Burning man

September 7, 2005 2:36 PM

High and Dry Yes, while you were glued to teh noose about the big K, burning man happened. Even there, Katrina had a presence. The next camp over from mine, a man was worried about his relatives in NO (He later heard they were alright.) Burning man was awesome as usual. And painful. And cathartic. And I had a ball. Those times I wasn't suffering, that is.
posted by telstar (274 comments total)

er.
posted by ori at 2:38 PM on September 7, 2005

It was nice not to hear about it.
Hope you had fun.
posted by milovoo at 2:42 PM on September 7, 2005

I hate to say it but I have absolutely zero interest in anything having to do with Burning Man this year.

I'm glad people enjoyed themselves and all but I just don't have any interest in hearing about it.

Ori, sly and funny.
posted by fenriq at 2:48 PM on September 7, 2005

This is why people hate us burners.
posted by DaShiv at 2:48 PM on September 7, 2005

I wouldn't say "hate", it's just that hearing about it, especially from people who don't usually report on public events is like one of those classic sitcom slideshows.

"And here's an artcar, and here's some naked people, and here's an artcar, oh and here's where I had some major revelation about the nature of man, oh and another artcar ..."
posted by milovoo at 2:54 PM on September 7, 2005

"When the man burns, it's like a phoenix that burns down and you take it with you into real life, all the lessons learned here about being good to people and expressing yourself," said Miss Black Rock City 2005, Heather Newman of Seattle.

Oh good lord.

This is why people hate you.
posted by xmutex at 2:57 PM on September 7, 2005

"When the man burns, it's like a phoenix that burns down and you take it with you into real life, all the lessons learned here about being good to people and expressing yourself," said Miss Black Rock City 2005, Heather Newman of Seattle.

hippies

*puke*
posted by jbelshaw at 2:59 PM on September 7, 2005

Jeez. Mention a party to bring out the MetaHate.
posted by telstar at 3:00 PM on September 7, 2005

This is why people hate us burners.

Why? LOL.

20,000 people, deposited all in one desolate place and fucked up. Sounds like the Bizzaro World equivalent of the Superdome.

So. Um. No thanks.

I think what people today really need is place to NOT be self indulgent. We get enough of that.

The opposite of Burning Man: Go into the desert. Sober. Alone. And contemplate your life on the Tree of Woe for a week with an empty stomach. Then you may have something.
posted by tkchrist at 3:00 PM on September 7, 2005

i for one welcome our single-link front-page posting overlords
posted by slogger at 3:02 PM on September 7, 2005

Here's another link for those not as hate-steeped as the previous posters.
posted by telstar at 3:05 PM on September 7, 2005

tkchrist, but if you're all alone then no one can see how cool you are. And, more importantly, you can't ogle hot playa nudes (at least not for a day or two until the dehydration hallucinations kick in).
posted by fenriq at 3:08 PM on September 7, 2005

Everyone could see how cool I was.

When I wasn't passed out in my tent, that is.
posted by telstar at 3:11 PM on September 7, 2005

The total news isolation that happens every year is always refreshing. Catching up on missed news events makes leaving the event that much weirder. Taking long, warm showers again, watching the cracks in your skin pull together, not taking cover in breezes, eating properly cooked food with lots of ingredients, and picking up the newspaper. The event is usually in a sort of information bubble. Usually nothing worth fussing about happens in the outside world during that week. This year, it was strange hearing reports about the disaster in New Orleans from people coming into the city . It made me realize how far away and isolated we actually were. It was like traveling in a different country and hearing about your city on your host country's TV news. Or it was like some older time before the web when it was so easy to actively find information. You heard about New Orleans because someone told you about it, not because you were online somewhere reading about it yourself.

Hearing about the situation getting worse was so strange and frightening. A plugged-in fellow I know actually who's actually from New Orleans gave me the strangest apocalyptic updates. He calmly made it sound like a full-blown race war had erupted. I'm still confused about what actually happened last week out here in the world.

As the week ended, people fully went into donation collecting mode. I wonder how much money ended up being raised.
posted by redteam at 3:14 PM on September 7, 2005

There were two chix holding up newspapers during the Exodus (people leaving BM). The first was "New Orleans S.O.S." The next was "Rhenquist dead."

Re-entry was painful this year.
posted by telstar at 3:21 PM on September 7, 2005

I'm still confused about what actually happened last week out here in the world.

These timelines might help: 1 , 2 , 3. Other timelines and discussion at this thread.
posted by ericb at 3:23 PM on September 7, 2005

My suggestion is that you keep it to yourself. People who have not gone will not understand and most likely don't want to hear it. It's a private experience for you, and will not translate to people who have not been, and it's not like you want to talk them into going anyway, do you?

Pretend it's a secret.
posted by milovoo at 3:23 PM on September 7, 2005 [1 favorite]

Looks like #2 is now offline.
posted by ericb at 3:24 PM on September 7, 2005

milovoo, the kind of negative publicity that I've collected here at MetaAlabama is golden.
posted by telstar at 3:25 PM on September 7, 2005

" I hate to say it but I have absolutely zero interest in anything having to do with Burning Man this year."

Note to Fenriq, Milovoo, xmutex, tkchrist and all the other WHO HAVEN"T FREAKING BEEN THERE but insist on saying my lamer or boring or norelevent it is!

if you dont care about the post, Then don't freaking reply, sheess it ain't brain science.

I went Had a ball AND was touched that the main crew of BM is using all their resources to help if they can... i isn't about a hippy sex/drug fest, its about art and community and FUN! unadulterated FUN. I guess that is a hartd concept for some, FUN, with out hureting or making fun of someone, its about art that doesnt say I cool and your not, but art thats about "HOW FUCKING COOL IS THAT!"

If you can't understand or handle, I got a plan for you STAY HOME! Don't buy a ticket, dont go into the desert with us, don't Burn Buddha. AND DONT COMPLAIN about those who do....

for those who can't won't or just don't understand, kindly PLEASER SHUT UP and stay on a thread which isn't as boring.
posted by Elim at 3:27 PM on September 7, 2005

So you guys all went camping or something?
posted by InfidelZombie at 3:29 PM on September 7, 2005

Something. In her eyes.
posted by telstar at 3:31 PM on September 7, 2005

No, you shut up Elim. This is a shit post. A total and complete waste of front page space.
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 3:31 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim, please show me where I said Burning Man was lame or boring? I don't think its either of those things. My comment was merely intended to show that there are alot more important things going on in the world right now that an art fest out in the desert. You know, like a whole shitload of people dying, the government's non-response and other boring mundane stuff like that?

I'd love to have gone but couldn't and then we had a hurricane destroy New Orleans and a large portion of the Gulf. Maybe you heard about it when you got home?

And please use the spellchecker before you launch another badly written rant.
posted by fenriq at 3:34 PM on September 7, 2005

but if you're all alone then no one can see how cool you are.

YOU ARE FUNNY HAHAHAHAH
posted by undule at 3:34 PM on September 7, 2005

MetaFilter: its about art that doesnt say I cool and your not.

At least you were unintentionally funny in your little rant.
posted by fenriq at 3:35 PM on September 7, 2005

Ewwwww....look at me be part of something that was cool 6 years ago. Too bad you couldn't go! It was teh awesome! We're all one big global tribal clan there...you don't understand! Look- boobies and body paint!


Why couldn't Katrina have hit Burning Man instead? There is no god.
posted by mrblondemang at 3:38 PM on September 7, 2005

This one time, my friend and I went to an amusement park and took some acid, and rode on the rollercoasters for hours and hours. It was a highlight of my life, and I'll remember it forever. I don't expect you to understand.
posted by crunchland at 3:39 PM on September 7, 2005

No one said you need to go to get saved. or even like the event or even dislike it but posting about how you were subjected to reading yet another post about it when THAT took you actually WANTING to click on it to even read it, and then taking the time to reploy a bitch about it seems pointless and vindictive, and stoopid. I call you on it... it was and IS ONLY an arts festival, and freaking kick-ass one at that. Let those who ewnjoy iut DO SO!. with out your misrepresentation of the event. if you can, if not expect to get a reply about it.

If an ARTS feestival you dont even have to go to or pay for offends you then damn you have issues..
posted by Elim at 3:40 PM on September 7, 2005

MetaFilter: At least you were unintentionally funny in your little rant.
posted by Duncan at 3:41 PM on September 7, 2005

Fenriq Zero interest implies boring..
posted by Elim at 3:41 PM on September 7, 2005

Why you guys were at burning man we all had a party of our own.
posted by quadog at 3:41 PM on September 7, 2005

Oh, and we all decided to replace the word "While" with "Why". I'll keep you posted on other changes.
posted by quadog at 3:43 PM on September 7, 2005

"Let those who ewnjoy iut DO SO!" WOW may be I ought to not use Opera to post this...
posted by Elim at 3:45 PM on September 7, 2005

Personally I hate burning man only because I hear there's all these nekked hippie chix and nobody provides me with pictures. I'd go myself but I'm allergic to patchouli.
posted by phearlez at 3:46 PM on September 7, 2005

Any day now, I will be subject to an iPhoto slideshow of my friends' Burning Man experience. I clicked on this like like I'd watch any trainwreck.
posted by pmbuko at 3:46 PM on September 7, 2005

Dog crosses street; story at 11.
posted by luckypozzo at 3:46 PM on September 7, 2005

So this one time, when I was a kid, my dad brought me to Friendlies and bought me a huge ice cream sundae, with bananas and hot fudge, and three different kinds of ice cream, and I ate it all, but then I got sick afterwards, but it was a good kind of sick, not a bad kind of sick, because the ice cream was so gosh darn good. But I don't expect you to understand.
posted by crunchland at 3:46 PM on September 7, 2005

[This year I helped built a bicycle chariot and a kitchen trailer with the group of friends who had enough free-time to go and I'm anxious to see how they held up. In addition half of the group were actually born and raised in New Orleans, so their re-entry might be a bit rough]

But, wow, thanks for lumping me in with the haters, I'm just asking, why do we need to hear about it? I am apparently in the minority who thinks that not every possible thing in the whole world needs to be exhaustively documented on the web.

You know those one or two irritating people you met while you were there. The ones who didn't get the concept and took way too many pictures. They were there because someone on the web said it was cool and that "they just had to go!".

but whatever, go for it, talk it up if you want.
posted by milovoo at 3:47 PM on September 7, 2005

Phearlez: for you
posted by Elim at 3:47 PM on September 7, 2005

Fenriq Zero interest implies boring..

I can think of plenty of things I have zero interest in that couldn't be described as boring (skydiving would be an example).
posted by drezdn at 3:49 PM on September 7, 2005

Cool 6 years ago? Burning Man is 20 years old this year......

Anyway, it was my first time to go this year. The contrast between people helping each other survive in harsh conditions (and having fun doing it) with what was going on in the outside world is something I'll be contemplating for quit awhile. Was it a drugged out hippie commune? Not really. Did I have some intense epiphany or revelation? No, but I did learn about how good people can be if they want to be and experience something besides spectacle/consumer culture.

Telstar, I think your post could've been better and come across in a fashion that didn't bring out the hate so much - but I don't have room to talk since I've never made a FPP. Besides, with comments like "hot nude playa bodies" and "Look - boobies and body paint!" this isn't really the crowd receptive to BRC ideals.
posted by melt away at 3:49 PM on September 7, 2005

HELP!! LOST IN LAMPLIGHTER'S CAMP!: Safety orange day glo fun fur bra and codpiece, giant inflatable transparent rubber ducky with computerized LED trim, strap on pink jelly dong, both frontal lobes, spelling ability and sense of perspective.

If found will trade playa-butter and jelly sandwiches with the crusts cut off and guilt-free foot licking.
posted by loquacious at 3:49 PM on September 7, 2005

milovoo: I misunderstood you cynicism for hatred, sorry...
posted by Elim at 3:50 PM on September 7, 2005

Hey, you went camping. I'm sure this will change the world.
posted by Joeforking at 3:52 PM on September 7, 2005

"Burning Man Defies Katrina? In the wake of epic tragedy, how can a massive, feral party in the desert possibly matter?"

It simply can't!
posted by ericb at 3:52 PM on September 7, 2005

loquacious all but the last two items are mine I think, thanks for finding...., Sandwithces on the way. (the toe licking was a joke of course, Playa foot Ech!)
posted by Elim at 3:53 PM on September 7, 2005

Joeforking: According to some Moses did and it did...
posted by Elim at 3:54 PM on September 7, 2005

WHO HAVEN"T FREAKING BEEN THERE

LOL. First things first, dipshit. I have frigg'n been there. When you were likely a Hershey bar in your daddy's back pocket. Been there done that. It's not an original experience. It is PURE self indulgence. An yeah it was fun. When there was crowd of maybe 300-600 people. Once.

Don't buy a ticket

You have to BUY tickets now? LOL. Oh the Irony. Tickets. LOL.

AND don't COMPLAIN about those who do

Waaaah Wah. Wah.

Nobody would say anything if you kids could shut the fuck up about it for five goddamned minutes.

Your like Born Again Christians - Burning man this. And Burning man that.

Ok. Ok. We GET it. So the fuck what? It's boring, self indulgent, and trite. I'm glad YOU like boring, self indulgent and trite. More power to you. Sometimes I do too. If you REALLY want I let you know when. Like every ten minutes or so. Then you can hate on me. M'Kay. We even now?
posted by tkchrist at 3:54 PM on September 7, 2005

posted by ericb at 3:56 PM on September 7, 2005

tkichrist what year?
posted by Elim at 3:57 PM on September 7, 2005

Can you see why some might take offense with this post's title: "High and Dry" and your glib remark, "Those times I wasn't suffering, that is," at this particular moment of time?
posted by ericb at 3:59 PM on September 7, 2005

So this one time, I went to the market and bought some black plums, and when I got outside, I bit into one, and the thing just exploded wonderful juicy flavor into my mouth, and it was so good, I went back in the store and bough like three pounds more, and the girl at the checkout said "hey weren't you just in here?" and I laughed, and said "yeah, but these are the best damn plums I ever ate in my whole entire life!!" and so I went back to the store all that week and bought more plums, but then they ran out and I was sad. But I really don't expect you to understand.
posted by crunchland at 4:00 PM on September 7, 2005

last time it was 300-600 hundred people was in 89 and 92.
posted by Elim at 4:00 PM on September 7, 2005

last time it was 300-600 hundred people was in 89 and 92

Try 1985. And the idea that you would PAY to be with 20,000 plus people now is so contrary to the entire original notion that...

Sigh.

Oh. Fer fucks sake. Now YOU wouldn't understand.
posted by tkchrist at 4:03 PM on September 7, 2005

tkchrist: Dudezors. What's your Playa Name?
posted by loquacious at 4:05 PM on September 7, 2005

You know, this thread is going better than I would have predicted.

It's like the end of a Fat Albert episode,
and I think we all learned a little something along the way.
posted by milovoo at 4:06 PM on September 7, 2005

MetaFilter: You Wouldn't Understand
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 4:08 PM on September 7, 2005

Crunchland, oh but I do. I do understand but with me, it was these supercool Saturn peaches, the kind that are like flattened and that, like, totally blows my mind to begin with. And then you bite into one and it tastes exactly like a regular peach only you don't get peach juice all over your face because its like a third as high as a regular peach. It was so great but I wouldn't expect anyone else to understand.

Except for people who've taken drugs and hit the drive through at Taco Bell, they might have some idea but the rest of you haters should just shut the hell up. And leave me alone with my wonderful peaches.

As for hot playa nudies, here, take a peek (NSFW, duh!). They look hot and nude to me.

milovoo, Hey hey hey!
posted by fenriq at 4:09 PM on September 7, 2005

Duncan, thanks for that, does it still count if I was being intentionally ironic?
posted by fenriq at 4:11 PM on September 7, 2005

The first year was 86, Nice try though
Location: Baker Beach, San Francisco
Participants: 20
posted by Elim at 4:12 PM on September 7, 2005

So this one time, I was sitting in my room, doing bong hits and talking to my friend on the phone, and I got so high, I hit myself on the head with my sneaker, and I said, "Dude! That was my sk..." oh wait. that wasn't me. that was a movie. But I'm guessing you just wouldn't understand.
posted by crunchland at 4:17 PM on September 7, 2005

I get tired of how hard everyone at BM TRIES to be weird. These silly pictures in the Chronicle of these people at BM in ridiculous outfits and stupid hats saying trite things...all feeling really cool and self-satisfied about it.

I'm sure it's awesome and I am kicking myself that I didn't go back in 1992 when I first heard about it, and hate that now I have a kid and job and limited vacation time & can't go now. But all the self satisfaction, forced weirdness, and "aren't we cooler than cool" really bugs me.
posted by aacheson at 4:17 PM on September 7, 2005

Dude, I'm not sure how you can go to burning man when people are dieing on the gulf coast.

If you had your priorities straight you would have spent the last week posting about it on metafilter. Those people need your help.
posted by justgary at 4:21 PM on September 7, 2005

Never did drugs at the burn, I did drink beer and what have you, never gushed love on unsuspecting people, cept my girl, have yet to meet even one moonshadow there and I have seen enough dead people in my life to fill my cup including one at the burn, and I gave heavily to the Katrina fund AT the burn before I left as did a hell of a lot of us.

We had a party in the desert all were invited you didn't go, cool, We had a great time saw neat stuff then learned about the Disaster and wondered what we could do and how the burn could help, you didn't wan't to read about it but did, and then commented on how you didn't want to read about it again and again. then insult those who go. all cool

That doesn't matter cause it was a FREAKING COOL PARTY MUAHAHAHAHA
posted by Elim at 4:21 PM on September 7, 2005

aacheson: Sour grapes is not really a valid criticism of the festival itself or the attendees. I'm sure you are cool in your own way.

Try 1985. And the idea that you would PAY...
The first year was 86, Nice try though

and WOW, tkchrist, that's weak!
That puts a lot of your other "facts" in a whole new light.
Just making it up as you go along, huh?
posted by milovoo at 4:25 PM on September 7, 2005

The first year was 86, Nice try though

Yeah you really got me. Anyway. Who said I was talking about Harvey's BM?

There were dozens of informal and ad-hoc festivals with no central organization pretty much EXACTLY like it through out the 70-80's. Some in Utah. Some up in BC. Like I said. Not original. Certainly not like these over-gorged commercial excercises in "look-at-me".

We used to call them "keggars" whan I was a kid.
posted by tkchrist at 4:30 PM on September 7, 2005

dude, you got caught..' let it go. man...
posted by Elim at 4:31 PM on September 7, 2005

> You know, this thread is going better than I would have predicted.

Can we start posting our made-up memories of Woodstock now?
posted by jfuller at 4:35 PM on September 7, 2005

Dear Crunchland: interesting. Keep posting. It only gets funnier.
posted by underer at 4:35 PM on September 7, 2005

dude, you got caught..' let it go. man...

Yeah. I did. My mom put me on restriction for it.
posted by tkchrist at 4:35 PM on September 7, 2005

is so contrary to the entire original notion that...

OK, so then what did you mean by "the original notion"?
Who's "original notion" were you talking about?

and to you a kegger is exactly the same as a giant outdoor art festival?
posted by milovoo at 4:36 PM on September 7, 2005

made-up memories of Woodstock now

Did I tell you about the time I held on to the Who's helicopter strut?
posted by tkchrist at 4:37 PM on September 7, 2005

jfuller: "Can we start posting our made-up memories of Woodstock now?"

Short. Quiet. Tasted like chicken.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 4:38 PM on September 7, 2005 [1 favorite]

and to you a kegger is exactly the same as a giant outdoor art festival?

As far posting how AWESOME I think they are on Meafilter. Yes.
posted by tkchrist at 4:40 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: it ain't brain science
posted by tristeza at 4:47 PM on September 7, 2005

nope, I disagree. Masterbating with loved ones NEXT to a bonfire is the best memoy
posted by Elim at 4:49 PM on September 7, 2005

Good lord, that was a horribly edited article. Take, for example:

But amid the excitement, there was a mounting bittersweet feelingof bittersweetness, as the reality that the week-long festival is drawing to a close began to settle in, and everyone will soon be returning to the world beyond.

I've often had a bittersweet feeling of bittersweetness, as if to say: "Wow, I could be experiencing a full throttle bittersweet right now, but there's a tinge of regret to that possibility ...a bittersweet tinge."
posted by thanotopsis at 4:49 PM on September 7, 2005

that is the SF Gate for you, they too tend to be "loose" in the spelling, editing and grammer " thats why I can read it"
posted by Elim at 4:52 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: the bittersweet feeling of bittersweetness
posted by Elim at 4:53 PM on September 7, 2005

Yes, while you were glued to teh noose about the economy going shitsville, the luxury coupe was out of the driveway. Even on the road, the market turnover had a presence. While I was in the bullet lane, I was flashing my headlights at the guy ahead, who was worried about getting a job in the next city (His "WILL WORK FOR fOOD" sign in the rear window was a dead giveaway) The finely-crafted piece of engineering I cruised in was awesome as usual. And comfy. And did I mention fast? I must say I certainly had a ball. Those times I wasn't feeling guilty about people who're unable to experience such joy, that is.
posted by Smart Dalek at 4:53 PM on September 7, 2005

milovoo, no, he equated a keggAr with Burning Man, the A stands for Art, so its a get drunk with Art party, but Art was an asshole when he was drunk so they changed the name to Burning Man. But you wouldn't understand.
posted by fenriq at 4:54 PM on September 7, 2005

jonmc, please pick up the white courtesy phone.

Hello, I'd like a large sausage & fresh garlic pie, and a Italian Combo Sub...


tkchrist, like you I think the whole thing is a little silly and pretentious, but, y'know what, at the end of the day it's basically harmless. So let the kids have their fun.
posted by jonmc at 4:55 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: Dude, You Got Caught
posted by spinifex23 at 4:56 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim: The point is not whether or not it was a great experience for those who were there. The objection to posting this on MeFi is that it's a very personal experience that doesn't translate well when you try to tell other people about it.

This is the most obnoxious thread I think I've ever read on MeFi. What happened here?
posted by Rictic at 4:56 PM on September 7, 2005

No, no Rictic! Best. Thread. Evar. Let's have it every year! Maybe next year we can charge admission. MeFites on the other threads just don't understand.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 4:58 PM on September 7, 2005

IRFH: Now That made me laugh
posted by Elim at 5:03 PM on September 7, 2005

tkchrist, like you I think the whole thing is a little silly and pretentious, but, y'know what, at the end of the day it's basically harmless. So let the kids have their fun.

I completly agree. But Damn. Do we have to hear about it every day? Hell. There about 30,000 Burning Man blogs out there! Have these kids go there.

I can't resist fucking with them, though. Kind of like yelling at those kids to get out of my yard. It's an old guy impulse.
posted by tkchrist at 5:03 PM on September 7, 2005

This is the most obnoxious thread I think I've ever read on MeFi. What happened here?

No way. Most obnoxious? You need to follow ParisP around more.
posted by tkchrist at 5:04 PM on September 7, 2005

no TKchrist you actually went a reread the post and elected comment, I really think you could have avoided it... But then again those kids ARE on your lawn, oh wait, Our lawn, um well someone's damn lawn...
posted by Elim at 5:07 PM on September 7, 2005

Okay once more with editing....

no TKchrist you actually went an read the post and elected to comment, I really think you could have avoided it... But then again those kids ARE on your lawn, oh wait, Our lawn, um well someone's damn lawn.

Dammit now I'm sinile....
posted by Elim at 5:09 PM on September 7, 2005

I can't resist fucking with them, though. Kind of like yelling at those kids to get out of my yard. It's an old guy impulse.

Oh, what the hell..

*grabs lawn chair next to tkchrist, cracks beer*

Get jobs, you filthy hippies!
posted by jonmc at 5:14 PM on September 7, 2005

Got a new pair of Sans-a-Belt slacks today.

They fit pretty good.
posted by dhoyt at 5:20 PM on September 7, 2005

How's the barcalounger working out?
posted by jonmc at 5:21 PM on September 7, 2005

So this one time, I was walking in the woods near Ironforge, and I come across this frozen lake, but there's a hole in the ice so I pull out my fishing pole, and start fishing, when from out of nowhere, this albino wolf comes charging at me! I barely have enough time to put my fishing pole in my pack and pull out my warhammer when the wolf is on me, with his teeth bared, all snarling like. So I hit him with my hammer and he bites me and I hit him again and he bites me and I hit him again and he swipes me with his claws and I'm stunned for a minute, and he bites me again, and my hit points are getting pretty low by this point so I cast a flash heal on myself, and I hit him again, and I kill him, and when I loot the body, he has nothing on him at all. I can't expect you to understand at all, though.
posted by crunchland at 5:23 PM on September 7, 2005

I've got a better idea: in your rant, replace the phrase "Burning Man" with "Christmas"

Very apt comparison.

Try 1985. And the idea that you would PAY to be with 20,000 plus people now is so contrary to the entire original notion that...

Heaven forbid that things change. "Strict constructionism" isn't very attractive.

Ridiculously stupid post, btw. If you're gonna do it, stick it in the original Meta meetup post (where it would find the anonymity it deserves).
posted by mrgrimm at 5:23 PM on September 7, 2005

jonmc, tkchrist; dhoyt.

...and proud of it, man!
posted by jonmc at 5:24 PM on September 7, 2005

So this one time, I was walking in the woods near Ironforge...I can't expect you to understand at all, though.

Dude, I don't understand being near Ironforge and doing anything besides playing the AH.
posted by thanotopsis at 5:28 PM on September 7, 2005

I remember when that dog bagged his first Burner - that young man wasn't feeling too 'groooooovy'.
posted by dhoyt at 5:32 PM on September 7, 2005

And it's up against the wall Redneck Mother.
Mother, who has raised her son so well.
He's thirty-four, drinkin' in a honky tonk.
"What's he doin' down there?"
Kicking hippies asses and raising hell.
posted by jonmc at 5:39 PM on September 7, 2005

Wait, wait; you mean Burning Man cultists call the act of coming back home from their commercialized conceptual-artfest "reentry?" What kind of pathetic elitist garbage is that?
posted by brownpau at 5:39 PM on September 7, 2005

I really think you could have avoided it...

You would think so wouldn't you. But like compulsively probing with your tongue the open socket where a tooth has recently been pulled you know it's going to hurt but... OW!... just cant ... OW!... stop your self.

But seriously. There are Burning Man community blogs EVERYWHERE. And this thread was lame. Even if I was a drug addled BM-head... it stunk. I know you feel this is important and all.

But trust me. In ten years - while you won't exactly regret it - you will day dream about it and then it will hit you like being caught with your fly down: "Oh, man, what was the big deal about burning man..."

And like all things worth while doing in youth, you will be both slightly embarrassed and amused by the realization.
posted by tkchrist at 5:43 PM on September 7, 2005

tkchrist, get a life. You've had your experiences, elim has now had his. Its pretty fucking sad that you've posted so many times just to assert how much older you are and how much more genuine your experiences were. All your mean-spirited bullshit does not contribute anything.

get off metafilter, old man.
posted by Kifer85 at 5:45 PM on September 7, 2005

Heaven forbid that things change. "Strict constructionism" isn't very attractive.

My GOD. That was good. And you are completely right.

See there is something "goooooovy" in this thread after all!
posted by tkchrist at 5:47 PM on September 7, 2005

Kifer85, he's just fucking with you. Grow a skin and a sense of humor. This is the crucial difference between the original hippies and neo-hippies. Abbie Hoffman would've heard tk's wisecracks and slung back some great ones of his own. You kids just get all pouty. There's that spirt of '68, huh?
posted by jonmc at 5:47 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: All your mean-spirited bullshit does not contribute anything
posted by tkchrist at 5:50 PM on September 7, 2005

i havent been to burning man, so im really not taking offense to anything tk's been saying. He just comes off as having a chip on his shoulder, and its pretty pathetic.
posted by Kifer85 at 5:51 PM on September 7, 2005

its just a fucking party, get over it.
posted by Kifer85 at 5:53 PM on September 7, 2005

Maybe a bit, but you know what, he's got a point. I'm sure Burning Man's a blast if you're into that sort of shit, but it's not the Second Coming, and it's not like it lacks for incredibly hubris-laden promotion already. Plus (and I've said this before) despite it's ultimate harmlessness, it's basically a more pretentious Spring Break for geeks

And this is MeFi. No matter what you are touting, whether it's Burning Man, Marxism, Libertarianism, heavy metal, or chocolate cheesecake, somebody is going to call it a crock of shit. Instead of whining, defend it cogently.
posted by jonmc at 5:55 PM on September 7, 2005

Get jobs, you filthy hippies!

They must have jobs if they can afford the $300 entrance fee
posted by cmonkey at 5:57 PM on September 7, 2005

its just a fucking party, get over it.

Bingo! But the fratboys in Ft. Lauderdale don't feel the need to dress up their desire to get high/get naked/see boobies in a whole lotta cosmic hoo-ha. Bacchnalian revels need no justification, yet every damned thing you read or hear about BM is loaded with dippy justifications. That's what drives people like me and tkchrist nuts.
posted by jonmc at 5:57 PM on September 7, 2005

It made me realize how far away and isolated we actually were. It was like traveling in a different country and hearing about your city on your host country's TV news. Or it was like some older time before the web when it was so easy to actively find information.

you're still stoned, aren't you?
posted by mr.marx at 6:00 PM on September 7, 2005

This one time three years ago I broke my arm, I was informed improperly that my keys were in a throttling wood chipper, alas, they were not. I shall never wear a cast again! The itching drove me to the brink of insanity, from now on all my locks shall be keyless! This one time...I ate boiled peanuts, like a whole bunch, and I wanted to get sick, you know like real sick. Then, I had this idea for a dream vacation. I had the spread; the house, the beach, I wrote the whole thing down, like for real, I wrote it down on a piece of paper... fucking lost it. You want a dream holiday, fucking forget about it.
posted by Pretty_Generic at 6:05 PM on September 7, 2005

tkchrist, get a life

Best advice EVER.

If. Maybe they could move it to... Yakima - so I would have to drive so far. And if they made sure the rock and roll wasn't to darn loud. And if 19yo chicks were not completely immune to me - even IF my wife gave me the nod to go all Art Orgy. And if the X was cut down with a little Metamucill so I could stay regular. Oh, and all festivities would have to cease by 9pm so I could go to bed.

Then. Sure. I would go.

Ok. So yeah. You got me. I admit it. I am jealous of these kids going Burning Man. We did that kind of stuff and it was pretty fun. I lay awake with the bitterness. That and the arthritis and the acid reflux. That is why me and The Man conspire with the Utah police to ruin you kid's Raves and such.

Damn you Burning Man for reminding me of my mortality!
posted by tkchrist at 6:06 PM on September 7, 2005

HAHA BM

LIKE "BOWEL MOVEMENT"
posted by jimmy at 6:06 PM on September 7, 2005

somebody is going to call it a crock of shit. Instead of whining, defend it cogently.

Yeah. The best defense is that is "fun".
posted by tkchrist at 6:11 PM on September 7, 2005

It's hilarious how they still pretend it's some sort of artistic event. It's basically Spring Break for the west coast, with a lot more rich weirdoes (as one would expect on the west coast).
I don't begrudge them the release though, they're mostly cubicle rats for whom this is their sole chance at experiencing even a tiny bit of freedom or excitement in their drab lives.
posted by nightchrome at 6:16 PM on September 7, 2005

Very well articulated tkcrhist... every now and then I struggle to describe my love/hate of burners... yes, BM is just a party, and it's relatively harmless, but we really don't need to hear about it every year from some kid who just discovered it and wants to tell the world about it. The comparisons to Christmas and born-agains are useful.

BTW. I have been (1996 -- the last good year before they moved to the edge of the desert and a critical level of mainstream media flooded in) and it was a great experience, but I've learned that you don't talk about it unless someone asks you persistently.

As for it being an 'art festival': it is industrial craftsmanship at best and total garbage at worst. As an income-earning member of the International Art-Elite, I feel I can safely echo the industry's sentiment that BM art is: trite, juvenile, embarrassing, and repetitive.

This is why the 'art' is isolated in the desert and you are not to present it outside of the venue. You wouldn't let an artist (as an un-qualified engineer) build a four-lane bridge any more than you would let an engineer (as an un-qualified artist) produce art. And, if you were to allow either of these things to happen, you'd to it in a safe, restricted environment. Like a 400-something square-mile desert.

(there's irony in there somewhere, but i'm not saying)



posted by Extopalopaketle at 6:17 PM on September 7, 2005

Man, this place is really full of holier than thou jaded freaks.
posted by undule at 6:17 PM on September 7, 2005

Crap, jonmc basically said the exact same thing awhile back, and much better of course. I need to learn to read every comment before opening my trap.
posted by nightchrome at 6:17 PM on September 7, 2005

they're mostly cubicle rats for whom this is their sole chance at experiencing even a tiny bit of freedom or excitement in their drab lives.

You go to Microsoft's campus and everybody is talking about it - four months before and three months after. They all have (carefully sanitized) Burning Man screen savers and playa names as passwords and server names.
posted by tkchrist at 6:19 PM on September 7, 2005

Man, this place is really full of holier than thou jaded freaks.

Burning Man or MeFi?

You're right in either case but for different reasons.
posted by jonmc at 6:20 PM on September 7, 2005

I heart crunchland. Once I stuck my head so far up my ass I saw God, but you wouldn't understand.

Burning Man wouldn't be a source of grumbling if it weren't for the overheated rhetoric about what currently consists of a large-scale competition over who has the coolest glitter cowboy hat- with a price ticket of several hundred dollars. But even that's relatively harmless. The problem here is the feel-my-pain, navel-gazing bullshit about the trauma you experienced upon "re-entry" while society's have-nots were left to sit in their own shit in the Superdome. Cry me a fucking river.

Oh, and here's a link to my very favorite piece of Burning Man journalism.
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 6:20 PM on September 7, 2005

And your favorite band sucks, too.
posted by tommasz at 6:23 PM on September 7, 2005

I should footnote all my comments with the admission that I've never been to Burning Man and never would. Cheif among the reasons is that I wouldn't feel comfortable or welcome there.
posted by jonmc at 6:23 PM on September 7, 2005

$300 entrance fee

Are you fucking KIDDING me? So. Pretty much Rich White People Only then?

Ok. I simply can't cut you trust-fund BM'ers any slack now.
posted by tkchrist at 6:24 PM on September 7, 2005

Any of y'all been to the Mardis Gras?


Yah. There's some difference huh.

So, to all the moaners....... jeebus! Not interested? move on, you're harshing my mellow.
posted by alicesshoe at 6:26 PM on September 7, 2005

that's precisely our point, alicesshoe.
posted by jonmc at 6:28 PM on September 7, 2005

Despite all the hype and insistence that it's some sort of indie affair, it's really a mainstream amusement park for affluent bloggers.
Yes, it's just an adult-oriented Disney Land, and thus it costs a bundle to get in.
posted by nightchrome at 6:28 PM on September 7, 2005

Any of y'all been to the Mardis Gras?

They charge $300 dollars for Mardis Gras? I think not.
posted by tkchrist at 6:29 PM on September 7, 2005

NTM, is anybody at Mardi Gras claiming that it's all about art, maaaan?
posted by jonmc at 6:31 PM on September 7, 2005

At least at Mardi Gras you get beads for showing your tits.
posted by nightchrome at 6:32 PM on September 7, 2005

The only truly interesting things to come out of Burning Man,in my opinion, are the phrases "shirtcock" and "shirtcocking". I'm sure they were used before somewhere else, but only publicized recently.
posted by nightchrome at 6:38 PM on September 7, 2005

Man, this place is really full of holier than thou jaded freaks.

You cared enough about Metafilter to spend $5 for an account at the first opportunity¹, and yet somehow did so without encountering the basic fact that Metafilter consists almost solely of holier-than-thou jaded fucks?

¹November 18th, 2004
posted by Ryvar at 6:43 PM on September 7, 2005

JonMC, I did defend it AS a Arts festival and Party, only AND A GOOD ONE, and I think you would enjoy it save the heat....

Note to all,
One, It ain't commercial at all, At least learn about it before you post.

Two: As far as any of us know TKX did NOT go to any Burn, so he has no Bern experience

Three: Tickets cost so much because it IS so big and needs insurance and clean up. I understand and support it (And I can barely afford it).

Four: It ain't elitist, YOU ARE INVITED! EVERY YEAR.. so enough of that.

Five: Its about as diverse as Sanfran, Not all white, Lots of folks from Europe, Canada, Asia and Latin America,

Six: The Porta Potties ALWAYS SUCK!

Seven: Glitter is rarely present, To falls off and stays on the Playa, and someone, has to clean that up every year.

Eight, Playa names are like online Metafilter names, as good or as lame, nuff said.

Nine: Martis Gras IS commercial, as is Fashing and Carnival, and First Night and Xmas. Not the same.

TEN: Not Like Spring break, as in almost NO frat boys.

Eleven: Some Art is industrial Some are Mind Boggling!
posted by Elim at 6:46 PM on September 7, 2005

Damn rednecks
posted by melt away at 6:46 PM on September 7, 2005

and yes, we're all so jaded we shoud be hanging in a chinese temple. Deal, kid.
posted by jonmc at 6:46 PM on September 7, 2005

JonMC, I did defend it AS a Arts festival and Party, only AND A GOOD ONE, and I think you would enjoy it save the heat....

Of course I would, there's naked chicks and drugs. The rest of it, I could do without.
posted by jonmc at 6:47 PM on September 7, 2005

TEN: Not Like Spring break, as in almost NO frat boys.

That's exactly my point, numbnuts. You're doing the same thing as the fratboys, but without the fratboys around, you just won't admit it because that would mean admitting that (gasp) you and the fratboys aren't that different. And at least the fratboys don't claim that their buzz-seeking and titty-ogling is a key to cozmik conciousness.
posted by jonmc at 6:50 PM on September 7, 2005

well theres always Boobs and Buzz
posted by Elim at 6:50 PM on September 7, 2005

Actually I think some of you need to at least go to Burning Man to check out the Jiffy Lube camp.
posted by melt away at 6:53 PM on September 7, 2005

probably because thats all most spring breakers are there for, not so at the burn. Go and see for yourself.. I challenge you.
posted by Elim at 6:53 PM on September 7, 2005

Melt Away, HA! or the Deep end!
of Pink Mommoth!
posted by Elim at 6:54 PM on September 7, 2005

I don't have $300 to throw away, Elim. And there's several places a breif subway ride away where I can see tits if I want, and I can score drugs even quicker and easier, and I won't have to listen to a bunch of New Age Prattle in the process. Plus I like my couch and my TV.

Is it that painful to admit that you are not that different from the fratboys? C'mon already.

forgive my bluntness, I'm drunker than dogshit
posted by jonmc at 6:56 PM on September 7, 2005

We don't have to go and see, because every single goddamn one of you comes back and decides to tell the world about your singularly cosmic experience. For the rest of the goddamn year.
posted by nightchrome at 6:56 PM on September 7, 2005

then if you won't see it quit being rude enough to assume you know what is is about? this is'nt a book or film with a script. nor is it a titty fest for masterbatory 20 year olds either.

This comment was fine: Of course I would, there's naked chicks and drugs. The rest of it, I could do without..

This was in ignorance: That's exactly my point, numbnuts. You're doing the same thing as the fratboys,

and for this one: We don't have to go and see, because every single goddamn one of you comes back and decides to tell the world about your singularly cosmic experience. For the rest of the goddamn year. simple answer don't read the fucking post.
posted by Elim at 7:01 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: I misunderstood you cynicism for hatred, sorry...
posted by Duncan at 7:03 PM on September 7, 2005

nor is it a titty fest for masterbatory 20 year olds either.

Yeah, and I read Playboy for the articles. Grow up.
posted by jonmc at 7:03 PM on September 7, 2005

ask youself this: if it wasn't for the titties and the drugs, would you still bother?
posted by jonmc at 7:05 PM on September 7, 2005

Just ignore them Elim. There's really no point and they just love to get people riled up who aren't as cynically cool as they are.
posted by melt away at 7:06 PM on September 7, 2005

pot calling kettle?
posted by Elim at 7:06 PM on September 7, 2005

Melt Away: dude this so called boring thread is up to 150! that is justicew enough...
posted by Elim at 7:07 PM on September 7, 2005

Oh, I'll admit it. I love rolling naivete in some reality. It wises the kids up.
posted by jonmc at 7:07 PM on September 7, 2005

Yeah the rednecks are out in full force.
posted by melt away at 7:08 PM on September 7, 2005

nor is it a titty fest for masterbatory 20 year olds either.

You're right. Some of them are dirty old men. Or maybe the reason the crowds love Critical Tits is because they are all such deeply committed feminists.

And there's nothing wrong with that. Just don't pretend it's somehow more profound than Girls Gone Wild.
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 7:08 PM on September 7, 2005

Yes JonMC cause I go to Local Burn events where Niether drugs or nudity are present, I dont do drugs and can see My own gilrs titties when I want to... so yes... I'm sorry if you think different, I can't help that. Your experience in the world my guess is can't support it...
posted by Elim at 7:09 PM on September 7, 2005

Hah. I do have to chime in and defend Critical Tits. There's a huge difference between that and Girls Gone Wild. Sort of like the difference between a European beach and a Vivid DVD.
posted by melt away at 7:10 PM on September 7, 2005

you actually act like "redneck," is an insult, melt away. I'll take it as a compliment.
posted by jonmc at 7:10 PM on September 7, 2005

There's a huge difference between that and Girls Gone Wild. Sort of like the difference between a European beach and a Vivid DVD.

What is the difference? The ultimate goal is to see tits in either case. Quit justifying your base urges. It just makes you look silly.
posted by jonmc at 7:12 PM on September 7, 2005

How the hell did we become rednecks for thinking Burning Man is a crock? I guess this is why you don't want to admit to having things in common with fratboys. Your intense disdain for anyone not in your social circle is very enlightened of you. I can see you had a spiritual awakening.
posted by nightchrome at 7:12 PM on September 7, 2005

FH: when you have to wait a few days in a hot desert to get it though....... and Yes critical tits is fun but running after them can get tiring and the critical cocks running right after them can rollover the slow
posted by Elim at 7:12 PM on September 7, 2005

Nice deflection.
posted by melt away at 7:12 PM on September 7, 2005

Intense disdain? Haha, you guys are so funny! I love rednecks. They have nice mouth-sized cocks and love to smoke the mary-j.
posted by melt away at 7:15 PM on September 7, 2005

FH: when you have to wait a few days in a hot desert to get it though

Dude, I spent three years of my life working in an industrial bakery. being hot, sweaty and dehydrated is not enlightening to me, just unpleasant. Sounds like you've never been in a situation like taht involuntarily.
posted by jonmc at 7:15 PM on September 7, 2005

Masterbating with loved ones NEXT to a bonfire is the best memoy! might not mean the burn, heh heh don't assume. OH and where did I say redneckS that is bullshit, we have rednecks at the burn, hell we had a texas camp, that did a filly round up in center camp!
posted by Elim at 7:16 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim, I was slinging the word 'rednecks' around. And I'm from Texas, born and raised.
posted by melt away at 7:16 PM on September 7, 2005

you forgot I was in the Last gulf war, so yes i have.. I know I mentioned that to you in the past....
posted by Elim at 7:17 PM on September 7, 2005

no worries, just clarifying that the camps do get really diverse
posted by Elim at 7:18 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim, we should meet up next year and talk about the elitist, cynical, navel-gazing rednecks of Metafilter. Drugs on me.
posted by melt away at 7:20 PM on September 7, 2005

It was like a spiritual journey, like I came to the circle, the circle of life, and I felt a union with all things, and I saw all of the parts to the whole and I sensed this great benevolent pressure urging me, pleading with me, to buy stock in AMD, because they're totally going up their market share and bring piece and love to the process of making and marketing microchips using non-GMO silicone and stuff, dude.
posted by luckypozzo at 7:20 PM on September 7, 2005

Oh, the irony of being called an elitist by someone claiming Burning Man is some sort of religious experience.
posted by nightchrome at 7:20 PM on September 7, 2005

I thought Burning Man was fun when I went. I met Adrian Brody there and you know what? He was sort of a frat boy.
posted by jessamyn at 7:21 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim, I respect your service, but come on, man, wanting to get loaded and get laid needs no justification, that's all I'm saying. And I'm sure as hell not gonna sit in the desert and crap in a porta-potty for the privilege.
posted by jonmc at 7:21 PM on September 7, 2005

Wow, this thread is like that one time when the goth kids and the hippie kids at my school got into a huge turf war over who got to eat lunch on the front lawn and who had to eat in the cafeteria, and the principal just stood by and laughed instead of breaking it up.

In my dream, jonmc is the principal.
posted by muddgirl at 7:22 PM on September 7, 2005

I have no issue ever with those who won't don't or can't go, or choose just not to cause its "not their cup of tea' only with one who has not gone telling me why I go or what happens there as if they have an inside track. or complaining about how they HAD to read another post when they didn't HAVE to read the damn post, and then commenting only on the fact that the post was even made.

I go for FUN! and ART and biulding ART! AND BURNING ART! oh and fun.
posted by Elim at 7:22 PM on September 7, 2005

MA your on only if you bring a micro brew in leu of drugs, or barring that at least Accept mine. Camp Love Potion...
posted by Elim at 7:24 PM on September 7, 2005

Did I call Burning Man some sort of religious experience? Where was that? I had fun, met up with people I only knew online, learned a few things, did some great drugs, had great [sober] conversations, laughed at the nudist walking around with a boner and saw some cool art. Oh yeah - I made some too. And had the best damned homemade beef jerky ever. So, nightchrome, take your 'irony' somewhere else.
posted by melt away at 7:24 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim, I said ( ashitload of comments ago) that I feel the whole thing is ultimately harmless and that i wouldn't do a thing to stop it. I'm just tired of all the hubris and pretension is all.
posted by jonmc at 7:25 PM on September 7, 2005

telstar invited the hate upon this thread with his "ain't this so cool" post, sure. And the gee-whiz, look-at-us, all-of-you-should-come burners are every bit as detrimental to the Burning Man cause as the frothing Bush-haters are to the progressive cause. That said, the anti-BM vitriol on here MeFi has always been an embarassing display of pawing to the top of the dogpile. This thread has been no exception.

Why Burning Man? As the previously linked Mark Morford column asks, why NFL football, organic dogfood, or Destiny's Child? My camp this year went out to Burning Man fix bikes for a week. I went out this year to photograph art that I witnessed first hand making people laugh with delight, move to tears, shake their head with disbelief, or simply wheeled past indifferently. There are people working not just during the event, but year-round to provide the necessary infrastructure (information dissemination, emergency services, urban planning, site preparation and cleanup, security and perimeter, census taking and tabulating, and yes, even porta-potties) to make the event happen. I myself even played a small part on the Burning Man webteam this year. How do you fit my own experience into "just a party" or "commercialized art-fest" or "show me your tits"? And I'm hardly the most involved or most heavily invested burner I know.

There are things about Burning Man that probably irritate me more than they irrirate you: overenthusiastic newbies, quasi-cultish evangelists, spiritual hippies who overdose on oh-my-god-it's-the-desert, ravers who piss on the playa, weekender tourists, and the yahoos who go but just don't get it. To name a few. There are many burners that I have absolutely no interest spending time with, both during and after the event. However, many the more ignorant comments here -- particularly tkchrist's eventual admission that he'd never actually been -- are even more embarassing to read. And like the burn itself, these threads castigating Burning Man have become a yearly ritual here on MeFi.

Think of it as your own way of participating in this Burning Man thingamabob. Larry Harvey would be proud.

This is why the 'art' is isolated in the desert and you are not to present it outside of the venue. You wouldn't let an artist (as an un-qualified engineer) build a four-lane bridge any more than you would let an engineer (as an un-qualified artist) produce art.

Because heaven forbid if anyone writes a song, makes a painting, writes a novel, or throws some clay other than a "qualified professional." Precisely the attitude that dissuaded me from entering an MFA program: the notion that those who have not devoted their financial careers to art is doomed to merely consuming it.
posted by DaShiv at 7:26 PM on September 7, 2005

I'll have to remember that next year, Elim. I'm probably going to be at an as-yet-unnamed theme camp next year.
posted by melt away at 7:26 PM on September 7, 2005

this year I was on the temple biuld and Art car detail for Camp Love potion.
posted by Elim at 7:28 PM on September 7, 2005

Precisely the attitude that dissuaded me from entering an MFA program: the notion that those who have not devoted their financial careers to art is doomed to merely consuming it.

True enough shivster*, but the same could be said of Burning Man habitues who thing that non-goers have nothing to contribute.

*this was brought home to me by a stripper who was giving me a lap dance. I mentioned that my girlfriend was in graduate school to be a poet. She said "You gotta go to school for that?" and kept grinding. The stripper has her own website fulla poetry, too.
posted by jonmc at 7:30 PM on September 7, 2005 [1 favorite]

I don't have a problem with people going off into the desert to get stoned and naked. It's probably a fun experience, I'm not doubting that. But every single person who comes back, and I'm not just talking mefi here, every single one of you covers the net with masturbatory screeds on the glory of Burning Man. And yes, we could just not read them, but as I said they are everywhere. I have no problem leaving you alone to enjoy your event in peace, without my even noticing, but you guys won't let me.
posted by nightchrome at 7:32 PM on September 7, 2005

Mardi Gras is free.
posted by sklero at 7:32 PM on September 7, 2005

Mardi Gras is free.

But the drinks aren't.
posted by melt away at 7:33 PM on September 7, 2005

My all-time favorite work of Burning Man art. Don't have a picture of the giant paper mache penis friends built a few years back. You could use the hand crank and make it ejaculate confetti.
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 7:34 PM on September 7, 2005

The breasts are (mostly) free.
posted by luckypozzo at 7:34 PM on September 7, 2005

DaShiva, Thank you for the Bike Camp I have visited manytimes and abused the generousity of you kind folks, you have been kind and giving as a camp... I have and will continue to donate Bikes when I bring them... Melt away you can camp with us anytime. wine and cheese on me
posted by Elim at 7:34 PM on September 7, 2005

wine and cheese? Now I know you're nuts. At least offer beer and nachos, dude.
posted by jonmc at 7:36 PM on September 7, 2005

mardi gras is also corp sponsered now... and you pay in taxes for it.
posted by Elim at 7:36 PM on September 7, 2005

beer is a given. Nachos aren't that p[opular it seems, (Don't know why)
posted by Elim at 7:36 PM on September 7, 2005

The freethinking is also free.
posted by luckypozzo at 7:38 PM on September 7, 2005

mardi gras is also corp sponsered now... and you pay in taxes for it.

true, but any schmuck with a few bucks in his pocket can still walk down and buy a drink and join the fun. Big difference. And nobody at mardi gras claims it's about anything other than pure indulgence in base urges. That's the big difference.
posted by jonmc at 7:38 PM on September 7, 2005

any smuck can by a sixpack of miller and trun on the playboy channel, that dont make it the same.
posted by Elim at 7:39 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim, I'll just come visit - I'm already torn between three camps! I'll gladly share wine, cheese and conversation.

DaShiv, I had heard rumors that there was no Bike Camp this year. Guess Camp Lazy Fuckers just should've gone out and looked for it instead of believing the rumor.
posted by melt away at 7:40 PM on September 7, 2005

oh I guess by your previous argument it would... NM
posted by Elim at 7:40 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: trun on the playboy channel.
posted by luckypozzo at 7:41 PM on September 7, 2005

not one in main camp this year as far as I could Find but two minor ones at 3:00 and 9:00 (or at least 9:00)
posted by Elim at 7:42 PM on September 7, 2005

Nachos aren't that p[opular it seems, (Don't know why)

Well you have to melt the cheese and clean up the plastic/metal plates or throw away the paper plates. I would think melted nacho cheese would collect playa pretty easily too. Who knows, maybe it would be a hit if someone made some.

And nobody at mardi gras claims it's about anything other than pure indulgence in base urges. That's the big difference.

Is it?
posted by melt away at 7:44 PM on September 7, 2005

Jerry Falwell said that a meteor might possibly hit burning man. I can't wait!
posted by bargle at 7:44 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: trun on the playboy channel.

That might be the central beef a lot of us have with all the BM hubris. We can achieve transcendence and connection with our fellow men (not just the like minded masses at BM, either) without paying $300 and dragging our asses into the desert. All I need to do is go to the corner bar, put some tunes on the juke and strike up a conversation with the guy next to me. YMMV.
posted by jonmc at 7:45 PM on September 7, 2005

Why is that a beef?
posted by melt away at 7:46 PM on September 7, 2005

good for you, then you need not tear down those who find the burn fun do you?
posted by Elim at 7:46 PM on September 7, 2005

He's "not tearing down" - he's saying it's "just like" other things.
posted by melt away at 7:47 PM on September 7, 2005

The implication that we're missing something by not dragging our asses out there, and are thus inferioe beings somehow, whixch is the implication of all the overweening hubris.
posted by jonmc at 7:47 PM on September 7, 2005

Johnmc, we don't want you out there if you don't want to be there. Why prattle on about it?
posted by melt away at 7:47 PM on September 7, 2005

Mardi Gras parades are sponsored by the various Krewes.
posted by sklero at 7:47 PM on September 7, 2005

Why prattle on about it?

Because the Burning Man people won't stop prattling on about how great Burning Man is.
posted by jonmc at 7:49 PM on September 7, 2005

One post is prattling?
posted by melt away at 7:49 PM on September 7, 2005

One post is prattling?

melt away, there've been several posts about BM on MeFi, filled with the same hubris. And the Net is filled with thousands more accounts. I've been hearing about it ever since I got online back in '94. It's a bit much after awhile.
posted by jonmc at 7:52 PM on September 7, 2005

One post is prattling.
posted by luckypozzo at 7:52 PM on September 7, 2005

Actually My Take is,he is assuming its for titties and beer and I'm a fool for thinking different, when he has yet to go there once.. "JUST LIKE" was a diversion from that argument, and shift if you will. I assume it is the Alcohol as he mentioned before, but I can't let that slide. I wont be called naive about an event I went to that he didn't... I accept his reasons for not going but not his reasons for me going...
posted by Elim at 7:53 PM on September 7, 2005

I'm aware there have been several Burning Man posts on MeFi. I don't think the "Net" counts with your particular complaint. One FPP on this year's Burning Man which you didn't not have to click on. Someone got a little overzealous in the afterglow of an amazing time that they had. Just admit it - you can't resist pissing in someone's Cheerios.
posted by melt away at 7:54 PM on September 7, 2005

I accept his reasons for not going but not his reasons for me going...

That's cool with me. Just don't think that going makes you something special is all I'm saying.
posted by jonmc at 7:55 PM on September 7, 2005

Who said they were special for going?
posted by melt away at 7:56 PM on September 7, 2005

Holy backpedalling, Batman.
posted by nightchrome at 7:56 PM on September 7, 2005

Just admit it - you can't resist pissing in someone's Cheerios.

Dude, I'm a professional Cheerios pisser. That's my fuction in life. And the world needs Cheerios pissers, of all varieties.
posted by jonmc at 7:56 PM on September 7, 2005

Yes but I can't help but throwing your piss back on your face.
posted by melt away at 7:57 PM on September 7, 2005

When the man burns, it's like a phoenix that burns down and you take it with you into real life....
posted by luckypozzo at 7:58 PM on September 7, 2005

When luckypozzo speaks, it's like a turd that burns on it's way down and you take it with you into real life....
posted by melt away at 7:59 PM on September 7, 2005

Yes but I can't help but throwing your piss back on your face.

Yes, but just like you (I'm presuming) everyday life pisses in my face regularly. Just taking it all back down to earth.
posted by jonmc at 8:00 PM on September 7, 2005

never said it was, but the insult was about "That's exactly my point, numbnuts. You're doing the same thing as the fratboys, but without the fratboys around," That is the issue for me, you tellin ME why I go, then insulting me when I disagree. "Is it that painful to admit that you are not that different from the fratboys?"

Now you tell me I was imkplying I'm special for going?

Shit man..
are you only drinkling alcohol?
posted by Elim at 8:02 PM on September 7, 2005

melt, you kiss your mother with that mouth?
posted by luckypozzo at 8:02 PM on September 7, 2005

None of this bickering can change the fact that this was a shit post to begin with.
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 8:03 PM on September 7, 2005

Maybe so.

I think I just found enlightenment in jonmc. Fuck the Blue Room, I'm staying at the Blue.
posted by melt away at 8:04 PM on September 7, 2005

I hereby volunteer to eat the Cheerios. God bless jonmc.

See who we missed here, here, and here.

I promise a substantial cash payment if someone can arrange for an art car to run over the clown.
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 8:04 PM on September 7, 2005

admitting that you're not that different from fratboys is an insult?

Whatever you're differences with them, they're just people. That's my point.
posted by jonmc at 8:04 PM on September 7, 2005

FH that would be a great art concept piece
posted by Elim at 8:06 PM on September 7, 2005

now your assuming I'm too obtuse to notice that semantic game! both you and I know what you meant. don't be that petty.
posted by Elim at 8:08 PM on September 7, 2005

weretable and the undead chairs: and yet you read and posted...
posted by Elim at 8:09 PM on September 7, 2005

Elim, I'm honestly not being petty. I'm just saying that it's not all that different, it's just a bacchanalian revel, wich is a fine thing. I've had great ones with fratboys and hippies and gutterpunks in my day. I'm just saying that all the hype puts me off.
posted by jonmc at 8:11 PM on September 7, 2005

I never said it was, nor do I now. read my posts I explain what it was to me only, noty a great revelation or Utopia, A Freaking good arts festival and party. that all.
My issue is those other telling ME why I go. Thats all.
posted by Elim at 8:12 PM on September 7, 2005

and even with what you'd call rednecks, melt away.
posted by jonmc at 8:12 PM on September 7, 2005

My issue is those other telling ME why I go. Thats all.

It's all the hype we read on the net and elsewhere that gives us that impression, dude.
posted by jonmc at 8:14 PM on September 7, 2005

okay and the hype all of us can easily avoid, by not clicking on posts right? or bitching about the posters of lying about the event in some cases. right? dont like, dont read...
posted by Elim at 8:14 PM on September 7, 2005

I think it's an interesting festival, I really do. But I consider it akin to a state fair, in that it's largely for entertainment. Yes, it's more mature and responsible. Yes, it draws a different crowd. But it's still just funnel cakes and bumper cars. It's fun and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it’s still open to scrutiny, that’s all.
posted by luckypozzo at 8:14 PM on September 7, 2005

the rest of the net aint my fucking responsibility. my posts or comments are.
posted by Elim at 8:15 PM on September 7, 2005

LuckyPozzo, Actually that I welcome...
posted by Elim at 8:16 PM on September 7, 2005

But I would like to note the text of the FPP relates the festival to The Disaster in way that seems insulting, which has probably fueled our scrutiny for the last 200 comments or so.
posted by luckypozzo at 8:19 PM on September 7, 2005

absolutely, elim. But, if nothing else, maybe my comments have taught you something about some peoples distaste for the hype surrounding BM. But like I said, I've had great times in my life partying with hippies, punks, fratboys, greasers, rednecks, homeboys, and countless other subcultures acheiving the same thing that BM advertises. It's all good as they say. But that's my pet project, getting the world to see that we ain;t all that different in the end.

But have your fun. But it ain't so sacred that we can't criticize or even mock it.
posted by jonmc at 8:21 PM on September 7, 2005

LP: yes but 90% wasn't about that.
I can back from the burn into a world or atleast country greatly changed, and I still have to deal with that, as all burners do.
San fran is the basic home of the burn so THAT paper is expected to write about it, The poster made an assumption right or wrong that the story was worth sharing, I GUESS NOT as the result here show. then the discussing became how lame commercial and whatever the Burn is or was or became, I explained why I go, and defended the representation, and got clobbered for it for a bit.
posted by Elim at 8:24 PM on September 7, 2005

yes Joncm but to me its as if your just pissing on someone else parade you never went to that to me is pointless and meanspirited.

I find the Thanksgiving day parades kinda dumb but I never assume why someone goes, i like the floats sometimes. but would not go... unless I was right near one when it happened.

I also would not Lie about why it sucks or make shit up either.. and would avoid posts about it if not in that frame of mind at the time.
posted by Elim at 8:29 PM on September 7, 2005

There is plenty of irony in the way the whole thing is billed that can invite mockery. An environmentally responsible party, for example. The cover charge, which seems elitist. The exotic locale, which speaks to privilege. The assumption here is that the Burning Man subset is pluralistic, and believes that all should be included. But the event seems structured to dissuade people from attending.
posted by luckypozzo at 8:29 PM on September 7, 2005

I can back from the burn into a world or atleast country greatly changed, and I still have to deal with that, as all burners do.

Gee, that sounds really tough. It's a scandal your story hasn't been covered more extensively in the mainstream media.

But I would like to note the text of the FPP relates the festival to The Disaster in way that seems insulting, which has probably fueled our scrutiny for the last 200 comments or so.

Um, yes. That.
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 8:30 PM on September 7, 2005

not accusing you of anything in the third paragraph Jon...
posted by Elim at 8:30 PM on September 7, 2005

All the dudes in pictures from "the Burn" kill me kinda look like poor man's Cocky Bastards.












That's not a good thing.
posted by dhoyt at 8:31 PM on September 7, 2005

I also would not Lie about why it sucks or make shit up either.. and would avoid posts about it if not in that frame of mind at the time.

Well (and this is not an attack, just an explanation), I'd rather jump in and say what's on my mind and hear response. That's where coversations get interesting and we learn about eachother. I'm one of the few people who can say that he's freinds with and understands both amberglow and bunnyfire, so I must be on to someting, you dig, my man?
posted by jonmc at 8:32 PM on September 7, 2005

LP actually all that is explained in the site. The Move, the Ticket Costs the Environmental issues. and in a way your right the BLM would love less attendance.
posted by Elim at 8:33 PM on September 7, 2005

I did, and count you as a major good guy here, but man you hit my nerve....
posted by Elim at 8:34 PM on September 7, 2005

sorry 'bout that then, but we all need our nerves hit on occasion, including me and you, if only to keep us honest.
posted by jonmc at 8:36 PM on September 7, 2005

Why does Elim hate the english language? Why is he seemingly incapable of correct spelling?

I think he's a troll, but I don't think he has the slightest clue that he's a troll.

55 un-proofread, badly-worded, typo-riddled, totally-clueless comments in this thread. A full 1/5 of the current total. He's stringing us along for a ride.

GET.
A.
LIVEJOURNAL.
DAMNIT.
posted by blasdelf at 8:37 PM on September 7, 2005

HA!
one more for you
posted by Elim at 8:39 PM on September 7, 2005

Oops, looks like he managed to make 4 more comments in the time it took me to compose and re-read that.

What are you doing, hitting refresh every 45 seconds?

ON PREVIEW:
He strikes again in the time it took me to type this one!
posted by blasdelf at 8:42 PM on September 7, 2005

Well I'm convinced. I'm definitely going to Burning Man next year. With all the displaced Mardi Gras tourist drunks from New Orleans. Yep, all a couple-of-thousand of us will be there, with our big pink daquiris and bead throwings and "show us your tits" and our general lovable disorderliness.

You artsy people won't mind right? Cool, cool.
posted by Stan Chin at 8:44 PM on September 7, 2005

sorry just swing at all comers today, your late to the onesided fight
posted by Elim at 8:44 PM on September 7, 2005

Is the whole thing really anti-human? I mean, burning a man at the end seems to undercut humanity, perhaps exalting the desert in its place. Is it an end of the world cult, something the CIA should be looking into? Burning man is illegal everywhere. If you burn a man in the desert and nobody parties, does he make smoke? Burning, man, it's really groovy.
posted by luckypozzo at 8:46 PM on September 7, 2005

LP your getting it now
posted by Elim at 8:47 PM on September 7, 2005

and you FM will wait for a long time...
noit worth getting a pick to you
posted by Elim at 8:47 PM on September 7, 2005

nor spell checking that post either
posted by Elim at 8:47 PM on September 7, 2005

alright, lets all join hands and sing along...

c'mon, it's a positive message and he's got great pipes and the keyborad riff is great...
posted by jonmc at 8:48 PM on September 7, 2005

We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving.
posted by luckypozzo at 8:50 PM on September 7, 2005

*smacks luckypazzo*

do not compare those two songs, philistine...
posted by jonmc at 8:52 PM on September 7, 2005

But the keyboard riff was great...
posted by luckypozzo at 8:53 PM on September 7, 2005

ah! I can now leave this thread, all is right with the world...
posted by Elim at 8:55 PM on September 7, 2005

but I'm not being ironic. I love that song. It's the leadoff track from the first album I ever bought with my own money. And it still is kinda stirring, and despite it all it's real.

I'm thining of starting a music blog called "Jonmc defends the indefensible just to argue about this shit...
posted by jonmc at 8:55 PM on September 7, 2005

Nice finish. Good show.
posted by luckypozzo at 8:56 PM on September 7, 2005

Also, this was a piss-poor front-page post.

Wouldn't 250+ comments indicate otherwise?

Lots of people wish their little flash posts would attract this much discussion (some of it is even sort of interesting).
posted by milovoo at 8:58 PM on September 7, 2005

Burning Man sucks.
posted by brownpau at 8:59 PM on September 7, 2005

The comments indicate the comments, and not the quality of the FFP. I hope you noticed that most of the comments were from a few people (myself included). A good post would have had many different commenters. I don't think the volume of the comments indicates the quality of the post. It was a bad post, let's be honest. But we got angry and produced the comments.
posted by luckypozzo at 9:04 PM on September 7, 2005

And by "bad" I mean naughty. It was a naughty post. We had to beat it into submission.
posted by luckypozzo at 9:05 PM on September 7, 2005

wow you guys are still commenting on how bad the post is?
posted by Elim at 9:29 PM on September 7, 2005

Metafilter: We had to beat it into submission.
posted by NorthernSky at 9:44 PM on September 7, 2005

er.
posted by ori at 9:53 PM on September 7, 2005

posted by 31d1 at 10:05 PM on September 7, 2005