Yet more on me quitting AnimeIowa

[soc_puppet]

...I just checked the AnimeIowa homepage out of a petty need to see if they've actually added an update to the front page informing visitors of the changes to the mask policy.

Here is the exact text they added yesterday, probably after I quit:

Please note the Covid policy changes as health information changes at the state and community levels. Check back often to keep up on the most recent guidelines. We care about your health.

Italics original, though I would have added emphasis anyway, because that is hilarious.

So yeah, basically what I'm seeing here is a last-minute, cover-your-ass, "Now you can't blame us for not telling you when we make changes!" while still not actually admitting to any changes they have made.

I still don't know if any of the vendors, artists, or guests of honor have been informed of the changes, or if they're expected to go look and find out for themselves. I wonder if I should ask one of the friends I have who are still on staff.


On a related note, I am actually feeling much better than I even did last night. I was feeling actual, physical discomfort when I went to bed last night, and then most of this morning, but I think I finally managed to get through to the other side of that. In part I credit one of the aforementioned friend staffers, who kindly Replied All to my resignation email with something along the lines of, "What the flying fuck, when did this happen and why wasn't the masking decision something the entire staff was invited to discus?" Only more "professional", don't'cha know.

Edit: As I was typing this, another person Replied All to ask when masking going optional became a thing, because they "didn't get an email". Bless this person, and bless this vindication!

Edit 2: More news: I just texted a friend of mine who has a booth in the dealer's room. Apparently he hasn't gotten any word of the change, either, so I expect none of the vendors or artists have. I'm dying to know if the Guests of Honor have been informed.

Comments

[alexseanchai]

🧸

[soc_puppet]

I may have officially entered the "watch it burn" phase...

[mistressofmuses]

"We care about your health :)))"

Ugh. The number of times I've seen a variation of that tacked on to a decision that blatantly endangers more peoples' health...

That is a pretty stunningly shitty statement and attempt to cover their asses and absolve themselves of any responsibility for it. Yuck.

I'm glad you got some additional vindication!

[soc_puppet]

I literally laughed out loud when I read that part.

It is seriously blatant cover-your-ass tactics. Good thing there's a date in that update, so we can compare it to when the Facebook and Twitter announcements went out!

[mistressofmuses]

It is pretty laugh-worthy. It's SO blatant!

[chemicalcain]

holy shit this is the worst possible way they could have gone about this. so glad more of the staff is speaking up against it. i would feel so heartbroken if one of my favorite conventions pulled this stunt

[soc_puppet]

Yeah, the way they worded it really makes it seem like they would be increasing Covid precautions based on local ordinance and science, not decreasing them.

Heartbreak is exactly the right word for it. I feel like I've gone through a non-amicable breakup with a long-term partner or friend.

[lightbird]

I'm glad you've had some vindication. What they are doing is so irresponsible and unethical.

[soc_puppet]

Fully agreed. And thank you ♥