I worked at an outlet a couple years back that contracted a very volatile analyst for commentary in a gaming subindustry. When the outlet decided not to renew his contract, it was obviously in response to some of his hostile political behavior online. He was a right-wing guy and very prone to online unpleasantries. However. There was a basic understanding that, volatile or not, leadership still owed the analyst professionalism. He was owed a private conversation about the contract, active communication about the work situation. Staff was told not to discuss the matter publicly and be as discreet as we would for any other dismissal. Leadership at the site certainly handled the situation well, as the personality in question did not attack any staffers nor the site in retaliation for the parting of ways. Now, I didn’t really like this guy. In fact, we both hated each other. But I always respected the way my bosses handled the situation. In a professional work environment, people are owed some basic dignities. You try your best to treat people fairly, not because you like them, but because you want to be a fair and thoughtful individual. And to keep the peace. Anyway, long story short, I think two things can be true: (1) Your content / online brand may make you a poor fit for working with a company, an event, a convention, etc. This is something you have to come to accept and accept with grace. Certain content cuts you off from certain opportunities. Everyone deals with this. Some brands are just riskier than others (or considered more hostile than others) (2) Employees at a company / event / convention should do their research on talent, engage in active communication with invited guests, and make 100% sure they are working with talent that reflect their core values. I do think it is really bad if a company announces a guest and then publicly uninvites them. It’s messy, causes a lot of fallout that impacts others, and it shakes confidence in the trustworthiness of the company. It also begs the question whether this could happen to other talent from other backgrounds for other things I’ve contacted a couple people in the past to work with who have rejected me. I’ve always respected a direct no with an explanation. NSFW content is a hard no given your brand? All good. Hard feelings over the VAllure article? Makes sense, I have to accept that. Chemistry issues with event guests? That’s fine, we’re adults and have to understand some people just don’t get along. However, I’ve always appreciated one simple fact: The lion’s share of these folks have had discreet, private, and respectful conversations with me about the conflict. I think people are owed that. Both for the talent’s sake, but also the employees’. It prevents people getting drawn into a big public blow up

First off, if you’re conservative at all you cannot be giving these cons money. There are so many alternatives that they shouldn’t be getting a cent. Demand a refund or charge back. Whatever you need to do. Second, we need to make our own cons. I’m willing to help back it financially.