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DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 2:07 am

Wheeeerrrrrrreeeesssss themom?

Zephryus · Post by **Zephryus** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 4:02 am

Hey Mayfield, I have a question for you.
Like you, I'm in the position of wanting to work for the DPW for my first burn. I'd really love to get on the crew in July. I'm a trained electrician and I have some construction experience. I sent in the volunteer application a week ago, but I haven't heard a peep form anyone apart from a couple of form emails. How did you manage to get on the crew? Do you know when the crew gets formed, or who I should send large, unmarked bribes to? I really want to move to Nevada for the summer.
Thanks,
Zephryus

III · Post by **III** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:22 am

>>I haven't heard a peep form anyone

as far as i know, they're still trying to fill the dpw volunteer coordinator position. even so, things move slowly - expecting result in under a week is not too realistic.

the being willing to go out in july is good thing, they fill up earlier and earlier each year.

warning - dpw is not burning man. the mental spaces required for the two are fairly incompatible, and is part of why dpw has a reputation as a bunch of assholes. i've seen a number of first timers end up totally hating everything about burning man when they did dpw their first year. not sure there's a cure, except the usual expectation management, and taking a good week vacation from work right before the festival (which is when things are most hectic, and you're least likely to get time off)

Zephryus · Post by **Zephryus** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 9:33 am

Thanks for the heads up, III. I've been on work crews in the past and I'm familiar with the kind of environment that comes from a crew working its ass off under a steady deadline. I honestly enjoy that kind of work, just so long as there's a basic sense of respect and professionalism among the crew - i.e. as long as they aren't actually assholes.
The website paints the DPW as being composed of hardworking, professional, and generally goodnaturedly gruff salt-of-the-earth folks. Now, assuming standard marketing-reality deviation, I'm guessing they left out adjectives like stubborn, hard-drinkin', pirate-mouthed, insular, obtuse, and more than a little crazy. These are all qualities that I know, love, and work with. As long as that basic sense of respect and professionalism is there, I'm cool.
However, the fact is I don't really know how the DPW operates. Anyone care to enlighten me?

electrolux · Post by **electrolux** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 9:52 am

From my very limited experience with DPW and the work ranch you seem to have an accurate idea of what things are like already (especially the hard drinkin' part). I know if that had been my first contact with burning man I would have been pretty shocked and surprised, since there ain't no peace and love hippy shit out there.
Good luck, it sounds like you'll do well out there... but watch out for the scorpions.

III · Post by **III** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:00 am

that's not too far off the mark. at least, it wasn't. there have been noises of making it kinder and gentler, along with a recent organizational shake up at the very top (which may end up being reversed, from a recent rumot i heard).

the hard work in the tough environment thing is a lot of fun, and i loved it as well, but it's very difficult to switch gears from that to dealing with a bunch of people in foofy outfits sipping from pristine camelbacks screaming "woo hoo i'm home" when you realize that they've relly brought more of their baggage with them from whatever they're escaping from than they've left behind.

btw - the electrical skills are good, but just general worksite skills are what's usu8lly needed. you never know exactly what you'll be doing, so being able to properly swing a hammer, dig a straight ditch, or load a truck will get you a lot further than any specialized knnowledge.

aside from the webform, you may try looking for volunteer email addresses to send "heyihaven'theard" emails to.

precipitate · Post by **precipitate** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:42 pm

> aside from the webform, you may try looking for volunteer email
> addresses to send "heyihaven'theard" emails to.

Mayfield's in charge of volunteer wrangling now.

precipitate · Post by **precipitate** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:43 pm

Er, at least the responding to questionnaires submitted on the web site bit.

Damn, I hate no edit.

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:37 am

Zephryus wrote:who I should send large, unmarked bribes to?

That would be me. Just place in a large paper bag by the mailbox on 5th and Main in Los angelse, and mark on the side "Keep your friggin hands off This is for the last real burner", oh, and don't forget to put a paper clip on it to keep the unsavory from looking into it, and I will make sure you are promptly be put on the front of the list. Keep this under your hat and don't tell a soul, this will be our little secret. Can you imagine if this info leaked out, I would be unindated with little bags with my name on them {shudder}.

mr smith

Zephryus · Post by **Zephryus** » Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:04 am

Don't worry, you'll be able to tell which one is mine. Just listen for the ticking.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:18 am

Wheeeerrrrrrreeeesssss themom?

Moved

ok ok.....

scratch...scratch....scratch...