Announcing: The BORG2 . . . and the bet . . .

[jimmason]

(a nice letter from Chicken John)


A quick recap on the Burning Man drama of late. . . (more woo woo for your hoo ha)

Before we realized we were actually arguing whether it's an art or a community festival but after we were disgusted by all the bureaucratic woo-woo and around the same time that everyone was fucking done and going to Mexico to surf but slightly to the left of hitting the nail on the head with our new motto "It's the art, stupid." we found that spelling counts, grammar is a delicate flower, people don't like to get yelled at, and when you tip a sacred cow it's 20% of the bill plus $4 a day per person. You can't say the artists going on strike isn't funny. OK, you can, but just this once.

The ideas contained in the petition are valid. They have weight, width, texture, and temperature. They aren't simply guesses or best attempts. These are real bona fide ideas. They graduated, with honors. We feel they are adult ideas, fully matured ideas and the people who signed the petition (and everyone else who is so inclined) are ready to implement them and make them work. I am behind them 100%. So will everyone else in about 5 minutes.

Now Larry, we realize you haven't been ‘down’ with these ideas, but I can understand that. You're the head honcho and who are we to tell you how to run the show. But I, as a showman, recognize a show in need when I see a show in need, and this show is clearly in need of some new woo woo for its hoo ha. So I couldn't help myself and we've had a little fun poking you and suggesting how we might better run the show by running it all together. You see, this is one of the main points we have ALL agreed on here, that this is not just your show alone. That we ALL make this show together every year, so it only seems reasonable that everyone should have a little say in how the show is run. It's really quite simple what we have asked for. Just a little say in the running of the show. Just a little pinch.

I am stepping to the side now, as I have other things to do, but on my departure, I would like to suggest that we finish off this little family tiff not with more discussion and debate, but rather with an experiment- a test of the ideas in the rough crucible of reality. Let's put these ideas down on the road and see if they take us where we want to go.

I humbly propose we test drive these ideas through a somewhat unique "event within the event". The idea is that you do everything that you normally do and we do our own thing as we want to. And you simply let us do it. We want to experiment with the MASSIVELY COLLABORATIVE and RADICALLY DEMOCRATIC methods laid out in the We Have a Dream Petition. You run your event the way you like, and the people run their event the way they like- bearing the burden (and having the fun) of making this new system from scratch, tweaking it and redoing it, failing and then trying again until it works. If you let them do it, I'm sure you can convince them to deliver a full report to your desk at 9:00 Monday morning, the 12th of September, 2005.

I've talked to a bunch of people about this and they want to do it. We have come up with a name for this experiment and inspiration (we have to admit we stole this one directly from you) and we are going to call it the "BORG2". There is even a website now, which you can see at www.borg2.org.

The people interested in this experiment are proposing a rather innovative solution to Burning Man and its typical discontents. Instead of just splitting off and walking away in disgust (like so many have done before) they are proposing to SPLIT IN, or rather ENGULF INWARDS. The idea is to hold "an event within your event”. A sort of small scale experimental art world for lack of a better way to describe it. And we will run our little experiment using the plan laid out in the We Have a Dream Petition: democratic voting, guest curators, free art-making, and all that. All will be welcome to participate, vote, build, camp, eat, fuck, and kill with us. . . . Especially invited are those disillusioned with the “other” BMorg. Like back in the beginning, we are just going to fucking do it. You are going to see thousands of people arriving at the gates of Burning Man demanding to pay their fair share so they can give their art away. Boom. But these people will not have the benefit of your expert curatorial methods, the delicate placement skills of your competent staff, or the burden of the theme to consider. They will be part of a new populist experiment.

I think the people are onto something here and I have every confidence that the reality will far exceed the concepts and initial ideas we put forth.

In fact, I feel so strongly about this that I would like to propose a small bet, Mr. Harvey. When Gentleman see no other way to settle a difference, a wager is what is in order.

I bet you that the people of the petition can make a system of MASSIVELY COLLABORATIVE RADICAL DEMOCRACY, with guest curators and voting and all that, and in the process inspire a volume and quality of creative work that you will envy and wish you were responsible for yourself. In fact, I find these ideas so strong, so self-evidently true, so INVINCIBLE TO STUPIDITY, that no one alive could mess up an experiment based on these ideas. The ideas are THAT strong.

I am so confident in these ideas, that I Chicken John (idiot) challenge you, Larry Harvey (leader of humanity) to a contest of curatorial methods. A bet of art facilitation and inspiration if you will.

In short, I CHALLENGE YOU TO AN ART DUEL.

I bet you that these ideas will work and the 1000+ petitioners will be successful in their designs. And when they are, I only ask that you CONSIDER changing the current Burning Man art system to better reflect the ideas and methods they used to achieve their success.

If I am wrong and the petitioners are unsuccessful, I hereby commit to sit in a dunk booth at next years Burning Man Decompression Party and let everyone soak my ass, all day long. And yes, I will sit there all day long- throw, after throw, after throw.

Larry Harvey, I bet you my COMPLETE and UTTER HUMILIATION against your mild consideration; that is how confident I am that these ideas will work.


The details:

The petitioners are going to need a couple things to make this a fair fight and I hope you will be a good sport about it. They are going to need their own dedicated area to site the BORG2 artworks. Be nice to them and give 'em some good real estate, OK? There is gonna be a lot of them and they are also going to need somewhere to camp. They will likely need a big chunk of one arm of the city, just for them. Can you do that?

They are also going to need some money. But they aren't asking for your money. No, they would like to raise and distribute their own money for those projects of adequate ambition that they are simply not possible to do without some form of financial help. The goal of the BORG2 is to raise $250,000, basically matching your art budget from 2004, and dole out the money through Guest Curators and Voting as laid out in the petition.

That’s right. A quarter million dollars. Or I go in the dunk tank. They raise Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars and turn it into great art or I’m all wet.

To raise this money they are going to need a minor convenience from you.. They would like ticket buyers to know of this extra art fund and give them the opportunity to donate a 10% premium on top of their regular ticket purchase, with the money going directly to the BORG2 Art Fund. This donated money will be fully dispersed to artists to make art. Now you probably can't make this a part of your formal ticketing process, but you could include it on the web pages that give information about buying tickets, as well as announce it in the JRS when you discuss ticket sales. After all, the BORG2 will be raising money for the BORG1 event. You kinda want them to succeed, but you also kinda want to them to fail so you win the bet. Not really sure how you are going to keep all this straight in your head, but you're a smart guy and I'm sure you'll figure it out. And remember, in the end, you get the first throw.

Finally, I should add, they want to be left alone so they can do their thing, either succeeding or falling on their faces by their own wiles and ways. Do you think you can just leave them alone and just let them do their thing, the way they want? They would really like that. They will obey all safety regulations and all that stuff, but they don’t want to talk to anyone who drives a golf cart.

I think that’s about it. Sounds like fun to me.

So Mr. Harvey, do we have a bet? I’m betting my sweet bippy that the people can put more woo woo in your hoo ha or I’m going in the tank. And I mean it.

I anxiously and enthusiastically await your response to my respectful and artful wager with reckless abandon…


Chicken John,
Defender of Justice

[Dr Feltersnatch]

Well done.

I also find the irony of "Chicken John" challenging Larry Harvey to a "duel" so amuzing I about peed on myself.

You'll have an additional 10% of my ticket, that's for damn sure.

This my friends is action.

Nice quick work on the webpage too I might add.

[Badger]

I also find the irony of "Chicken John" challenging Larry Harvey to a "duel" so amuzing I about peed on myself.

You'd think he'd learn given that Jim Mason still owes him something from the art duel from a few years back.

[MoisturePup]

Sounds interesting.

What if you could buy a secondary ticket for entrance into the BORG2 compound, and some sort of permanent art jewlery that would be wearable (like a braclet) for at least a week to show for proof of BORG2 ticket purchase?

[Chicken John]

I feel like I'm getting set up, but......

Why in the world would we want to do that?

[Badger]

I feel like I'm getting set up, but......

Why in the world would we want to do that?

Because at $7 for a Maker's and Coke you need your ass kicked and so do I for paying it.

[jimmason]

badger, we desperately need you to head up the fire safey and MAN interface services of the BORG2. you are clearly the man to do it. so what is your price?

come on ray, come over to the good side. the good side starts at: http://borg2.tribe.net/.

hit "join tribe" and we'll pour you a nice cup of cool Kool-aid. we think you'll find our Kool-aid to be refreshing, maybe even a bit tinghly, and certainly a pleasant alternative to the Kool-aid on offer elsewhere . . .

j

[Badger]

<in my best Luke Skywalker voice>

"You are NOT my father!!!"

[Cardinal]

badger, we desperately need you to head up the fire safey and MAN interface services of the BORG2. you are clearly the man to do it. so what is your price?

come on ray, come over to the good side. the good side starts at: http://borg2.tribe.net/.

hit "join tribe" and we'll pour you a nice cup of cool Kool-aid. we think you'll find our Kool-aid to be refreshing, maybe even a bit tinghly, and certainly a pleasant alternative to the Kool-aid on offer elsewhere . . .

j

Instead of trying to "bribe" or offer incentives for people to work for you how about spending the money on the $250K fund raising effort? If you meet that goal without tapping Larry or the ORG's funds to do it, getting volunteers to come onboard will be easy.

[jimmason]

cardinal . . . comedy . . .


j

[spectabillis]

... Instead of just splitting off and walking away in disgust (like so many have done before) they are proposing to SPLIT IN, or rather ENGULF INWARDS. The idea is to hold "an event within your event”. A sort of small scale experimental art world for lack of a better way to describe it...

Another grouping within the larger bman group is a good idea, but I do not perceive it as 'radical' as you present. Perhaps that is due to the nature of being early in its conception and form to function will develop itself to give a more clear indication.

In any case, it is my most humble appreciation that you decided to keep this within the larger event context, and far less antagonistic as I had first thought.

I look foreward to your efforts with this and hope you continue to keep yourself open to other groups and individuals who have valuable resources to contribute. At this point, my apprehension lies in what you choose to define as 'art'.

[sparkletarte]

I must say I'm really impressed with how this has gone from 'demands on BMORG' to the BORG2 project and 'we're doing it ourselves'. Way to go you! I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of this- it sounds great.

[Rian Jackson]

I must say I'm really impressed with how this has gone from 'demands on BMORG' to the BORG2 project and 'we're doing it ourselves'. Way to go you! I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of this- it sounds great.

I'd have to agree. I have some concerns about safety and liability (already addressed by other posters) but it's a big shift from 'whine and moan' to 'take action'.

This, i can have some respect for...

[Chicken John]

Well Rian, I for one am glad you respect me now. I will remind you that I still don't spell very well and I am fully aware that you will turn on me in exactly one second. I am watching everything you post, everywhere. I cut and pasted and spell check. You will show weakness one day, and I will be right there to take you down.

I''m alwasys watching...

[Sensei]

Good luck, Chicken John! I've been watching her like a hawk for months and she never makes a slip... But the day she does, MAN - I'm gonna be RIGHT THERE! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

[jbelson]

This is a much better presentation.
But I think that no matter how hard you try, men in golf carts will always want to talk to you.
Why is it beyond the org. to organize art fundraisers for independant artists who do not receive grants. Kinda like the participating artists split the proceeds with an understanding that the money goes towards playa projects? It seems like it would help promote radical expression, open others up to the community, and give a chance for people to meet artists (however good or bad that might be) and learn more about the process.
$.02 deposited.

[dragonfly Jafe]

I too think this is an interesting experiment, and pledge at least 10% of the price of all the tickets I buy towards this fund.

However, I foresee some difficulties. The BMorg is legally responsible for this event, including this proposed "BMorg2 Zone" (unless the BMorg2 gets their own event permit, which I think unlikely). So at the very least someone from the BMorg will have to "approve" each and every art piece in the "BMorg2 Zone". This "approval" possibly could be deligated (with oversight), but otherwise I don't see how the "BMorg2 Zone" art would not have to go through the existing BMorg Art process (unless the "BMorg2 Zone" was entirely within ones camp space and involved no dangerous stuff like fire).

It seems more likely that the "BMorg2 Zone" art would first have to get approved by the BMorg, then apply to BMorg2 for money and placement (having requested during the application process for BMorg2 placement). However, this would leave little time for the BMorg2 to do their stuff...or maybe the reverse, where the BMorg2 tenatively approves art (and funding) but then does an application (maybe 1 huge one) to the BMorg for their approval.

Most likely of all seems to be using the BMorg art process, with the BMorg2 art that gets approved either being placed together or being identified as BMorg2 art.

Easiest is to have a camp be the "BMorg2 Zone", with all art within those boundries (though "dangerous art" still would have to apply to BMorg for approval)

[spectabillis]

So at the very least someone from the BMorg will have to "approve" each and every art piece in the "BMorg2 Zone". This "approval" possibly could be deligated (with oversight)...

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but I think I read that this was being addressed, or in the process of being addressed. Someone either previously involved with bmorg, or knows the process and acts as the interface?

I wonder if they had any voulenteers... it would help if the ideal candidate had soft-handed diplomatic skills, or a really big stick.

[spectabillis]

Because at $7 for a Maker's and Coke you need your ass kicked and so do I for paying it.

...sounds like my Vegas hotel room.

Note to self: Lock the mini-bar when the hookers get to the room.

[technopatra]

Why is it beyond the org. to organize art fundraisers for independant artists who do not receive grants.

Have you any idea what you are asking here? We simply haven't the time or resources to do this. This is a non-trivial task.

In the spirit of radical inclusion, I invite you to come:
-organize and train a volunteer group in the ways of fundraising
-define your requirements for participation and your criteria for eligibility
-set up a bank account for that money you'll be raking in
- file the necessary business licenses, taxes, etc.

Then you can:
- organize your artists for an event,
-find a venue, pay for it
-get your vols to come for setup & cleanup & service
-publicize the event
-arrange for the bar and possibly some snacks
get the sound system or PA and the sound techs to transport and run it
-unless the venue is already super-fab you'll probably need to get a crew on decor and possiby some lighting

Also, if you are going after the wealthy and the corporate to get this money:
- print up the materials you need to appeal to the donor community
-acquire the gifts they expect in return (schwag, art)
-spend much time giving them the love they need for their donations)
-spend more money on nicer drinks and definitely provide hors d'oevres

I figure you can do this with a crew of 15-20 people, if they have the right skills, and get it organized within 3 months if you are working full-time at it.

I am not trying to be antagonistic. But what you ask requires a lot of bodies, time, and cash up front. I applaud Jim& Chicken for taking on the task of additional fundraising , as I applaud all the themecamps and artists who already do this for themselves.

[Rian Jackson]

Good luck, Chicken John! I've been watching her like a hawk for months and she never makes a slip... But the day she does, MAN - I'm gonna be RIGHT THERE! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

no darlin', i'm replete with typos. you forget though, that i know all the right people. or at least i can pretend to.

besides, knowing you, oh chivalry yourself, it would be 'to offer you a hand up from the ground'

mwah!

oh and chickie (why does this remind me of my childhood stuffed duck-chicken, chickieduck?) well then, chickieduck - were you really following all of my posts, even when i'm having a verbose day, i would suggest that you're even more in need of a life than i!

smooooooooooooooch

[Rian Jackson]

I''m alwasys watching...

private chortle

[dragonfly Jafe]

So at the very least someone from the BMorg will have to "approve" each and every art piece in the "BMorg2 Zone". This "approval" possibly could be deligated (with oversight)...

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but I think I read that this was being addressed, or in the process of being addressed.

Yes, but I am predicting that there will be problems that are very difficult to resolve (assuming that the goal is to be "truly independant from the BMorg". The BMorg will have to be involved, even if from a distance.

[spectabillis]

Yes, but I am predicting that there will be problems that are very difficult to resolve.

Which problems?

[dragonfly Jafe]

Yes, but I am predicting that there will be problems that are very difficult to resolve.

Which problems?

Let's say I didn't think that you were providing the right kind of furnishings in your house. So I raise money and agree to provide FREE FURNISHINGS for your house, but only on the condition that you have no say in what they are (other than being U.L. approved for safety reasons) and are not allowed to do anything to them, move them, cover them, etc.

Would you have any reservations about such a deal? Especially if you have kids about? And the neighbors/boss/in-laws/press would see it?

That's what I am talking about.

Of course, I'm hoping I'm wrong and it works like a charm!

[dragonfly Jafe]

Another thought; in a way, just such an "Autonomous Art Zone" was tried in 2004 at BurningMan (and in my opinion it was a huge success!). I know of MANY people who made special trips just to see it, and everyone saw it at least twice during their experience this year...And it was filled with "art".
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I am, of course, refering to the 2004 DMV Impound Lot!

Anything was allowed inside, there was no prior screening, and it didn't cost the BMorg hardly anything. And it was a hoot to go visit each day to see the new "art".

[spectabillis]

Let's say I didn't think that you were providing the right kind of furnishings in your house. So I raise money and agree to provide FREE FURNISHINGS for your house, but only on the condition that you have no say in what they are (other than being U.L. approved for safety reasons) and are not allowed to do anything to them, move them, cover them, etc.

Would you have any reservations about such a deal? Especially if you have kids about? And the neighbors/boss/in-laws/press would see it?

That's what I am talking about.

I am not trying to start an argument, but still not clear to what you are saying.

Are you referring to a problem of them defining what they think is art? How you enforce that? And what to do with others if they do not conform to that definition?

[Bob A]

Ok I'm a little confused now. You want to raise your own money and fund your own art! That’s great! So do it. Call your theme camp borg2 or make it a village. Unlike what all the propaganda says the org is not going to stop you from putting art on the playa. If you pay for it through your own funding they are not going to stop you. They are not going to tell you it has to be themed art they are not going to place it all on the back fence line. They are going to let you put it pretty much where you want on the open playa as long as it does not interfere or bother other art. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't set up a whole zone for your art if asked.

What they won't do is give you a piece of their event. They will check the safety of the art if needed, they will run the fire safety for the art and they will check your cleanup plan. Like they do for any other art. They won't decide what is and what is not art they don't do that now. If they are not funding something the only things they control is safety fire and cleanup.

So what you are really talking about and that can be reasonably done now is: starting a village, raising shit loads of money, giving the money away as you see fit, and asking the org to group all the art you funded together on the playa. This is all great more power to you this would be a great addition to the event and is the way the whole thing should have been brought up in the first place instead of the "I want, I demand" of the first petition.

But if your goal is really to better the art, don't ruin it by making demands that the org cant' agree to like, we don't want any org supervision, that is just not going to happen. Don't set up a separate zone of the city that will start the "us and them mentality," that would destroy what you say you want to save.

If I understand the main goals of the original petition, you wanted more money for art and no need to follow theme at all to get money. The other points were related or just org bashing. Your current plan using village, a slight variation on current art placement will accomplish those goals and you will have done it all yourselves and within the community. I think it is brilliant if you stay realistic. The org may even be willing to plug your give an additional l0% thing, heck I’d probably give 10% if I thought it was going to be fair to the artists, but only time will tell that.

Bob A

[natthebat]

Bob A. I think you worry too much. It's the friction that makes you cum.

It will be worth seeing. It will be more than a theme camp.

Natalie

[Bob A]

Bob A. I think you worry too much. It's the friction that makes you cum.

It will be worth seeing. It will be more than a theme camp.

Natalie

Well I can see you read my post in detail! The only thing you got out of it, I assume, with that dumb comment was the "don't setup a separate zone". But god only knows if that was it.

If you were reading and comprehending I was saying I think it is a great idea to bring in a 3rd part burner funded art-funding group. And A village is larger than a theme camp by the way. As far as I know it can be as large as it needs to be. The Art would be on the open playa, which is pretty much endless.

What I was trying to say was. If you really want to help the art you have a great idea and I'll even give money to it if it goes forward, but don't ruin your chances of the org agreeing by asking for things you know the org will have to say no to.

Bob A