2007-My first year.....need some input.

Jamm'in · Post by **Jamm'in** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 11:38 am

Im already counting down the days, tell my very first time I can set foot on the Playa. I would like to show up a couple days early, one to see how it looks before, and also to help any one that needs an extra hand.
If theirs some friendly burners out there that would like to tell their stories, Id like to hear all about them. Also, any info that would be helpful for me to know. All is appreciated........Im Pumped!!!!
Thnx

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 11:45 am

Welcome Jamm! Nice to see the enthusiasm.

I'm often the bearer of sad news, but here goes: arriving early isn't as easy as it once was. Gone are the days when you could show up and get in on the Saturday or Sunday before. Read the thread about it, and then you can start making contacts and perhaps find a theme camp which will require your assistance and get you on the early lists.

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... ht=arrival

MrMullen · Post by **MrMullen** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 3:37 pm

This thread started early this year but we will save you all time and energy getting pumped up.

There are four types groups of people that get into Burningman.
1) These are the super early early people. They tend to work for BMORG and get access to the location of the event the second it is handed over to BMORG from BLM, which is about 6 - 4 weeks before the event even opens. These people tend to be City Planners, folks who put up the trash fence, makers of HUGE art projects and such. Unless you work for BMORG or are a super serious volunteer you are not part of this group. These are the true workers of the event.
2) The next group are the early early people. Every registered village or large theme camp has a list of about 10 people that can get into the event at this time. In 2006, they could get in about Aug 14th or so, which was about 2 weeks before the event started. These tend to the backbone of any large camp or village and are some pretty dedicated people, IMHO. You must be one of the 10 people on your large camp or village and there are no exceptions to this list. You are on it or not.
3) The third group are the early people. They get to enter the event the Saturday and Sunday before the gates open. Getting on this list is easy if you are part of a registered camp or village. In fact, I think most of our 150 member camp was on this list. Don't be fooled though, you work if you are on this list and you don't party or wear a costume before the event starts.
4) Regular folks. You get access when the gates open, which is Monday at midnight. Just have a ticket and you are in!

Lassen Forge · Post by **Lassen Forge** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 7:46 am

Actually, the #1 list is even more restrictive than that. You have to be really high up in the org (like have an office at BMHQ in SF or Gerlach or be on the ranch or something) or be on set-up with DPW to be there that early. Artists are almost ALWAYS on the #3 (or if theyre lucky, the #2) list. Only know a couple artist people who were granted an earlier arrival than that, and it was for really extraordinary art *plus* working for the "man". Most of the early arrival workers are on the #2 list, and even *that* is getting to be an SOB to get on, as BRC-llc has to pay for them now.

The best way is to get in with a theme camp and get on their list. Or volunteer fr DPW and have the best time of yer life.

Last year was the first time I've seen them open the gates a few hours early (I think it was 4PM Sunday) , and that was because of the *huge* numbers of people in Empire and Gerlach really thrashing the towns - they had to get them out of town otherwise the midnite rush woulda been really bad. Unlike years before. I suspect eventually they'll have some sorta policy about that as well...

bb

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:09 pm

on the 4th of July their are small groups that go out to the playa to celebrate...its a good way to get some idea of what the Burning Man experience is gonna be like... minus the huge art installations and masses of peeple... or volunteer with the DPW in the spring... lots of work, but loads of fun

Jamm'in · Post by **Jamm'in** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 11:39 am

Hey thanks everyone. I kind of figured Id have to go through some steps in order to arrive early. The link probably helped the most ....... As far as more input.......what about your experiences?? I like hearing about the history and years past. with burning man.

Thanks again

diane o'thirst · Post by **diane o'thirst** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 3:09 pm

MrMullen wrote:Don't be fooled though, you work if you are on this list and you don't party or wear a costume before the event starts.

I was in the #3 group this past year and as I remember it, we were out cruising the city and flying the colours on Sunday night. Music camps were going, lights were up and away, etc. If you're doing a theme camp, it's practically the only time you do get time to do the town.

experienceclarity · Post by **experienceclarity** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:44 pm

New to the playa? Well where do you live? Maybe we can sit and further discuss the wonderful world of B.R.C. over a cup of tea. I live in Sacramento, CA. If you're not in the area. please email me: [email protected]

Stagger · Post by **Stagger** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 8:48 pm

There are the early early people...

And then there are the early early early people.....

I wanted to see what the playa looks like empty.

Trust me... it's worth a visit when you are the only one out there...

http://www.stagger.net/brc2006/photos/photo11.html

vic · Post by **vic** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:44 pm

For newbe's -
If you arrive on the first day of the festival, which will be Monday Aug 27 this year, you will be arriving early. Most of the theme camps will be only partially built, there will only be a few art pieces in place, and the population of Black Rock City will only be about 1/4 of it's eventual size. If you look around, there will be many opportunities to help others build their camps, install their art, and make yourself useful putting the event together. Coming in on any day before Friday, you will be able to watch the city grow and take shape. You do not need to be with a theme camp to have this experience.

MrMullen · Post by **MrMullen** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 2:14 pm

Stagger wrote:
http://www.stagger.net/brc2006/photos/photo11.html

http://www.stagger.net/brc2006/photos/photo34.html

Anyone got a story on the Bunker?

undeclared · Post by **undeclared** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 5:29 pm

it will be my first time going to bm as well, im really excited, a bunch of my friends have gone before and im going with a friend this year, we are getting there early to help set up the main cafe so i figure it will be a great way to meet people. as for my costume i was thinking since its nature i wanted to do a mix of modern technology and nature, sorta a cyborg/tree warrior get up, sounds exciting!!

Jamm'in · Post by **Jamm'in** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 7:03 pm

First off, I just wanted to say thanks for all the input and stories I have read. Its great hearing about the past burns, it only makes it more exciting for that special time of year.
And second,........Ever since I heard about the sales of tickets, Ive kicked up on the planning and preparing. I Know its way early, but I cant help it ~:)
Keep the posts coming, I also had another quick question, anyone know anything about camping arrangements? Like is it first come first serve, or certain areas, or do you find out when you buy a ticket?

Thanks Again!

Zulegoona · Post by **Zulegoona** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 7:53 pm

There are areas set aside for registered theme camps they will be designated on a map that will be posted and published later. There is a set aside walk in camping area, and the rest is first come first served.... or thatâ€™s how it is suppose to be,.. some times a friend of a friend will try to save a spot for late comers by setting up a lawn chair and taping off an area, itâ€™s bad form and can lead to conflict, but it happens.

domitron · Post by **domitron** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:50 pm

Jamm'in, I have attended the last three burns, and I am now getting involved in other aspects of Burning Man such as hopefully helping the Conexus this year with their surprise for next year. Let me tell you one thing: you ain't early thinking about Burning Man. There is no such thing as early because for many who are making things happen on the playa in terms of artwork, there is no end to Burning Man. Literally the day the event is over on any given year, people already begin to plan for next year.

Last year my small camp was about 11 people, but guess what the most popular topic in the car driving back from the event was? All the cool stuff we saw that year, of course! But guess the second most common topic? Burning Man 2007. That is because Burning Man is so cool that it can become something you think of all the time and really prepare for all year. Heck, I dream about being back on the playa at least once every month, and sometimes I'll have a string of several dreams in a single week! And that's not uncommon.

Burning Man is more than you can understand until you have actually experienced it, and even then, you'll never know the limits of what you will see. Every year something will blow you away! And if you are open to it, Burning Man may change your life... for the better. You are in for something that is really, really AWESOME! If you happen to be around the SF south bay, drop me a line and we can chat about it sometime! The adventure of a lifetime awaits you!

The CO · Post by **The CO** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:26 pm

Next years disease: A viral infection found commonly in natives of the playa. Symptoms include making statements like "Next year I'm gonna _____.", buying rope lights when they go on sale after christmas, stocking up on water, canned goods & camping supplies.

No known cure. Only treatment: Prepare for next year.

Jamm'in · Post by **Jamm'in** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:57 pm

hahaha, just reading that, pumped me up. Im bound for more dreams tonight.
Burning Man is one thing I dream and think about more and more, and I haven't even been there. Oh I know Im in for an adventure. I cant wait!!!. Domitron, how did you become a "member" of your camp.? Did you create it or....? Id love to help with any theme camps, being my first year, 07', and going with no one, Ill be a lost lil boy in the desert. :)

So many ideas, and too much time....... thanks again everyone

undeclared · Post by **undeclared** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 8:50 pm

im stuck with the constant dreams too jammin, my friends keep telling me stories of how grand this event is, im amazed at all the things created there and the atmosphere thats created for such a short 7 days, hopefully we'll meet up at bm and check things out, i wanna meet as many people down there as possible.

flipper · Post by **flipper** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:32 am

Ways to find a theme camp to join, if you wish to:

0. Talk to folks in this thread who offered to discuss.

1. Check the eplaya threads for 2006 camps (and when it starts up, the 2007 camps list). Several will actively seek participants.

2. Sign up for your regional e-mail list at http://regionals.burningman.com/ Go to events and meet people. In Chicago, that's how Entheon got alot of crew.

3. Surf the list of last year's theme camps (and when it starts up, the 2007 list) for ones that suit your interests and/or are based in your area. Go to their websites for more info or e-mail the contact. Many will return. http://www.burningman.com/themecamps/06 ... ill_a.html

4. Fill out the BM volunteer survey online to see if there is something that suits your talents and experience level. Several volunteer groups also have reserved theme camp sites available for volunteers (I worked at Media Mecca, and was able to camp at Camp Green Zone).

5. Once you've got an understanding of how it works, you could find like- minded friends to start your own theme camp and register by July 1. But this works best if some folks involved have been on the playa, and perhaps helped organize a theme camp before. (See http://www.burningman.com/themecamps/re ... guide.html and http://www.burningman.com/themecamps/th ... teria.html for details)

Keep in mind that theme camping is work - part of your playa time will probably be dedicated to making the camp work and providing its interactive gifts to the community. There are also costs for the common facilities and the interactive components, which will come from some combination of camp fees and/or pre-playa fundraiser events. But as someone so gung ho, I don't think that should discourage you, but doing number three on this list will give you a clearer picture.

Jamm'in · Post by **Jamm'in** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 1:46 pm

Greatly appreciated Flipper. That'll probably be my plan, start looking to join a camp, when the 07' List comes about,. Either way, I felt like I couldnt be a part of the BM experience without helping.....

And another special part Ive been hearing about is the people.... Sounds like just the people I want to be around. So everyone and anyone who reply, Id love to meet you at "home" We'll have to find a way to meet on the Playa.....Nice talking with everyone

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 3:07 pm

Well, there is always the Meet 'n Greet at the Barbie Death Camp and Wine Bistro. (It's still a bit early for much talk about that event, though.)

B.

Jamm'in · Post by **Jamm'in** » Mon May 21, 2007 5:17 pm

Another quick question regarding my shelter.

I was just wondering, what everyone out there would recommend for the strength of rope I should get to tie down my tent. Its a 20x-10x and I figured Id tie it to the rebar with two ropes off the corners and one from the middle. But what pound test rope should I use?
Mucho Gracias

MikeVDS · Post by **MikeVDS** » Mon May 21, 2007 9:56 pm

I don't know if that should be a concern at all to you. Unless you are going with some really small line, your rebar stake or your structure should fail before your line does. If you're going with really small line I don't understand why. You don't need much and it's cheap. 500 to 1000 lbs would probably destroy your other components and might hang just fine from a lot of lines.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Tue May 22, 2007 9:05 pm

I use orange bailing twine. It can be bought at nearly any agricultural supply place. There is nearly a never ending supply in one roll and it takes knots well for a synthetic line.
I try to build a flexible structure so that wind energy gets absorbed and dissapated by the structure. I tie the sides of the shade cloth down by using short pieces of rope between the shade cloth and stake. This seems to act as a shock absorber. When I put the gromett over the stake it usually rips the stake out of the ground or the gromett out of the shade cloth. A structure that sheds the wind will hold up way better than one that blocks wind. My 2 cents.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue May 22, 2007 10:09 pm

It might be a good idea to use line with bounce in it.

LeChatNoir · Post by **LeChatNoir** » Wed May 23, 2007 6:27 pm

We use the 3/8" dia. rope from Home Despot or similar. It's about $10 for a 100' bundle and comes in several bright colors. Its some sort of poly blend, but takes knots very well. Unties easily enough too. It sort of looks like climbing rope, but it's not.

I usually throw a couple of new bundles the pack each year. There's always an under-prepared neighbor that appreciates it.

2007-My first year.....need some input.

2007-My first year.....need some input.

4th of July..

Hey Jammin'

I guess I'm in Group # 0

Getting to Burning Man early

Re: I guess I'm in Group # 0

Counting Down