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
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
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.
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!
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.
I'm one of the people who just wrote the open letter and it's been shocking how many people have been messaging me to tell me about their exploitation by Luminate, by Jules in particular. So many horror stories and frustration that's been going on for years. I almost feel like starting a support group for them all.
‘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.
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......
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 :)
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.
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.
“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.
The "check the T&Cs" (Doyourownresearch) response to the question about cancellation was hard to miss.
That definately made me think it might get cancelled with people's money safely staying in their account.
freaking excellent!
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
Yeah, I still love my cryptids too. Mostly harmless fun.
I agree. I like a little spiritual woo occasionally, when it's harmless. These people are ruining my vibe like Carol Baskin ruined flower crowns
Never stop looking for mothman. 🖤
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
I should clarify that although it looks a lot like a speakers list, they are not attending - just cited as “inspirations”! Still a bummer though.
I am still hoping for the stubbing of toes
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.
amen sistah
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!
Happy to keep you abreast of the madness!
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.
What a nightmare pair. They are certainly ignoring me, that's for sure. Sad to see an initially well meaning festival go down this path.
I'm one of the people who just wrote the open letter and it's been shocking how many people have been messaging me to tell me about their exploitation by Luminate, by Jules in particular. So many horror stories and frustration that's been going on for years. I almost feel like starting a support group for them all.
Good work. Feel free to send me any updates here, or direct! Davidfarrier@protonmail.com
Oops, just saw this! I sent you a Facebook message a few minutes ago.
100% baddies
Thanks for paying attention David.
‘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.
Yeah, a lot of the good will I had towards the wellness crowd is well and truly gone. Just too difficult.
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......
Dave just jumped on Luminate fest page ran some numbers just over 10% of my FB friends like/endorse the page. Help!!
I think they were once pretty chill, just some hippies hanging out and swapping potions. These days... not so much.
Love to see an Abbie chart of our summer fest line up✌️🕺
Is Olivia Newton johns nephew Charlie Goldsmith in there? The healer who 'healed' her cancer with his miiiiiiind?
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 :)
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.
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.