Burning man burnout

[greatbear]

By now, some people on my f-list are making their way to Burning Man. This was something I'd wanted to do for some time, though as I read how it's become quite popular, things are not quite the same. There are more rules, more regimentation, and, of course, more people. Hence the original spirit of the event is diluted. I've always been the sort that would turn away from some of my various pursuits once they started getting too popular. NASCAR, "extreme" car stereos and internet chatting are three different examples here. Pride parades are probably next on this list; there is far too much of a commercial presence at the events that have nothing whatsoever to do with the intended purpose. Getting back to Burning Man, it seems to me that I would not enjoy it nearly as much as the event was held in the past, and what captivated my attention at that time.

Then it kinda hit me. I should judge the event on the spirit and intent of it, not by how it's popularity has unfortunately forced some restrictions upon it. In other word, don't hate the playa, hate the game.

Comments

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

*Terrible* pun!

But that's one of the reasons why we love you ;-)

And yeah, BM gets bigger every year, but it's still ostensibly the same… create a temporary city, bring in everything, and see what happens naturally/organically. BM is what you make it to be, much like every other experience. Those that go annually enjoy it for what it becomes for them. Those that do not, well, they don't come back.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Or as I have called Hillside before - Flaming Man. ;)

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I agree that the bulk of the event is what it has always been, and that with the increased participation, certain rules and guideline are a necessity. I just don't do well around tons of people packed into a place. Spread 'em out and I'm fine (hell, I fall into NYC as if I've lived there). I just prefer intimacy the best. ;)

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

the BM grounds are so super huge, there is little possibility of being cramped, unless you choose to be.

[holy13nation.livejournal.com]

You're right. But you are right about Pride as well.

I should have gone to Glastonbury years ago. Now...it is very different. Could still be fun (if hard on the pocket) but I doubt it has the spirit or resonance of a while back.
Or the bands.
Unfortunately.
Only myself to blame.

I guess really we should all learn to grasp the moment...or the nettle.

[geometrician.livejournal.com]

There are smaller, regional burns that, while not on the playa (or, thank the gods, they are not on the playa), may recapture the closeness of BM in the past.

[progbear.livejournal.com]

“Don’t hate the beach”?

“Burning Man,” I’m afraid to say, has never had any appeal to me. Just seems like a cheap pretext to take lots of drugs to me.

[bitterlawngnome.livejournal.com]

What would prevent me going is the economic brick wall around the event. $400 just to get through the gate? and that's before you've paid for transportation, gear, food, and whatever fun stuff you might want to bring.

burning man

[fuzzbearmark.livejournal.com]

I hope it's nothing like The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man burns

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Tell ya what. Get yourself healed for next year and I'll go with you. I've been wanting to go myself and regardless of it becoming somewhat of a spectacle, it is still one of those things that I would like to say I have done.

I have never been to Burning Man!

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

Unless there was a really compelling reason for attending such an event, such as an opportunity to chat with guys for hours and hours about "prog rock," I probably wouldn't be interested in attending. I am more of an "indoors type!" With the possible exception of walking over to the Mexican food truck during lunchtime, I hardly set foot outside of my building before sunset, or at least late afternoon. I haven't been outside of my state in over 21 years, either!

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

I've never understood the attraction of the event. Of course, given that they insist on holding it as the same time as an event that trumps damn near everything else, I'll never have the opportunity to check it out and see if there's something there that escapes the writeups.