I think I explained what I meant by "hope this is a hoax" in a response to another comment.
If you're right, i.e., if the guys behind this website are just interested in selling T-shirts and yanking people's chains, then by my definition it's a hoax. For example, the Minneapolis in 1973 Worldcon bid has continued for years, so it's not really a Worldcon bid anymore, but the buttons, T-shirts and room parties that have resulted since 1973 are real enough.
If you're right, i.e., if the guys behind this website are just interested in selling T-shirts and yanking people's chains, then by my definition it's a hoax. For example, the Minneapolis in 1973 Worldcon bid has continued for years, so it's not really a Worldcon bid anymore, but the buttons, T-shirts and room parties that have resulted since 1973 are real enough.