| APOKILIPTIKA Burning Man 2005 Updated July 6, 2005 "Can't we all just get along?" A General Primer on getting our poop in a group-- as a group- or "How a bunch of far flung weirdoes can manage to become a team." To start with... If you have never been to a burn before, the hardest thing to prepare is your expectations. You will find that what you thought was going to be important, turns out to not to be... and other unexpected things do become important. Anyone who has been to a burn or two over the years, can appreciate how vital it is to click well with the other people who camp with you-- unless you camp alone due to bad personality, bad breath or a poor set of social skills. For some camps, it is quite easy, especially if it is made up of people who already know one another well. For some camps, particularly when assembling far flung types (like ours), it can take a bit for each other to smooth over their own rough edges, or the edges of others... and become familiar, content with, then "bonded" with camp mates. As a short cut, this bonding has been attempted with adhesives and duct tape with little salutatory effect. Perhaps the old fashioned way of patience will provide greater results. So far, after these many months, we have succeeded in creating a general sense of well being. I have been quite surprised at the numbers who have expressed interest in joining APOKILIPTIKA this year- actually very surprised. Yes, the actual number will level out as the time goes by, but it seems likely we will have a good, manageable crew in the end. (Geez you think... am I gonna get along OK with this batch of off-the twig castaways?) I hear you. In my profession, I am often called upon to organize people with... shall we say, strong or interesting personalities (a requirement to get past the greeters) and I'd like to make a few General Orders (suggestions) for our interactions with one another, to manage our expectations, and level the playing field a bit, so we can sorta ease into a good team of maniacs and oddballs. This is always done best, early on. General Order 1: Be patient in building relationships with the campmates. Some of you may be somewhat hesitant about the types of people who will assemble, and want to take it slow in getting to know one another. That's not only OK, but best. Friendships are created by invitation, not imposition. Be patient, be yourself, but also give others the space they need to become comfortable with YOU. Most of you are already interacting with one another on ideas, projects etc.. Just be patient until your dangerously wonderful personality becomes accepted. General Order 2: A Burner is Trustworthy, Loyal, Brave, Clean (well, dusty... but at least thoroughly non-gross) and at the same time, irreverent. Success in a camp means helping out and lending support. At BRC, a level of braveness, even un-inhibited-ness is needed, especially if one is to fully enjoy the extraordinary world that is Burning Man. Clean? Well, you'll learn to live in and love the dust- most of us come to covet the remnants and traces of Playa Dust we encounter months later. Cleanliness to a reasonable degree, will be appreciated. Be, at least thoroughly non-gross. Being irreverent is sorta expected at Burning Man, and this self expressive irreverence is part of the energy of the event, with expressive language, sexual innuendo, bizarre behavior or dress, full or partial nudity, speaking in funny voices, generous partying and extreme nonsensical actions all common faire night and day. I fully expect our camp will be no exception. Yet, each of us has certain internal controls that we must respect within ourselves and with others. Act accordingly. Mutual self respect is the best guide. READ the BM Survival Guide as your best source of community do's and don'ts. General Order 3: "If you do something stupid, don't be stupid about it." Hey, the state and federal laws don't stay outside the gates. If you do something that would be illegal or just plain wrong in the "real world" it will be just as illegal or wrong in BRC. Personally, I prefer to stay away from drugs, and prefer good ol booze (the clear volatile liquids derived from the fermentations of sugars, known to have intoxicating effects on certain carbon-based life forms). Hey, your preferences are yours, just be careful out there kids. Also, we are taking special precautions for the Kantina regarding underage drinking, and will be serious and enforce it. As to safety... Generally avoid such things as blowing yourself up, catching on fire, falling from high towers, projectile vomiting anywhere near the camp or your campmates, and being run over by mutant vehicles in the dark. Less mortalistic no no's to avoid include being pushy, inconsiderate, annoying or generally an asshole. The Central Committee reserves the right to banish assholes. General Order 4: "Don't be an Asshole. |
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