The decline of BurningMan

[TheJudge]

Sorry I'm late replying to the original post.

Somebody wake me when someone says something new.

[the fire elf]

my perspective of the man involves:

yogic power of flight
fire manifestation
perfect samadhi

burning man is building momentum

[fotobliss]

..in reference to this discussion...I have actually never attended BM...but have wanted to...
...listening to one of the arguments or questions posed here...why do people seem to be less into the art and the such...I think that it is all about the present world we are living in...
...being a pseudo commercial artist...a black and white photographer...I have come to Florence , Italy for a bit more appreciation than my rich egocentrical clients(and I do appreciate their checks!!!)give me...
I write from Florence at this moment...I hate to tell you this but over the last 7 years...things have changed!
People here don't so much care that your an artist anymore...its actually not very interesting to most anymore.
What I can see across Europe is the quest for Dinero! Money rules the world now...
...so not be just solely depressing...how can we change this...must we creat tighter knit artists communities...I don't know...but hold your loved ones and friends close...we are in for a wild ride the next 20 years...bless you all...keep sending out your love...
Sebastian

[NEXUS]

The question may find answer in the fact that BM contines to grow in size and reputation through word of mouth and media hype. I believe its' increasing popularity is directly related to the changes and momentum swing you're seeing. What used to be a somewhat obscure and "in-the-know" event, has over the years become visible to the unwashed masses through media coverage which has focused on the spectacle and not the intent. This has encouraged attendance by many who desire only to witness the show without truly understanding nor embracing the spirit of BM. Well, the genie's out of the bottle, the focus has perhaps been tainted, but why run when you can fight. It's important that you veteran burners continue to make your presence felt in order to preserve what's been. What better way to swing the momentum back in the opposite direction than with stronger, not less, presence. And if nothing else, someone in a previous post perhaps said it best with the suggestion that those that remain exclusivle to spectating will be there, but their presence does not have to interfere with your ability to create.

[blyslv]

One year I did the Gender Blender Bar. To get a drink, you had to do something with gender. It was charming and in fact I met my future wife there. We are getting married on the playa. I think you're point is interesting but am not sure that I agree with it. I think there is a lot the "feminine" out there.

If you think of it, stop by Wheee!Ville, look for the Dreamtime Dew camp, make a mask with us (masculaine or feminie!) and then burn it when it gets dark.

And have fun, it's going to be a greeat burn!

[TemporaryMan]

After reading a goodly portion of this thread, I get the feeling that, like most things in life, the more experiential and open (read popular) something like this gets, the more it irks those who originally stumbled on the beginnings. It speaks of exclusivity. I don't understand why this happens, but it is everywhere. The Old timers want it to be just like the "Good Old Days". People by their very nature resist change, which is fine if you reside in the Default World. But this is BurningMan...Art....Open minds, Open world. Nobody can expect BM to stay the same year after year. If it is comfortable and familiar then it is not vital anymore and maybe the people who need that are like a tail of a comet. Once a part of something significant but now left in the dust.

But what do I know. This is only my second burn. Firstly, I am bringing down a large art installation. Secondly I am planning to spend a good amount of time on my stilts in costume. Thirdly I will be performing musically with my partner in our acoustic duo and I plan to volunteer with both the Artery and Center Camp Cafe. I am 48 and I am financing all this myself. I did not meet one frat boy asshole last year and had the time of my life. The act of participation is not missed by me or any of my friends. Dont tell me the spirit is not alive anymore, please, I love this shit.

[the fire elf]

you can embrace it and it will grow...

thank you for embracing...

[the fire elf]

thank you

[TheJudge]

Everything changes. Nothing stays the same.

And when you have 35,000 people showing up in the same place at the same time, each of those people contribute in some small way to the shape and feel of the gathering. The entire experience is dictated by the masses.

There are many that go to the event and dont "get it." But they go and they tell their friends what they think the event is about, which in turn propegates its inevitable evolution (or perhaps dillution) from its original state.

If you look at it, Burning Man is a perfect living example of the Buddhist philosophy of impermanence. This event that we all go to, if you take a step back and realize is simply a microcosm of the mundane world. Each Perhaps in realizing this, we can do something to shape the way that the evolution progresses, both on the playa and off.

Either way, try to embrace the mutation. It will never be what it once was. This is neither good nor bad. It simply IS. As soon as you become conscious of this, you can begin to shape and change the world around you to what you want it to be. At least in some small way.

Dont spend too much time worrying about what the event has become. Instead focus your energies into makeing it the event that you want it to be.



Sorry. I start to get a little philosophical around 3 am.