Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Howdy folks. As a lot of you already know, this year marks the 10 year anniversary of Inforoo. I asked a long time member, iSkew, if he would share some of his thoughts as we continue on through out 10th year. The results were as I expected...amazing...it really says everything I felt but could not find the words for. Please feel free to share your own thoughts as you look back at the days, months, or years you have spent with us. I know I have made many friends around here that are very special people. Here is to 10 more years and beyond, to the friends and festivals already experienced and the ones yet to be.
And yet - it kind of always does. No matter what year it is, what day it is, what time it is - it’s just a message board. It’s waiting for you to show up, maybe log in, maybe post, probably stay and read and lurk a bunch. But then, Bonnaroo happens. And suddenly you meet someone in person. And then another. And then someone says or does something incredibly nice. And you start to realize - this really is more than just a message board, isn’t it?
When Inforoo’ers meet in the flesh: you can witness complete strangers laugh, dance and cry with complete trust, tasty concoctions created with a furor usually only seen at Thanksgiving, themed tent cities lashed together in hours like it was a challenge on Survivor, parades, mass hugs, ornate glow costumes, caravans, and entire seas of “normal” Bonnaroo’ers part in order for two groups of Cat-calling Inforoo’ers to reunite. And yet many on Inforoo may never meet; it’s possible to simply fleetingly interact, and that’s okay too. But even then there’s a camaraderie, an energy.
Even on a just-virtual level we have grown accustom, in ten years, to certain constants. There’s the same questions repeated without fail, and answered without fail. There’s the trusty camping advice not far from the trusty hookup advice. There’s the band rumors (always, the band rumors) and the sleuths decoding clues with more intensity than the sun on Saturday in Manchester. There’s the swear censors. There’s always a newbie and always a legacy member logged in at any given moment. And there’s that guy that will, every year without fail, remind us how Bonnaroo has strayed from it’s jam-band roots or regale us with the MTV-bought-it tale. And yet... they all keep coming back.
In essence: Inforoo is much bigger than the sum of its parts. It’s much bigger than any one or few people. It’s bigger than just a single camp. It’s more important than just a single thread or even the virtual walls of a bulletin board. It’s really, truly, a community. With all the practical and emotional support that comes with it. As well as all the crazy uncles.
Not that we don’t have our own families, but inforoo, for many of us, is interconnected with our real lives in many ways - sometimes subtle ones (sometimes not so subtle). We’ve been here through the birth of children, relationships, careers, lives… We’ve felt, deeply, the loss of family and friends, many cutting close to home and into our community while others we feel just as deeply because we see our fellow members mourn.
So, if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to take a moment to stroll through my own Inforoo. My relationship with Bonnaroo began at the same time as the board’s. While I visited just for information at first, taking solace in the experience of others, I soon dove into the community headfirst. My first Bonnaroo I wore a pith helmet that I managed to get signed by Herbie Hanrooster - not wanting to wear it again for fear of screwing it up, I switched to something more iconic and easily replaceable: a black pirate hat with red feathery trim. I wore it from the second year on - congruently with my complete immersion in the boards. I’ve applauded, fought, discussed, pontificated, rumored, laughed and enjoyed the boards, in various levels of depth, nearly since it’s inception. I’ve taken part in the intricate plans of others to enjoy fantastic events like the Brunch and helped organize one myself, the sometimes-annual Dawn of the Dads meet up if Roo falls on Father’s Day. But sometimes it’s the smaller moments that reinforce this board’s power. After my favorite band ever finally played Bonnaroo (Nine Inch Nails, in a scathing nighttime set) I ambled back to the Inforoo camp, stunned. There I encountered an Inforoo couple, awake and seemingly waiting for me. I regaled them for lord-knows how long about how great the show was. I barely knew them; but years later, I now count them among my favorite friends. Starting in 2010, my daughter began her journey to the farm, accompanying me every other year. Addison has been completely and utterly embraced by the Inforoo community, some of which practically make up her own fan club (I’m the president). Watching her being spirited away by friends for a dance in the What field, hugging the rail for her favorite band, or learning how to hula hoop from the experts, she’s a part of this now too in a deep way. In a weird way, nearly every aspect of my life has been touched by, née rubbed up against, Inforoo. Turns out my girlfriend was also at that NIN show. We plan vacations with Inforoo’ers. When my daughter and I hear certain bands, we smile to ourselves and talk about what Inforoo’er clued us into them. Heck, even my career (I’m a founder of a company that looks at community behavior online) seems influenced by Inforoo. I can professionally say I know how unique and special this crew is.
But it’s not like that for everyone. And that’s okay. For some of us maybe this IS just a place for advice. Or a funny, historical community about one of the greatest festivals on the planet. Maybe you’ve found love on the board and never came back. Maybe you’re just a troll. It’s a place for all of these, and more.
I know others who belong to other communities, some also with a music bend, who are continually astounded by the size and scope of our devotion to one another (and sometimes to the festival). To an ideal: we go to Bonnaroo and help each other enjoy it. Along the way we end up becoming more than just a message board. A wink, a hug, a smile later and suddenly it’s not just the zeroes and ones of the internet carrying our personas, we’re actually involved. Our hearts are in it.
I have been the recipient of the incredible kindness of the Inforoo family, as well as proudly played a role in the giving to others. I have learned so much from this community - far more than just some camping tips, grilled cheese recipes or where to stand at the Which Stage. I have learned about life, love, how to be a better father, how to live, how to grieve, how and when to be the better friend.
Keep the vibe alive and love each other. See you on the farm.
Post by itrainmonkeys on Jan 15, 2014 14:41:26 GMT -5
Just amazing. I wish I was here when it started but I didn't discover it until a couple years after it began. This place has gone from "cool to chat about bonnaroo lineups" and become a really awesome community of friends and like-minded folks. Inforoo is awesome.
Post by justinmn9319 on Jan 15, 2014 14:52:13 GMT -5
I went to my first bonnaroo in 2012 and never want to miss it again. i found out about inforoo after my first roo and have found it to be a great place year round to remind me of how awesome the people are on the farm. thanks to all
I only joined Inforoo in early 2012 because every time I did 'Roo research Inforoo kept coming up in my Google searches. I lurked for a few days then decided to make an account, mostly because I had something that I wanted to share in the Girly Fashion Thread (which still remains one of my favorites).
I have come to love this little corner of the internet. I love the regulars who have something to say on all of the popular thread. I love the first time Bonnaroovians who stumble in not knowing what to expect. I even love that I can roll my eyes and get a good laugh at the trolls who never have anything kind or productive to say but say it anyway. This is an amazing place with some truly amazing people and when one of my friends or family members doesn't "get" my obsession with Bonnaroo I know you're all right here with me shaking your heads. I'm not a veteran member or even one of the best known members but I definitely feel the sense of community that belonging to Inforoo brings and I'm so happy to be able to share it with all of you.
This year, in honor of ten years of Inforoo, I think we should do something extra special for brunch. I'm not sure what it should be but perhaps the brainstorming could use its own thread. I'm excited to see y'all on the farm in just 147 days!
Post by Billadelphia on Jan 15, 2014 15:02:43 GMT -5
Thanks Inforoo.
About 4 years ago the only music I really listened to was mainstream rock, and hip hop (lots of Freeway & Beanie Sigel!). I then got a girlfriend who showed me 3 bands: Dr. Dog, Portugal. the Man, and Minus the Bear. Soon after I attended my first Bonnaroo, and I was a completely different person. The world of music brought so much joy to my life, and Bonnaroo was a truly mind expanding journey.
If it weren't for Inforoo, my first year at Bonnaroo would not have been nearly as successful. I lurked every thread regarding preparation and it made all the difference.
Next came my big moment - my first Inforoo post. A friend's uncle, who works for a big booking agency, let him know Radiohead would be headlining in 2012. I was so excited to hear this, and decided I wanted to share the news in the headliner thread. Having never posted before, or even lurked pre-lineup for that matter, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Knowing what I know now - having your first post be "inside information" in the headliner thread is pretty much the kiss of death.
Fortunately for me, I was able to weather the storm and join the community. I still don't post very much, but I check this site several times a day. The amount of music I have discovered thanks to the great posters here is unbelievable. The Now Playing thread is a music lovers dream. So, thanks Inforoo, and here's to many more years of great music to come.
Post by pondo ROCKS on Jan 15, 2014 15:23:20 GMT -5
I can safely say that Pondo, The Pondo Army and all associated with it was made possible by Inforoo. Without this site, I truly would have been lost at Bonnaroo. People come, people go but Inforoo remains amazing and solid.
Providing an outlet and a voice for music lovers to unite under the common theme of music for all. Join The Pondo Army to show your allegiance to musical freedom! Fighting for no censorship of the arts & music education in schools, The Pondo Army will triumph! The Pondo Army Movement
Follow me on twitter@Pondoknowsbest
Unfortunately I missed the first year of Inforoo. I, like many others found this site by google search. Having Bonnaroo, basically, in my back yard has really been a blessing over the years. I had already been to the first 3 roos before I found inforoo. Finding this site was awesome as it opened up many opportunities to meet people who were into the festival as much as I was. It might be hard to believe, but back in them days, Manchester folks weren't really into roo. The town as a whole has come around immensely since then. I actually lived right across the street from Joel (Teine, Nature Boy) for like 3 years and had never met him. We ended up finding out how close we lived thorough this site and have been friends every since.
I have met some of by best friends here on Inforoo. I have traveled all over the country with people here on Inforoo. I have camped in the same tent with people here on Inforoo. I have laughed with people here on Inforoo and I have cried with people here on Inforoo. I have dragged drunkasfuck people across empty concert fields with people here on Inforoo and people here on Inforoo have dragged my drunkasfuck ass across empty concert fields.
I have learned about the best music I have ever heard from people here on Inforoo. I have seen some of the best and some of the worst out of people here on Inforoo. I have watched kindness spill over and bring me to tears by people here on Inforoo. I have watched (unfortunately) some of the ugliest and vilest things said to others by people here on Inforoo. I have watched this boards climb to the highest of highs and stoop to the lowest of lows and it is because of people here on Inforoo.
This message board has made me happy, sad, mad, elated, upset, confused...I have laughed, cried, bitched, fussed, watched in amazement, and watched in disbelief. I have read the funniest, most touching, most helpful, meanest, most vile, least helpful, by people right here on Inforoo.
I know I am not around Inforoo nearly as much as I once was and am not as active as I used to be. If I am being honest, it really is, largely, because of the abuse I see some of the members giving others. I just don't have the stomach for it anymore I guess. I just can't help but get upset when I see one member tell another to "go kill yourself" over what kind of music they like or because they disagree with what someone posted, or how it was posted. It was never like that back in the day. It is a sad reflection of where we are as a society, the behavior of some of our members, but alas, as they say in sports, it is what it is. We all know exactly the ones I am talking about.
But through it all, Inforoo endures. It is that ever present entity that is always there for you, no matter what time it is or what day it is. There is always people here you can talk to (or get insulted by) well, except maybe during the 2nd weekend in June when it become an internet version of a ghost town. 360 days a year you can come hang out with hundreds of your best friends. You can find out about new music that you wouldn't have heard of anywhere else. you can get advise on the best way to set up a campsite. You can check out the latest festie clothes and rage toys. and you can learn how to cook tuna fish in its own can.
I found this place in 2007. I've given rides to Inforoo'ers, I've slept on their floors and couches, I've passed along tickets to shows and festivals. For however dysfunctional its members are at times, you fine folk will always be my family.
I've said many times but with or without Bonnaroo, I'll always call this place home.
Last Edit: Jan 15, 2014 16:18:29 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
Post by itrainmonkeys on Jan 15, 2014 17:27:01 GMT -5
Without Inforoo and some few amazing folks I'm not sure I would have been able to return after taking 2010 off. It's amazing that I now have friends from all over the country/planet who I can share great concerts with. This place started as a Bonnaroo chatting grounds but became so much more.
Late in 06 I got breast cancer. In 07 I had radiation. I felt like shit, and needed something to look forward to. So I got a Bonnaroo ticket. Never done a festival before in my life. And as longinus pointed out, I'm not a spring chicken. I needed to prepare. So I googled Bonnaroo and found Inforoo. Lurked, then made an account. Posted, and was immediately smitted. Did not look back.
You guys are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. In short, you are my family. And like any family, I want to kill some of you, but mostly I want to kiss and hug you and see you more than once a year.
I just can't help but get upset when I see one member tell another to "go kill yourself" over what kind of music they like or because they disagree with what someone posted, or how it was posted. It was never like that back in the day. It is a sad reflection of where we are as a society, the behavior of some of our members, but alas, as they say in sports, it is what it is. We all know exactly the ones I am talking about.
I'm not going to say much, because I think it's incredibly petty that you decided to take some oh-so-subtle pot-shots here in this thread, but if you think that "it was never like that back in the day," I'd love to go dig up some posts from the Dude circa 2005, 2006, 2007 for you. Probably the most intolerant person who ever posted here regularly, ripped on people's tastes, said borderline racist, sexist, and just flat out insane shit, yet was let off with an "oh, that's just the Dude! lol" attitude because he was part of the old hippie-hillbilly-festie crew. There was plenty of this "back in the day," only the people who were in the majority then are in the minority now, so seeing that behavior from others is just a sign that society and civilization is collapsing. It's the same as it ever was, don't be fooled.
Not my intentions Juggs, it really wasn't. I was just trying to reflect on everything from the last 10 years, not just the roses.
You may be right however, I think a lot of people tend to remember things from the past as being a little better that what reality was. I remember Dude and honestly, while I was posting, I didn't even think of him, so yeah, you are correct. Maybe a case of rose-tinted glasses thinking about the past.
I think a thread of this nature should have some negative things in it as well. It hasn't always been 100% peaches and roses around here, even back then. You're right.
Seriously, I wasn't trying to go there, I felt like if your going to reminiscence about things, be honest about all aspects.
You're right, we have had issues like that forever!
In very typical fashion, I logged on the last couple of days because festival logistics start playing out this time of year. Every year. Like always, this message board is the place to start and end all of the conversations I want to have, but cannot, because of a desk job. I am very thankful for all of those who contribute here, because it makes those 4-5 days in June seem like New Year's Eve. Every year, starting Now, and ending the Thrs of Roo, this place is an extended version of the time between Christmas and New Year's. There is a lot of drinking, postulating, some arguments, making up, and mostly a lot of great cheer. Thanks, Inforoo.
You're all a bunch of assholes for getting me addicted to festivals and great music. I'll be sending inforoo my rehab bill.
You are right. This board has cost me a pretty penny. Festival tickets, hotel rooms, shopping in Asheville, tickets to shows I would never have gone to, new vinyl, airline tickets to England for Glastonbury.
You're all a bunch of assholes for getting me addicted to festivals and great music. I'll be sending inforoo my rehab bill.
You are right. This board has cost me a pretty penny. Festival tickets, hotel rooms, shopping in Asheville, tickets to shows I would never have gone to, new vinyl, airline tickets to England for Glastonbury.
Damn, who do I send the bill to?
(just throwing in some negative )
Right?! I forgot shopping in Asheville. Looking forward to doing it again this year! I love you all.
Well, without Inforoo I would have likely died at my first Roo, so thanks for that. Thanks for expanding my musical horizons further than I could have possibly imagined when I first came here, thanks for introducing me to knowledgeable, intelligent and good-natured people, and thanks for letting the headliner thread devolve into madness every year. Thanks for an outlet for my drunken rambles, brain leakage, confessions and narcissistic storytelling. Thanks for letting me become a better person by working through growing pains here, and thanks for tolerating my clear, rampant Jet homerism (they still beat the Pats, though, so suck it). Thanks for the Hangout thread. Seriously, thank everything for the hangout thread. And above all, thanks for being the most outrageous collection of misfits ever (I mean that in the most endearing way possible). Cheers, ya fucks (OMG I CAN CURSE SCRATCH EVERYTHING I JUST SAID AND THANKS FOR CURSE WORDS).
Post by FortSteuben on Jan 15, 2014 19:10:27 GMT -5
I've only been around for about 8 months, but I just want to say this site is awesome and thank you to all the moderators who make this site go and the people who makes this place so much fun. I've been to a couple of Bonnaroo's before I found inforoo, but finding this place before last year's roo definitely effected my Bonnaroo experience in a positive way. Its also great to have a place to have intelligent music conversation whenever you want. This site has done wonders to cure my post-Bonnaroo depression and fill the large 360 day void between trips to Manchester.
Thanks for the Headliner Speculation thread, I literally look forward to looking at it every day and throwing in my two cents from time to time, especially now, its so horribly bad, it actually makes it great. Thanks for the Now Playing and Album of the Month Threads- So much great music I've never heard before, its hard to process it all. And thanks to everybody on here who adds their little spice to this great place. You all for the most part seem like fun, eccentric personalities with a shared love for music and I can't wait to meet some of you in person at Brunch this year, (cause I will make it to Brunch this year.)
I feel like...I'm still a bit fresh to really say much. It hasn't been a year yet and this place has changed my life in so many ways.
This time last year I had no idea the world of music festivals existed. Paul McCartney was going to headline this thing called 'Bonnaroo' and I decided why not. So of course I stroll the internet trying to find a message board to find out info about it and I found something way more than I ever dreamed.
My first time reading through the boards I knew that this place was awesome. I think I joined immediately and started posting. Not only was everyone welcoming but they never made me feel like a noob. They'd laugh at my innocence of this whole ordeal and gave tips on not hurting myself at this festival. I spent so much time on here (and especially in chat) and I STILL wasn't prepared for what was to come.
My first festival (Beale Street woot woot) would not have happened if it weren't for this place. I spent a lot of time there with Inforoo members. One of them...without knowing me for just a few weeks....trusted me enough to share rooms with me. I walked into my first festival with an Inforoo member. We arrived on the farm Wed. night and met a group of Inforoo people there. I got tackled, laughed, drank, laughed, and hugged so many people. That was my intro into Roo and I saw the sun come up on Thursday with people from Inforoo. The first person to walk under that arch and into Centeroo with me was an Inforoo member.
The brunch was mind blowing. Amazing. Beautiful. (insert random words for awesome). I fell in love immediately with Inforoo but after I made it official and met so many people here I FELL IN LOVE with this place. Most of you know all this because I try to share my love as much as I can. I kept running into people from here throughout Roo and I watched most of my shows with members here. This place MADE Roo for me. I can't imagine it without you all. This truly is a family and thank you all for making me feel apart of it.
So happy 10 years Inforoo! I can at least say I joined within the first decade of this beautiful place and I hope I can make future noobs feel as awesome as you all made me. Thanks for the laughs. The music knowledge (Holy crap I didn't know there was so much music out there...that's a whole different topic). Thank you for being a place where anyone can feel comfortable. I can honestly say I've made friends here. One in particular is one of my best friends in life and I wouldn't know that spider man without this place.
I plan on being here for the rest of my life so get used to me. I may not post much but I'll always lurk. Thank you ALL for sharing this place with me. We're in this together and I love each and every one of you. I'll see you all on the farm and it looks like BHP may be making another appearence. If you have to ask, then you'll never know. If you know, then give me a hug when you see me! (Random Harry Potter quote right there.....had to nerd it out a bit.)
I feel like...I'm still a bit fresh to really say much. It hasn't been a year yet and this place has changed my life in so many ways.
This time last year I had no idea the world of music festivals existed. Paul McCartney was going to headline this thing called 'Bonnaroo' and I decided why not. So of course I stroll the internet trying to find a message board to find out info about it and I found something way more than I ever dreamed.
My first time reading through the boards I knew that this place was awesome. I think I joined immediately and started posting. Not only was everyone welcoming but they never made me feel like a noob. They'd laugh at my innocence of this whole ordeal and gave tips on not hurting myself at this festival. I spent so much time on here (and especially in chat) and I STILL wasn't prepared for what was to come.
My first festival (Beale Street woot woot) would not have happened if it weren't for this place. I spent a lot of time there with Inforoo members. One of them...without knowing me for just a few weeks....trusted me enough to share rooms with me. I walked into my first festival with an Inforoo member. We arrived on the farm Wed. night and met a group of Inforoo people there. I got tackled, laughed, drank, laughed, and hugged so many people. That was my intro into Roo and I saw the sun come up on Thursday with people from Inforoo. The first person to walk under that arch and into Centeroo with me was an Inforoo member.
The brunch was mind blowing. Amazing. Beautiful. (insert random words for awesome). I fell in love immediately with Inforoo but after I made it official and met so many people here I FELL IN LOVE with this place. Most of you know all this because I try to share my love as much as I can. I kept running into people from here throughout Roo and I watched most of my shows with members here. This place MADE Roo for me. I can't imagine it without you all. This truly is a family and thank you all for making me feel apart of it.
So happy 10 years Inforoo! I can at least say I joined within the first decade of this beautiful place and I hope I can make future noobs feel as awesome as you all made me. Thanks for the laughs. The music knowledge (Holy crap I didn't know there was so much music out there...that's a whole different topic). Thank you for being a place where anyone can feel comfortable. I can honestly say I've made friends here. One in particular is one of my best friends in life and I wouldn't know that spider man without this place.
I plan on being here for the rest of my life so get used to me. I may not post much but I'll always lurk. Thank you ALL for sharing this place with me. We're in this together and I love each and every one of you. I'll see you all on the farm and it looks like BHP may be making another appearence. If you have to ask, then you'll never know. If you know, then give me a hug when you see me! (Random Harry Potter quote right there.....had to nerd it out a bit.)
Love you Inforoo!
Awww sweet Token Your post made me tear up. I don't really post much, although I've been here since 2007, but so many people here have become my chosen family. I am always overwhelmed by the love I feel for so many of the people here, and the love they have for each other. I've never experienced such an amazing community, so much so, that the music is almost secondary to everything else. I so look forward to brunch every year, just as much as the rest of the festival, and can't wait to see you all again
I found Inforoo in early 2012 while searching for Hangout rumors on Google search and stumbled in (The Hangout forum was just as horrible/awesome back then).
After I realized I couldn't go to Hangout, I started to lurk around and figured out it was a site dedicated to Roo, the festival I heard about the year before. I read all the survival guides and how awesome Roo was, I knew I had to go. Just like Hangout, I couldn't attend. Depression hit me like hell when I found out I couldn't go, yet I still went on to Inforoo. I discovered beautiful music I'd never would have found on my own, I laughed at the crazy conversations and arguments of ignorant trolls, everything and everyone on this site I fell in love with.
I'm sorry I missed Brunch this year for Bernhoft, but there's no way I'm gonna miss this years'! I can't wait to finally meet you guys face to face and celebrate Inforoo's decade! I'm incredibly grateful for this site and everyone on here!
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