Internet on the Playa

[Chai Guy]

How does communication work against community?

It dosen't, communication is great for community, especially when the person you are communicating with is say, standing right in front of you in real time and sharing the same experience, vs. being 5,000 miles away.

It is almost impossible to believe that no one has set up satellite internet at burning man. They probably just keep to themselves.

Someone already has:
http://roam.igargoyle.com/trailer/

Even if someone brings a satellite based data communication system to the playa, it doesn't degrade the camaraderie, bonding, fellowship and intimacy people bring, share and find there.

If by Satellite communication you mean voice communication tell that to the person standing next to the guy yelling into his Satellite phone while watching the temple burn - "Yeah, man, it's fucking awesome! What? I can't hear you? Oh shit this thing is really on fire, What? Really? That's cool. Dude, you should come out here next year, oh man, so many naked chicks, unfuckingbeliveable!....."

If you are strictly speaking about internet connectivity then I fail to see how a person sitting in front of a computer typing is adding to the bonding, fellowshiping or intimacy of anyone around them.

That said, I'm not about to start getting all gestapo about internet connectivity on the playa. It's there, and I choose not to use it, and it's a pretty easy thing to ignore. I have to pick my battles and I find it much more interesting to rant against stupid art cars and commerce inside the cafe.

[stuart]

If you are strictly speaking about internet connectivity then I fail to see how a person sitting in front of a computer typing is adding to the bonding, fellowshiping or intimacy of anyone around them.

I get your gripe with people yammering into their cell phones. It can be obtrusive. I take issue with folks doing that in most situations. I do feel a person sending home requested photos of that days progress on their installation to their wife and dear friends is adding to the fellowship, bonding and intimacy of their personal community. It's called keeping in touch and does not interfere with anyone elses good time.

I love the chai thing that you do, but as a caffeine and center camp avoider it doesn't do a damn thing for MY sense of community. Still, keep on truckin'. We are responsible for our own orgasms.

[Guest]

If you are strictly speaking about internet connectivity then I fail to see how a person sitting in front of a computer typing is adding to the bonding, fellowshiping or intimacy of anyone around them.

I get your gripe with people yammering into their cell phones. It can be obtrusive. I take issue with folks doing that in most situations. I do feel a person sending home requested photos of that days progress on their installation to their wife and dear friends is adding to the fellowship, bonding and intimacy of their personal community. It's called keeping in touch and does not interfere with anyone else's good time.

Yeah, it's a moderation thing. Sleeping doesn't add anything to the people around you either. But sometimes you have to do it. Sleeping on the steps to the Man would probably qualify as obnoxious in most people's book, and I think if I saw someone sitting on the steps reading/writing on a laptop, it would strike me as being blatantly non-participatory.

[Chai Guy]

Yeah, it's a moderation thing. Sleeping doesn't add anything to the people around you either.

I dunno, there are a few people in my camp that add a great deal to my experience when they are sleeping.

[Clint Kaster]

The thing that intrigues me most is that he's worried about his wife being unable to function ("something I could easily talk her through").....if you show the bad taste to marry someone who's that freakin' helpless, perhaps the desert isn't the right environment for your "vacation". As a matter of fact, I'm not sure that vacation is really the right word to have anywhere near this event -- everyone I know works harder before, during and after the Burn than they do the rest of the year.

I do love that there's very little mercy on this board -- some poor sap from NYC who promises not to hit on your girl wants to hook up for some daytime shade and gets sent out for polka-dot paint; the guy who doesn't want to "leave the little woman at home alone" pops his head up and WHAM! like one of those kids games. Y'all are the best.

[Bob]

How does communication work against community? Even if someone brings a satellite based data communication system to the playa, it doesn't degrade the camaraderie, bonding, fellowship and intimacy people bring, share and find there.

It is almost impossible to believe that no one has set up satellite internet at burning man. They probably just keep to themselves. Making it a public utility is another issue though. I think banning it is silly and control freakish, but making it an expectation is problematic too. If some folks want to set up a wireless LAN in their camp, that's not pollution, it's community. People working together for a mutual vision.

Besides, wireless technology in the desert is mostly the Military's domain. To find a way to use it for a creative purpose...well that's what people come to burning man for.

You're new here, aren't you?

Got cites re: the quantity of "wireless technology" in the "desert" -- "Millitary" v "Useless Hippie"?

[creevamp13]

I guess I should have read through all the topics before posting my question. I am not concerned with home emergencies...but I am a mother of three and I want to say good night to my kids. And honestly if its impossible, I just can't go. The tourment is...for my own inner peace I think I really need this trip.
Cyndi-

[Badger]

Net connection is sketchy. There are some folks (Oregon Country fair) that do have wireless but not sure how available they'd make it to you and every other person wanting to say good night to the kiddies. At best it's a limited resource. Probably a good diea to assume it's not going to be available to you - or anyone else - at any time and for any reason.

[Last Real Burner]

If it truely is a deal breaker , Cyn. Rent the cellphone, it's probably your best bet. And it keeps the call on you're time.


possibly,
mr smith

[bearsnest]

Sounds to me like you are wrapped up in the worry blanket that most Americans have. What if the sky should fall ECT... One thing is for sure. If something is going to happen to someone in your family, it will happen whether you are there or not.

There is nothing you can do to change the coarse of events that will take place in your absence. If you are going to be worried about this or that, the whole time you are at BM, then you have two choices.

Either get over it or don’t go.

I could find a million things to worry about but when I make my journey to BM in 04, I will leave all that crap at the ticket booth. If you can’t let it go and be free from your stressful life for one week of your life, you are trapped and might consider a change of lifestyle.

My dad died when I was in Germany and by the time I got home he was buried. This was beyond my control and accepting that most things in life are, will be your freedom Bear

[Bob]

Don't worry, there're pay phones everywhere.

And fresh Pain au Chocolat.

And diaper service.

[nick]

BUT, if you really want to stay in touch, just rent a satellite phone! When I went backpacking in the Arctic and our bush plane couldn't find us, it was worth it's weight in gold:

http://www.gmpcs-us.com/index.htm

That said, I am already looking forward to my digital Sabbath in the desert sans wifi, without cellphone, and totally disconnected!

-n