.

I bet they will never want to post such rules for the general public because the general public would think they are incredibly stupid and ruin their enjoyment.

How many rennies would want to go to a faire where posted rules say no exposed midriffs, no flirting, no kissing or having fun, no etc etc etc etc?  Even if the rennies don't act bawdy knowing these are public rules will cause a lot of people not to attend.

I would bring up your concerns by asking the faire management what they think the reaction of the general public would be if the general public were required to obey by these rules.  I would also strongly insist that if the general public, who will outnumber staff and vendors by 40x or more, do not obey the rules that the staff and vendors obeying the rules will be meaningless.

Ask them whether the intent of the rules is to create a certain type of family friendly atmosphere for the faire.

When they predictably answer YES, then hit them with the above comments of mine and demand an explanation of how the policy can hope to be effective.

And make these comments in a public forum where the faire management comment on their rules and the public can comment.

Personally I would not attend a faire who posted such rules for the public and would likely not go to a faire which posted such rules for staff and vendors.

Regards,

CB