BULLYING. IS. WRONG.

[crazeyal.livejournal.com]

And the community should stand up against it. We've had issues with drunk frat-boys, Nascar fans, and the underbelly of fandom showing it's face. I'd like to shine a light on some Internet drama I've found from the Facebook community.

There is a rising amount of Ghostbusters fan-groups attending both the con and the Parade. The level of costuming has been fantastic and I've personally never had any issue with any member of the various groups that combine at the Parade. Last year we had, I believe 7 Ecto-1's at the con!!

The drama is that one particular group, http://www.gbfans.com , has decided that using Kickstarter for fundraising is somehow wrong and insulting to them. They've started a campaign of harassment and threats because one fan DARED not go by methods they personally approve.

I found the issue on the FB page of Dragoncon (edit: Either the OP or the owner of the page has removed the post) and their own forum topic, where it contains threats and justification for bullying. A now locked thread where the Moderator espouses "Kicking people around" because they offend you.

As a community, it's my opinion that we should respond to this. That sort of nonsense, online or at the parade, has no place at Dragoncon.

Comments

[crazeyal.livejournal.com]

No, you've just proven that you can not discuss things without petty sniping and unreasonable assumptions. You put words in my mouth to make your own words sound better. Let the adults talk now.

[wicked0witch.livejournal.com]

As someone who was one of the targets of an attempted assault at D*C 2010 (got away and the guy got arrested), I agree with you. While internet bullying is horrible (i've been the target of that too, and 4chan was the reason I almost killed myself last year, and even now a year later I still get people that have gotten ahold of my email or go anon on my blogs telling me to go kill myself), I agree that this feels like it's being blown out of proportion. Yes, it's unfortunate that someone feels bullied by another group, but it's not any business of this comm. The group isn't stopping (and really can't stop) the people from marching in the parade at all, just not with their group, which isn't against any rules of the con.

[crazeyal.livejournal.com]

Actually, you are incorrect. On many levels, actually. The only people who are making the assumption that the sexual assaults are being listed as :"JUST AS BAD" are you two. No-one has said that. AT ALL.

Also, these people were collaborating on filling out false forms to the DC office, so that there would be no room for the Kickstarter's group.

Also, they sent threatening emails to the fund owner.

Also there is that whole "Smack them around" comment...

And since the thread is locked and the FB post is deleted, it is over.

Being oversensitve on certain issues might just lead you to be undersensitive to others... You might want to think on that..

[wicked0witch.livejournal.com]

As I can't see the posts that show they were saying or not saying that, I can't make any judgement without facts. I was simply agreeing with her that your post here came off as trying to cause drama.

[crazeyal.livejournal.com]

The original thread is still available to read, and the other things that happened, I've already discussed. Disagreeing is kinda allowed on the Internet.. You are entitled to your opinion. I have stated my reasons and intentions. If you choose to think I am lying, again your choice.

I love marching in the parade. I found it offensive that someone was being threatened with exclusion over what is basically opinion. I said something. I happen to think I was restrained in my posting.