Forums > Events, Performances and Gatherings > Burning Man Virgin... Intimidated... Needs Info

Posted: 8th Jun 2003
Well thought somebody would post.

All else I'll go if you go and I'm sure the rest in our troupe wouldn't mind going too. That way we can experience it first hand and make up our own oppinions of BM.

Maybe it won't be so intimidating with some familiar faces there. Or it still maybe, which then we will have each other to keep company.

RISK: Do not follow the common path; Go where there is no path and leave a trail.

Posted: 9th Jun 2003
Okay i've just heard from my american friend who's been to burning man.
What you can do is volunteer for a job there for free entry .

And also get on the burning man e-mail list .

And you need to bring stuff for trade (once inside no money involved ) eg Art's and craft's , hand made good's etc

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

Posted: 9th Jun 2003
Well, last year was my first year out to BM, and I had an absolute blast. The best bit of advice I could give you is to get to know some other people that are going out there also, and find somebody to camp with - groups are great.

I will say that there are a lot of drugs out there, but nobody is going to force you to do anything you don't want to do. They do have medical facilities on site, and Gerlach, the closest town, has a doctor that can prescribe stuff. Theft totally was not an issue for me last year, and generally isn't at this sort of thing - mostly because people respect each others stuff (believe it or not, but that is part of the burner mantra). You should also be prepared for extreme weather - both really hot and really cold all in one day. Last year the weather was fantastic, and we only had one baby wind storm. Usually, there are several severe ones, and dust masks and goggles are a necessity.

I wouldn't exactly say you get a free ticket for volunteering. My guess is that is for very specific jobs and the infrastructure, and not something a newbie would be able to do (if anyone gets a free ticket at all).

I will say that the only exchange of money once inside the gates is for ice and coffee/lemonade that you can buy at center camp. Gifting of trinkets, etc. is very commonplace. It's nice to have something to gift back, but totally not required. It's a way of being nice and showing appreciation for something small the other person did (even if it they just made you smile at their cool costume).

If you are going solely to meet other firespinners and improve your technique or get new skills, I might think twice about it. BM does have gobs of fire spinners, but there is so much more that it is actually about that you might not see the really good ones. I know last year I brought my poi but never picked them up once. That was true for several members of my camp as well you are spinners also.

I'd be more than happy to answer any questions that you have. It was a truly amazing experience.

-heidi

Posted: 9th Jun 2003
From what I hear,

Nobody gets in free their first year. Reguardless of what they say they'll do.

Volunteering is nice for most other events but for this one, it seems to be such a colaborative event that nobody could possibly claim they didn't.

Plus, the money really does go to good places. If that makes you feel any better.

Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]

Posted: 28th Jun 2003
All the info you really need is on thier main site. www.burningman.com

although, hearing from other people's experiences can be helpful too. I'm going to be a first timer this year too!!

if you go to www.google.com and search for Burning Man Experiences.. you will find LOTS. I'm pumped and can't wait!!

I dreamt that I ate a 10 pound marshmellow and then when I woke up, my pillow was gone!

Posted: 7th Jul 2003
Hey All I just started a new topic trying to get everyones input on a gathering durring BurnningMan..

BurnningMan 2003 Hop Gathering