Fewer people getting tickets?
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 11:10 am
It's probably worth pointing this out, since you may see random grumbles both here on the board and elsewhere on social media.
Many (myself included) are noting that within their circles of friends, it seems like fewer people were able to get tickets in the main sale this year than in previous years. That's absolutely correct, and it's not because of some kind of conspiracy or because scalpers got 'em all, it's because of math. Damn you, math!
In a nutshell, the event has not really grown in size over the last few years. Burning Man is at capacity, and the Bureau of Land Management has not increased that cap. At the same time, every year more people hear about Burning Man and the number of people who want to go just keeps getting bigger. In the early days of the event, it was through word-of-mouth and the occasional article that got out into the wild, then eventually sites like flickr and youtube started to exist, and then came social media. More mainstream coverage followed (like being included in the Time Magazine book on Civilization's 100 most important sites), and with advances in smartphones and digital cameras as well as the event itself.... the pictures and the videos kept getting more awesome. Damn you, awesomeness!
In the last few months, Burning Man has even given a talk at the conference of mayors and set up an amazing exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution. I don't know about you, but when I first started participating I never imagined that the event would reach such widespread awareness or acceptance.
Think of it as being like a game of musical chairs, but instead of taking a chair away with every round, more people join the game. You get the idea.
Having said that bit, if you were not successful in your bid to get tickets so far, all hope is not lost. The Secure Ticket Exchange Program (also known as STEP) opens up soon (more info here), and there is also the after-market (find out more about ticket listings on ePlaya here). Historically, I personally have found that those who remain vigilant and determined to go are usually able to find the tickets that they need. I don't mean the people who join the site, make a drive-by ticket post and then never participate outside of the occasional checking back to bump their thread or complain about not getting responses... I mean the people who jump in and make that post, and then get to work planning and participating and figuring out the logistics of how the hell they're going to not just survive, but thrive. They also make an effort to connect with others in their area (many of the regional groups have their own newsletters, sites, FB groups, and ways to keep in touch throughout the year). Stack the deck in your favor, let other people see how awesome and determined you are.
Many (myself included) are noting that within their circles of friends, it seems like fewer people were able to get tickets in the main sale this year than in previous years. That's absolutely correct, and it's not because of some kind of conspiracy or because scalpers got 'em all, it's because of math. Damn you, math!
In a nutshell, the event has not really grown in size over the last few years. Burning Man is at capacity, and the Bureau of Land Management has not increased that cap. At the same time, every year more people hear about Burning Man and the number of people who want to go just keeps getting bigger. In the early days of the event, it was through word-of-mouth and the occasional article that got out into the wild, then eventually sites like flickr and youtube started to exist, and then came social media. More mainstream coverage followed (like being included in the Time Magazine book on Civilization's 100 most important sites), and with advances in smartphones and digital cameras as well as the event itself.... the pictures and the videos kept getting more awesome. Damn you, awesomeness!
In the last few months, Burning Man has even given a talk at the conference of mayors and set up an amazing exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution. I don't know about you, but when I first started participating I never imagined that the event would reach such widespread awareness or acceptance.
Think of it as being like a game of musical chairs, but instead of taking a chair away with every round, more people join the game. You get the idea.
Having said that bit, if you were not successful in your bid to get tickets so far, all hope is not lost. The Secure Ticket Exchange Program (also known as STEP) opens up soon (more info here), and there is also the after-market (find out more about ticket listings on ePlaya here). Historically, I personally have found that those who remain vigilant and determined to go are usually able to find the tickets that they need. I don't mean the people who join the site, make a drive-by ticket post and then never participate outside of the occasional checking back to bump their thread or complain about not getting responses... I mean the people who jump in and make that post, and then get to work planning and participating and figuring out the logistics of how the hell they're going to not just survive, but thrive. They also make an effort to connect with others in their area (many of the regional groups have their own newsletters, sites, FB groups, and ways to keep in touch throughout the year). Stack the deck in your favor, let other people see how awesome and determined you are.
