The Container from NYC to The Playa

[o_man]

Please read this email carefully. It contains most of the pertinent
info you'll need if you're interested in shipping things on The
Container, formerly known as the Art Ark, this year.

Step 1: Go to www.thesticknyc.org and follow the links to The
Container page.

Step 2: Figure out how much space you think you'll need

Step 3: Sign up

We'll be in touch.


FAQ:

1. Is this the Art Ark?
Yes and no. The Art Ark was the container project run by Ladymerv
and SEAL. She's no longer doing it, so the good folks at TheStickNYC
have stepped up to handle it this year.

2. How much is the container going to cost.
We're still working on that, but we're expecting that it won't be
more than last year, which was $3.50 per cu/ft. In fact, we're
trying to make it cheaper than last year.

3. When will The Container be loading in?
The 14th and 15th of August. We'll be packing The Container in the
reverse order that you'll be arriving on The Playa, so it's VERY
important that you know when you'll be arriving in order to avoid
having your stuff buried and inaccessible, or worse making someone
elses stuff inaccessible. More on this later.

4. Where will The Container load-in?
We're looking at a lot in Bushwick that is easy to get to, is locked
and off the street. When we confirm we'll let you know.

5. Is it true you will you have pick-up and delivery service?
Yes. This year we're introducing a few new services, the big one
being pick-up and delivery. When you sign-up, simply say yes to
either of the options and we'll be in touch.

6. COOL! Pick-up and delivery? That means I don't have to rent a
truck or car to bring my stuff down. But wait, how much is this
going to cost?
That's still yet to be decided. We're hoping only a few dollars per
box, but we're still hashing out the details. We'll let you know as
the date gets closer.

7. Are there any packing regulations this year?
Yes. Due to new regulations put in place by the Federal Gov't, any
container shipments that don't pass certain tests will be opened and
forced to be repacked. Consequently, we need to seriously enforce
the packing regulations or risk not getting our stuff to The Playa.

8. What do these packing regulations mean for me?
What it means is that ALL boxes must be packed and sealed well. No
overstuffed bike boxes that bulge, no poorly taped Uhaul boxes, no
cracked plastic containers ... etc. We will, unfortunately be
enforcing the packing rules very strictly. We feel that the price is
cheap enough that you can afford to pack one more box rather than
overstuff 4 of 'em. It's not something we want to do, rather it's
something we have to do. Please don't make us enforce this rule.

9. Will you be selling boxes?
We will most likely have boxes on-site for boxes that we deem must be
repacked. There will be a charge for these boxes

10. Can I use my Rubbermaid containers from last year?
Yes, just be aware that they must be fully packed. If you leave too
much room on the top, they won't hold the weight above them and
they'll break and collapse.

11. Is there anything I can't ship on The Container?
Yes. Lots of stuff and there will be a list on the website as we
come up with it, but it won't be inclusive by a long shot. These
containers will get VERY hot during their cross country trek.
Consequently, anything that can be damaged by extreme heat should not
be shipped on The Container. Batteries, non-canned or dry food,
compressed gas, explosives ... etc. We'll try and come up with a
more exhaustive list. Either way, use your best judgment. Also,
anything you must, must, must have on The Playa should not be
shipped. Shit happens and we won't be responsible if The Container
doesn't make it, or is late. Once it leaves NYC, it's out of our
hands. We've been assured by the trucking company that they won't be
late, but Murphy's Law always applies.

12 Does that mean that I may not get the stuff I ship?
That would be terrible, but it is a possibility, however unlikely.
We've made it clear to the shippers the nature of the shipment and
that it can be an issue of someone's survival if the container is
late. We've gotten, in turn, all kinds of assurances, but we still
wish that Murphy guy hadn't made up that Law...

13. How do I calculate Cubic Feet. Is that length times height?
Cubic feet is length times height times width - L * W * H. On the
site is a small calculator that does a conversion from inches to
cu/ft. We'll be rounding up to the nearest cu/ft and you should too.

14. If I buy too much space can I get a refund?
Most likely no. We'll give you all the tools you need to help
determine how much space you'll need - it's up to you to figure it
out. Just know, that we're using your calculations to figure out how
much space WE need and what to charge, so if you're off by 100 cu/ft,
we're kinda screwed. We'll be looking at the amounts people need and
talking to those we think bought too much to make sure they know what
they're getting. It might be beneficial for people to band together
and buy chunks of space rather than buy it individually.

15. Can I buy space the day of?
That's an unknown question at the moment. If we have extra space,
then yes. If not, no. We'll try our best to accommodate everybody,
but you'll get no sympathy for being a slacker.

16. How can I pay for The Container?
We'll be setting up a paypal link in the next few weeks and sending
out an email to everybody that signs up. That will be the only way
to pay, so if you don't have a paypal account, you'll need to get one
or give cash to a friend who has one.

17. I was an eager beaver and found your page a week ago and signed
up. Do you still have my information?
No. During the course of development any and all info that was in
the Database was deleted. If you signed up prior to this email,
you'll need to do so again.

18. I used the Art Ark last year. Do you still have my information?
No. The Art Ark was done by a different group of people last year
and we don't have that information.

19. If I use The Container this year, will I have to sign up again
next year?
Of course. But if we do The Container next year (and we're hoping we
will), then we'll have all your information and all you'll have to
tell us is the number and size of your boxes.

20. I found a bug on your website or The Container sign-up page. Do
you want to know? Who do I tell?
We absolutely want to know. If you find a bug ANYWHERE on the site,
please send an email to [email protected]


21. Do you guys need help? Who do I talk to?
Yes, we will need help. Especially in the days leading up to load-in
and on load-out. If you'd like to help, email [email protected]


22. I've got a large project that I'm showing at Burningman. Do you
have grants?
No. This project is being done with money out of our pockets and for
the first time. Consequently, there isn't any excess cash. This is
something we'll definitely look to do in the future.

23. I'm shipping a lot of stuff and don't have the money to ship it.
Can I pay you when we get back?
No. Sorry, but this project is being paid for out of our pocket.
Due to the difficulties of collecting money and the bad blood it
generates, we won't be extending credit this year. Maybe next year
when we have a surplus of cash.

24. Why is the container so much money?
It's not. It will be the same or less than it's been in the past.
Rest assured, we're working as hard as we can to keep costs low.
Anyone who finds a lower-cost option should let us know.

25. I live in Philadelphia, Boston, Florida, New Hampshire ... etc
(anywhere but NYC), can I ship stuff on The Container?
Absolutely. This isn't a project just for the NYC people. If you
can get your boxes to us on the day of load-in, and pick your stuff
up the day of load-out, you're more than welcome to ship on The
Container.

26. Are the finances for this project going to be transparent?
Yes. Like all TheStickNYC.org projects, our finances are
transparent. We'll have a page up on the site that shows our
expenses and profits.

27. Wow. Doing my calculations The Container is going to make a nice
profit. What is going to happen with the profits from The Container?
We're hoping we'll make a profit this year - that isn't guaranteed.
If we do, we'll find some way to give back to the community, whether
via other events, subsidy for next year's container or in the form of
grants. We're still considering options. Rest assured, you'll know
what we do with the money 'cause we'll tell you and it'll be on our
site.

28. Who is TheStickNYC.org?
We're a group of veteran Burners that saw the need for a art based
group here in NYC. Check out our website. It's still in the process
of being upgraded, but we'll be posting lots of information about us
and the events we do over the next couple of weeks.

29. Are you guys affiliated with Burningman?
In an official capacity, no. We've all been to The Playa on multiple
occasions and some of us are Rangers, but no, we don't work for The
Man.

30. I've got a great idea for The Container or other NYC based
projects. Who do I contact?
If it's for the Container, send an email to [email protected].
Otherwise, go to www.thesticknyc.org and click on the contact page.

31. I want to ship stuff on The Container one-way. Can I do this?
Sure, but you need to buy a roundtrip 'ticket' for your stuff. Since
we don't know how much we're shipping out there until the last
minute, and there ALWAYS seems to be more stuff on the return trip,
we can't afford, or guarantee you space unless you pay for it round
trip.

32. I sent an email to Zeke, Splinter, The Mayor, Satan, Niki, Abby,
Oscar, SEAL ... etc, but didn't get a response. What do I do?
If you want your question about The Container answered, you MUST send
an email to the appropriate address. Any emails sent to any address
but [email protected]
regarding The Container won't be answered.

33. You don't have an answer for my question on the FAQ. What do I
do if I have a question that's not answered here?
We're sure there are a gazillion questions that aren't answered here.
In that case, email [email protected].


34. Will there be another way for me to contact you guys? A forum,
mailing list ... etc?
Yes. We'd like to setup a temporary mailing list for anyone that is
shipping on The Container and signs up on our website. Additionally,
we'll be sending out occasional emails to all the nearby Burningman
Regional Lists - NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, NJ. We'll try really
hard to answer any questions posted to these lists, but there is no
guarantee that we are monitoring them at the moment. If you have
questions that must have answers, read questions #32 and #33 and send
an email to [email protected].