What's your favorite of the 10 principles?

[robrob]

gifting and radical self reliance are cool and all, but i think it's "participation" that speaks to me the most.

Participation
Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.

what particularly resonates with you?

[knowmad]

gifting and radical self reliance are cool and all, but i think it's "participation" that speaks to me the most.

Participation
Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.

what particularly resonates with you?

Ten Principles

Radical Inclusion
Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.

Gifting
Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.

Decommodification
In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.

Radical Self-reliance
Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.

Radical Self-expression
Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.

Communal Effort
Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.

Civic Responsibility
We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state and federal laws.

Leaving No Trace
Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them.

Participation
Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.

Immediacy
Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

[Sham]

Coveting my neighbor's wife!


edit: wait, I think I misunderstood the question!

[knowmad]

Decommodification
In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.

As I See it this is a key Pinciple.

Comunity, radical inclusion, gifting, Civic Responsability....
all in some way hang off of a market free enviroment.

When burners work together....
We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation.
Can I help you find some one who is willing to give you what you are looking for, rather than stand by as you are exploited by someone else who doesn't yet share our values?

[bluesbob]

I like Principal Skinner

[Eric]

There is No Correct Way to Burn.

[Bob]

There is No Correct Way to Burn.

Here's a word problem for you.

Back in '96 the camp next door projected vintage Swedish 16mm porn on the side of a rental truck, with power provided by a rusty 100 db generator, and with a dozen or more fellows masturbating on the playa, sans biodegradable hankies.

If the same camp returned in 2011, would it be correct, or not?

[Eric]

There is No Correct Way to Burn.

Here's a word problem for you.

Back in '96 the camp next door projected vintage Swedish 16mm porn on the side of a rental truck, with power provided by a rusty 100 db generator, and with a dozen or more fellows masturbating on the playa, sans biodegradable hankies.

If the same camp returned in 2011, would it be correct, or not?

For me? I'd find it a tad gross, but I wouldn't go up & yell at them or tell them to turn off their porn. I can always bike away from the horror, just like I can try to avoid the Large Sound Camps (which, personally, I find more annoying than people masturbating- you can't just bike away from that ever present sound)

It's already been documented that people doing sexual activities where they can be seen by a casual viewer can get arrested, especially if you're gay (first case I know of was in '05 I think, I'd have to check the Piss Clear archives to be sure), so the LEO's may not agree...

[Bob]

These days they would have to do it in a tent, with proper warning signage. They'd have to comply with the Sex Letter from the theme camp directorate, counsel participants on their rights and responsibilities, card everybody at the tent flap, and provide health department certified sanitary facilities, along with a floor or suitable devices to prevent moop. Probably some form of sound baffling as well, for both the porn and the generator.

That is, assuming the theme camp directorate had determined that they had a sufficient Participatory Element to be granted theme camp status, and a sufficiently glib English-speaking liaison to interact with the org and law enforcement.

[theCryptofishist]

Yes, but...

Bad Idea Theater--Porn Night!

[TomServo]

Immediacy
Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

Duh!

[junglesmacks]

I dunno about mine, but it seems like many have become a fan of the little known 11th principle..

"Radical Self-Entitlement"

[troubledenergy]

"Communal Effort
Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction."

I believe in community... in cohabitation... in the fact that it truly does take a village... <3

[Irreverent Moniker]

Decommodification is probably my favorite. One of my main reasons for going is to have a week of my life where I'm not bombarded by advertising.

[Radical Self]

Immediacy - just because it is the most elusive and thought-provoking of them all. I have been contemplating this one lately. Why was it chosen? And how does it apply to Burning Man and to the default world? Here is an interesting definition I found on the internet...

S: (n) immediacy, immediateness - lack of an intervening or mediating agency, as in "the immediacy of television coverage"

The example is truly ironic, since I believe Larry Harvey would argue that TV is the most damaging mediator.

After my Burning Man experience, I found myself espousing the principle of immediacy to my default world co-workers, telling them that if they had a problem with me or with their other co-workers, they should engage them directly instead of "telling" on them to a supervisor (mediator). This idea is not popular in the default world, but I saw it in practice much more at Burning Man. Have a problem with the dubstep? Ask kindly if it could be turned down a bit. This immediate action prevents so many hang-ups of the default world: stress, litigation, anger, hatred, jealousy. It has been quite a challenge, but I have been putting it into practice more and more, and feel so much better about myself and at peace with the world.

Don't let your problems fester and boil inside you. Engage them immediately. And be willing to accept the things you cannot change.

Immediacy. I love it!

[atomicray]

1. Participation
2. Communal Effort
3. Leaving No Trace
4. Radical Inclusion
5. Civic Responsibility
6. Gifting
7. Radical Self-reliance
8. Radical Self-expression
9. Decommodification
0. Immediacy


Although the principles get a be hazy after the first couple...it is interesting that there is a serious focus of the individual and yet also heavy consideration of the community and the group...is it just me or is the list a series of covering the bases?

If there are concerns for the various foul elements that have been seeping into the drinking water as it were, I suspect that people on the outside do not understand what Burning Man is trying to establish (me included) because there are counter forces at work here. With the 10 principles as they are layered it makes it fairly easy to create a bubble of relative direction...like making a soup or stew...little more of 2 and 7 for yours where I use mostly 1 or 6.

Your outside elements read what they want to read, understand what they want to understand, and act the way they want to act, is mainly because there are many different ways to consider each aspect of the event...at least IMHO.

From what I have read, seen via the Ustream (which was a great week by the way, most rewarding), the eplaya forum, and from the various web hosted accounts of pics/videos I have a pretty good idea of what it all means to me...but the odd thing is that I did not see my vision of Burning Man in the 10 principles. Not directly. I could flip flop with one or another but nothing clear cut.

Surely this is an issue?

Can you blame a brau, darktard, fratboy, agro, or glitter pony? Does the general public have any idea of what Burning Man is? Certainly there are layer of resources available, but when you buy a ticket to a water park you pretty much have an idea of what to expect without know exactly what the rides are for example...if you travel from up North to Florida to experience a beach for the first time, again it will be something beyond what you are prepare for but you still have an idea of what to expect and how to act.

Looking in from the outside Burning Man is a huge party...potential for free everything, there is food/water/drinks/drugs everywhere...naked people willing to sex you up...24/7 camping/house party...buy a ticket to ride for free...oh and there are some art things to climb that they will burn up at some point.

There are bits of truth in there...bits.

That is not how I see it but surely there are plenty of people who do or there would not be those stories to back this up...who shows up to a toxic desert for a couple days to a week without supplies or resources?...who craps in public when there are porta potties available?...who takes anything they want and does whatever they want?...etc.

Surely these unsavory elements believe that the behavior they are applying is appropriate for the setting?

Why is this?

Because it is confusing to a casual observer?

*****

It is not what I think is appropriate by any means, but clearly some do.

I see the event as a huge summer camp for adults who are of the mind to step away from the mundane world without crushing each other or the environment. The like minded effort is towards the things that most of us appreciate...some music, decent company, a bit of escape, a sense of freedom, release of the pressure/stress from the daily grind, some walking/biking in a pretty place, and to show off/check out/get involved with some creative projects/art/activities.

Say it like that and it does not sound as attractive to the frat boys and ravers...throw in free everything, no social restrictions, and boobies...well that is a different story.

It is a shame that good intentions and dreams get trampled by reality...and the event is going to get larger?

My favorite principle would be the one that brings back the innocence of what was intended for the event. I did not see that one.

The first three on my list

1. Participation
2. Communal Effort
3. Leaving No Trace

If this were the focus to present a picture for the outside world I suspect the good works would continue and the black water elements that are creeping in might just dry up.

The whole of the Burning Man event is quite the puzzle truthfully...an interesting social experiment. It does intrigue me.

Atomic Ray

[Sic Pup]

After that treatise all I can say is I like the one about coveting thy neighbor's wife.

[Elderberry]

I like them all--as long as none of them are taken too seriously!

[Eric]

I like them all--as long as none of them are taken too seriously!

+1


They're ideas, not mantra's. I hate it when people quote The One they like as if it's The Law but ignore the others, kind of like mainstream religions do with those books of theirs. I don't look at Burning Man as anything other than a good time, I use the principles as guidelines for the camping trip, not as Laws To Be Followed (I would be a tad less snarky if I did)

[graidawg]

if i had to pick one its either leave no trace, it makes you think about what youare doing or decommodification. that way the art is for looking at or playing with rather than to sell. although the worshipping the graven inmage thing is cool too

[MOOP_Nazi]

Leave No Trace -

The Playa does not belong to BRC. BRC is of the Playa, not vice versa. BRC exists for one week of the year, with an additional month on either side of that for set-up and tear down. The playa is millions of years old and will exist long after people. When the first burner sets foot on the playa when it's surface allows it, it is a gift given year after year because of the efforts of dozens if not hundreds of volunteers who scour the playa directly after the burn and then months later after the rains have pushed other crap missed on the first patrols, or forced into the dust too deep for mortal eyes to see.

The other principals are great, but if we don't take care of our home, we can lose it.

Their is a standard, created by the Burner Community, that BLM expects to be adhered to and if the populace as a whole can adgere to it, things will get easier in time. LNT creates personal responsibility, it causes people to become actively involved in preservation of the land, it gives them a chance to participate, it has spawned numerous very creative ideas on how to better control aspects of the burn that leave evidence of the event, etc.

In many ways, while I agree that there is no correct way to burn per se, LNT encompasses all the other principles in one way or another.

Now, in stark contrast and contradiction to my last statement - I personally feel that if LNT is disregarded - you are doing it wrong.

[MOOP_Nazi]

As a post-script-

If you ever have the opportunity to go to the playa "off season" - do so.

My ideas and thoughts may sound less tree-hugger/nature freak. (Disregard the fact that there are no trees on the playa...)

[theCryptofishist]

You're hugging the brine shrimp?

[MOOP_Nazi]

You're hugging the brine shrimp?

Shh... There are things we do not speak of...

[Packoderm]

If it wasn't for decommodification, Burning Man would be just another festival with a bunch of pie in the sky talking points. They would have to decide who gets the concession to sell beer, and festival priced beer is not cheap. The food stalls that sell overpriced hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos would have all the charm of the vendors at our sports arenas. Once everything needed is for sale, which it will be if there is money to be made, the filtering effect of relying on your own food and the good will of gifting food (which is getting rare anyway) and drink will go straight out the window. If the domino of decommodification falls, the rest will fall with it. That's my prediction.

[MOOP_Nazi]

If it wasn't for decommodification, Burning Man would be just another festival with a bunch of pie in the sky talking points. They would have to decide who gets the concession to sell beer, and festival priced beer is not cheap. The food stalls that sell overpriced hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos would have all the charm of the vendors at our sports arenas. Once everything needed is for sale, which it will be if there is money to be made, the filtering effect of relying on your own food and the good will of gifting food (which is getting rare anyway) and drink will go straight out the window. If the domino of decommodification falls, the rest will fall with it. That's my prediction.

+1
I like the logic. I swould place that as a close second on my list after reading your discussion of the point. Bravo!

[robrob]

I like them all--as long as none of them are taken too seriously!

+1

They're ideas, not mantra's. I hate it when people quote The One they like as if it's The Law but ignore the others, kind of like mainstream religions do with those books of theirs. I don't look at Burning Man as anything other than a good time, I use the principles as guidelines for the camping trip, not as Laws To Be Followed (I would be a tad less snarky if I did)

I agree that they are guidelines and not commandments handed down from on high, but i've found them to be pretty nice to keep in mind outside of BRC as well. And yeah, it is a camping trip and a party. But a party that results in buying a sewing machine and learning how to weld to better prepare for the next one is a pretty fucking good party, IMO A lot of love (and work) goes into that camping trip, year around and outside of the city- but i don't need to lecture you on that.

for what it's worth, i'm also the asshole that's hung them in my workplace's bathroom




i'm glad people are responding to this thread. it sank before the burn, but it's really cool to see your opinions posted now.

[Isotopia]

Principle #11: Hippies are moop. Treat them as such.

[Packoderm]

Principle #11: Hippies are moop. Treat them as such.

Just substitute the N-word in place of hippie, and it's no less ugly.

[hookahdude]

Nipples?