Comments on: Managing Diversity: The Zoning of Black Rock City

By: alarme maison

alarme maison — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:50:03 +0000

wow, thanks for posting this Harley. the design and organization of our city is really something to marvel at. . I think this article really helps to communicate the huge amount of thought and effort that goes into setting up BRC.

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By: Pink cheeks

Pink cheeks — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 03:27:20 +0000

I am only a second time burner but a full time sponge of info thanks

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By: Mocean

Mocean — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:46:15 +0000

Thanks for sharing your experience and insight. Fascinating to see this angle on the evolution of a growing city. If you respond to these comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts about what it’s been like to be able to redraw the layout of BRC every year, in contrast to our off-playa cities that are year-round and not so easily reorganized.

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By: Domain

Domain — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:33:25 +0000

As just a 2-year Burner, I’m can’t wait to get back to the Playa this year. The mention of 9:00 Plaza in Harley’s post just brought back a wave of memories ’cause that is my ‘hood….last year, the Seven Sins Lounge was a great place to hang late at night and they were so friendly when they finally had to kick us to the curb at about 4 am…the Tokyo Post office, then down the street the Duck Pond, Rock Bottom, The Slut Garden. And for refreshments, the Tequila Shack and Nacho Mama’s and who can forget the Slushies. Yes, I did get out of the hood occasionally but it was great to come home every night with Bob’ radio antenna as our beacon home. This hood reminded me of my home in Hell’s Kitchen on the westside of Manhattan, a little gritty, a little loud and lots of fun. Thanks Harley for your insight.

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By: larry harvey

larry harvey — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:25:43 +0000

As pictured in Harley’s essay, Black Rock City’s first theme camp was created in 1993, and I offer this historic reminiscence. Christmas Camp was organized by Peter Doty, Lisa Archer and Amanda Marshal. Peter dressed as Santa Claus. Clothed in this bulky costume, a flowing white beard glued to his face (and facing 100 degree temperatures), he exhibited a degree of jovial fortitude that is difficult to comprehend. The camp was decorated with Christmas lights and an incessant stream of Yuletide music issued from its speakers. Santa was surrounded by costumed elves who offered every visitor a brimming cup of eggnog. In order to obtain this cloying alcoholic treat, participants were first required to consume a slab-like wedge of fruitcake. A photo from that year exhibits Santa arrayed upon his throne. One hand clasps what is apparently a shotgun, and two naked women sit on his lap. Peter was a veteran Cacophanist, and this joke was typical of his performance strategies. The obligatory fruitcake and the obnoxiously incessant music burlesqued the passive-aggressive coercion that’s often a feature of forced family gatherings. Near the end of the event, presents were exchanged in Christmas Camp. As it happened (or is said to have happened) no one remembered to give Santa a gift. Doty then proceeded to visit every other camp in the vicinity, bitterly complaining, “I give and I give and I give…and I get nothing!”. In retrospect, certain key features of many future theme camps were present here. The camp was deigned to lure others in. It offered an activity and, in turn, this activity generated widespread social interactions throughout the community (it was infectiously funny).

Merry Christmas,

Larry

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By: Prentice Hall

Prentice Hall — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 06:25:31 +0000

Harley,

Thanks again for this really great piece on evolution of the planning of BRC. I think this article really helps to communicate the huge amount of thought and effort that goes into setting up BRC. Oh yes, for peace and quite camp along the outer streets of the city :)

P Hall

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By: Agent Nation

Agent Nation — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:05:39 +0000

Sunshine & D,

Old hippies can be found sprouting like onions up at the airport. Quiet, good vibe at night, hustle and bustle during the day like any busy airport. Check it out.

Agent Nation

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By: Mister Jellyfish

Mister Jellyfish — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:59:54 +0000

Great post, Harley. After a few city planning meetings I’ve watched or participated in here in the default world, I never went back because they were SUCH A CRUSHING BORE! It’s clear from your words that you have a passion for your work and appreciate challenges to your perspective. Do you think more creative, inspired people such as yourself would volunteer in local zoning and planning if it were not so mired in politics, backstabbing, and fear-based leadership? If so, how best to infuse them with our culture? “Making a difference” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot these days. One quickly finds the old “You can’t fight city hall” to be more the truth here in Default-Polis.

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By: Devin Breen

Devin Breen — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:30:31 +0000

Harley,

It’s a pleasure reading your entries. They are valuable tools for many, including myself.

Devin

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By: Retro

Retro — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:33:54 +0000

For those who desire a quieter Burn: seek out areas near (isn’t it obvious?) Hushville and Alternative Energy Zone (AEZ). They LOVE quiet neighbors! Also, away from 2:00 LSSA, try walk-in camping at the back of the city between 2:00 & 5:00. Things won’t change too much from last year’s city plan: http://www.burningman.com/preparation/maps/09_maps/index.html

Walk-In Camping
A marked area immediately behind the southeast side of Black Rock City will be reserved for Walk-In Camping. You will need to leave your vehicle and carry your belongings to your chosen spot. No vehicles or RVs will be allowed in the Walk-In Camping area. The sheer difficulty of this exercise will keep the area sparsely populated and your efforts will be rewarded with a solitude unavailable in other parts of the city.
http://www.burningman.com/preparation/event_survival/community.html

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