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What bookfair were you at then? ymmv I guess but for me, someone completely new to any bookfair and excited to just finally meet other anarchists IRL (seriously I had no idea we were as plentiful in WISCONSIN of all places holy crap) , I saw all kinds of folks of different backgrounds. Not everyone there was vegan or straightedge but there wasn’t anything unwelcoming about the place. Nobody gave me a hard time about anything even tho I thought I would be judged by a couple folks but they were really chill.

Sure, there were little pockets of people forming naturally on their own to discuss various topics, or make food, do dishes, listen to music, or give demonstrations, but that’s kinda what happens when you allow people to freely associate—we just do. It was really nice. I’ve seen other people before spreading rumors that everyone there knew each other or some nonsense but to my knowledge there were rather just a few handfuls of people that recognize each other from other spaces, and a lot of people meeting each other for the first time. I thought it was wonderful, to see anarchy in action, that is, a large open room, and basement, and yard, full of people of different ages, interests, hobbies, genders, knowledge bases, etc. All just enjoying life and the things anarchy inspires. Maybe it wasn’t your cup of tea because it was less structured and formal? And more organic and living/dynamic? I don’t know what to tell you other than give it another chance, cuz there’s some great folks I’ve made connections with there, I’ve learned so much about anarchy because of that bookfair, and had a great time. I’m terribly socially anxious in general but I felt comfortable just walking up to and talking to just about everyone there.

Only person who gave me any kind of stink eye vibes was the dude who I later heard about got his tent pepper sprayed by some individuals who didn’t like him for some reason? but I didn’t know who he was then so I don’t think everyone was out to get him like he said they were. There was this older guy with the animal press office, he was interesting to talk to and very approachable, there were lots of cool queer folks to talk to or buy earrings or zines from, I mean there were some crusties and oogles there (self proclaimed, ok, idk what the etiquette is with those titles so whatevs lol) and there were “professional” type lookin people there, (as in, they blend in more with normies than the folks with the patches n stuff) they gave me a tract fuckin Ted K wrote and I’m like ha wow didn’t expect that one. Someone had a table giving out mini crow bars and super glue—that shit was hilarious to me. Yeah Idk why you didn’t have a blast but if you go this year try to find me My name is Miles and I’ll promise to be friendly. :)