[eganist]

I'll build on kayodelycaon's second point:

When an entity sponsors an event, they begin to redeem the value of that sponsorship immediately in the form of publicity for the sponsorship, website logos, any other relevant copy or press, etc., so at that point since value has already been delivered, "escrow" would not be the correct service.

Because of that, the payment should be direct and in advance. It's just that many community orgs tend not to insist on it because they'd rather bring companies in on good faith (because it's often easier than getting immediate budget approvals).

[kayodelycaon]

If I had a dollar for ever "good faith" thing that fell apart, I could retire. :)

Everyone over-commits and under-delivers. There's very little incentive to do otherwise. That's why I like "fuck you, pay me": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVkLVRt6c1U

[eganist]

Oh without a doubt. But I also understand why community organizers do it; they're pretty powerless against the corps in making the value proposition.

[hgsgm]

Allow me to introduce you to my friend, the Fyre festival.