So I just got confirmed as a greeter..

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:14 am

..and I'm tripping. In a good way. So excited.

Someone that's been there/done that or has close experience with it wanna give a few tips?

This should be interesting..

Lord Of Ruin · Post by **Lord Of Ruin** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:48 am

junglesmacks wrote:..and I'm tripping. In a good way. So excited.

Someone that's been there/done that or has close experience with it wanna give a few tips?

This should be interesting..

Ummm...hug that shit out?

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:01 am

Looks like it's time to dust off the ass-less chaps..

Post by **Elderberry** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:02 am

Congratulations. Where did you take your training/orientation?

JK

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:04 am

jkisha wrote:Congratulations. Where did you take your training/orientation?

JK

Haven't yet, just got my confirmation and welcome letter of being on the team. I'll have to take it on playa beforehand since I'm 2000 miles away from SFO at the moment. Crossing my fingers for EA to help construct the stations..

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:58 am

junglesmacks wrote:Looks like it's time to dust off the ass-less chaps..

All chaps are by definition "ass-less". You're thinking of pants.

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:23 am

AntiM wrote:
junglesmacks wrote:Looks like it's time to dust off the ass-less chaps..
All chaps are by definition "ass-less". You're thinking of pants.

Symantics. I think I was more envisioning pants-less chaps..

Totally kidding. I'm shirtcocking it this year. Come on now, give daddy a hug!

completely joking on all counts

graidawg · Post by **graidawg** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:27 am

junglesmacks wrote:
AntiM wrote:
junglesmacks wrote:Looks like it's time to dust off the ass-less chaps..
All chaps are by definition "ass-less". You're thinking of pants.
Symantics. I think I was more envisioning pants-less chaps..

Totally kidding. I'm shirtcocking it this year. Come on now, give daddy a hug!

damn i though you where a gal !

that looks like a gals ass in the pic

completely joking on all counts

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:41 am

That's not me in the avatar, that would be what happened when daddy got home from the playa last year. I'd been away a little too long..

MyDearFriend · Post by **MyDearFriend** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:43 am

graidawg wrote:
junglesmacks wrote:
AntiM wrote: All chaps are by definition "ass-less". You're thinking of pants.
Symantics. I think I was more envisioning pants-less chaps..

Totally kidding. I'm shirtcocking it this year. Come on now, give daddy a hug!

damn i though you where a gal !

that looks like a gals ass in the pic

completely joking on all counts

Wow well gender and clothing make no difference to me, I would most def trade a DDD hug for a genuine junglesmack

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:17 pm

Greeting is a blast! I plan on doing it every year, it's sooo much fun.

Kinetik V · Post by **Kinetik V** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:11 pm

junglesmacks wrote:..and I'm tripping. In a good way. So excited.

Someone that's been there/done that or has close experience with it wanna give a few tips?

This should be interesting..

1: Dust masks. Good ones. Don't skimp...you'll thank me later, trust me.
2: Extra water. Beyond what you think you'll need. And chapstick too!
3: Expect ANYTHING! And I do mean ANYTHING.
4: Make sure you know where any "handouts" of printed materials are kept because you always seem to run out.
5: Night shift? Light yourself up. Also having a small flashlight with me was a godsend as I had to show people on the map where to find this camp or that street, etc.
Beyond that just go out there and have fun...and trust me you will. You'll also get a few assholes...people already wasted, spracked, etc. But they are rare, mostly you'll get good people who are tired from the trip, and your energy can give them a second wind. They realize they've finally made it!
6: Be friendly but focused...keep the lines moving.
7: Don't let the virgins get away without ringing the bell. Every virgin I've taken when they recall their experience mentions the bell (and the spankings they used to give out).
8: Last but not least...actually the most important thing of all. Have fun! Even the most jaded veteran who hates the welcome home spiel will still appreciate a good smile.

Hope this helps...volunteering as a Greeter is one of the best things I ever did at Burning Man. I loved it...absolutely loved it!

Major Krash · Post by **Major Krash** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 7:53 am

...probably best if you do not work opening shift (first 4 hours from Sunday midnight until 4am Monday)...that can get...chaotic.

The training is pretty simple, varies a little each year depending on what is being emphasized. You are there to fulfill a requirement by the BLM that the Event do certain mandatory things for everyone entering, but also the last thing everyone encounters before they enter the city. Be positive, helpful, but also sensitive that many of these folks have been driving for 10+ hours/in line and may not be in the mood for BS...while others want the Birgin experience (just be sure to keep the line moving - there are regions off to the side for cars to pull off if they want to get the "full experience" without slowing the line down).

Be prepared for 4 hours in a dust storm...although if things get really bad they tend to shut Gate down...

and Thank You for volunteering!

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:23 am

They do provide water there for Greeters, but as always it's best to be prepared with your own in case it runs out.

It IS a blast but it's work. As others have said, you need to be sensitive to each car's needs; whether they don't want the spiel, need directions, want the whole kabang (hugs and all).

You need to focus focus focus on keeping lines moving and keeping everyone safe. Some people like to leap out of their cars with exuberance; you need to make sure they aren't being stupid (or drunk..or both).

Someone got run over last year by their buddies because they were running around in the lanes of traffic parked in front of Greeters gate and people weren't being aware. It's best that you be sober and always aware of what's going on so you can help this to not occur!

I believe opening night is staffed by Greeters' Camp generally. I wasn't camped with their camp but went down anyway to help out and enjoy the Prom party. Much fun was to be had.

Rice · Post by **Rice** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:47 am

They may provide water. Or, they may be out of water. - Plan for the worst and assume the best. Your experience is unique to you, so only you will truly know what you need.

Assume you need to be completely self-reliant for your entire shift plus two (yes 2) extra hours. Have water, snacks, meds, warm clothes, sun screen, flash light, etc.

You may have to interact with law enforcement as well. That has never been a problem for me. Most LE, be they Sheriffs or Park Rangers are decent people who want to be there. If you treat them with respect as they will respond in kind. (Flame away on that thought, again - MY experience)

Last of all: Have fun

Love,
Rice

Post by **Savannah** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:52 pm

Greeters was super fun, junglesmacks! You're gonna love it. Lots of good advice here already. I will simply say that I cannot emphasize how little shade there is. There's an outbuilding there, but I admit I never even set foot in there while on shift. If you've got a day shift, you will get roasted, so make sure your hat, clothes and sunscreen are adequate to your preferred level of sun exposure. (I always opt for a parasol + sunscreen).

I still remember how funny and warm the Greeters were my first year. I was actually really scared, and had no idea what to expect from the event, and the Greeters were the first people who made me feel like "Ohhhh, these are my people! I think it's going to be all right."

I didn't want spanks or dust angels, and it would have been negative to be pressured into it, so as the others have stated, being sensitive is really helpful. (As it happens, I did a pushup to kiss the playa.) I aim the physical silliness at people with mischief in their eyes, or those who look ritual-friendly . . . or virgins traveling with veterans. The veterans frequently want to do the hazing.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:04 pm

Is this anything like being confirmed as a Catholic?

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:39 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:Is this anything like being confirmed as a Catholic?

...possibly, but less molestation? Or more? Hmm....

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:42 pm

Ha Savannah! See, I didn't even think to mention the sun protection stuff as all I've worked is night shifts!!

I'm a heat/sun wimp, so if I'm going to work it's dang well gonna be at night.

I always work the 12am-4am shift and it's wonderful. I dress in layers with the top layer my furry coat and it's perfect.

For daytime hours, yes, I'm betting the sun would be brutal.

Post by **Savannah** » Sat Feb 26, 2011 9:00 pm

I have done an 8am-Noon shift two years running! Last year I sunscreened my face, chest & arms, but got fishnet patterns tanned onto my legs.

I admit that I just wanted to see if it worked.

knowmad · Post by **knowmad** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 11:42 am

junglesmacks wrote:
theCryptofishist wrote:Is this anything like being confirmed as a Catholic?
...possibly, but less molestation? Or more? Hmm....

Perhaps a fun costume would be Ass-Less Priest Vestments?

wait, wouldn't that just be vestments?

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 6:20 pm

If you say nothing else, talk about baby wipes
written on the Greeter white board a few years ago - still pertinent.

Don't make shit up about the porta-potties.
It's about baby-wipes and flushable wipes.
Period.

Thanks for joining up. I've worked many years with Greeters. You'll have a blast.

RobbiDobbs
Chief Poopervisor of the Pottie Project
Dept of Excremental Correctness
DPW Volunteer Coordinator, Special Projects (Porta-potties)

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:47 pm

congrats! i have to admit i want the full virgin greeter experience, well, not the spankings, but the dust angels, the bell etc etc.

Post by **Savannah** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 12:17 am

I hope to think you would have been very pleased with the Stag Camp greeters, Robbidobbs. We could not shut up about "if it didn't come from your body, don't put it in the potty", as well as the why's of 1-Ply, re: clogged potties & how they endanger the event. If 1 in 5 newbies listened, but visited the potties 4 or 5 times a day for 7 days, I think it's possible a difference was made.

. . . I just noticed you go by "Poopervisor".

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 11:51 am

Savannah wrote:I hope to think you would have been very pleased with the Stag Camp greeters, Robbidobbs. We could not shut up about "if it didn't come from your body, don't put it in the potty", as well as the why's of 1-Ply, re: clogged potties & how they endanger the event. If 1 in 5 newbies listened, but visited the potties 4 or 5 times a day for 7 days, I think it's possible a difference was made.

. . . I just noticed you go by "Poopervisor".

That's wonderful - thank you. Motsky might have clued me in, but I'd forgotten. I get kind of frazzled and distracted during the week, and miss stuff.
I'm confident you did make a difference, either the noobs that actually listened or the other greeters got more enthusiastic about this message. The Greeters are at the forefront of the Pottie Project - you have a tremendous responsibility and influence.

JotS had reported to me at the end of the event that we did better than the previous year going back to 2001, a major breakthrough. Go ahead and pat yourself as being part of this turning point. It is maniacs like YOU that keep the whole system from exploding.

Thank you.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 2:39 pm

tamarakay wrote:congrats! i have to admit i want the full virgin greeter experience, well, not the spankings, but the dust angels, the bell etc etc.

Oh no you don't. Skip that spanking at the Greeters station, and if you make it to the eplaya MnG we'll make up for it, in spades

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:37 am

*note to self* avoid sail-man at meet and greet

or bring lots of vodka for the bribing

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 11:17 am

(sung) Never hit tamarakay with a shovel, it make a bad impression on her behind.

Mojojita · Post by **Mojojita** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 11:56 am

Welcome to Greeters Junglesmacks! There is no better job on the playa. There is a lot of good advice here already from some kick ass greeters, especially that advice which suggests you come prepared for dust, heat, cold at night, and to party with all your new best friends. You will always have at least one Lead greeter available to help with any problems. If you have any specific questions, feel free to pm me.

There is a greeter's training manual available online - just google "greeters"!

Shade and benches are available at the station and it is important to take breaks every now and then. It is easy to exhaust yourself because it is so much fun to greet people. Come by Jungle Camp and meet us for a drink - we are a camp filled with Greeters.

Turnip · Post by **Turnip** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 12:35 pm

Don't blow dust into my car with a fire extinguisher.
Doing that will get you shanked.

I read about that happening before at the greeters gate and still frown (grimace, glare, snarl) about it.

So I just got confirmed as a greeter..

So I just got confirmed as a greeter..

Re: So I just got confirmed as a greeter..

Re: So I just got confirmed as a greeter..