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Reader comments
sjcSep 11, 2003 at 12:42PM
Passive-agressive flamewar in 3...2...1...
MSep 11, 2003 at 11:09PM
really, uhh just don't go.
DaveSep 12, 2003 at 3:54PM
I'm not sure why the writer takes such offense to the lawsuit the organization has filed - it's against a pornographer seeking to profit from nude images taken at the event, likely without the permission of the participants. I believe BMOrg when they say their media policies are to protect the participants - burners want to feel free to express themselves however they wish, and consider nudity a perfecty valid form of self-expression... if they thought their images may be exploited, they might not feel so free.
It would be incredibly easy for a journalist to go to burning man, photograph and record from the fringes and write a story about how it's just a big rave/party/mardi gras. Stories like this could seriously affect the possibility of permit-renewal and such if the surrounding communities and law enforcement got the wrong impression. Anyone who's been knows that the party is part of it, but there is also so much more... part of BMOrg's policy is also to ensure that reporters participate - spend more than just the weekend there - get a real feeling for what the event is all about.
I personally would prefer it if reporters laid off on the party angle - enough stories like that have brought in a lot of undesirables - folks that don't necessarily buy in to the burning man ethos and culture... (yahoos, weekenders and fratboys, oh my!)
I'm not crazy about the whole center-cafe commerce thing either, but the money generated gets donated to several local charities which helps to foster good relations between BMOrg and the local communities - which in turn helps ensure that BM can return each year. Even so, as I mentioned, I'm not crazy about it - so I just don't buy coffee there... I bring my own.
vanderleunSep 12, 2003 at 5:15PM
"stories like that have brought in a lot of undesirables - folks that don't necessarily buy in to the burning man ethos and culture..."
Oh, dear. People who don't get it. People who are just so... uncool.
But it *is* a large rollicking get naked get high get weird party. If it was merely a weekend among performance artistes it would have died long ago. Sex, drugs, rock and roll are the things that make it what it is.
As for the pure motives of the organizers... well, think Ren. Pleasure Faire.
Fields Lesley Feb 28, 2004 at 10:41AM
Misfortune shows those who are not really friends.
This thread is closed to new comments. Thanks to everyone who responded.