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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!!
Post by oatmealschnappz on May 4, 2007 0:33:40 GMT -5
For the past three years, my gf Hilari and I have been making "welcome" bags for our neighboring campers at Roo. As some of you may have read, the response has been less than glowing. We actually got the best reaction last year, when we just left them in nearby, empty campsites (we watched from afar).
We had always hoped that this would catch on at Bonnaroo but, we were starting to think that we were entirely wrong. After posting in the "What have you made for Bonnaroo?" thread, I'm starting to rethink this. It seems like some of you are quite receptive to this idea. So, I'm giving it another shot!
Here's my idea: Everyone (who is interested, of course) should make up a "welcome gift" for their immediate neighbors this year(2 or 4). I'm not suggesting anything extravagant. Just a little something to say "Hi, let's be friends for a couple of days". Not only is it just a friendly gesture but, it really captures the true spirit of Bonnaroo! This will be an excuse to meet (maybe smoke with) your neighbors. It just seems like the Roo "welcome wagon" to me! Nothing bad can come from it. It can only make your (makeshift) community stronger for the weekend! I think it's a good idea! We can even plug Inforoo, in the process! ( ;D mods) Let's face it, it's the greatest thing ever! (Besides Roo it's self)
Example: Hilari has individually decorated hand-sewn bags that we stuffed with stuff like hand-sanitizer, disposable cameras, glow-sticks, ponchos, bubble stuff, toys, snap n' pops, lighters, papers, condoms, Roo artists mix cds, etc...
Whatever you guys think is right! Hell, It CAN'T be wrong!
Just a suggestion. Smite me if you disagree! (HOWEVER,DO NOT EXALT ME IF YOU DIG IT! PLEASE SMITE ME INSTEAD!)
Anyone interested?
Last Edit: May 4, 2007 0:53:05 GMT -5 by oatmealschnappz - Back to Top
you're rockin' the smites there. but i still can't do it
I remember in '05 when I was reading up like crazy before we went that people mentioned that this stuff happens. I was disappointed when my neighbors didn't even talk to me, much less acknowledge my existence. I guess I just didn't get in a good spot, I can't be that standoffish.
I think it's a great idea, although I have no idea what I'd bring or make. I have to think on it.
It's too bad, I took a ceramics class this winter and it's almost over. I could have made a dozen little pinch pots for people to figure out how to use.
We treat mishaps like sinking ships and I know that I don't want to be out to drift Well I can see it in your eyes like I taste your lips and They both tell me that we're better than this
same here a bit indigo. I was expecting to get to know my neighbors and such but th eonly contact we really had was them asking to send someone their way if he happened to pass. I like the welcome bag idea..i may have to give it a shot...that or not be a wuss and go up and talk to the neighbors myself.
Post by freakodaweek on May 4, 2007 10:15:40 GMT -5
I've got my own feelings on this. The last year I went to Burning Man (2001 geesh I feel old). For some reason everyone was into "gifting"; people were just giving people stuff which sounds awesome but I found it rather annoying and here's some examples of why...
ex. 1 I was chilling in my gazebo and some dude comes in with a bag of "gifts" all wrapped up no less. Very nice of him sure, but I unwrap my gift and it's a freakin Disney pencil, not even sharpened no less. So now I've just got a pile of wrapping paper and a Disney pencil and it is just silly.
ex. 2 I'm wandering around some art installations probably about a mile from my campsite and I have a gallon jug of water (half filled) I'm also carrying lots of other party supplies. This couple comes up next to me and asks if they could have some water. "Of course" I respond because I do like to share and I give them my water. They proceed to fill each of their water containers with it leaving me a pint of so left. I was planning on wandering a long time before I went back to my camp and now I've got just enough water to get back to camp. I must have given them a surprised look because then the woman says to the guy "Oh we should probably give him something (like a gift) I quickly respond that i don't want anything and they are relieved, like now they don't have to dig through there bag to give me something I don't need.
To summarize, that 4th and final Burning Man I went to turned me off to giving things to people for the sake of giving them something. I much prefer if my neighbor stops by and offers me a drink or smokes with me and shares where they are from or a good story. Your gift bag sounds nice, but there is a good chance your neighbors already have that stuff, in which case you are giving them stuff they need to lug around or toss out.
On a side note it is always nice to bring a little extra of the stuff you use to share, if somebody needs some sunscreen or some supplies of course share/give them some if you can, but I don't think it's always a good idea to bring stuff just to give to people you don't know, who may not want/need it.
I hope I don't sound like a total downer because I love good times and good vibes, I just think introducing yourself and offering a beer for example might send better vibes.
I agree with freak; a beer or a cigarette offer or something of that nature would be better imo. I think its a really nice gesture and all, but since you're looking for real feedback, i think it would be kinda weird. I don't know why, i guess i'd rather have someone just come over and say hey, sit down have a drink, tell a story, talk a little bit than that. I would perceive that as almost trying too hard; kinda like buying someone's friendship, it would make people feel obligated to come talk to you instead of just letting it happen. This is just my opinion, and i'm no psychologist. It may just be so much nicer than what people are used to in the real world that people aren't used to it and don't know how to react.
I think the point is that we all have positive things to share in our own way. Bonnaroo provides the atmosphere, unlike most scenarios in this world, where it is most favorable to set your funky chickens free. We are all ther to make Bonnastew, and each flavor is important. As long as it is a positive gesture, it is sooo different from the workaday world where eye contact with strangers is mostly shunned. Be who you are at 120%. If you are a butthead, your flavor will be lost in the stew. If you have something to share, by all means, do so. Bring no expectations. Go the extra mile if you have the time/resources/will. If you only have a smile to share, my experience has been that often, something as genuine (and rare in the everyday world) is priceless and may be more needed than a disney pencil or a roll of duct tape. This is OUR chance to show OUR community what they mean to us.
That all being said---I really dig the idea Oatey. And I must say that the examples you gave are most gracious and well thought out.
I'm giving you an anti-smite, just because you wanna feel so good about yourself that you need brought up/down a notch??!!???!!!
Post by wilburbellson on May 4, 2007 12:03:11 GMT -5
I will def be offering my neighbors food, water, beer, cigs, etc. The goody bags are a great idea. If people want to follow through with that idea, that would be really nice, but if you prefer to walk over and introduce yourself, offering a beer, then that's great too. Everyone has their own way.
Oatmealschnappz, you sound like a great person, and if you enojoy making and passing out your goody bags, then you should continue. I'm like you; I really enjoy making and buying things for others, much more than I like buying things for myself. Whenever Christmas rolls around, I get to thinking about how great it would be to have a lot of money to buy everyone you love just exactly the greatest present, plus donating money/gifts to the less fortunate. Donating your time and creativity costs nothing though, and it's always appreciated.
So it seems that by exalting you here-Oatey, I have smitten you elsewhere. Since it's not my style to smite, and I have exalted, thereby smiting you...wtf?
Bizzaro Inforoo for sure ! Now I more deeply understand why i regularly don't push those buttons... going back to getting confused the norml way
Post by oatmealschnappz on May 4, 2007 23:28:09 GMT -5
snoochio said:
Just read the "smite me" thread.....
So it seems that by exalting you here-Oatey, I have smitten you elsewhere. Since it's not my style to smite, and I have exalted, thereby smiting you...wtf?
Bizzaro Inforoo for sure ! Now I more deeply understand why i regularly don't push those buttons... going back to getting confused the norml way
LOL! ;D It's cool! Regadless of your intentions, I appreciate the effort!
Now, if I were lucky enough to receive a goody bag; I have to say that oatmeal and schnapps would be some nice contents to get one's day started (apple schnapps, preferably). Not to say how ya gotta roll with it. Personally, I will be sharing my certified-tasty recipe Bloody Marys with my neighbors....and anyone else who approaches with a smile. Or, Guinness and whatever else I may have on hand.
Now, on the matter of smiting.....as someone who has a fluctuating karma gage courtesy of my twisted sense of humor and lack of a filter....I SMITE YOU!!
I think thats a wonderful idea to send over a goodie bag but how many people do you have around you? Seems like a lot of goodie bags to give out and even though you can head to the dollar store and pick hand lotion, shampoo up etc or whatever you get, seems a tad expensive to me.
Ok I want to be beside OatmealSchnapps! Truly! If someone were to give me a bag of welcome goodies, I'd be freaked out so much so that I'd probably walk to Walmart and buy him a bouquet of flowers for the GF! I love the idea but I've got so much to get ready that doing something like that seems wow........ Gives me a thought though! you never know!
Also I never thought of this, I'm coming from Canada, so my trip is much more expensive than SOME of the Americans that are going.
Thats a sweet Idea! My past two Roo's have been great but not because of my neighbors, thats for sure, hopefully this year I will get to stay next to some real cool people who like to hang out and make friends
Post by nomorewarmpabst on Jun 2, 2007 14:59:38 GMT -5
oatmealschnappz said:
Just a suggestion. Smite me if you disagree! (HOWEVER,DO NOT EXALT ME IF YOU DIG IT! PLEASE SMITE ME INSTEAD!)
Anyone interested?
I would suggest lyrics to "Drinkenstein" (which I may actually bring to get in the spirit of things) and a can of refreshingly lukewarm Pabst Blue Ribbon, although Oatmeal would make a kosher neighbor with or without the goodies.... but with goodies is always a plus
You seem to keep getting exalted in spite of your best efforts - where is ismiteoatmeal when you need him
"Stealing? How could you?! Haven’t you learned anything from that guy who gives those sermons at church? Captain What’s-his-name? We live in a society of laws. Why do you think I took you to all those Police Academy movies? For fun? Well, I didn’t hear anybody laughin’, did you? Except at that guy who made sound effects. Where was I? Oh yeah -- stay out of my booze."
How can ya knock a king gesture. However I will do it my way. I usually have a whole box of stakes and other stuff that I always end up giving some away. As well as coffee beer and other stuff for neighbors. I always end up making friends with neighbors
we're giving out glow sticks that work as bracelets or string together for necklaces. They're always overpriced by vendors...so i decided to order several boxes full and just hand them out to my neighbors
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "Holy sh*t ... what a ride!"
Post by layingblames on Jun 4, 2007 21:19:16 GMT -5
lucyfred said:
we're giving out glow sticks that work as bracelets or string together for necklaces. They're always overpriced by vendors...so i decided to order several boxes full and just hand them out to my neighbors
totally! my husband and i stocked up on glow-necklaces to pass out to anyone who wants them. they are such a rip to get from people selling them. figured i would share since i got them super cheap, and the peeps always love them.
if i can afford to put something together i will, otherwise they'll be getting a handshake and a smile!
HEADED TO BONNAROO!!!!
