BOOK COMMUNITEA: we going back in time re: Freydis Moon and then Readers Take Denver MY LAWD [CC]

[@secretlyadragon4723]

Nigel's unimpressed face is a mood to start this video. 🤣🤣

[@MrRorosuri]

Life is tiring. How do they have the time and energy to do this

[@torrinkearns6656]

Some people are gifted.

[@user-mr1qw2bl6w]

"The only way this signing could have been whiter is if it snowed" and "I forgot they were pretending to be Brown!" are two phrases that absolutely took me out while watching this 😂

[@Travelling_with_my_dog]

I had heard (from another video) that an author had DONATED beverages to be given out to attendees. If true, the event planner not only charged for something that was intended to be free, they charged exorbitant prices. Not providing a free water station is unconscionable.

[@allgirlreview433]

Because they cancelled they must refund ALL the money even what they call "non-refundable." If not they are looking at a class action lawsuit.

[@Iwasonceanonionwithnolayers]

They should already be looking at a CAL, this mess cannot have been a legal fulfillment of that contract

[@asavagegarden]

i dont like rebecca yarros but they did her so dirty. i'm glad she used her platform to call them out because omg

[@inkylabyrinth]

This "Lisa Marie" woman running a 3k person event can't string a paragraph together and doesn't know the difference between "assistance" and "assistants"?! Hearing the details of this event (as a disabled reader living in Denver) gives me little hope that I will ever be able to attend an event like this. What an effing mess.

[@emcrolls]

On top of everything expecting/exploiting Disabled volunteer is insult on top of injury. Pay them well for the consult AND never ever run another event without dedicated planning team. Barest of minimums

[@zeesummers]

okay, i don’t say this to diss anyone else. but watching the older bookcommuitea reminded me what i liked ab your style of videos that the similar style of videos that cropped up just don’t do. the way you took us back to the inception point-started at the point where the story blew up and then went backwards, really following the various threads to how we got there. showing how you do research instead of just positioning yourself as the expert. a) it makes for a better form of storytelling-more intringue. b) it’s fun bc it mirrors how most of us are interacting with the story. c) (arguably most importantly) it makes the video itself unique like you’re not parroting the same talking point or summarizing/regurgitating the same tiktok we all already saw. anyway all that to say kudos feels like real reporting

[@zeesummers]

and when i say regurgiating the same tiktok what i mean is instead of repeating summaries we’re taking it all the way back to the sources (which in these days is more and more often tiktok-but citing an ‘explainer’ and citing a source are not quite the same thing)

[@h.i.m.3200]

I was just thinking that! I did watch a couple of videos but I didn't even know what the readers take denver con was even about. They just assume we're all up to date and get into people's reactions/general details about what happened.

[@Emily-fh8en]

The Freydis Moon drama is so invloved it needs a feature length documentarTEA...

[@dancesbyk251]

OMG i feel so blessed to see a new video from Jess that's over one hour long 😭🥹🫶

[@secretlyadragon4723]

You know, girl had the time! I am shooketh!

[@KathleenSelden]

I just KNEW there would be a super-long CommuniTEA coming after all this shit went down and I have not been disappointed…let me pour another cup of coffee and settle in 👀🤩

[@klaire74]

This Fredys Moon situation is quite simple - an ill person. No healthy person could have the energy to have so many...personalities. They need help and need to be held accountable for everything.

[@corvo9100]

People online think oppression is nothing more than something to help them win internet arguments. They view oppression as a currency, another notch on their belt. “Oh, you have this minority status? Well I have a minority status that makes me more oppressed than you. Therefore, my opinion is more valid.” They don’t realize that oppression is a real thing that actual people experience, and it’s not fun, and it’s not something you would wish on anyone. This is how we get situations like freydis moon and hivliving- chronically online people who have never experience a struggle thinking they can get further in the world by co-opting a marginalized status.

[@itsnessuhhh613]

Living in Denver, i was like girl not you getting messy here of all places

[@mikouf9691]

I'm so happy to see a new Jess Communitea video. There are no substitutes!

[@FourPawsandaBook]

After hearing Rebecca’s experience at RTD, her system at Apollycon the following weekend makes so much sense. She worked through people so quickly but still made it seem like she was so excited to meet you and talk with you.

[@danaslitlist1]

Jess, you could upload once a year and I’ve still be yelling about it with excitement! Seriously, I love getting any content from you, even though Book Communitea will always hold a special place in my heart (you’re literally the reason I joined the bookish community on socials!)

[@Ram_mar787]

This is the only place I come for book community related tea 💁‍♀️

[@grigotts]

Same here.

[@danimorin6283]

holy shit why so many aliases?? That's just.. a lot of energy to put towards fake names. does she need a spreadsheet to keep all that shit straight?

[@JessOwens]

I don't understand how anyone has the time or brain power!

[@itowilltube]

@@JessOwens i haven't read but serveral booktuber voices said this author is queer well she said she was and her books were actually interesting and not typical cliche. So they could have just written their stuff and been successful and nothing wrong with using Penn names but usually having a penname isnt used to attack authors of color. weaponize queer and falsify Latinx identity and go after other latina black authors

[@bhsprinkle]

I think I'd use one pen name. Maybe two if I want to write different age range. For example, YA & Adult under a pen name. Middle Grade & Children's under a different one.

[@thesaladczar]

My friend told me her husband couldn't get an agent because he was told "White men aren't wanted in publishing." Do they really believe being POC, Black, and/or LGBTQIA will give them a leg up? They do not know that these spaces may appear so because people in those communities are tight-knit, and they share and look more active. Statistics from LEELOW say otherwise about the industry.

[@katiemetzroth907]

Screenshots are forever. Amen! Amen!!!

[@Marie45610]

It sounds like they didn't coordinate very well with the hotel, and are now throwing the hotel under the bus a little.

[@Tacoshel]

What they're looking to get is community they otherwise don't have access to. They see us looking out for each other, supporting one another, particularly when it comes to situations where a POC is attempting to make it in an industry where our talents are likely to be overlooked. They see us succeeding and assume that those community behaviors are the primary reason for their POC colleagues success (because they also assume we are not as competent at their chosen a field as they are) and they want in. They think our perceived perks plus their obviously superior talents is a recipe for greater success than they could achieve as a white person.

[@doobat708]

Altaholic Taylor/Freydis/whatever reminds me a little of the drama surrounding Andy Thanfiction/Andrew Blake, who kept nonpologising and repeating the same patterns of behaviour.

[@Tarasreadingnook]

Not to exuse the person behavior, that person needs a psychologist... and intervention to no more internet...

[@TiffWaffles]

Readers Take Denver sounds like it would have been a terrifying and horrifying experience. OMG... I feel terrible for the volunteers, authors and attendees.

[@MetallicGlitterPagan]

Yep this is just like Wool & folk, I think it was last year, everything but the weather was the same. So sad.

[@mrejj04]

How do people have the time to setup such elaborate catfish profiles?

[@allisoneuph1]

I heard it was an absolute mess. One person was having a medical emergency and the event organizers told her to get up!

[@authorhalierivers]

I literally had a book of theirs on my kindle and didn’t even know bc I cant keep up with all the pen names.

[@reecewinningham9035]

You are STILL a great source for the Tea. Thanks for the info

[@rgaijin]

This is looks like the event creator was just cutting corners on hiring actual event planners hence the absymal event. Also pocketting the down payment of an event that is next year that's cancelled is big sus/yikes. Also, appreciate the volume warning sm

[@fooly_booked]

was waiting to hear your thoughts on all this mess!!

[@aluralorrell3297]

As an event planner...yikes

[@aspiring_recluse]

There was that one author who pitched a fit about a 4 star review and maybe went on a drunken twitter rant about it a while back. Lauren something? I feel like she was lit fic or nonfiction.

[@JessOwens]

omg how could i forget about Lauren... something. I forgot her name but yes!

[@mikouf9691]

La*ren Ho*gh

[@zeesummers]

@@JessOwens lauren hough

[@inkylabyrinth]

This was really the only example I could think of as far as drama in litfic/memoir circles. Maybe they are just better at covering things up? But it's very weird that a lot of incidents like this happen in YA/Spec Fic spaces.

[@bookbelle5475]

@inkylabyrinth I mean would we call the whole bad art friend thing drama? Cause I think that was in the litfic space

[@skeletonkeybooks]

I live in Colorado and received an invitation to participate in RTD. I remember it sounding sketchy, like a big cash grab. Some of my Sisters in Crime friends went and reported back to the group that it was a huge mess.

[@julesbaggett]

DAMN. Thank you for putting so much effort into bringing us all the teaaaa. Also as someone with noise sensitivity really appreciate the volume warnings haha.

[@brittanykay51]

Nigel’s little judgy side eye is so correct 😂

[@bhsprinkle]

I've watched so many videos about the event. The organization sounds entirely a flop. Not having accommodation for people with disabilities is heartbreaking. All the authors were rushed. *gives event the side eye 😒 I feel bad for those to paid for that event. Authors, Readers,Vendors, Volunteers. Nightmare of High Anxiety! Expensive event that didn't measure up so I'm surprised to not hear that ReadersTakeDenver was sued by a multitude of people.

[@elizabethgardner6832]

Only a guess, but maybe whatstheirname wants to be noticed by absolutely any means possible. Vindictive Mattering. What a mess.

[@maud375]

Thanks for putting this video together. This is enlightening. Toxic people will be toxic.

[@jmo4581]

Idk what happened with the rooms, but i go to alot of conventions and sometimes you can reserve a room, but you don't get to choose the KIND of room. Types of rooms can be first come first serve, but never the actual reservation!

[@kitty4407]

So 2025 bingo cards get a TB/BR/JW/FM/SH/XYZLMNOP is back under a different alias square?

[@JessOwens]

1000%

[@ihaveaname699]

me: damn this freydis moon situation is insane, i wish i knew more about the original incident me at 57:46, realising ive read that thread: HEY WAIT A MINUTE

[@kelleylovesbooks5688]

This is all so messy! I would be exhausted to be this messy on purpose. And yes, get on Threads. 😊

[@JessOwens]

Kellleyyyy I don't wanna get on threads! Do i have tooo?

[@kelleylovesbooks5688]

@@JessOwens no, of course not. 🤣 I have had a pretty nice time reading things on threads. Bullies seem to not last long over there. It’s kinda nice.

[@fuentes_fantasy7906]

I didn't hear about RTD until after it happened, and at first I was sad because I'm within driving distance of Denver and the idea sounded fun. Then the stories started coming out, and I'm sad for different reasons.

[@readingfuriously]

Did I just become a Yarros fan? Yes I think I did

[@queenboss7]

I remember seeing Jupiter Wyse's name in some book list years ago (must have been upcoming lgbtq books) and new something was up with a name as ridiculous as that, got weird vibes lol. Turned out to be right. Fr i love your tea videos, you do so much research and tell it like a storyteller

[@queenboss7]

Oh my god.... the naming the killed characters after people you were the bad guy and beefing with them. Yikes on bikes

[@ivesphillips]

Dang, it's Dashcon all over again!

[@butterflymuse2707]

Imagine having the talent to be signed by an agent three times and that's how you choose to spend your time instead of focusing on the fact that you've gotten an agent multiple times?

[@RuaRaanui]

Nigel ya cute grumpy faced dawg!! Other bookish festivals need to take note of that hot mess in Denver wtf

[@abbyodelson]

I've followed Freydis for years now, and they've been my inspiration as an indie author. Not only is the situation just appalling, it also sounds like a lot of work and energy to have SO many aliases. I get tired just listening to all of it...

[@lindas483]

The Freydis Moon situation pissed me off so much because I bought heart, haunt, havoc a few months ago based off a recommendation and still haven't read it but now I just feel like i wasted my money because i no longer plan to read it://

[@lauracorsi3309]

I would love if you did CommuniTea on the regular again. You are the best!

[@laundroismat]

Denver is famously high altitude. It’s not uncommon for tourists to get altitude sickness. Drinking water is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. It’s also just generally VERY easy to become dehydrated here, even for people who are acclimated to the altitude. It’s really, really irresponsible to not offer ample, free water to visitors

[@ihaveaname699]

Here's the thing, all their fake names are so similar. Mix it up a bit. Get fancy with it. Stop using Taylor 400 times.

[@MoniMas121]

"Why not just be a white" I am dying!! lmao 🤣 This was a lot lol You are doing the lords work!

[@CecileTellier]

I am very glad I didn't do Denver, I always heavily weigh the costs versus the possible outcome.

[@Rebecca.42]

I love your recaps on these hot messes 😶🧋

[@camryn9377]

Jupiter Wyse is literally from the movie Jupiter Ascending

[@Merdragoon]

._. This sounds messier (Convension wise) than my *worst* Animate Con I went to (It was a Anime Con). I volenteered for that particular one (My Boyfriend (now Ex) at the time dragged me into it when I really just wanted to just go as an guest). The Registering was a mess, sign ins for the Cosplay Contest was me literally setting up the excel since no one else did (Luckily I had my laptop at the time to do this), The owner (Animate doesn't exist anymore I don't think? I coudn't find it when I was curious about it) literally put the kids from Heroes of Cosplay into situations where they were nearly passing out because he just let the camera crew to make those kids to re-takes for HOURS with no actual break. We couldn't help those kids out by giving them water when they *were* sitting. The Line for Homestuck signing was a NIGHTMARE, where we had to cut off the line as it was already like.... 3 hours long, it was also so long that at one point we had the line go *outside* the building where it was, but no one was there to watch the people before they Vandalized someone's Van; I was literally screaming my voice hourse to get everyone in line for the Cosplay Contest when it was time (No help from my Ex btw) working on like.... five bites of dinner. But with all that said.... I can safely say from what you're discribing is far worst and I probably would have just said "I quit" as a Volenteer and just left. (but I can safely say that not all Anime Cons are like this nightmare piece of work.)

[@jaimee-kate]

I've been waiting for you to cover this!!

[@zeesummers]

idk i dont think there’s less mess with litfic than genre fiction i just think more readers online are genre fiction fans and therefore spending more time interacting with genre fiction authors therefore the mess feels bigger. like for some ppl freydis was a very new name but as someone interacting with online indie horror romance (a very specific niche as st gibson said) they have a big platform.

[@kayri687]

that's a really interesting point/question about litfic drama... I want to look more into that.

[@gracelovesbooks]

it’s bookish tanacon 😭😭😭

[@scroogemcduckrich9705]

intro 😂😂

[@NicoleHelenaCates]

Congratulations on obtaining more spoons and energy!!

[@ellys106]

everyone wants a piece of the bookish community profit pie, but the result of that is all these people with no clue how to plan an event, run a business, handle public relations, etc. are out here taking people for fools.

[@katendress6142]

Readers Take Denver: I watch a lot of Jessica Vanel and with over 3000 attendees I'd say that statistically it's almost guaranteed that at least a few of them just decided to show up without a reservation and "it will all work out." I have seen a lot of my fellow white authors (frequently but not exclusively cishet dudes) complain about how nobody represents or publishes white authors anymore (despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary) because it's a lot easier to whine about how unfair it is that you have to share even a small piece of what used to be exclusively your pie than it is to work on leveling up your own skills.

[@kayri687]

ty for the volume warnings :,)

[@hitatchiqueen]

2021 WAS 3 YEARS AGO?! Pls stop the ride, I wanna get off

[@jennderqueer]

Narcissists, especially malignant narcissists, get like feel-good shots from mistreating other people. Freydis/Jupiter/Taylor/Whoever strikes me as this kind of person.

[@MoonisHavn]

One thing book drama gonna do is Drama.

[@NicolesBookishNook]

I am Nigel at this point 😂

[@allisoneuph1]

Love your videos

[@SleeplessStrawberry]

RTD is giving dashcon 2.0

[@dexaria]

I understand authors having a couple of pen names if they write in different genres but holy cow! Who has the time/brain space for this nonsense?

[@HuckleberryCyn]

The FM shit makes me so furious. My mother’s family is MENA and my dad’s is Eastern European/Jewish, but both sides bought into whiteness when they came to America. I get so anxious when I try to self identify as Middle Eastern or Jewish because I feel like I’m taking something that isn’t mine, that I’m centering myself in a space that doesn’t belong to me. Yet white people have NO problem doing this all the time.

[@jeans4108]

I smell lawsuits 😂

[@ThePupYT]

59:28 I don't think it's so much as wanting to be oppressed as it is trying to asuage their white guilt by distancing themselves from their whiteness and white privilege. That's just my theory.

[@hbanana6938]

As a mixed Peruvian with Italian-Irish heritage please leave my nose out of this 😒 I’ve never heard something so oddly specific and offensive.

[@NerdyNurseReads]

6:41 It’s giving Tana con

[@ebrumutluist]

You know the person is out of this weird book world when you forget that they were conning people with their race, which was the main point when you started this video. LOL

[@twilighterification]

Always love your videos! Just have to say your skin is glowing! It looks so flawless. Sunscreen is obviously working 👌

[@zeesummers]

im sat

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

kinda sounds like a $cam .. not accusing.. they could have just not had any idea what they were doing.. but so many things seem a bit sus.

[@chloeobama2537]

hehehe

[@edaaaah]

what happened to emery lee i remember i used to see em in your videos all the time but e just kinda vanished did i miss something?

[@cakt1991]

Emery hasn’t published a book in a while. E (pronouns are e/em/he/him) according to Instagram) also left Twitter and is more active on Instagram (and I think BlueSky). E’s still around, just not super active in mainstream publishing circles right now.

[@edaaaah]

@@cakt1991 thanks! i hadn't seen em in awhile so i was wondering what happened. i'll edit my original comment to fix the pronouns too (i tried looking for em on twitter to check pronouns and found no account so i wasn't sure)

[@cakt1991]

@@edaaaah I think a lot of people left Twitter when Elon took over and rebranded it. Not sure when Emery left specifically, but em is very active on Insta.

[@edaaaah]

@@cakt1991 Yeah that's probably right. That website is broken garbage LOL

[@stemsandpages]

I went to RTD and it was indeed a shit show. Thankfully I’m local so all I paid for in travel was gas and parking, but I’m still trying to figure out what my $300 admittance ticket paid for 🥸