Forums > Social Chat > Spinning Etiquette
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19 posts
Location: Minneapolis
19 posts
Location: Minneapolis
Posted:
Hi everyone- I've been around for a couple years but dropped poi for a while and have come back to it with renewed fervor lately, and I've finally lit up now! (Eee!) This year will be my fourth year at Burning Man, and I'm finally feeling confident enough to do some fire poi with other folks instead of mostly by myself.
But it got me wondering- if you're meeting a group of new spinners, what's good ettiquette? How do you go about joining in? I imagine it's rude to just show up and whup fire around without showing concern of people's personal space, especially with a potentially dangerous activity. Is it lame if you don't bring your own fuel? Should you have your own safety along? Am I thinking too much about this?
And while I could ask in the Events forum, it'd be cool to try to meet up with folks out there, as well.
Good to be back!
*cheers*
Hi everyone- I've been around for a couple years but dropped poi for a while and have come back to it with renewed fervor lately, and I've finally lit up now! (Eee!) This year will be my fourth year at Burning Man, and I'm finally feeling confident enough to do some fire poi with other folks instead of mostly by myself.
But it got me wondering- if you're meeting a group of new spinners, what's good ettiquette? How do you go about joining in? I imagine it's rude to just show up and whup fire around without showing concern of people's personal space, especially with a potentially dangerous activity. Is it lame if you don't bring your own fuel? Should you have your own safety along? Am I thinking too much about this?
And while I could ask in the Events forum, it'd be cool to try to meet up with folks out there, as well.
Good to be back!
*cheers*
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
it generally helps if you introduce yourself and say hello.
make them feel accepted and they will accept you.
fuel...
hhhmmm...interesting one...best to be on the safe side and ask first before dunking.
I know in the london group that the fuel is ther eto be used...no one cares who uses it as long as it has all gone at the end of the evening.
it generally helps if you introduce yourself and say hello.
make them feel accepted and they will accept you.
fuel...
hhhmmm...interesting one...best to be on the safe side and ask first before dunking.
I know in the london group that the fuel is ther eto be used...no one cares who uses it as long as it has all gone at the end of the evening.
BRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
Posted:
This is one of those things that I totally agree is nerve wracking and where people tend to get nervous and make a "non-authentic" first impression.
Introduce yourself and your safety. I say this because, if you do not know them, how do you know their safety will really watch you? Granted, most will if you ask, but bringing your own ensures your safety and one more safety never hurts the group.
Ask if they mind your joining in, but don't do the "see me! look what I can do!" thing, which is an impulse for many people who are nervous and wanting to make a good impression.
I say bring your own fuel. Offer to add it to the community dunk. It is polite and shows that you were intending to spin, with or without them. Makes you look less leachy, you know? Like the guy who never has his own cigarettes but is always bumming them.
If someone does something you like and want to learn, ask them to show you how. This is a key thing. It shows respect and a want for community. Offer to share anything.
To me these seem pretty common sense, up front kinds of things, and as long as you are polite should leave you with no problems. Don't walk on eggshells, just be you, willing to share and have fun and it should be great!
This is one of those things that I totally agree is nerve wracking and where people tend to get nervous and make a "non-authentic" first impression.
Introduce yourself and your safety. I say this because, if you do not know them, how do you know their safety will really watch you? Granted, most will if you ask, but bringing your own ensures your safety and one more safety never hurts the group.
Ask if they mind your joining in, but don't do the "see me! look what I can do!" thing, which is an impulse for many people who are nervous and wanting to make a good impression.
I say bring your own fuel. Offer to add it to the community dunk. It is polite and shows that you were intending to spin, with or without them. Makes you look less leachy, you know? Like the guy who never has his own cigarettes but is always bumming them.
If someone does something you like and want to learn, ask them to show you how. This is a key thing. It shows respect and a want for community. Offer to share anything.
To me these seem pretty common sense, up front kinds of things, and as long as you are polite should leave you with no problems. Don't walk on eggshells, just be you, willing to share and have fun and it should be great!
Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK
member
19 posts
Location: Minneapolis
19 posts
Location: Minneapolis
Posted:
It is pretty common sense, but for some reason, spinning always makes me pretty nervous until I just start doing it- I think it's simply a form of stage fright- which would of course be enhanced by doing it around people I've never met before. And I almost always assume that in at least some way, (or many ways) *everyone's* a better spinner than me, so I hope I wouldn't ever come off as cocky! I'd be more afraid of setting my hair on fire than trying to impress anyone!
It is pretty common sense, but for some reason, spinning always makes me pretty nervous until I just start doing it- I think it's simply a form of stage fright- which would of course be enhanced by doing it around people I've never met before. And I almost always assume that in at least some way, (or many ways) *everyone's* a better spinner than me, so I hope I wouldn't ever come off as cocky! I'd be more afraid of setting my hair on fire than trying to impress anyone!
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
6,207 posts
Location: "In your ear", United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
6,207 posts
Location: "In your ear", United Kingdom
Posted:
i am ofetn tring to meet ppl, and even if i dont take my fire poi ill stiil take my fuel, and dontae it for the next burn.....
if you are meeting new ppl i just say be nice, chill and be cool, and if someone asks you to teach you tell them how!
later days
i am ofetn tring to meet ppl, and even if i dont take my fire poi ill stiil take my fuel, and dontae it for the next burn.....
if you are meeting new ppl i just say be nice, chill and be cool, and if someone asks you to teach you tell them how!
later days
Step (el-nombrie)
BRONZE Member
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posted:
Pele touched on introducing yourself...That's the key to all social interaction.
You don't need to focus on the spinning straight away either. Say hello, ask them if they spin poi/staff/cats etc, explain that you do too and see what happens from there.
Personally, its much better to see what sort of people they are BEFORE deciding to hang or spin with them in an instant. Maybe they do a few things you aren't very comfortable with, or their safety precautions seem to be asking for a disaster.
Association with any group of strangers always seems like a good idea at first, but try and make sure they are "your sort of people" first. If not, just leave, rather than trying to hang out.
I made this mistake with what i thought was a group of spinners in a park near my house once, turns out it was a bunch of drunk hooligans with ONE spinner out of all of them.
I'm now trying to distance myself from them in the community but its a lot harder than you would think.
Pele touched on introducing yourself...That's the key to all social interaction.
You don't need to focus on the spinning straight away either. Say hello, ask them if they spin poi/staff/cats etc, explain that you do too and see what happens from there.
Personally, its much better to see what sort of people they are BEFORE deciding to hang or spin with them in an instant. Maybe they do a few things you aren't very comfortable with, or their safety precautions seem to be asking for a disaster.
Association with any group of strangers always seems like a good idea at first, but try and make sure they are "your sort of people" first. If not, just leave, rather than trying to hang out.
I made this mistake with what i thought was a group of spinners in a park near my house once, turns out it was a bunch of drunk hooligans with ONE spinner out of all of them.
I'm now trying to distance myself from them in the community but its a lot harder than you would think.
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SILVER Member
Sweet talented nutter
2,615 posts
Location: Brisbane Oz, Australia
Sweet talented nutter
2,615 posts
Location: Brisbane Oz, Australia
Posted:
One thing i hate is somebady that grab's your gear and starts spinning with them . Without even asking you VERY RUDE
One thing i hate is somebady that grab's your gear and starts spinning with them . Without even asking you VERY RUDE
that shrewd and knavish sprite
Called Robin Good Fellow ; are you not he that is frighten of the maidens of the villagery - fairy
I am the merry wander of the night -puk
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Posted:
Can't really add anything to whats been said already, except offer my own opinions:
Fuel: I always take enough paraffin for myself plus a bit extra, then find whoever has a dipping container and offer to top their's up and have a dunk. If i don't have any, then i'll wait till i've gotten to know them a bit before asking politely, then make sure i can return the favour in the future.
Gear: I'm always happy for people to use my gear, provided that they ask first, use it within easy view of where i am and if they want to do fire can show me some well executed (even if just basic) moves first unlit. I haven't had anything nicked yet, but if you do borrow something then be sure not to use it far from where they are and can keep an easy eye on it or else they will feel uncomfortable. I have however had my bag nicked whilst spinning fire, so don't assume that just because they do poi that when you have your back turned they are lovely people.
Safety: In my humble opinion, you shouldn't need someone poised with a damp towel/bucket of water at 2 metres if you're gonna be spinning with strangers. Make sure you've spun fire quite a bit with friends before using fire with strangers, because even if they do offer to be your safety, you don't know how reputable, or even how sobar they are. Only do moves which you're pretty certain you won't mess up and assume you have no-one standing guard.
Finally, watch them first from a distance. Gauge what standard they are and if they are beginners and you are not then be sure not to show off and come across as being snobby. Feel free to spin some moves which you haven't seen them do, but if you go straight in with hyperloops and between the legs you may well be met with resistance, especially if they were showing off to their non spinning mates. Also be sure not to force spinning advice upon them that they didn't ask for. Chances are they'll ask for it if they want to learn more, but wait first, not only because of people's pride but also because unlike us poi geeks, not all people you see spinning fire will have asperation to learn anything other than the 3 beat weave fast as a party trick. Simularly if they are a lot better then you may want to wait till they've stopped then have a chat afterwards and ask for pointers on moves you've had problems with etc before even trying to spin. That way they know you are are serious, even if not experienced. What i'm trying to say really is don't try 'performing' to other spinners you've just met and expect praise like you might get from non spinners, the result may not be what you expected. If you come from an area with no other spinners and learn't alone then it's natural to get excited when you see others, but take it slow, have a chat first, and preferably role them a joint. Most spinners i've met are stoners, and they'll love you forever if you skin up then shout PING!
Can't really add anything to whats been said already, except offer my own opinions:
Fuel: I always take enough paraffin for myself plus a bit extra, then find whoever has a dipping container and offer to top their's up and have a dunk. If i don't have any, then i'll wait till i've gotten to know them a bit before asking politely, then make sure i can return the favour in the future.
Gear: I'm always happy for people to use my gear, provided that they ask first, use it within easy view of where i am and if they want to do fire can show me some well executed (even if just basic) moves first unlit. I haven't had anything nicked yet, but if you do borrow something then be sure not to use it far from where they are and can keep an easy eye on it or else they will feel uncomfortable. I have however had my bag nicked whilst spinning fire, so don't assume that just because they do poi that when you have your back turned they are lovely people.
Safety: In my humble opinion, you shouldn't need someone poised with a damp towel/bucket of water at 2 metres if you're gonna be spinning with strangers. Make sure you've spun fire quite a bit with friends before using fire with strangers, because even if they do offer to be your safety, you don't know how reputable, or even how sobar they are. Only do moves which you're pretty certain you won't mess up and assume you have no-one standing guard.
Finally, watch them first from a distance. Gauge what standard they are and if they are beginners and you are not then be sure not to show off and come across as being snobby. Feel free to spin some moves which you haven't seen them do, but if you go straight in with hyperloops and between the legs you may well be met with resistance, especially if they were showing off to their non spinning mates. Also be sure not to force spinning advice upon them that they didn't ask for. Chances are they'll ask for it if they want to learn more, but wait first, not only because of people's pride but also because unlike us poi geeks, not all people you see spinning fire will have asperation to learn anything other than the 3 beat weave fast as a party trick. Simularly if they are a lot better then you may want to wait till they've stopped then have a chat afterwards and ask for pointers on moves you've had problems with etc before even trying to spin. That way they know you are are serious, even if not experienced. What i'm trying to say really is don't try 'performing' to other spinners you've just met and expect praise like you might get from non spinners, the result may not be what you expected. If you come from an area with no other spinners and learn't alone then it's natural to get excited when you see others, but take it slow, have a chat first, and preferably role them a joint. Most spinners i've met are stoners, and they'll love you forever if you skin up then shout PING!
Pooh-Bah
1,810 posts
Location: London
1,810 posts
Location: London
Posted:
Pong
Pong
A kiss blown is a kiss wasted, the only kind of kiss is a kiss tasted.
I'm a woman. We don't say what we want, but we reserve the right to be pissed off if we don't get it. That's what makes us so fascinating and not just a LITTLE bit scary.
member
279 posts
Location: Bath, UK
279 posts
Location: Bath, UK
Posted:
I am happy to say I've never met a spinner who wasn't ready to share their last drop of paraffin, which is nice.
I was a bit offended the other night, when another spinner borrowed my poi without asking, and then didn't put them back in the pot when they were done - they are new wicks and they sat there smoking until I dunked them.
I am happy to say I've never met a spinner who wasn't ready to share their last drop of paraffin, which is nice.
I was a bit offended the other night, when another spinner borrowed my poi without asking, and then didn't put them back in the pot when they were done - they are new wicks and they sat there smoking until I dunked them.
Magnus... pay it forward
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
space cadet! i like your member number! we must be siblings! (I'll be the good one, k? )
fire meet sessions are like a firetwirling house party without the house! that said, being showy and hurts that party cus it kills enthusiasm and ruduces the likelihood that the new crew will twirl with you in future. I feels bad when i overhear someone say 'I'm not twirling after that guy' cus I know i doesn't feel good to say it or cause someone to say it.
More than ever, practice sessions can be a great opportunity to further develop your basics - the foundations of all good fwirlage.
as for people that take your stuff rudely, yeah i have a few fwirlers on my bad books for dumping my firetoys *still lit* and walk away without tellling me, and of silly gooses setting the ground on fire and walking away! turning the other cheek is sometimes not an option when the cheek is facing a fire
[ 09. August 2003, 01:52: Message edited by: bender™ ]
space cadet! i like your member number! we must be siblings! (I'll be the good one, k? )
quote:right on, flid! that's so true mate.
Originally posted by flid:
Gauge what standard they are and if they are beginners and you are not then be sure not to show off and come across as being snobby. Feel free to spin some moves which you haven't seen them do, but if you go straight in with hyperloops and between the legs you may well be met with resistance, especially if they were showing off to their non spinning mates. Also be sure not to force spinning advice upon them that they didn't ask for. Chances are they'll ask for it if they want to learn more, but wait first, not only because of people's pride but also because unlike us poi geeks, not all people you see spinning fire will have asperation to learn anything other than the 3 beat weave fast as a party trick. Simularly if they are a lot better then you may want to wait till they've stopped then have a chat afterwards and ask for pointers on moves you've had problems with etc before even trying to spin.
fire meet sessions are like a firetwirling house party without the house! that said, being showy and hurts that party cus it kills enthusiasm and ruduces the likelihood that the new crew will twirl with you in future. I feels bad when i overhear someone say 'I'm not twirling after that guy' cus I know i doesn't feel good to say it or cause someone to say it.
More than ever, practice sessions can be a great opportunity to further develop your basics - the foundations of all good fwirlage.
as for people that take your stuff rudely, yeah i have a few fwirlers on my bad books for dumping my firetoys *still lit* and walk away without tellling me, and of silly gooses setting the ground on fire and walking away! turning the other cheek is sometimes not an option when the cheek is facing a fire
[ 09. August 2003, 01:52: Message edited by: bender™ ]
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
GOLD Member
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
if you are meeting twirlers for the first time i would recommend going with someone. i had been twirling with a friend for ages the one night out of the blue fire twirlers appeared out of the blue at the park at the end of my street, natural my brother and i ran home and grabbed our gear. it was quite awkward at first as there was really only one person that spoke to us breifly when we first came and said hello. then just when we where going to leave another guy came up and said hello and after all that it was all good. so the moral of this story is dont expect a big greeting when you rock up that way if you get one youll be pleasantly suprised and if not you wont be offended.
most twirlers that i know are warm and lovely people but with all types of people out there you do get a mix.
if you are meeting twirlers for the first time i would recommend going with someone. i had been twirling with a friend for ages the one night out of the blue fire twirlers appeared out of the blue at the park at the end of my street, natural my brother and i ran home and grabbed our gear. it was quite awkward at first as there was really only one person that spoke to us breifly when we first came and said hello. then just when we where going to leave another guy came up and said hello and after all that it was all good. so the moral of this story is dont expect a big greeting when you rock up that way if you get one youll be pleasantly suprised and if not you wont be offended.
most twirlers that i know are warm and lovely people but with all types of people out there you do get a mix.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourself, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous and talented? Who are you NOT to be?
member
10 posts
Location: England
10 posts
Location: England
Posted:
heelo are you online actually 24/7 or is it just my imagination?
heelo are you online actually 24/7 or is it just my imagination?
GOLD Member
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
see the photo gallery im the devil its my job to be connected 24/7
see the photo gallery im the devil its my job to be connected 24/7
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourself, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous and talented? Who are you NOT to be?
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