Burning Man 2014

[Wolffarmer]

It is way to many people for me also. But sometimes a person needs to step out of their comfort zone. And it is not like you have to live there forever.

Step off, have a different experience Randy

[GerryS]

There's a difference between stepping out of your comfort zone, and stepping into insanity. I know if I would be thrown into a group of that many people, I would be absolutely miserable. That's just dealing with the number of people. More importantly, every time I see a story about BM, it talks about open expression etc. which has always and every time been code word for hedonism. Physical pleasure is a good thing. But there is such a thing as too much.

I guess to each man his own decision....but as for me, no thank you. I'm sure some will think of me as a puritan, not hardly. Stop by my campfire and we can enjoy a Jameson and discuss it. I have looked into visiting BM, and every time I looked I saw that this place had some interesting components, but mostly it is simple just not a place for me. As I have learned more, it seems to me that This would be as close to hell on earth I can think of, besides perhaps a war zone.

I hope my perceptions are wrong, and I hope that anyone who goes has a good time.

[jandmz]

I hear Colorado’s putting together a new Festival called “Smoking Man” !!!

Only problem is no one will remember being there or if they had a good time or not....

...And that's a problem, HOW???

[PodKiDo]

More importantly, every time I see a story about BM, it talks about open expression etc. which has always and every time been code word for hedonism. Physical pleasure is a good thing. But there is such a thing as too much.

As I have learned more, it seems to me that This would be as close to hell on earth I can think of, besides perhaps a war zone.

[PKCSPT]

I think it would be an experience to go. Fun and weird, dusty and noisy. Too many people and not enough quiet but you would have something to talk about.
If I were to go I think I would want to go with someone who has been there.

[Wolffarmer]

First time I went I was going to meet up with others but on the first day and night I missed connections and spent about a day on my own. I now would not worry about not going with a veteran burner, or being on my own. Things will work out. Trust me, Trust the playa.

Randy

[Alan Wood]

Some years ago a coworker went to burning man with his wife. He and his wife left early. They pulled into a Deny's parking lot washed up in the restrooms and were confronted by LEO's who in a knowing way asked if they had left burning man! His description of the event left me with absolutely no doubt that burning man is not for me!
Alan Wood

[Jim.M]

I've been a few years; missed all the early 'crazy' years.

Nowadays, things are getting pretty much like the 'real' world... there are a few people offering art, interesting experiences, classes, performances, etc. (you know, the builders/creators)... and a lot (much more) tourists/spectators.

It's a harsh environment for most people (pack out everything including your waste water, pack in everything you need). Temps are hot, temps are cold, can be very windy (70+ mph??) and is always dusty.

for those who complain about cleaning the dust out of their rigs... well I've driven two different vehicles (land rover and audi) and both came back dusty, and although I sold the land rover I still have the audi and it is dust-free.

One of the nicest things about burning man, is you can always find what you're looking for, and on the way there, you come across things you never dreamed of.

I know my relatives all think it's a drug-fest with orgies going on day and night. I've not come across those, but I am sure if one looks for them they can be found.

Annoyances (for me) are people driving by with sound systems blasting into your living quarters. Sound systems with probably 10,000 watts (maybe multiple 10,000s??). Always playing music you don't like at hours (2AM 4AM 6AM?) that are most inconvenient. Even worse are the yahoos with megaphones doing the same rounds annoying all of us. But perhaps this is similar to chickens crowing in the country, the buses running in the city, the train hooting in small towns, or the wind howling through the trees in a campground.

I'm going back this year for another round of fun... maybe we tntt forum members can meet up sometime for coffee/bacon/sausage/eggs or something else some morning?

[48Rob]

But perhaps this is similar to chickens crowing in the country, the buses running in the city, the train hooting in small towns, or the wind howling through the trees in a campground.

Great way to look at it, and obnoxious noise in general!

Rob

[Wolffarmer]

I did not find the noise to bad while I slept. Just don't camp to far in and the noisy art cars/mutant vehicles seldom venture to far out. And my tear is insulated so it is quieter than some. And get tired enough and sleep is not much of a problem.

Randy

[JuneBug]

I know Burning Man is not for me (nor Rainbow Gatherings) for the exact reasons others have mentioned, but I must admit when I saw photos of some of the amazing and enormous artwork/installations in years past, it was very very tempting to go for that alone.
Visit
high mileage trikes dot blogspot dot com
and check out Paul Elkins' postings on BM, including the Pedal Art Car Quadracycle, and the awesome Burningman Pyramid Shelter.

[Modstock]

I'd like to go to the Element 11 here in utah . Just to see them burn stuff down and get some funky pics .
Just somethin I gotta do once.

[Wolffarmer]

Tickets to the element 11 go on sale May 8th. I think. I plan on being there.

[Modstock]

Do they sell out quickly or can I just show up ? I dont like buying stuff over the internet. Im just old fashioned like that.
Also how much $$$ ?

[Mary C]

Ok Folks, I have been over the world and lived in other countries. I have seen all sorts of art and I understand other cultures and I would love to go to burning man!!!! The straight laced American culture is somewhat stuffie. I saw things in Europe that people here would just go so green and then red over. I am so sorry that people here are so stuck up. I heard a lady the other day get so offended at a picture of the statue of David. I am of the opinion that art is beautiful and is the product of Gods gift. There was a statue of a naked woman in the village Where I lived in France It had been through 4 Wars. it was broken and had been shot several times, She survived and was the symbol of that village and was very important to the women who some identified with her. I hate to say it but for the most part Americans have some really sick attitudes about the human body, So much of our culture is so against bodies and the only way they view it is dirty and nasty . I have seen the statue of David in person and I cried. I have seen some of the most exquisite, beautiful art the world has known and pictures cannot be shown on the tv because the naked subject would be offensive to the American people. and don't go Biblical , most of those paintings Were of the bible and depicted the biblical stories and were in the churches. I am just saying, I know that the hedonistic naked people bother some and it is problem to some but it doesn't effect me at all. I am not a prude, Elizabethan, I do not enjoy going without clothes but each to their own. Randy I would love to go, Perhaps before I die. On my out west bucket list number II. To me the sad thing is construction of the beautiful buildings then burning them. Maybe I can learn some new and beautiful artful things I can do at home!!! My 2cents worth

Mary C.