07/08/2020
Regarding the fall of ''Zenithkon''. Please read.
As many of you know, the online con, I co-founded, ''Zenithkon'' is no longer happening unfortunately due to creative differences and subsequent lack of volunteers beyond my control. I was very ambitious with my goals, but my ambition got the best of me. However, I was serious and meant every word I said in the main mission being to showcase underrepresented cosplayers, particularly BIPOC. I admit I wasn't experienced in being one of the heads of the convention, but I was dedicated and wanted to uplift other cosplayers in the community. I was not doing this for attention and to gain followers. For those who know me well and been following for a long time, I have always been outspoken against the mistreatment and lack of focus on BIPOC, Disabled, and LGBT cosplayers. During the process of planning Zenithkon, I was multitasking school work and dealing with a current personal problem that affected my mental health deeply that encouraged me to finally seek therapy and start the antidepressants to combat my depression and anxiety. This led to me be distracted in my role. And the others apart of the team were also dealing with other difficult situations as well. When I realized that people had to leave and it was causing stress. Because I was past the deadline of when I wanted to things sorted out and to inform applicants, I felt ashamed and I was scared to reach out for additional help to try to make the con still happen. I felt it was better, in the end, to cancel it completely instead of delaying it further. I didn't want to give false promises. Before I announced the cancellation, I already emailed applicants, informing them of it. I will be sending apologies to those I personally messaged on either my account or the con's for who wanted to be part of it. It wasn't my intention for both guests and viewers to keep you waiting and guessing on the con updates. I take full accountability for my lack of action. I hope you all can find it in your heart to forgive me as I never planned for this occur.
Yes, the creation of this convention was influenced by initial reaction of Craftchella, that I criticized for feeling it wasn't diverse enough. I then deleted my posts as the creators and panelists understood the backlash and then fixed intended issue by having more BIPOC in their lineup. Some of them even reached out to me kindly and we came to an understanding and were supportive of Zenithkon happening, which I appreciated.
My advice to anyone starting out in wanting to make an online event is to start small and understand your limits. So that you can get more practice and understand how it to make an event with a whole outline and plan layout.
I hope that you will all accept my apology. I may not expect forgiveness, but do hope for a little bit of understanding. Thank you. I wish you all the best during these difficult times.
- Tisheriffic
