This year, my husband and I decided that it was not our year to attend the Burn. There are a lot of reasons; the ticket fiasco certainly did weaken our resolve, but in the end, even winning tickets via the lottery wasn't enough to sway us (or to change our financial situation), so we made the tough decision to miss out on Burning Man 2012.
However, I still wish to participate in my favorite community. I spend time on the Burning Man Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BurningMan), on the ePlaya (http://eplaya.burningman.com/), and the Burning Blog (http://blog.burningman.com/) - and although I do post and comment as the mood moves me, I still felt there was more to be said. That gave birth to this idea: to write a blog containing advice and helpful hints, thoughts and ideas, and preparation guides as a sort of "gift" for all the masses of virgins, newbies, seconds, and addicts of anything Burn-related.
I've done 4 Burns in 5 years, so I'm experienced enough in the ways of the playa. I'm also a life-long festival-goer, and though a typical music festival is VERY different from the Burn, I feel that some of the experiences and tricks I've learned along the way are applicable to Burning Man as well.
I hope this helps even a small selection of people have a great time on the playa, leave no trace, party like rock stars, and continue to piss clear all week long. It is my gift to the community in 2012 and beyond. To all you virgins out there, Welcome! You've already made two good choices: to go to Burning Man, and to research before you do! Congratulations, you're in for the ride of your life.
At this point in the process, I have a pile of ideas and concepts that I'd like to share that I will probably present in no particular order, and as the mood moves me. I would like to encourage you, the reader, to ask questions, suggest topics, or add tips to my topics.
Please let's keep this a positive place of open communication and love! My biggest beef with the ePlaya and FB BM pages is that people get so snarky. I'd like to avoid that; positivity is an important first lesson for all Burners, so let's start by practicing it here.
