Suggestions for getting a better view?

BettyWegland · Post by **BettyWegland** » Mon Aug 23, 2004 9:27 pm

Can anyone help me with suggestions on getting a better view of the action before the man is burned.

In recent years I get to the burn very early, sit quietly and wait right at the edge of the circle. By the time it's 40 minutes to the burn I'm 12 rows back and can't see any of the pre-burn action. I'm small and can't seem to keep my place and I can't see over all the other people who have somehow managed to get to the front. I know most everyone gets very excited and wants to be at the front. I understand that. Many don't intend to squeeze in front. But I've seen many who have every intention of getting to the front even though they arrived much later than the rest of us who were polite enough to just let them force their way ahead of us.

My question is this: Could I drag a step ladder out to the burn and then stand on the ladder if I am a few rows back? Or would I be toppled over? Or would it be impolite to take something to stand on? I would love to be able to see, but I don't want to block the view for others and I don't want to go home with a broken neck either. Ha ha.

Does anyone have other suggestions? I have seen photos of all the talented people who put so much work and effort into their art and performance leading up to the man burning -- I would really like to see it live and experience a little of that this year if at all possible. Thank you for your help.

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:59 pm

Could I drag a step ladder out to the burn and then stand on the ladder if I am a few rows back? Or would I be toppled over? Or would it be impolite to take something to stand on?

Short answer: NO. If you bring something to stand on you run the risk of getting knocked over or having many insults hurled at you. Another option to consider is standing way back. Half way between Cente Camp and the Man affords a hell of a view assuming you don't feel the need to be as close to the action as possible. Unfortunately, this probably would leave the fire spinning stuff obstructed but personally I find that part of the event the most spectator-like and have had some issues with it for several years now. But that's just me.

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 8:15 am

Badger is positively correct. No matter where you stand or sit up front, or even if you bring something to climb on (bad idea indeed), there will always be someone pushier, taller, or with a bigger moblie structure to get in front of you.

I'm short and slow, and have done much better being waaay back. Sure I can't see the fire spinning close up, but hey, I get that need filled at our regional. Now I am a dedicated outskirts gal, more room to move and cavort.

Last year we were so far back we were just outside the medical tent ... not entirely by choice, but the end result was pretty cool. The deserted Center Circle is simply eerie.

Go with the flow, that's about the best you can do. And leave the step-ladder far, far behind.

Double D · Post by **Double D** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:27 pm

Yes, leave the ladder behind. Find yourself a man with strong shoulders and climb aboard.

Double D · Post by **Double D** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:32 pm

Yes, leave the ladder behind. Find yourself a man with strong shoulders and climb aboard.

shitmouse · Post by **shitmouse** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:24 pm

we like to hang back some.

-b

Sensei · Post by **Sensei** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 6:13 pm

Badger wrote:... personally I find that part of the event the most spectator-like and have had some issues with it for several years now. But that's just me.

Oh, no it isn't. 'Course I'm not gonna say anything in public because I don't want to be stoned to death, but that's the longest 30 minutes of the week for me.

ness · Post by **ness** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 6:30 pm

stay back about a 100 yards or so and then when the fire works start just walk to the man till you get the best look see.

precipitate · Post by **precipitate** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 10:46 pm

Or just find one of the many art cars coopting prime real estate, smile
pretty, and climb on top.

Me, I listened to the burn from camp last year. The booms were nice.

hazy · Post by **hazy** » Wed Aug 25, 2004 1:43 am

Two suggestions....

1) pick a less popular angle of view - the crowd and art cars are thick along the center camp side of the Man, but in past years I've found it was pretty easy to be right on the circle over near the 10 o'clock side.

2) learn to spin fire and contact the Fire Enclave about performing pre burn.

BettyWegland · Post by **BettyWegland** » Wed Aug 25, 2004 6:42 am

Oh how I wish I could spin fire! But I'm afraid that's not in the card deck I'm playing with -- I must have lost a few cards along the way.

I guess I can stay far away - which I have done in the past since Burning Man has grown so much - it's just that I feel like I'm back in high school and nobody is asking me to dance so I move even farther back behind the potted ferns and watch the others.

And I know it's selfish to want something for me. But I admit I DO want to be a spectator this year because the pre-burn "show" is spectacular. And I don't think you can't call it much other than a show. That is simply one of the Burning Man contradictions. I don't need to see the fireworks or even the man after he is set on fire. Everything leading up to the burn is what I would like to see. For the past few years I only hear the oohs and aays of the crowd surrounding me as something wonderful must be happening.

Isn't there some way for an extremely non-aggressive person to hold his or her tiny spot at the front of the circle considering he or she were waiting there for many hours?
What if I were to make something like big platform shoes or short stilts. Would I still be knocked over?

patii · Post by **patii** » Wed Aug 25, 2004 8:35 am

we haven't had a problem keeping our front row view and maybe this will work for you... get there early, like you do. find yourself a friendly, helpful ranger at the parameter and sit near his (or her) position this way he (or she) will most likely politely help you maintain your spot. good luck!

Lydia Love · Post by **Lydia Love** » Wed Aug 25, 2004 9:43 am

also... bring a bottle of something tasty and a handful of nice gifts of some sort...

and bribe the fuck out of the nearest group of big burly guys and ask them to help you out.

LEVLHED · Post by **LEVLHED** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 11:20 am

BettyWegland wrote: Isn't there some way for an extremely non-aggressive person to hold his or her tiny spot at the front of the circle...

you could try setting yourself on fire or covering yourself in poop...no body would go near you then!

I'm joking of course...good luck.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 12:46 pm

Brought a ladder in 02. I was back by the art cars. I invited people to leave there bike at the bottom of the ladder. Lucky I did this. While standing on top of the ladder and filming the wind shift. It was raining chunck of fire. The croud serged toword me. The bikes save my ass. The fire rain just bounced off. But I do believe I wet me pants.

snake · Post by **snake** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 10:59 pm

they usually get front row seats. and when the man starts flaming really hot, it's nice to be able to duck behind their wheelchair.

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redstar · Post by **redstar** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 11:28 pm

You don't need to spin fire - you can always offer your services as a fire safety - they get right up close to all the fire action too

Suggestions for getting a better view?

Suggestions for getting a better view?

Better View

Re: Better View

find a disabled or handicapped person

front row seat