All About Participating in the Pottie Project

[EvilDustBooger]

I`m thinking:
People talk a lot of shit on this thread.

But it is the best place to get all the latest poop on pooping.
Just an observation.

Keep up the good work.

[robbidobbs]

Ok Kids, it's spring, and we need to start thinking about shit...this year's shit.

JRS wrote a list of questions particiants send to the LLC after the Event ends, and the first one is:

"I think it would be great if someone did ________ at Burning
Man." (In each email the blank is filled in with a different creative
idea.)....
However, the next question is who should implement new ideas?
In some cases the Burning Man organization is best equipped to do this.
But, many of the ideas are exactly the kind of thing that participants
have spontaneously created in the past.

Down the list is mentioned porta-potties:

Porta Potties

Q: Can the porta-potties be lit at night so they are
easier to find in the dark?

Overall, the comments indicated that the porta-potties were much cleaner than the previous year. We're working with our vendor to strive for the
same next year. Many participants suggested lighting the porta-potties
at night so they are easier to find. We are exploring this suggestion and plan to implement it in 2006.

That's interesting. I've never heard of this plan.
I know of a small handful of Burners who've made it their art project to light some of them, but City-wide pottie lighting hasn't yet happend because We as Burners haven't stepped forward and make it happen as yet. It's a major undertaking.
I mean, Gadz!

I've been encouraging anyone who asks about lighting to just start out by lighting the bank near where they live, as a public service as well as a nifty art project. I'm still going to.
I firmly believe that if we want to push forward with the flag of Radical Self-Reliance, then we all need to do our part, not just wait for some quasi-government entity to take care of it for us.
I'm sure if someone wanted to embark on this, they could solicit an Art Grant. It just takes effort.

I do what I do because it's a culmination of my capabilities. I'm not an electrician, I'm not into construction or welding, etc.
I'm a language artist, and so I talk...
a lot...
with a megaphone if allowed.

But mostly face to face, one human to another.

Now ask yourself: what is *my* talent or skill.
How can I contribute.
If it's lighting or electrical, then this would be a good project.
If that's not your bag, then maybe there's something you do that's special.

If nothing else, educate your campmates and those you talk to about Excremental Correctness.

Stay regular,
RobbiDobbs clear

[robbidobbs]

Addendum (now that I've had time to sleep)

HazMatt of DPW is the POC for the City-wide pottie lighting project. I'll be happy to field questions here for those interested in participating.

[robbidobbs]

This year's pottie theme will be...
DON'T PUT BABY-WIPES IN THE PORTA-POTTIES

I'm going to be putting up a LOT more wet-ones related signs on the pottie doors, so at this time I'm soliciting sign verbage.

It can be simple, like Don't drop your baby-wipes in the toilets.
Or it can be positive: Burn your wet-ones.
Haikus anyone?

[robbidobbs]

Ok Kids,
Someone asked me, "Hey RobbiDobbs. What do you do on Poop Patrol, and how can I help?"
So I'll just tell ya'll the scene.
If any of you have any time during the Event, by all means find me at The Bar/ePlaya Camp. I leave at around 8am.
You can as well find me in the evenings (as in, at dusk) back at camp.
I must warn you that I will solicit your help to go on Poop Patrol, at your convenience, of course.
Basically I need help with keeping my shit together.
The gig is really quite simple:
You meet me at The Bar Camp in the morning.
We do breakfast if needed.
We load hand sanitizer boxes into my truck.
If necessary, we hit the DPW Depot and pick up some more boxes.
We go to each pottie bank in the City and refill the handsanitizer stations.
During which, we talk to people about Excremental Correctness.
This includes performance art, megaphones and enjoying the good old-fashioned hospitality of the Community while "talking shit".
And it's not called being a "shit ranger".

I'm all about "confrontation," and there ain't no "negotiatin"'
This is about educating Participants, whether they be newbie or veteran, on the pottie issues.
I liken it to being a Town Crier really.
Sometimes the trip gets down-right silly. Like when I go on, and ON about baby-wipes, or toilet paper, or sabateurs, or whatever the crisis that's hitting our fair city this event.
Sometimes its amazing, like being interviewed at a radio station.
Or getting really cool schwag...and beer...and nipple polishings.
You can expect to hear the same schpiel over, and over, and OvEr, and and OVER. I get kinda "focused" at times, and sometimes I need a tether, like someone to tell me to relax.
Still...
At some point, you just might find yourself spontaneously talking to people in conversation about the Issue. It just happens. It's weird like that.

Are you the kind of tough, focused, community-minded participant that can handle a 4 hour shift with me?

(the usual disclaimers apply)

[Xak]

How about:

Single-ply
Do or DIE

and I believe the word you are really looking for is queue...


_X

[ibdave]

How about:

Single-ply
Do or DIE

and I believe the word you are really looking for is queue...


_X

< Clapping >

[EvilDustBooger]

Haiku :

please read my message
keep your fucking baby wipes
out of the potty

[theCryptofishist]

Stupid Question, Robbi
If the E-playa Bar Camp set up a "pottie salon" and put it in the what where when, would you think it potentially valuable? would you talk to us? Or is just added burden without much chance of result?

[robbidobbs]

Stupid Question, Robbi
If the E-playa Bar Camp set up a "pottie salon" and put it in the what where when, would you think it potentially valuable? would you talk to us? Or is just added burden without much chance of result?

I think that's a great idea Fishy.
The more advertisement the better. If a Participant saw that, and had questions/concerns about pottie issues, they would know where to go.
It could also be a way for those that want to volunteer for Poop Patrol, and help with replenishing the handsanitizer stations.

And if I'm not there, I'm confident that those at our well-educated camp would be able to answer questions.

I'm not a graphic artist, so if a sign were to be needed, I would need to solicit the help of our more artistically-gifted members.

Thanks!

[theCryptofishist]

over on the burning man tribe http://bm.tribe.net/thread/fe46ee32-c2ac-4c32-aebf-69c5a7109bca having a baby wipe discussion and I thought having an actual q and a session with one or more experts might help this bunch. (on the other hand who knows if they'd actually care once they got onplaya.) but your right, having the camp as a sort of Pottie Project Central would be a damn good thing. I'll check in with the rest of the camp.

[robbidobbs]

(on the other hand who knows if they'd actually care once they got onplaya.)

Yep. What to do about these bints. They don't sound like they respect signs, or even WOM.

but your right, having the camp as a sort of Pottie Project Central would be a damn good thing. I'll check in with the rest of the camp.

Yes please

[Xta_G]

Robbi, I was reading the First Timers guide last night (again, for the umpteenth time) ... and noticed that in the FAQ, their wording for what can go in potties is very unspecific: "This year we are encouraging participants to think of the porta-potties as if they were your own home toilets. " ... and doesn't mention that those supposedly flushable baby wipes are verboten! (I saw some myself at the store the other day, and went "Ooh! Look! Evil Supposedly Flushable Baby Wipes!") (quietly to myself, of course..)

Are there guidelines for the type and material of signage you'd like to see posting useful details like this at the PortaPotties?

X.

[robbidobbs]

The signs are made on sheets of white 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" (1/2 of regular printer paper). No pictures, just words. The verbage needs to be easily readable at 20' back. The font should be about 32 point therefore. The message should be clear & unequivacable, and about the critical issues: baby-wipes, hovering, grey water and one-ply paper.

Thanks

[CinnaMan]

If I volunteer for a clean-the-potty shift, can I get in to BRC earlier than non-volunteers?

Thanks, anyone, for your replies.

-CinniMan

[robbidobbs]

If you were with a department (fill out the volunteer questionaire to do this) and the department manager approved it, then you could. Or if you are with a large theme camp that has early entry privileges, then that's another way.
I personally don't have the authori-tay to sign you in.

Early entry is tough to pull off unless you are already involved by this time.

Once you are in, as I've posted before, just find me thru the DPW channels, or find me at DPW Depot every morning around 8am. Then we can head out on patrol. I'm always in need of volunteers during the Event.

Thanks and good luck,
RobbiDobbs
DPW Volunteer Coordinator - Pottie Project

[robbidobbs]

Howdy Poopers,
I stayed up late last night and composed, formated and made ready to print about 100 signs. I'm actually feeling kinda proud of meeself for having successfully kicked my ass into getting this far. But the Burn looms. I have a lot more work yet to do. Just getting the file openned and worked on makes me feel like the Chief Poopervisor, and less like a schlemeil.

I'm really hoping that I won't be hard pressed to find a 2nd & 3rd pair of hands to get the signs up. So if you can spare 4 hours on the w/e prior to the Event (early arrivals are hard to find, and usually busy) then find me at ePlaya Bar Camp or the DPW Depot. Or just flag me down by the potties.

[mars]

Just to clarify...are you looking specifically for people who are already going to be inside before gates officially open?

[robbidobbs]

Yes,

[robbidobbs]

Are you a virgin?
Do you want a way to participate this year?
Are you bringing a bicycle?
If so, then I encourage you to help out by coming with me to educate the poop-ulation on excremental correctness.

This is a critical issue, one that not only threatens the immediate enjoyment of the event by participants, but the event itself.

Please read the above postings, and let me know if you're interested in participating in this way, in any way.

BTW: the signs are nearly finished (yay!)

See ya on the Playa,
RobbiDobbs
Chief Poopervisor of the Pottie Project

[mars]

Well, not a virgin, but somewhat virginal when it comes to volunteering in a big way. But I am game and would like to contribute to my community in ways that matter...and I know how much the porta potties matter...especially regarding the matter therein...

So, yes, I'm interested in participating and plan to be there as Sunday midnight, if all goes well with our RV, which it almost never does!!

Neon


///////

[robbidobbs]

Thank you Mars.

(now for the PSA)

Howdy Poopers,
I've finally finished the signs and the scarves.
If you would like to participate RIGHT NOW by making cool gimmeez and schwag that is of a poopy nature, by all means doo so. I can cheerfully send you a pic of Pooping Man if you'd like, or just make shit up yourself.

Stay regular Campers. We only have 4 w/e's left. AAK!

[tisha2]

my 2 cents..

last year some of us who carry sharpies (permanent markers) everywhere we go (mainly for 'tagging' unfortunates who pass out in public spaces) asked about 'tagging' the portapotties with positive messages, like...'NO BABY WIPES IN THE PORTA POTTIES', & 'IF IT DOESN'T COME OUT OF YER BODY, IT DOESN'T BELONG IN THE POTTY! (tampons not included)', and 'YER SISTER PICKS BABY WIPES OUT OF PORTA POTTY SHIT'.

We were told that this was acceptable as the markers were easily cleaned off the JOTS with the crazy chemicals they clean them with....

is this true? if so...helllloooo anyone with a sharpie....git 'er done!!!!


S*A*S
~RA

[robbidobbs]

When I inquired about BRC pottie graphitti, I was told the drivers enjoy our bullshit. It's the most intelligent wall-doodling they ever saw. It vanishes with this amazing toxic-waste spray-on solvent that probably causes cancer, but damn, it works.

[Marmot]

Build awareness by implementing a "brown ribbon campaign"-- brown ribbons emblazoned with "Support Our Poops". So obvious, it's probably already been suggested, I just couldn't be bothered to read 4 pages on this topic.

[robbidobbs]

Yes, something like this has been suggested, but never implemented.
Feel free to make up the ribbons and distribute them (as long as you tell the folks that the ribbons don't go in the potties either).

Thanks

[robbidobbs]

I'm now famous in K-Falls:

http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2 ... local2.txt

[Remark]

Co-worker walks up to me and shows me the picture in the paper. She asks "So, do you know her?"

I answer "Yeah....No......Kinda...... That's Robbidobbs. Megaphone by the JOTS."

She reponds"Huh? The closer burning man gets, the less I understand you..."

Very cool, (and thank you for all your hard work.)

[theCryptofishist]

I'm sure she'd love to show you how to do it...

[Dianamite]

anybody know the pottie layout for 2006? People in my region are asking...

Dianamite