Too much info for a BM virgin?

oFZo · Post by **oFZo** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:44 am

Hello again,

I´m a BM virgin who has been invited by a friend to go this year.
(A dream coming true by the way)
When she found out I´m reading a lot of threads here she said she was afraid that knowing too much about what goes on at BM might ruin my experience at BM.
I disagree because I don't think the tales of other people's experiences are going to affect my own, I don't even think one can truly convey that experience in any way whatsoever anyway.
How do you people view this?

Love,
oFZo

blyslv · Post by **blyslv** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:53 am

Trust your instincts.

I honestly forget how much I "knew" before I come out to the playa for the first time. I read the BM website through and through.

I think it important that you feel comfortable camping in what can be a pretty harsh climate.

It is also important to remember that people posting here are statistically insignificant compared to the entire burningman universe.

Now where's my fucking gift?

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:18 am

One common theme I've noticed in people who didn't like going to BM is that many of them went in with the expectation of finding one thing and nothing else. Like they thought it was a big drug filled orgy, or a huge rave, or some hippy love fest, or some self reliance survivalist thing, or whatever. They went and found it was a small part of what goes on.

So read whatever you like, particularly when it comes to what to bring, how to take care of your physical and mental health, etc. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking you've figured out what it's all about. Go with an open mind and see what happens rather than looking only for what you expect.

ThePikey · Post by **ThePikey** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:17 pm

Definitely cruise around here for survival-type tips, and playa comfort. Not having good shade or food you can readilly prepare can be a serious blow to your enjoyment of the whole spectacle.

As far as art and costumes and performances... you can look at stuff all you want beforehand, it won't matter. You will not truly understand what it is all like until you actually get there.

Cabanasprings · Post by **Cabanasprings** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 5:07 pm

blyslv wrote:Trust your instincts.

I honestly forget how much I "knew" before I come out to the playa for the first time. I read the BM website through and through.

I think it important that you feel comfortable camping in what can be a pretty harsh climate.

It is also important to remember that people posting here are statistically insignificant compared to the entire burningman universe.

Now where's my fucking gift?

You bitch. How dare you call me insignificant.

Nothing you read or research will come close to comparing to the actual experience you will have on Playa. And - it will change every year so just when you think you may have figured it out - well don't try.

Just remember - only single ply tp in the jots and lock your fucking bike.

SED · Post by **SED** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 5:30 pm

And by the way, a jots (jonny on the spot) is a portable toilet. These can be relied upon to provide a consistently negative experience, even under ideal conditions.

Otherwise, BM is the ultimate wildcard vacation. Many, if not most participants aren't even aware that eplaya exists.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 5:38 pm

SED, Have you decided to come home this year????

SED · Post by **SED** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:30 pm

I'm still on the fence. My impulse is to branch out toward new territory, but I have nothing in mind at this point. Are you in?

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:59 pm

Yep My Wife and I are going. Me, I'll hit the Playa early Saturday to help set up the Big Round Cubeatron. Then Cindy shows up Tuesday Night. I hear the Bar Camp has room...... !

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:00 pm

Make yourself happy with your research. Too much information isn't going to hurt you, unless you allow it to do so via expectations or such. If you're the type that likes to research an upcoming event/decision then indulge yourself. In fact, by doing so you just might be starting a bit of the burn early. ;)

Best and if you are indeed in Amsterdam you have my envy. Best damn city I've ever visited....

Ron

uncle sticky · Post by **uncle sticky** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:07 am

I've been two years now, and I have no idea what to expect. It is what it is, and it is something completely else. This year, I don't know what will happen, but I do know, it won't be what I thought it was going to be.

Zhust · Post by **Zhust** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:13 am

oFZo wrote:How do you people view this?

Definitely do research to know what the physical environment is like and what you're expected to do prior to arriving.

If you are able to do so, prepare yourself to let go -- to not worry about things -- once you arrive. For instance, if you find out there's some event that you want to see, or a particular artwork, or to meet face-to-face with someone you met online, don't get disheartened if it doesn't happen.

I really hate phrasing things in the negative "don't" like that: my point is more about preparing yourself to liberate your worry and disappointment when your plans don't work out. It's likely you'll find other things that interest you more once you're there.

oFZo · Post by **oFZo** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:16 am

Thank you everybody!

Ron wrote: if you are indeed in Amsterdam you have my envy. Best damn city I've ever visited....

Ron

I am indeed

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:31 am

No matter how much you read about BM you will still be shocked and surprised by stuff you see once you get there.
No matter how much you prepare, you will still find that you shoulda brought something that you left at home.

Relax and enjoy.

Lorgasm · Post by **Lorgasm** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:13 am

I say embrace your new friends. Reading the message board is great. My first burn was in 2002. I did not have the luxury of the board and only went with what my friend was telling me.

This year I am bringing my new friend (a virgin). And he couldn't be more excited. I turned him onto the board. He has made sooooo many friends on the board that I know he will have a good time. I feel safe in knowing that he will be taken care of no matter what. He's getting into the vibe of self reliance and sharing. He is absorbing the positive energy and it shows in his actions. I have reminded him to leave the expectations far away and to just relax. Take it in. Participate, create.

Peace and Playa Dreams,
Lorgazm

Burp! · Post by **Burp!** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:56 am

The first year I attended, I knew really nothing about BM accept that you were supposed to contribute somehow with a theme camp and Art. So did just that, thought up a theme camp and painted a flag. "But do you have a flag?"

Now a days there's all this information, which is neither good or bad, I think. All you need to do is make sure you got what you need to be comfortable for as long as you are staying. Water, shelter and food. You will surely forget something or think of something to make it better the next time. That's the fun of it. It will be more than you could have imagined, so no amount of reading is going to paint an exact picture. Just get there and next year do it right.

T.

thejohnstamos · Post by **thejohnstamos** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:12 pm

I'M making a flag...

:lol:

Too much info for a BM virgin?

Too much info for a BM virgin?

info is helpful, but only on an emotional level

Re: Too much info for a BM virgin?