Noob from ND.

scionozion · Post by **scionozion** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:40 am

Hey just read the entire site, got a great outline, but I had a few questions.

What are some common rookie mistakes?

What are some common misconceptions about the event?

Lastly, how clear is the night sky?

Post by **Elderberry** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:44 am

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

JK

Based on your questions, I find it hard to believe you read the entire site.

scionozion · Post by **scionozion** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:49 am

Hey thanks! I'll probably be lurking around as I am now fascinated.

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:58 am

The night sky is amazing.

C187 · Post by **C187** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:48 am

AntiM wrote:The night sky is amazing.

On a clear night you only have to walk a few yards past the outermost road to see the milky-way.

Post by **Savannah** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:26 am

Rookie mistakes:

* Hovering over the potty, sticking wipes, tampons or 2-ply in there.
* Failure to tie down shade structure with properly rated rope or big enough stakes.
* Eating all carbs (like ramen) & no protein.
* Forgetting a canteen & snack when exploring. Short trips turn into epic journeys.
* Forgetting to pace oneself.
* Forgetting to use sunscreen. The worst sunburn I saw in my entire life was at Burning Man on a friend's ankles & shins. (The ears, the toes and the part in one's hair are also easy to forget.)
* Not cleaning feet at night.

Misconceptions:

* Everyone's naked, & it's necessary to be naked and on drugs to enjoy yourself there. Bull.
* "Everyone's a lazy hippie." People at the burn are largely hard-working & enterprising (the amount of work that goes into it is staggering) & often either highly skilled, talented or educated (or a combination).

Night sky:

I saw the Milky Way from the top of the Dragon Wagon at 7:50 & Guangzhou. You might not have to go to the outer areas if you are 15 or 20 feet up, since most of the city is 1-story.

. . . The first time I saw the Milky Way at Burning Man I actually didn't realize what I was looking at, for a moment. Then I was . . .

scionozion · Post by **scionozion** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:53 am

So I'll leave the portable planetarium at home then.

Thanks for the response Savannah! I read the FAQ and I've been perusing the forum but a few things seem slightly dated.

Any additional information is appreciated!

Post by **Savannah** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 12:08 pm

Forgot to say--The Burning Man 2011 Survival Guide will be available soon. If you haven't seen it, here's the previous year's Guide, which is not too dated at all:

http://www.burningman.com/preparation/event_survival/

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:44 pm

C187 wrote:
AntiM wrote:The night sky is amazing.
On a clear night you only have to walk a few yards past the outermost road to see the milky-way.

manOman are you so right about that... just thinking about it while listing to BMIR.........thanks

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:56 am

Savannah wrote:I saw the Milky Way from the top of the Dragon Wagon at 7:50 & Guangzhou.

I'm honored to know that you were atop the ol' Wagon! (BTW, you haven't seen the TV dish antenna that was up there, have you?...hee hee)

Post by **Savannah** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:01 pm

Yessir, I was. I was up there with Simon and Jindy and Charlie, seeing who could laugh harder. I'm lucky I didn't roll off. Jesus.

The view was great. Thanks.

existential_renewal · Post by **existential_renewal** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 5:56 pm

Hi Scionozion,

You're not far away from me. the night sky is amazing in the desert! you'll love it, but there's way too much to see without looking up.

Last year was my first, some of the stuff mentioned above definitely are newbie mistakes and misconceptions. I was struck by how smooth the event was, without any formal organization, yet at the same time how the best things just kind of happened, when you needed them to happen. I don't think reading everything ever written about the event could really prepare you for it. Just go, be prepared and you'll be fine.

jerroc · Post by **jerroc** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 6:13 pm

If you plan to have a camp fire be sure you understand the fire rules and the playa surface. Lock your bike and bring extra water if you don't need it someone else might.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 4:49 am

jerroc wrote:If you plan to have a camp fire be sure you understand the fire rules and the playa surface. Lock your bike and bring extra water if you don't need it someone else might.

Best not to plan on a camp fire, as you cannot build them directly on the ground, and if you decide to have a burn barrel pr propane pit, they must be attended at all times. That's no fun if you want to hop a passing mutant vehicle or go check out the shiny things or that explosion.....The reason flame effects are so strictly regulated in the city area is well, it is a tent city, and flames and tents, not such a good mix.

shroom · Post by **shroom** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 10:34 am

Hi noob. I was new last year, had an awesome time. The sky is great. I guess the only mistake I made was thinking I could see a fraction of the whole place. When I see other people's photos I keep saying, where was that?!

Enjoy every minute and everything you see.