Decom debrief

So LA Decom was this weekend. I had never attended a decom before because I really see no reason to try to re-live the burning man lifestyle in real life. I'm not one of these people that tries to turn burning man into this year long lifestyle.

But some friends got talked into doing some interesting things and I agreed to organize Theory Radio broadcasting live in addition to reprising Hollaback Thriller on stage. Decom was really like the playa. And not in a good way. It took 4 hours to get everything set up and then the Internet connectivity didn't work. (We planned to broadcast the event so we needed the connectivity.)

Then we switched over to wireless and got going. About 20 minutes later the huge sound system set up across the street from us started blasting music so loud that my colleague and I had to yell at each other to have a conversation even though we were standing next to each other. Then there was the drama of moving everything. More connectivity issues. It was like living in a third world country.

Then when we're on stage ready to perform Hollaback Thriller the music never started. (Apparently the CD could not be read.)  It didn't help that I experienced the day on I had 3 1/2 hours of sleep and little food.

Once they opened the door, the freaks came in. I don't really want to look at women's asses hanging out of your tight bikini boy shorts, and if I want to see a pole routine, I know where to go, thank you very much.

There were some good times. It was fun to make weird hot dogs for the hot dog glory hole, experience puppet karaoke, make fun of people on the radio and give people whipped cream "in the mouth". But you know what? I don't think it was worth it. I realized I really do have candy raver rage. I don't like fake fur. And I really don't want to see your naked ass, apron man.

I'm glad burning man exists, but the power in it, is that it's not everyday. Or even twice a year. Or maybe, I'm just a bit more private in my yearly expression. I don't know.

Comments

[pinky the first]

yeah, you know, it was my first decom too, and as you know I've yet to go to BRC. I left that night tired and on the verge of cranky, eagerly anticipating my jacuzzi. And that was after only about 6 hours of that. Not sure I could stand a few days in a row of being surrounded by music I don't like and colorful party people. It was visually stunning and there were many inspirational costumes, but not sure it's worth adding in the dust and extreme weather and being out in the middle of nowhere. I think when I go it'll be on the way to a track day at Reno-Fernley and just stopping in to say hi. It kinda cracked me up that I didn't even think to dress for it, seeing as I have a closet full of BM-appropriate clothing I never wear.

[Rizwan]

"if I want to see a pole routine, I know where to go, thank you very much."

Where? =)