@EdwardGRobinson said:

This is hands down the most depressing thing I have ever seen discussed on phish.net or any other phish related forum. Unfortunately for all of us, the completely unacceptable and reactionary response that many phish people have made to it (not here thankfully) make us all look like a bunch of morons.

Well, YMMV, but this incident doesn't make Phish fans look bad IMNSHO. I just see most of the spouting off about "what I'd do if I got my hands on Dave Anvers" internet tough guy exaggeration, supported by authentic outrage that an authority figure and security detail person could be so unprofessional and dickish.

"Fans" aren't responsible for what any other fan thinks, and Dave and his actions have made themselves legitimate subjects for some investigation, which has happened in the parent blog articles.

As part of the organized fan base, as we have been since 1990, we are trying to bring this issue to the community for peaceful discussion of how to prevent things like this from harshing the great vibe at the Phish shows we love. Blogger Dave Herrera and I seem to agree that there was a breakdown in communications and management between Phish, Inc. and some of their longtime "independent contractors" like Dave Anvers.

I agree with this analysis and hope it is addressed, although I believe Amy Skelton is happily employed these days in sustainable agriculture rather than policing the lot for bogus merch. But clearly, IMO, Phish or its management or someone capable like Jihn Langenstein, Phish's longtime security guy, needs to get on top of this to avoid any repeats of blood over t shirts.

Phish.net mgmt or phishnetters aren't calling from Dave's head (though he should retire from the biz). We are calling for reform or "back to the future" with someone reasonable like Amy Skelton running the show and providing hands on management to private security contractors policing merch in the name of the band and its members.

(BTW, we tried to play a similar constructive role as you'll recall, when those Bethel campground owners used our forum to sell and then try to tell shut out customers to complain to the Town because they lacked a permit).