Virgin needs advice, am I being setup?

[thee monster winnie]

Hello fellow burners,
I'm gonna try and make this short and sweet. This is my first burn and after a few failed attempts
I actually have a ticket, a ride in an R.V. and a camp to stay in. The situation is the person who is
Handling the R.V. is also handling the camp situation. The camp ask that all members participate
in camp duties and pay camp fees of $320 dollars, which I do not have. I am being assured by the
person handling our R.V. that it will be ok as long as fifty percent of our R.V. has paid... and they
have. I am also being asked to contribute six days of morning work in the camp prepping fruit
for performers. The crux of the issue is, I do not trust the person handling the negotations for our
R.V. She often says one thing and then later, more truth is revealed. I am a control freak and to
be honest I have surrenderd so much (Control) here to get to burning man. I fear winding up at burning
man to some dramatic senario at the camp. Or being told that we are now going to ruff it on the Playa.
I fear that this woman is a liar and that I have been suckered. I suppose that some of this could be newby
nerves, some of it could be the lack of control.
I've had as many conversations as I think I can have with out becoming accusitory... so what do I do?
Advice please.
Winnie

[Bob]

Have you ever been camping? Anywhere?

[Shambala]

Dear Thee Monster Winnie,
Do your camp dues include the RV use or is that separate? You know the lay of the land better than any of the eplayians do, so you may have a better feel if this person is dishonest.
I will tell you that if the $320 is just dues to stay in the camp and have some meals, that may be a bit high. There is another thread on camp dues, and I think that between $60 and $100 is around a fair amount.
Six days of helping out sounds about right, but the dues sound a smidge excessive to me.
Can you give more details on what else they are charging you at the camp?

[C.f.M.]

They'd better have air conditioning, real beds and daily hot showers for that price!!

If you don't feel comfortable before you're even there, I say take the ride and camp elsewhere.

[Gunslinger]

once you get there, if you discover you've been shammed, & you have a somewhat decent figure you can come stay with me near Distrikt. I like women who can 'take control' and bring along a little bit of that fruit too. I like pineapple.

To put you at ease, you're still going to have a great experience, even if your camp situation & camp sucks, there is SO much to do and see once you've completed your daily duties that it will literally blow your mind. If you find you're doing more than 3-4 hrs a day of camp chores though, you may want to start renegotiating.

[jkisha]

If there is something that doesn't feel right about the situation, change it now, while you still have time. You said you like to feel more in charge. Here's your opportunity.

[BBadger]

What is this $320 + labor camp so I can avoid it in the future?

[graidawg]

in this circumstance i would follow my instincts, if you smell a rat then there is usually a rat around. As long as you have your ticket in your handwhen you get in the rv and you are prepared to go ask for a little help elsewhere if it all gets too shitty burners are good people they will help. probably. as long as They don't smell a rat.

[trilobyte]

The dues seem really high for just a basic camp with shelter - I'm going to take a wild guess and assume that you and your ride/campmate are staying with some kind of major theme camp that has a big sound rental/transportation/bar cost. If that's the case, it's fairly understandable. The work shift scenario also makes sense, even in the big camps with huge dues, work needs to get done and everybody needs to pitch in and do their part. Don't let it get you down though, sometimes those experiences and the people you meet while doing the work can be awesome.

The main issue, though, sounds like one of trust. If you just don't want to get caught up in that situation and feel there could be some experience-crippling awkwardness, then make plans to camp elsewhere (check the boards for details about orphan camps). If you want to check the situation with the theme camp but don't feel you can trust what your ride/provider says, you can try reaching out to the organizers of the camp. Obvious stuff, be respectful and as polite as you can, and be careful not to say something that would strain the relationship your ride has with the camp (explain that they're super busy but you wanted to double check anyways). Explain the situation, you've just heard about these dues, you don't have that kind of money but are traveling/camping with someone who is paid in full, and that you're scheduled to work x shifts, but maybe could pitch in some more somewhere to make things right. It's very possible that they will be understanding and will do whatever they can to help you make it work. It's also possible that they're absolutely not cool with that, and you'll have to make other camping instructions (ie orphan camp). But this way, you have answers and don't have the stress of riding out there and not knowing if you'll get kicked out and have to figure something out on the fly.

That's my advice. Good luck!

[FIGJAM]

I have a spare room if you have a sleeping bag.

[I11I1II1]

I'm going by myself to camp because I tend to be self reliant and I don't want to get "trapped" into any situation that I can't get out of. I also have plans to play some music at the temple around either dusk or dawn when it either isn't too hot or too cold. I'll be out there with my dolly/deep cycle battery/ solar panel and small amp / acoustic-electric guitar. I have a repetoire of mostly material that Pat Metheny wrote that works best acoustically or with a microphoned-classical guitar. It won't be too loud but an acoustic by itself would probably just be drowned out at burning man.

I'm thinking that for my first year, I'm going to want to get around some of the main camps and see what things are like and probably won't want to stay put except during the heat of the day when moving around increases your chances of heat stroke. It gets pretty hot in Nevada, but it is a dry heat which sucks the life (and water) out of you, so come prepared anyway, and if you have a camp to stay at, then think of it as a bonus that you can take or leave.

[knowmad]

TMW
I believe you may have made it through the hard part "Giving up control", You said that you like to be in controll and you feel like you are in free fall. totaly natural and if it didn't make you a bit worried, well then the playa might not be for you. In a way it's just a big camping trip, in anouther way it is prety monumental.

The Playa can give you a entire new spectrum to feel things on. But as far as I can see you've done two Very Burny things already.
You Got past the wanting to go phase, and got a Ticket. and you reached out and accepted A stranger. might sound odd to you but allowing some one to give you somthing that you feel like you might not wan't or deserve.

You found your way here, and met some of your neighbors. and when there is camp drama (and every camp has Drama! ) Go meet your other neighbors, but also return to your camp, but not untill you explore the City!

Perhaps a good next stop is to Go introduce your self in the Introductions thread, ask questions and PM (private message) anny one of us in this thread if you get lost (PM is the little person Icon below my picture over there ----->)

Good Luck and Welcome to Eplaya!

[graidawg]

TMW
I believe you may have made it through the hard part "Giving up control", You said that you like to be in controll and you feel like you are in free fall. totaly natural and if it didn't make you a bit worried, well then the playa might not be for you. In a way it's just a big camping trip, in anouther way it is prety monumental.

The Playa can give you a entire new spectrum to feel things on. But as far as I can see you've done two Very Burny things already.
You Got past the wanting to go phase, and got a Ticket. and you reached out and accepted A stranger. might sound odd to you but allowing some one to give you somthing that you feel like you might not wan't or deserve.

You found your way here, and met some of your neighbors. and when there is camp drama (and every camp has Drama! ) Go meet your other neighbors, but also return to your camp, but not untill you explore the City!

Perhaps a good next stop is to Go introduce your self in the Introductions thread, ask questions and PM (private message) anny one of us in this thread if you get lost (PM is the little person Icon below my picture over there ----->)

Good Luck and Welcome to Eplaya!

+2.57 and us virgins want to meet more cool virgins so we can stage coup d'tat (oh shit)

[thee monster winnie]

Wow, First of all you guys rock... I can't believe all the replys; i'm touched.
Yes major camp, a bit on the healthy, spiritual side, holistic if you will.
Three meals a day plus snacks, shower area, work shops, ect... it's being limited
in the amount of campers. We've already purchased three meal plans plus another $300 for
the R.V. I've already paid $500.00 for my ride and accomidations in the R.V., plus more than
original price for a ticket... I did not plan ahead... ( Be Nice!!!)
I reached out to the kitchen/ food orginizer and his major concern was "had I paid camp dues".
In the world out here, before the recession crash... i'm a $400.00 a day private chef, I was sure
my skills would more than make up for camp dues, I guess not.
My opinion / gut is that the camp has an idea of what they want to present and the price of inclusion
is $320.00. it's a great camp but i'm tapped out. It's kind of ironic but it reminds me of our current
economic situation in the U.S., all these different parties with this idea, of what the experience/solution/ USA should look like.
The solutions ingnore the plight/ reality of the people, the reality of how little the people have to give, how much they have already given; sacrificed to support the ideal; the dream.
It makes me wonder if the troubles in our country and on our playa are one of politics not patriotism, participation, support... but the loss of connection with what the people really need... and the peoples acceptance of their mistreatment.
i'm coming to burning man with just me some sun block,water, food and a desire to see how this experience... BM, creates itself. No costumes, party favors, excess... just a willingness to see how I manifest myself in this instant pressure cooker of the psyche.

Shit!!! Where did that soap box come from!!!! LoL
Well Thank you for all your help, I have some decesions to make... see you on the playa.
Winnie

[trilobyte]

You're going to be absolutely fine, Winnie. Sure, some decisions to make, but you'll get past it and have an awesome burn.

[thee monster winnie]

Thanks Byte,
see ya on the playa.
Winnie

[AntiM]

Do return and give us an afterburn report. I am intrigued!

[graidawg]

winnie sounds very challenging, come to the eplaya meet n greet and meet these people in the flesh

[Savannah]

Wow, First of all you guys rock... I can't believe all the replys; i'm touched.
Yes major camp, a bit on the healthy, spiritual side, holistic if you will.
Three meals a day plus snacks, shower area, work shops, ect... it's being limited
in the amount of campers. We've already purchased three meal plans plus another $300 for
the R.V. I've already paid $500.00 for my ride and accomidations in the R.V., plus more than
original price for a ticket... I did not plan ahead... ( Be Nice!!!)
I reached out to the kitchen/ food orginizer and his major concern was "had I paid camp dues".
In the world out here, before the recession crash... i'm a $400.00 a day private chef, I was sure
my skills would more than make up for camp dues, I guess not.
My opinion / gut is that the camp has an idea of what they want to present and the price of inclusion
is $320.00. it's a great camp but i'm tapped out.

It sounds like there was some miscommunication between you & your camp. Perhaps assumptions took place on both sides. Due to their size (and possibly, some negative experiences with lazy Burners or helpless virgins) your camp has decided to get pretty precise about fees. It's not personal--for good and bad. That's what happens, the larger a camp gets . . . the less personal it is, as well. However, if it's any comfort, 3 meals a day plus snacks and showers, workshops and (I assume) shade, is pretty plush. Next time, you'll know better what you want and need . . . and you'll also know if you can fend for yourself, or with fewer comforts.

There are other options: solo camping, camping with a tiny group of friends, or no-fee, no-frills village-style camps (like Orphan Camp or Stag Camp, etc, which emphasize social togetherness and personal responsibility) . . . and there are also camps with $50-100 fees that fall somewhere in the middle.

I thought what knowmad said (about you learning to let go of a little control) was very apt and very interesting, btw.

Have a great Burn . . .

[gyre]

Talk to others in the camp.

[EastcoastEd]

You being a "take charge" person, you should speak directly to the person "in charge"; that way there is no confusion of exactly what is expected of you. Tell the person in charge what you're able to do and what you're good at , and some idea of hours you're willing to contribute. Remember you're there to have fun and have your own time as well. Take care.

[thee monster winnie]

Hello all,
I promised an afterburn report and here it goes. I was being setup, not by the camp. But by this vetern burner,
so was everyone in our motorhome. This woman... person, hatched a scheme to buy an R.V. and took all the funds
we paid her and bought this hell on wheels. Windows that did not roll up, no suspension, windshield wipers that did not work... Death on wheels.
She then kept concaucting senario after senario that required more money for gas at $200.00 a pop... times 6... $1200.00 in gas. I had kept an eye on her though and knew the truth, the R.V. was actually being bought from her shady car dealer uncle, she was also being evicted and all of her own cash was tied up in paying a deposit on her new apt. Eventually there was a show down led by a member of our traveling group D, another veteran burner and a bully. D thought I was being a shit for not paying for gas, I broke the senario down. Inconsistant stories, lies about the quality of the motor home. The scraming conversations with (parties) about the R.V. lies, lies, lies...

At last we made it to burning man. The camp Sacred Spaces was wonderful! Seeing as to how three of our party were unregisterd, two were sharing a registration; and the person who brought us in was a known liar. They registered me, gave me a key to our own private pottys / shower structure. They were kind, hooked up our R.V. with electricity... they were a welcoming spirit of B.M. after callous usage by two vetern burners. D showed more of his true colors here... truly a monster.So we four virgins amped with curiousity, dusted ourselves off, brushed our teeth and found the real spirit of burning man... and it was so fucking beautiful. The anthithis of what we had been experiencing, welcoming, kind, honest. And oh the camps... so many options. I cooked breakfast with the Krisnas, to give back to our camp, (we paid for a meal service to be delivered, courtisy of the krishnas ). I worked a shift at center camp slinging coffee. I participated...
sometimes burst into tears now that i'm back. I can't believe that I have to wait another year to be on the playa. I know that I will spend this year creating new burner relationships, buying my ticket early. Finding that camp that fits a bit better... renting ahead on the r.v. thing... and carrying the spirit of burning man year round here in L.A. where it's sorly need.
Peace and dust to you all...
Winnie

[trilobyte]

Sounds crazy, but glad to hear it worked out.

[Savannah]

Winnie, I'm so glad you prevailed! And your radar for weirdos (the bad ones, I mean) is excellent.

Next year was better.

[danibel]

Fan-Freakin-Tastic! I am so glad you had a good burn. Onward and upward my friend.

Danibel

[BurnerSkunk]

and carrying the spirit of burning man year round here in L.A. where it's sorly need.
Peace and dust to you all...
Winnie

GLad to hear it worked out, and I know how you feel about carrying the spirit in LA.. I wonder if there are any LA meetups for us to get together and share our virgin experiences. I know there is a decom event here: http://www.laburningman.com/decom-flyer-contest.html

[thee monster winnie]

L.A. decom... We can meet more of the l.a. cru.
and yes I must start trusting my freak o dar... it's rarly wrong.
thanks for all the support guys.
Winnie