I'm only aware of the feedback in the petition and not privy to what may have been said directly to the festival committee, but what was presented to them was a long listing of comments that politely and articulately stated that either the new dates presented a hardship or that the person supported the others that are being inconvenienced, with some comments also addressing the new location. JP and pansyfaye each received copies and the latter expressed her thanks and sent an email to all the "signers" that provided contact info. And speaking as the person that gathered all the posts and emails, I promise that there wasn't anything contained in the petition that would make them want to retaliate.
As long as the festival has existed, there have been people unhappy about where it was, when it was, what was programmed, and so on. I have no doubt the petition Midnite organized and sent to JP et al. was well received but with the experience and knowledge that nothing pleases everyone. I doubt they would fold over the petition. Imagine the litany of complaints this festival has gotten over twenty years and still kept going strong. If anything, many fans have complained the festivals have become too large and too commercial and preferred the more innocent, less crowded "old days." The security factors have increased along with the crowds.
JP said a few years ago to some people, including me, that the festivals were going to "wind down" and now is obviously the time that is being done. I emailed with a festival staff member last week who told me she heard the same thing from JP awhile back as well, and thought a change in format was a good thing.
Nancy
