33 Comments
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

“Do your own research” is definitely the new preceding phrase to uncomfortable interactions. Maybe even the QAnon mating call.

All I can say about this mess is that I redid my CV recently and I put “blocked by Pete Evans” on it.

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

As a rational person who used to be super excited to read about cryptozoology and folklore, I will never forgive these conspiracy nuts for ruining these things for me. It's supposed to fun! Harmless! Cultural! But I feel like the line is wavering between someone who likes to read funny stories about bigfoot, and people who are dangerously out of touch with reality. I need to go back and read Abbie's conspiracy chart again :D

Expand full comment

The whole speaker list is horrific, but I'm shocked that David Icke is being invited. That dude is next level deranged. I get the allure of some conspiracy theories, but I don't know how anyone not mentally ill can believe his rubbish: he's all about lizard people, false flag shootings, the moon not being real, and some truly abhorrent fascist drivel. He's popular among nazis, which should tell you all you need to know. Shame on Rita Davies and Jules Harper, I hope their festival fails and they stub their toes on the way home

Expand full comment

Sometimes I get scared when I read these things. There is some research which predicts antivaxxers thinking will be the dominant way of thinking within the next decade. I don't want that world. I'm scared by it.

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

he best thing I ever did was unfollow Pete Evans and stop reading the comments from his fellow nutters. Glad you are still keeping abreast of the lunatic fringe for me though!

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

I attended the last two Luminates and had a great time, so I'm sad to see this, but also not surprised. I've been spreading the word within my networks about their further descent into the rabbit hole. I've heard lots of stories about how they exploit volunteers, and whenever this is brought up on their Facebook page they delete comments and ban people. They don't give a shit about their community.

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

100% baddies

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

Thanks for paying attention David.

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

‘Wellness’ is just a turn off word for me now...and now the close links with anti-vaxxers and those conspiracy loons and I’m out! As an aside I had a mate who’s (now ex) wife went to a ‘wellness Crystal consultant’ who told her to stick some ‘calming liquid’ in his coffee in the morning to ‘help their relationship’ - turned out it was poisoning him! Put him into hospital!

Well done David for challenging these people and reporting it as you do. Keep up the good fight.

Expand full comment

Jayzuz, wolves in sheep's clothing is my initial reaction. No doubt BTK will be after a 'spot' at that festival. Anyone who pays to these scammers in advance pretty much deserves what they get I reckon......

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

Dave just jumped on Luminate fest page ran some numbers just over 10% of my FB friends like/endorse the page. Help!!

Expand full comment
Nov 1, 2020Liked by David Farrier

Love to see an Abbie chart of our summer fest line up✌️🕺

Expand full comment
Nov 2, 2020Liked by David Farrier

Is Olivia Newton johns nephew Charlie Goldsmith in there? The healer who 'healed' her cancer with his miiiiiiind?

Expand full comment

Hey David, thanks so much for covering this. It makes me so angry! Please keep the volume up on this. I agree that it's important to shine a light on. Thank you :)

Expand full comment

Crikey, scary stuff. On the bright side, hats off to you David, your readership diversity literally hit me in the jaw as I discovered my dentist (half my age) is a keen reader of Webworm too. There I sat, mouth wide open, unable to talk. I managed to wave my arms around in agreement. Good comic relief from the horrible topic...the red pill, not the dental exam.

Expand full comment

So interesting. I’ve been speaking with a friend whose mum has been suckered in to q anon conspiracy theory belief through wellness groups she is a part of both on and offline. It’s somehow all become inextricably linked with people who are ostensibly seeking self improvement and health, it’s kinda like it just sneaks in under the auspices of something health related. Super insidious.

Expand full comment