Bringing newbies into the fold... an idea.

atossab · Post by **atossab** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 11:36 pm

would be nice to start the tradition that virgins are "lucky" even if they don't identify themselves overtly. Maybe just a notice in the WWW and maybe the Gazette and the radio stations might be enough.

I think that is very sweet. "hear yea, hear yea, there are virgins amongst us!"

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 11:40 pm

okay, so here is what would be needed to pull it off:

1. volunteers for the virgin roundup
2. clothing and crap for decoration and a place to do it.
3. a band to acompany the virgin art march
4. a place to do the art and a shipload of supplies
5. a place to display the finished art with a special place for "best of show"
6. donations of refreshements/water accepted. Its hot out there.

Details:

What to do with leftover costumage. (donate to playa boutique?).
What to do with art. (use only burn-safe material?).
What to do with leftover art supplies.

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 11:56 pm

maybe we could get richard branson as an anonymous sponsor

Rob the Wop · Post by **Rob the Wop** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:18 am

geekster wrote: Details:

What to do with leftover costumage. (donate to playa boutique?).
What to do with art. (use only burn-safe material?).
What to do with leftover art supplies.

Leftover costumage- I'd bet that after the experience, you would have a tough time getting the costumage back from the virgin. Let'em keep it. Leftovers could come back with whoever brought it- or donated to a local Goodwill.

Art- See if the groups want to come back and burn their own creations. Kind of a mini-burn on Friday night to 'officially' end the ritual.

Leftover art supplies- Bring them back or donate them to another camp. I'll bet you'd have folks lined up for extra art supplies- hell I would. You can never have enough of that stuff.

Rob the Wop · Post by **Rob the Wop** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:27 am

Ohh- idea.

Go to a Wacky Willies (or what ever left-over industrial parts place around) and build some goofy looking trophies. Paste a sticker with a 'playa' cowboy lassoing a bunch of ordinarily dressed people. Make a First, Second, and Third place trophies and maybe kitschy prizes.

Then whoever 'rounds' up, the most virgins- gets prizes and trophies. You would then have the spirit of competitiveness and the desire to be a silver-tongued devil to get the most virgins to participate.

Plus the get bragging rights.
"Yup, in 2005 I managed to wrangle 32 virgins."

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:44 am

Damn, you are GOOOOOOD!

If someone wants to work on that, cool. I think I am going to have my hands full getting costumage and art supplies together. I don't want to bite off so much that I end up having a crappy time myself. Besides, I am not really talented in that area.

I like the idea of a Friday night art burn to celebrate their final night of "Virginity". After all, there are no Virgins in BRC after Man-fall.

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:52 am

Rob the Wop wrote:
Leftover costumage- I'd bet that after the experience, you would have a tough time getting the costumage back from the virgin. Let'em keep it. Leftovers could come back with whoever brought it- or donated to a local Goodwill.

Art- See if the groups want to come back and burn their own creations. Kind of a mini-burn on Friday night to 'officially' end the ritual.

Leftover art supplies- Bring them back or donate them to another camp. I'll bet you'd have folks lined up for extra art supplies- hell I would. You can never have enough of that stuff.

Okay, by "leftover" I ment unused. If we end up with stuff left that none of the Virgins decided to decorate themselves with, I want to know ahead of time what I am going to do with it. Clothing might go to Playa Boutique if they are interested in it. Otherwise I will have a box people can pick through and then pack out the rest. Same with the art supplies. Let people pick through anything left over, burn what is safe to, and then pack the rest out.

mustchange4Xday · Post by **mustchange4Xday** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:54 am

I totally agree. I met so many new people this year who "didn't get it." I felt bad for them because I felt that perhaps with mentoring they could. I do agree, that some people will not get it, and will also keep coming back. What was up with the VIP party at the Hookahdome?

Anyway, I am very interested in doing a parade, with forced art creation camp, and information desk on the playa for newbies. I bring up that last part because many people just get out there, and aren't techno-savvy, so they don't "do their homework" and don't know about things like burn barrels, portapotties, etc.

I would like to get fake tattoos for the virgins that are little horseshoes with a tag that says "VIRGIN"

Changing Girl

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:33 am

mustchange4Xday wrote: I bring up that last part because many people just get out there, and aren't techno-savvy, so they don't "do their homework" and don't know about things like burn barrels, portapotties, etc.

I would like to get fake tattoos for the virgins that are little horseshoes with a tag that says "VIRGIN"

Changing Girl

I have an idea working in the back of my head for a special "thing" for virgins to get information like that but firstly, they should read the survival guide. Maybe having some copies of it handy? But anyway, I don't want to say anything about that until I am pretty sure I will have the time/resources to actually DO it. But then again, maybe someone else can run with it. I thought of maybe just a cheesy plywood "porch" like structure someplace. It would be a shrine to the Virgins and be a place where they can come for direction/education/help. It would close after Man Fall because at that point, there are no longer any Virgins to help.

I like something like the tattoo idea. Thing is, whatever it is should be removable on Burn Night because at that point, they are no longer Virgins, they are Burners. On Sunday morning there are no Virgins in BRC. Maybe I will set out a bowl of dried cherries that morning

Hmmm, another tradition opportunity ... cherries on Sunday morning. See, it is just FULL of opportunities to build community!

bartolah · Post by **bartolah** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:37 am

This is a good starting list.

geekster wrote:okay, so here is what would be needed to pull it off:
1. volunteers for the virgin roundup
2. clothing and crap for decoration and a place to do it.
3. a band to acompany the virgin art march
4. a place to do the art and a shipload of supplies
5. a place to display the finished art with a special place for "best of show"
6. donations of refreshements/water accepted. Its hot out there.

7. outreach/materials announcing the event - perhaps a website - prior to getting to BRC
8. handouts (like the one geekster detailed) for the Greeters to add to the packet
9. add a "blurb," if possible, to the burningman.com site materials for new folks mentioning the event

Fun!

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:53 am

Okay, it's official, this has beome "my project" for BM next year. I am cracking open an new composition book now. It would be nice to get some kind of, even if only tacit, approval from BMorg for this.

I agree on getting a blurb and website and getting something added to the greeting packet. I can probably shorten the thing I wrote last night to make it a little less anal and sappy.

A couple of logistics issues: I dont want to get to anal but in order to avoid confusion it would be best to have a planned parade route. If a camp wants to donate some reasonably protected space for the decoration/art creation, that would be ubercool since trying to do costumage/art in the middle of a whiteout might not be a lot of fun. We cant really plan a parade route until we know if/where the places are that want to maybe host the virgins for a couple of hours one day. We wont know where they are until camp assignments are made by BMorg so there will be some last-minute scrambling involved. In the meantime, I will make plans as if nobody has donated anything and hope for the best.

As for a website, good idea. I am not a content guy but I can operate Netscape Composer to create something at least readable.

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:57 am

geekster wrote:As for a website, good idea. I am not a content guy but I can operate Netscape Composer to create something at least readable.

That was a hint, BTW

atossab · Post by **atossab** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 12:28 pm

check this out for ideas, if you like:

http://www.burningmanseattle.com/resources/faq.asp

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 1:51 pm

Thanks to all those that reminded me of tribe.net

I have set up a tribe for anyone interested in participating/helping/etc.

The tribe is Temple of Vesta and you can get there at http://virginparade.tribe.net

heath · Post by **heath** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 9:05 pm

mustchange4Xday wrote:What was up with the VIP party at the Hookahdome?

Wow, that was a non sequitur. We at the Hookahdome were overwhelmed by how popular we were. As a result, we had to implement measures to keep the crowd down inside the dome so that it didn't suck for everyone. By midweek we were all pretty exhausted and decided to close the dome on Thursday night for a pajama party that was limited to camp-members and their invitees.

Next year, I'm sure we'll be more well-prepared to deal with throngs, but as long as it remains as popular as it is, unfortunately there will be probably be VIP activity. Performers and special friends of camp-members got VIP access to the dome.

Fracas_ · Post by **Fracas_** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 11:30 pm

I LOVE the idea of a Virgin parade to a place where they can create art and become veteran citizens of BRC.

I have a concern, though. I was with a bunch of newbies when I first helped build the Man. Afterwards, as was tradition, the scrap lumber was taken and made into wood sculptures by all the people who worked on the Man. At first, some people had a real problem starting to make art. They had been fine with building the Man according to instructions, but when asked to CREATE ART, they froze up like deer in headlights.

The one thing that got them over their fears and their internal critic was that they were told all the art would be burned! So it really didn't matter if it wasn't perfect.

When the art was done, ALL of it was taken and shown on display at the pre-burn party in San Francisco. Even the people who thought their "art" had absolutely no redeeming value were kind of pleased to have it on display. It meant their art was "worthy" of being shown to others.

What I'm worried about is this contest, in which JUDGING of art will occur. Hey, the reason most people don't do art in their regular life is that they are terrified it will be JUDGED by others and found lacking. Contest always result in a few winners and a whole lotta losers.

In order to help people feel free to create their art without freezing up, I suggest that there be no competition, no judging, no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. Instead, declare everyone a winner because they are now artists. Give EVERYONE a 1st place ribbon, or something similar. That way the fear will dissipate, and the creativity will come out.

You can have awards, if you want, but try to make them like the awards for the Urban Iditarod. It is considered crass to come in 1st. Instead, the awards are given for style points... most drunken artist, Virgin who made the biggest mess in creating art, whatever... as long as it doesn't imply winners and losers.

I look forward to helping decorate virgins who pass in the parade. Sounds like a terrific idea!

Fracas

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 11:53 pm

It doesnt have to be JUDGING ... could be selecting a piece by lottery. What I had in mind was to take a representative piece and see if we could stick it someplace like the Center Camp cafe with a little plate that said it was presented to the city by the virgins of 05. I dont think we could do that with ALL of the pieces.

And you are exactly right about the deer/headlights thing. Once they get the idea that it doesnt REALLY matter, I agree with Rob the Wop, we will probably get some amazing stuff!

Rob the Wop · Post by **Rob the Wop** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:18 am

geekster wrote:It doesnt have to be JUDGING ... could be selecting a piece by lottery. What I had in mind was to take a representative piece and see if we could stick it someplace like the Center Camp cafe with a little plate that said it was presented to the city by the virgins of 05. I dont think we could do that with ALL of the pieces.

And you are exactly right about the deer/headlights thing. Once they get the idea that it doesnt REALLY matter, I agree with Rob the Wop, we will probably get some amazing stuff!

Point and match. I agree. Maybe give each of the groups a 'slot' when their art will be showcased. They have to come out at x time and take the other art back to the holding pen, and bring their art out to the display area. They then write down their names (or playa names, aliases) on something to show who made it. That way they can take pictures of their work in the spotlight.

PS. Geekster, I signed up to your tribe. I'll help out in what way I can, but I have two Caco events plus the TriSantaThon before the beginning of the year. I can commit to helping more after I get these knocked off my plate. You just have to promise to bring me a leftover Virgin or two when you're done with them, hokay?

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:32 am

Rob,

You have been a wonderful inspiration. Do whatever you can when it feels right. One thing I DONT want this to be is a pain in the ass that dowses anyone's burn or day for that matter. If it isn't fun, it isn't worth doing.

Thanks for joining the tribe, things will probably evolve more there but we will follow things here and take community input from wherever it comes. It would be nice to have you as Grand Marshal at the parade next year

skypilot · Post by **skypilot** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:21 pm

:?just what, exactly, is there to get about the whole experience?? every interaction of every waking moment spent on the playa is just that, an experience, and it could be good or bad. just live the moment and don't analyze the shit to death..the only person responsible for your good or bad time is YOU.

Rob the Wop · Post by **Rob the Wop** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 11:53 pm

skypilot wrote:..the only person responsible for your good or bad time is YOU.

I can just picture you telling the rock climber that cut his arm off to prevent his own death, "What are you whining about? It's your fault you're having a bad time, just think of all the money you'll save on gloves!"

Lydia Love · Post by **Lydia Love** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 12:11 am

fuck, Rob. That is so fucking unfair. I don't want the sweet purity of my personal fucking idealogue ruined with your compassion and realism.

fuck yer day!

No, really. I agree with you. But it's pretty fucking handy to be able to tell people to shape their own experience when their whining about being yelled at or shit.

dougaldutch · Post by **dougaldutch** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 9:09 am

Rob, Geekster I salute you and offer my services to the cause.

Having lost my virginity at this years burn and like the responsible newbie burner I was, the eplaya was scoured for info and early lessons learnt (Lesson 1: Think before you post), full "survival" supplies were readied and the survival guide studied. Yet all this theoretical knowledge was for nought when faced with the enormity of BM and the sheer reality of it on the ground. Was lucky to be camped with and bump into some seasoned burners (hats off to Stuart) who educated me on the finer points of playa etiquette, what to avoid, expectations, etc. There was no frame of reference that I could base BM on, thanks to these people I was able to put it into perspective and get the most out of my experience on the playa, without having to make every mistake and learn it all the hard way.

The idea of a Virgin Roundup will depend on getting enough volunteers to start with the first year, but as people come up with even more devious ways of coaxing them out and competition between volunteers builds this should be resolved. Loving the trophy idea Rob. Plus the next year it would give the virgins who were rounded up the first year a chance to participate and return something to an event that helped them and obviously they get a chance to win one of the (soon to be) "coveted" trophies.

Whilst coming with some costumes, I was woefully out classed and unprepared and know of several others who due to the spontaneous nature of their decision to attend found themselves in a similar situation. Luckily at our camp there was a seasoned couple (thanks Fish and Sunshine) that brought a load of old thrift store clothes and offered them up to anyone who was willing. The difference it can make is startling so offering virgins the chance to assemble their own costume, parade it around with others and then take it home as a souvenir seems like a winner to me. Getting donations from people by advertising online, word of mouth, etc sounds like a good plan and something I feel I can help in. Being stuck on the wrong (or right depending on your point of view) side of the Atlantic means I am limited in what I can offer to do. Would love to help round up newbies for the parade, but more importantly will traipse around the playa collecting donations, if people cart it out to the playa then I will go an collect it from them.

Participating on the art side of things as a virgin is difficult for those that don't know people who already burn, have access to BM forums, are travelling long (really long) distances or decide to attend at the last moment. Not impossible but certainly more improbable. Presenting newbies with a platform in which they have to do nothing but show up with an idea and some energy and have at it, is a step in the right direction. The whole issue of competition, whilst I recognise the problems in the subjectivity of judging, if it was made into a competition between groups and not on an individual basis then it could act as a spur to create even more ambitious projects. There would still be the individual pieces, but the group could theme it, work on a bigger project together, etc and allow more ideas to be bounced around; this can help break people out of that initial hesitancy over what to create and why. As for the judging, don't judge on merits of which is best, judge on some completely random factor, which is shiniest, which one smells most like a damp dog or which best matches my nice shoes.

Ending ramble soon, but AntiM your "adopt a newbie" scheme seems would be such a boon, as mentioned I believe 5 min talking to someone who has been and experienced before can be more instructive than 5 hours of reading (well if you are talking to the right person it can be, even if they aint instructive they usually are fun). If there is a common place for newbies to meet and chat, it could also be used as a place for people to swing by and pick up a newbie and show them the sights, hidden camps, etc. Plus knowing someone else is a virgin would help break the ice, making it easier for them to approach each other and wander off and find mischief with their newfound friends.

MoisturePup · Post by **MoisturePup** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:29 am

bartolah wrote:(this was posted to another discussion and it was suggested that I make it it's own topic)

This was my first Burn and I went with a camp of other newbies. So it was up to us to "get it" - to find a way to participate. We had scoured eplaya beforehand, spoken to "experienced" friends, and did a bunch of research. Which is a little like reading about the ocean without ever having seen it - and then you see it and you're like - dumbfounded. That was us. We needed help.

(If you like this idea , and are interested in making it a reality - please PM/email me and we'll make it happen.)[/i]

I like your ideas, but you know what I think would be a great addition to the idea list? When a newbie arrives at the gate, and they are identified as such, and they hit the bell and scream "I'M A VIRGIN!!" Well, then we offer them the gift of a guide to help them get settled. The guide could hop in the car with them (or ride a bike if their car is too full) and help them find a place to camp, set up a tent, just basically get them oriented while helping them figure out some playa basics. I think just extending the offer might be helpful. Of course, this might also conflict with the self reliance. But it could also do us a favor... if they are obviously there to oogle the breasts of topless chicks and nothing else, well, the guide could place them very far out in the suburbs reassuring them all the while that they are in fact in the heart of everything!

MoisturePup · Post by **MoisturePup** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:34 am

Rob the Wop wrote:Here's an idea.

Newbie Forced Participation Art Camp:
Bring leftover construction materials, thrift store bulk crap, old clothes, paint, glue guns, glitter, hammers, nails, handsaws, bailing wire, etc.
Grab as many 'newbies' as you can find, dig them out of the woodwork, maybe go camp by camp on the fringes. Gather them around and let them at it. Once they feel they are 'finished' with something- bring it out to a 'holding pen' on the playa (just some place with a trash barrier style fence around it to keep it from blowing away). Or if you think it's really cool, find someplace in Center Camp to place it. You would be AMAZED at what 'non-artists' can come up with.

This would stress participation, creativity, and sharing with others in a nutshell. The rest is in the survival guide.

Can we put them into rail cattle cars and take them to Camps with "Work makes one Free" above the gate? :twisted:

Bringing newbies into the fold... an idea.

Newbie ideas

Re: Newbie ideas

Roll up them sleeves and let's get to work...

Re: Newbie ideas

a few winners, and the rest...?

Re: Bringing newbies into the fold... an idea.