Artists lie, cheat, and steal.

It's not directly related to this issue, but I've just been pointed to this great post: An Open Letter to Fest Runners: Writing vs Art. It summarises a lot of my feelings about why I don't participate in some fests but do others, and it comes down to feeling like I'm about to embark in a positive and equal experience for all participants. That includes being reassured there are measures to make sure I have a fair amount of time to do an expected size or quality work, and being offered the same tools as the other participants (like check-ins, betas, cheerleaders, inclusion in support events and places).