What are you bringing to the Meet & Greet?

[Minxy]

Bringing paper plates and plastic silverware is a total NOOB move. Our first year we brought paper plates and plastic silverware and we had TWELVE or more bags of trash to strap onto the roof of our car. This year... We had one single bag full of trash, a lot of it was from neighbors during our potlucks. It just makes sense to bring your own stuff to a potluck, if you don't then suffer with having to eat with your hands.... simple as that. I'm not asking anyone to shit into each others mouths. I bet it would bring the trash down at least ten fold. Then next on the list is we need a designated "can smasher" to walk around smashing empty cans, drinking the lone soldiers, and putting them in a trash bag. I would gladly take this role as my help for cleaning next year.

Really? I love bringing paper plates. We have several burn barrels at our camp and it makes trash collecting and the amount of trash bags going home awesome. Plastic silverware, not so much.

[Elderberry]

That might be your way of doing it, it's certainly not mine--and I'm no NOOB.
IMHO dealing with the extra trash is more than worth it to assure a successful party.

Bringing paper plates and plastic silverware is a total NOOB move. Our first year we brought paper plates and plastic silverware and we had TWELVE or more bags of trash to strap onto the roof of our car. This year... We had one single bag full of trash, a lot of it was from neighbors during our potlucks. It just makes sense to bring your own stuff to a potluck, if you don't then suffer with having to eat with your hands.... simple as that. I'm not asking anyone to shit into each others mouths. I bet it would bring the trash down at least ten fold. Then next on the list is we need a designated "can smasher" to walk around smashing empty cans, drinking the lone soldiers, and putting them in a trash bag. I would gladly take this role as my help for cleaning next year.

[illy dilly]

WOW, 3 pages and lots of information to catch up and chime in on!!!

Bringing paper plates and plastic silverware is a total NOOB move. Our first year we brought paper plates and plastic silverware and we had TWELVE or more bags of trash to strap onto the roof of our car. This year... We had one single bag full of trash, a lot of it was from neighbors during our potlucks. It just makes sense to bring your own stuff to a potluck, if you don't then suffer with having to eat with your hands.... simple as that. I'm not asking anyone to shit into each others mouths. I bet it would bring the trash down at least ten fold. Then next on the list is we need a designated "can smasher" to walk around smashing empty cans, drinking the lone soldiers, and putting them in a trash bag. I would gladly take this role as my help for cleaning next year.

Really? I love bringing paper plates. We have several burn barrels at our camp and it makes trash collecting and the amount of trash bags going home awesome. Plastic silverware, not so much.

Thats my thought 100%
Every individual is in charge of their own silverware, but paper plates kick ass! Save a beer box and fill it with paper plates, don't even have to worry about scrapping them if it is only food that is stuck to them, then burn that shit!!!
It saves on trash space and on gray water.
This year we had a camp of about 15 people, 9 of which were on the same meal/gray water/food/trash/booze team. With in our group we used only a little bit more gray water than we did last year. Last year there was 4 of us! Not having to clean plates cut back on gray water sooooo much! Only pots and pans for the nightly dinner.
And since each individual was in charge of their own silverware "licking clean" became the common practice.

[moonrise]

Yup Doc, I can pack out several bags of trash, just would want to pick them up around dawn-ish at the latest

Minxy, how did the mailbox work out? I think we may have missed eachother somehow, woops, so many new people to meet and now I'm sure this'll probably be even bigger, better, okay I'm there...haha...

jkisha maybe bring some blank name tags also and they could be passed around on a tray or somesuch.
I know making them was a ton of work, and just noticed the beautful mini ROP poster on the backside, how niiiice!

I think we'll be hearing battle of the BULLHORNS, why not? Piano and BULLHORN, do those sound good together? Oy! Perhaps we'll find out, haha....

[illy dilly]

Since I have begun spinning off my huge list of responsibilities (or perceived responsibilities) to others---to wit, MDF was "in charge" of pot luck logistics---dare I suggest that jkisha or anyone else who has a clear idea on how to keep it private (at least the food part), do it! I and MDF and everyone at BDC would welcome the help! (And if a few of you were to stay around afterwards to actually help clean up the gawd-awful mess that is inflicted upon us every year that would be so much appreciated.) Honestly, if I did next-to-nothing short of pouring absinthe and getting constantly turned down by the women I hit on, that would be fine by me! I'm sure Felony, Bluemandrew, Jella, Misa, Maryanimal, MDF, Graidawg, and the rest of the reprobates who haunt our fair camp would love to have the help and input. I know I surely would.

Doc,
I honestly have to say that I admire your ability to constantly deal with shit!

This was my first year as a theme camp founder, and having to constantly deal with organizing camp and helping/showing virgins how things are done is a pain in the ass! Everyday I manage a project and a team of 3-10 guys on construction sites, I thought I had experience... but managing a camp and burners is a whole different story!
I feel like I spent more time in camp helping others have a great burn, that I didn't get much time for my own burn.
I've already told everyone "Now I've shown you how to do it, in 2012 I'm worrying about me and me alone" I know in the end I'll end up doing a lot for camp, but starting at 0% and working up is much better than starting at 60% and working up.
And my feelings of 'fuck you this is my burn' are after only 1 year. Also, our little 15 person camp doesn't even compare to your 100+ person village.

Doc, I have to say, you deserve a burn that is all about Doc Pyro!
After what? 11 years? of you running the show, helping people out, constantly dealing with shit, and putting up with a hundred people that all think there problem is most important, you deserve to sit back and enjoy the glory! Unless of course, for you 'your burn' is being the big cheese, helping/dealing with people, organizing the whole thang, and being one of the busiest men on the playa!
Delegate away my friend!

[Elderberry]

Unless of course, for you 'your burn' is being the big cheese, helping/dealing with people, organizing the whole thang, and being one of the busiest men on the playa!
Delegate away my friend!

Anyone that runs a theme camp has to feel this way to some extent. You enjoy the responsibility and the glory, or you stop doing it.

[cpart]

Bringing paper plates and plastic silverware is a total NOOB move. Our first year we brought paper plates and plastic silverware and we had TWELVE or more bags of trash to strap onto the roof of our car. This year... We had one single bag full of trash, a lot of it was from neighbors during our potlucks. It just makes sense to bring your own stuff to a potluck, if you don't then suffer with having to eat with your hands.... simple as that. I'm not asking anyone to shit into each others mouths. I bet it would bring the trash down at least ten fold. Then next on the list is we need a designated "can smasher" to walk around smashing empty cans, drinking the lone soldiers, and putting them in a trash bag. I would gladly take this role as my help for cleaning next year.

Really? I love bringing paper plates. We have several burn barrels at our camp and it makes trash collecting and the amount of trash bags going home awesome. Plastic silverware, not so much.

Me and my girlfriend camped in the suburbs, the closest burn barrel was a block or two away. I would rather just wipe off my plate after I eat and not have to waste time walking to a burn barrel to burn my trash. But to each their own. On the other hand, when we have to consider people's camp's, time, and effort, I think requiring people to bring a fork and a plate isn't that bad of an idea. If people insist on bringing paper plates and plastic silverware then they should simply pack out. Isn't this one of the 10 principles? Leave no trace.... not just directly on the playa... but anywhere you go.


Now, that being said. I have never been to the M&G, so I don't know how out of hand things can get and how people just disappear without helping. But intoxication shouldn't be any excuse.... there really is no excuse for leaving your shit at someone's camp. Or just placing your beer can on the counter after you finish it, and grab another. It's called respect.

I'll stop ranting now, sorry.

[felony]

illy dilly wrote:
Unless of course, for you 'your burn' is being the big cheese, About the Good Doc, I think he meant " Big and Cheesy"!

[cpart]

That might be your way of doing it, it's certainly not mine--and I'm no NOOB.
IMHO dealing with the extra trash is more than worth it to assure a successful party.

Bringing paper plates and plastic silverware is a total NOOB move. Our first year we brought paper plates and plastic silverware and we had TWELVE or more bags of trash to strap onto the roof of our car. This year... We had one single bag full of trash, a lot of it was from neighbors during our potlucks. It just makes sense to bring your own stuff to a potluck, if you don't then suffer with having to eat with your hands.... simple as that. I'm not asking anyone to shit into each others mouths. I bet it would bring the trash down at least ten fold. Then next on the list is we need a designated "can smasher" to walk around smashing empty cans, drinking the lone soldiers, and putting them in a trash bag. I would gladly take this role as my help for cleaning next year.

I'm sorry that your party would be unsuccessful without paper plates and plastic cutlery. And I don't mind dealing with trash after a party either. But if everyone has the clear message going into the party that they need to take their shit with them or arrange for someone else to (not just leave it there) then it will help with the clean up and give all of us more time to continue partying.

[theCryptofishist]

Does anyone know if it's okay to burn compostable cutlery?

[cpart]

In addition to self designated "can smasher and collector" I will also compile another list of stuff people signed up to bring. I can make a spreadsheet in Excel if wanted.

[Elderberry]

Maybe I'd have a bit more respect for your opinion had you been there.
The trash wouldn't have been near the problem had the event been limited to eplayans and guests only.
And if it's one thing I know, it's how to throw a good party, and asking invited guests to bring their own table service isn't on my list, nor is hauling their own trash...I don't care if it's at my home in defaultia or my home on the playa! (I have no objection to assigning people to handle these chores, however it wouldn't be the guests.)

That might be your way of doing it, it's certainly not mine--and I'm no NOOB.
IMHO dealing with the extra trash is more than worth it to assure a successful party.

Bringing paper plates and plastic silverware is a total NOOB move. Our first year we brought paper plates and plastic silverware and we had TWELVE or more bags of trash to strap onto the roof of our car. This year... We had one single bag full of trash, a lot of it was from neighbors during our potlucks. It just makes sense to bring your own stuff to a potluck, if you don't then suffer with having to eat with your hands.... simple as that. I'm not asking anyone to shit into each others mouths. I bet it would bring the trash down at least ten fold. Then next on the list is we need a designated "can smasher" to walk around smashing empty cans, drinking the lone soldiers, and putting them in a trash bag. I would gladly take this role as my help for cleaning next year.

I'm sorry that your party would be unsuccessful without paper plates and plastic cutlery. And I don't mind dealing with trash after a party either. But if everyone has the clear message going into the party that they need to take their shit with them or arrange for someone else to (not just leave it there) then it will help with the clean up and give all of us more time to continue partying.

[Minxy]

I'm sorry that your party would be unsuccessful without paper plates and plastic cutlery. And I don't mind dealing with trash after a party either. But if everyone has the clear message going into the party that they need to take their shit with them or arrange for someone else to (not just leave it there) then it will help with the clean up and give all of us more time to continue partying.

It was stated quite clearly here on Eplaya (party crashers wouldn't have read it, or probably cared anyway) that we were expected as guests to pick up our own trash and haul out anything we brought in, empty bottles, beer cans, etc.

If I HAD left my paper plates and cocktail napkins out for the party I would have stuck around to pack out my bag of trash (brought said trash bag with me as well as a sign to please put the pretty red paper plates and napkins in THIS BAG).

I'm guessing that the many uninvited guests not having read the expectations or being in the loop were a large reason for the trash issue...but that is just a guess.

[cpart]

I think it shouldn't get published in the book next year. I bet it would cut out a lot of wanderers.

[theCryptofishist]

So, are we cutting out eplaya? Do the eplayans even go to the meet'n'greet? to the event?

[MyDearFriend]

So, are we cutting out eplaya? Do the eplayans even go to the meet'n'greet? to the event?

No, none of us were ever there.

Unless of course, for you 'your burn' is being the big cheese

About the Good Doc, I think he meant " Big and Cheesy"!

Of course he meant "Cheesy-licious" !!!

[lazerfox]

Anybody know what the character limit is?

We could include some of the expectations in the description. (i.e. BYOU, BYOC, Leave no trace, PLUR) oops sorry about that last one...just wanted to mention the R-Respect

I'm down with removing it from the WWW just because most of the people who are on eplaya do read about the event here WAY before getting to the playa. But if we want to adjust the copy I'm sure it could be made clear that this is not a free-for-all type of event.

[cpart]

I don't see the use in having it in the WWW. If people frequent eplaya shouldn't they see it on here? Either way, I'll be there. Smashin cans, drinking loan soldiers, and filling up a moop bag to bring to recycle camp the next day.

[graidawg]

I had the time of my life at the meet n greet, we put the food and booze out to early, BDC is pretty mush a free for all with drink and food and you no what it works, i was annoyed at first the newcastle browm keg got hit hard before most of the eplayans got there i grabbed a steak pack to munch on as soon as i saw it because i knew it would go double quick, missed the chambord and ice cream totally. Then again i got about a million hugs from everyone and went home happy, you eplayans want a private party? we cn always set up a table out back, there was space and we can continue the party far far later that way, chatting to the early hours, giving me (yes ME) time for more than a hug and hi! before running off to greet someone else and try to get a drink in the scrum. It would be fantastic for us to be able to sit in comfy chairs, or on the playa dammit and chat in real time getting to know each other more. swapping camp addresses and shit before we need to go see something shiny.
barbie death village is a big place and the lounge out front is public, i was so proud that in someone - anyone -turned up there was always food and drink available if someone was there to serve it. lets not make our party private in a public space. if we want a private vip area lets go where we can have it. mine and julias tent space often had guests and there was other shade structures there capable of holding guests, you want privacy go round back darling there aint any cameras there.
my opinion though i should ask doc before saying anything really

[illy dilly]

Unless of course, for you 'your burn' is being the big cheese

About the Good Doc, I think he meant " Big and Cheesy"!

Of course he meant "Cheesy-licious" !!!

Of course thats what I meant,
And pepper jack to be precise, we all know Doc is cheesy but it comes with a kick!

[trilobyte]

I suspect that if it's not in the WWW, the amount of random folks who turn up would be dramatically lower. That, or maybe something as simple as changing the title to say ePlaya Meet n Greet Potluck, and pose the "What are you bringing?" in the event description (or if that's already there, make it more prominent). Moving it to a Tuesday or Wednesday (if possible) would also likely reduce the number of folks who just show up without anything (if they're respectful, bring something, and pack it out with them I say we allow them as 'future eplayans'). Something to consider, anyway.

[Elderberry]

(if they're respectful, bring something, and pack it out with them I say we allow them as 'future eplayans'). Something to consider, anyway.

That's a big IF, as most of the drop-ins i tried talking to were clueless about eplaya, and frankly I don't think the M&G is the place to educate them on it, not to mention that those I tried to explain it to were not the least bit interested.

In the program it would have to state "bring a dish to share for entry", or some such wording.

I don't care if those that are actually eplayans choose not bring anything.

[graidawg]

i think just let them come, just dont put the goodies out till later, or not it is a gift economy after. I mean i woul have loved some ice cream or chambord. i grabbed a steak and got at least 2 cups of frothy newcy brown but what i was most harrassed about was not having enough time to chat to the people i was looking forward to meeting i didnt know where they where camped, so i couldnt come find them later.
next year i will try meet them first, then drag there sorry asses to the MnG. Or at least goathead and his homebrew that will go out back for playans only for sure!

[Bounce530]

What about S/O's that are not eplaya'ns? My g/f doesn't care for message boards, but she had a blast meeting so many people from the board that she's heard me talk about.

[Dr. Pyro]

There was Newcastle Ale on tap at the M&G? Where the hell was I?

[Elderberry]

What about S/O's that are not eplaya'ns? My g/f doesn't care for message boards, but she had a blast meeting so many people from the board that she's heard me talk about.

Not a problem. Friends of eplayans are always welcome. I thought at least my feelings were clear on that from the beginning. I even made name tags for eplayans I suspected were bringing s/o's or guests.

[Elderberry]

Exactly my point.

There was Newcastle Ale on tap at the M&G? Where the hell was I?

[Bounce530]

got it, Thanks JK!

[jella]

I love the current constructive nuturing vibe this thread has as of late And three cheers for the hard working Crew of BDC and all the Eplayans that worked so hard to make the MnG a success !

[FIGJAM]

I did'nt know it extended past 8pm.

My headlight went out and I had to get back to camp and rig something up for night driving.

By the time I finished that, I figured the M&G was over.

I sooooooo wanted more time to visit all the new faces and spend some time planing Gaidawgs expatriation!!!