[waivej]

This post bothered me probably because going to Burning Man reinforced the side of me that wouldn't demand a free meal because of poor service.

Burning Man (at least for me) was a place where you would go with a big crazy project that you could never hope to accomplish. But somehow "the playa would provide" and people would come help you complete it. And "gifting" isn't about cheap trinkets or bartering. It's about giving your time and skills to people that could use it. I've helped repair an engine, build structures, painted a boat, clean up trash, and more. People have fed me, taken care of me while dehydrated, given me rides, bought my ticket, etc.

In some ways, it's helped me be more adventurous with creating a business. Sometimes you need to take that leap of faith that resources will show up.

I came back the first time and literally cried at seeing all of the trash barrels overflowing in my home town on garbage day. (EDIT: I live 2500 miles away.) I also spent months researching all sorts of things I was excited by as a boy. Lots of people go to Burning Man to "rage" and take lots of drugs and go wild. But there are lots of others that create things and share them with people that create things too.

[fleitz]

Couldn't agree more. The day before I left I felt stupid for leaving with a start up no where near launch. Got in touch with my VC from the playa (camps with wifi rock!), his words were "Burn On!". Met some people who could be key on the playa, came back and all sorts of opportunities are springing up. Definitely agree with you on the leap of faith that resources will show up. Maybe it's just that we're more resourceful and willing to interact and take a chance on others?

[randallsquared]

the side of me that wouldn't demand a free meal because of poor service.

Huh. I don't have that side. The part of me that would be upset because of poor service would rather stay upset, and doesn't care at all about free meals.

[mhil]

let me be clear that i was being a bit ironic with the sushi comment...i, too, left the playa thinking in new ways. that gifting isn't about bartering at all was one of my biggest takeways. i was astounded and impressed by the generosity and creativity of the place and its participants.