San Francisco, CA –Larry Harvey, the man (and shape-shifting vampire) who pioneered Burning Man, the famous counter culture music and arts festival founded in San Francisco in 1986, which later moved to the desert north of Reno, Nevada, announced that 2011 is its final year. Caught off guard, those in attendance, were stunned into silence before being able to alert the world of the impending disaster rivaled only by the revelation that there is no Santa Claus.
completely unrelated story: UNICORN FLU PANDEMIC!
When pressed for the reasons behind the abrupt end to the iconic festival it was Harvey’s turn to be silent. Clearly stifling tears, he finally mustered up the ability to provide some answers. “We never intended that Burning Man would run forever, but we had hoped to go out a bit differently than this. It just sort of all came together as things often do on the Playa,” he said. Harvey continued, “When we realized we’d actually sell out this year I had an inkling this was the end. When it was clear demand would outstrip supply and market forces came to bear I knew that there was a strong possibility people would abandon the ethos of the event and turn to profiteering by scalping tickets, offering tourist packages and other practices we’ve been opposed to since the beginning.”
Many of the Burning Man Organization members in attendance were teary eyed, including Chief Communications Officer Will Chase, who agreed it was a sad day indeed. “We didn’t want to do this, but it was like watching Ol’ Yeller get rabies. Hard as it was it was better to put him down than watch him go mad and become something ugly and devoid of love.”
Shockwaves are rippling throughout the Burning Man community as hundreds of businesses and artisans that participate in a cottage industry are scrambling in the wake of the realization that they’ll have to get real jobs in two months. Scores of camps and campers are sure to be inconsolable with regard to the fortunes worth of gear, infrastructure, art cars, and costuming that will be rendered useless. Organizers are also worried about what sort of behavior might be triggered during the event as a result of the announcement. Left over structures such as sign posts, art installations and other artifacts are earmarked for private auction with unsold pieces to be part of a permanent Burning Man museum set to open in San Francisco next spring. There is growing concern that Burners will pillage many of the items during the departure from Black Rock City referred to as Exodus.
A somber Harvey remarked, “From drive by shooting ranges to pants cannons we did things out here no one else will. It’s just hard after all the years of hearing the snickers that Burning Man has become too commercial, or that it jumped the shark, only to see it actually happen.” Choking back tears Harvey concluded, “We had a good run though, didn’t we?”
The Shroom is an Putzpuller award winning publication noted for journalistic excellence for coverage of groundbreaking topics including:
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Let me get this right: You are going to screw me out of wearing that really pretty outfit I have had planned for next year? This means WAR!
Well if you only care about the “cute” outfit you want to wear then you probably should be going in the first place…
She never said cute
my reply wasnt serious cutoff thejk
A lot of us got it, Laura. Np. 😉
I love dressing up. I wasnt serious about the post, it cut off my jp,
Lol she quoted “Cute” as if she actually said it. Reminds me of the bullshit journalism going on in this article.
santa’s mom’s a HO!
damn this was the only thing keeping me living
Are you serious? It’s time to find a better reason.
I never thought it would end. Thank God.
It was over when they started letting one person decide what was art and what wasn’t!
agreed, when theme camps started cherging to camp.
its called everyone helping out so all these extravagant camps can afford what they do…not everyone is rich and we all need a little help sometimes. charging of theme camps benefits only the camp itself while out on the playa…how do you think one person could afford 3000 lightsabers and just give them out so we could all battle together on the playa…burning man is about giving without thinking of your own benefit…this is why its ending, no one really understands the true meaning of burning man anymore…its all “just a party” to you all…but to me it was my home…and that’s being taken away… 😥 its a sad day for all the true burning man family
And this is why it’s ending. “You all did this, while I’m the best ever.”
I was a part of that lightsaber camp, and one person DID buy all those lightsabers himself. Just sayin’.
I believe this is a spoof, but I also like what you said. Home is being taken for granted by people who have no idea what BM is about. And if we keep going in this direction it may one day be cancelled….. either way I love your words!
Has someone been eating the shrooms again?
This is sure to incentivize demand for scalped tickets. What a brilliant marketing ploy.
burning man as an organization isn’t going to benefit from scalped ticket sales…..
Is this for real???? This cannot be…
You may want to look closely at what The Shroom is…
NO this is NOT real. LOL …hellllllooooo people……You have been Punked! hehehehe …..Burning Man ROCKS! )'(
Burning Man ended a long time ago.
whether you noticed or not.
Get out of town.
Please tell me this was a joke.
Someone tell us this is satire. This could do horrible things to the event. Why would anyone be so short sighted as to announce this BEFORE the event?!
This could lead to rioting at the gate, people forcing their ways in from all directions etc, not to mention tickets going for 5K on eBay right now!! If this is a joke, it is too far and should be removed!
OMG! Chill…..YOU too have been punked!!!
“this could lead to rioting at the gate, people forcing their ways in from all directions ”
cool! lets do it! it’ll be like old times..
DOGS AND CATS LIVING TOGETHER…MASS HYSTERIA!!!!!!
Yes, the Black Rock City International Post Office applauds this move by Harvey and the BLM/ORG! Finally, we’ll get to rest.
Neither sleet, nor dust, yeah – that’s been us, lo these many years. We need a fucking break!
Till then, our kickstarter has 12 more days left. All aboard! you want your mail, right? http://pdx.be/brcpo
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Relax, people. it doesn’t work that way.
come on folks …. your sarcasm-dar is set way too low. if you don’t get that this is a parody, have another cup of coffee and re-read.
My sparkle pony can’t believe this. It doesn’t understand the Shroom.
If this is satire, it is still in bad taste, in so much as some people may never discover that it is a joke and would act as if it is true on the playa. Mooping. Burning. Disrespecting. The love and care could go out of the event because people would believe there were no lasting ramifications for their actions on the playa. And yes, I mean more so than already is true of some participants. This needs to be shown to be satire officially so the event doesn’t suffer due to misinformed participants.
NO MOOPING ALLOWED.
your an idiot… stop taking your self so seriously.
“…the event doesn’t suffer due to misinformed participants. ”
thats been going on for a long time..
Larry Harvey, is a live that is the best,.
Almost as chaotic as announcing God is not real
You mean he has been found?
Um when and where did he announce this???
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
hell no!!!
nothing is over until we decide it is
I decide it to be over.
I’m confused and would really like to know if this is true. Sounds true, but with all the comments now I have no idea!
NOT True! You too have been PUNKED! 🙂
You will remain confused, many, many days from now.
This could lead to rioting at the gate, people forcing their ways in from all directions, vandalism, another early man burning etc, not to mention tickets going for 5K on eBay right now!! If this is a joke, it is too far and should be removed and made very clear that this is satire.
if this were true then it would be on the burningman site,some one is spreading panic for profit.
IT is not true . When you read the article it is devoid of important facts that would be included if it were real. The thrust of it is written to create emotional response. This is a devilish con , the only reason I can’t understand is why the fuck would anyone create this, cause its not for laughs.
Oh, goody. Now I get to keep all the camp stuff that is stored at my house. Except that damn blow up penguin. That little bitch has got to go.
That is FUNNY! LOL hehehehe
There are more fes†ivals and more magic to make. Burning Man was not the end all be all
I really hope this is a joke.
I can’t wait to learn that it was BMORG insiders that bought up the tickets and are now profiting as scalpers. Oh the scandal!!!
I have decided that life likes to fuck people like me over. More often than not. I may be young, only 18, and I have never attended a burning man(was hoping to in 2012), but even I can see the importance in events and communities such as this. It’s just sad to see the founders of such a tremendous positive give in so easily. It must have been hard to start the burning man, even harder to end it. I find it sad they wouldn’t see the third option of fighting to preserve the ingenuity and love that comes with it just because a few have decided to cave in to greed and greeds demands. This is pathetic. I’m sending hopeful vibes to all my bunrning man family I’ll never get a chance to meet.
Don’t be so doom & gloom! Burning Man is NOT done. This is a JOKE on everyone. YOU too have been PUNKDED! Go to Burning Man. Life is short! 🙂
Don’t go Go to Burning Man. Life is short!
People who believe this is real—–please don’t camp next to me. Your gloom and woe will be too much of a downer for the Sparkle Ponies
If you think BM has been canceled, please don’t come. I’d rather you not be there!
The Survival Guide guarantees it!!
omgyayayay… alphahooker! I know you!
theshroom.com == theonion.com for burners…
A lot of people are buying into this – I was at first. If you’re going to make satire you need to make it clear, particularly if the outcome has consequences. The onion does well because by a couple quotes in you get the joke of it, this all seems like it could be legit.
Also, to the elitists in the comments – get over yourselves. Just because someone doesnt know the background of this site and it caused them concern doesnt mean you’re any better than them. If you’re telling people not to come because this attempt at a ‘joke’ wasnt clear to them, then perhaps you need to consider a nice step down from your pedestal.
the point of satire is to be satirical. if you cannot tell the difference, you are part of the joke.
So he’s talking about elitists and you answer that… That’s satire again, innit.
sure, ok, yeah.
and to be clear, elite != “people who actually know the meaning of words and how to use them”, those are just smart people. 🙂
Thanks squeak, so glad to have your smart kind around to benefit us dummies! I get satire – I love good sarcasm laced satire. I posted above because in my opinion, this does not fit that mold or make me reflect on a valid criticism of the subject matter. To myself and apparently many others, this read literally. I believe it’s fair criticism to say that without a posse of people telling others to ‘stay home if you dont get the joke!’.
If the intent was to troll people into thinking it was real, then it worked, and bravo to the author. But to me that’s not good satire, that’s ‘war of the worlds’ satire, and how’d that turn out? If there is valid perspective to be learned from this, it does certainly make clear the tendency for people to want to ridicule others and feel better because they are more ‘in the know’ in comparison. Again, if the forethought was that in depth, then bravo x2!
All I’m saying is don’t let the fact you have a different interpretation of something based on different life experiences let your head balloon into thinking your better than someone else. Anywho – hopefully see you on the playa, so long as it isnt cancelled this year 😉
And please note tongue placed firmly in cheek on war of the worlds reference 😛
The point of satire is to elucidate with egregious and/or absurd examples. “Satire for the point of being satirical” is the definition of ‘being an areshole.’
Christ almighty people a) do a little research on your news and b) it’s a party. Albeit THE BEST PARTAY IN DA WURLLLLD, but put your funking party hat on an stop the propagation of overblown party anarchy…panarachy?
Propablown Panarchy
i’m going to go out on a limb here and say that if this many people find it confusing (myself included), it’s incredibly crappy satire. this article is more of a mean spirited prank…just like out on the playa, some people poke fun at the event in a way that is insightful and funny, and others go for cheap misinformation.
btw, i have it on good authority that this is the LAST year daft punk will be going to burning man.
this guy is a burner…. he just happens to be un-witty and un-funny.
I’ve Spoke with the Officials and Yes this is the Last Burn…But I’m purchasing the rights to Hold it Next year so fear NOT little minds….I’am bringing in a few Corporate Sponsers to make the event more Wholesome and Family Friendly, Walmart has agreed to take care of next years Decorating,there will be vendors, Burgers,Navaho Art(for cheap),lots of new Security so you all relax and know your safe out there….it will be the best Burn TradeMarked ever.
now thats good satire…. you should run this site
NEXT year was the best ever.
I heard last year was the last great year anyway.
do you think bassnectar will be there this year?
how the fuck should I know.
lolz. burners love to spread ridiculous rumors every year before, during, and after each burn. it is SORT OF hilarious to hear virgin burners every year tell me that tool, oakenfold, and Deadmau5 will be playing the “main stage,” but I generally clue them in on the tradition of encouraging misinformation. Hopefully this kind of thing is a prompt for people to think critically and not believe everything they hear. also, if you don’t know, regional burns are really where it’s at. I love burningman but bringing that spirit, art, creativity, freedom and community tall up and down the east coast has been more rewarding for me than the half dozen epic journeys i’ve taken to the playa. relax, love, continue the spirit of the event, and check out your local burns too. ❤
Funnier still I have actually hung out with Paul and ‘Deadmau5’ at the event.
Good for you, the east coast could really use a bit more of the burning man spirit, art, creativity, and freedom.. especially that Jersey shore place.
Now they know how all the camps/projects that didn’t get permits felt…
Larry Harvey is just a myth.
I hear he’s just photshopped.
pics or it didn’t happen.
I put my faith in Harry Larvey
Actually all you people have to do is click the ‘About’ link of the Shroom site (come on Burners don’t you know what this paper really is?) and you will find it was “born out of admiration of the Onion.” Um hello the Onion? I live in Reno Nevada, Burn central pretty much year round, and there are zero shockwaves here about any breaking news that this is the last Burn. The Playa IS my local burn, only 1.5 hours away!
Uh dude…have you been eating those shrooms too!??? We live in Reno. We have been going for years. I don’t know what kind of car you are driving…a jet??? ….not us….with our burner “stuff” in & on top of car & it depends on the traffic….it can take as long as 3-5 hours…FROM RENO. I am a native RENO burner.
But hey you are correct….about the Shroom site! EVERYONE was PUNKED! LOL…………..Burning Man ROCKS! )'(
i am just *super* thrilled that we opted for the whole “vip” package this year! am really looking forward to the helicopter rides out to the springs, using the super thumpin art car to get around and the a/c in the fully stocked (thanks ron rico!) rv! who else got platform passes for the burn?
let’s hook up!
All right, knuckleheads, LISTEN UP!
The description of the “herd of sparkle ponies” in the second sentence was your clue that this article is satire, as if the general silliness of Larry Harvey blubbering was not enough.
That is all. Carry on.
Lame, now San Francisco will be fileld with annoying playa hipsters for the two weeks they’d ordinarily be gone every year. I guess the neverending torrent of faux muppet fur and tacky outfits is returning from whence it came. *sigh*
Long live the playa hipsters!
“from whence” is improper, redundant English.
– annoying playa hipster
“annoying playa hipster” is redundant english
We can all meet out at the end of the pier on the playa and jump off in protest. It’s a 3 ft jump. I’ll have to adjust my playlist at the roller disco. How about “Another one bites the dust” and “Hit the Road Jack”. I’ll have to ban the “Happy Happy Joy Joy” song. Oh well, I guess I’ll get in here and vote to raise my personal debt ceiling again.
I am brand new to BM this year and fell for this hook, line, and sinker, announced it to my veteran Burner friends on our camp google site, and hoo boy! I hope this is the last of my hazing rituals.
make sure you ask for your spanking at the Gate…
Course this is legit! its only Burning Man’s Least best newspaper! Just say’n :p
All I can say is ha Ha HA HA HA HA Ha HA, some funny shit!
there is a god!
This is a HOAX!! It will happen again if not somewhere else is what im hearing.
I am rioting the Gate with all my friends!
The attendants of burning blame rub their eyes and blearily step back into life. Burning man was becoming a bit of an organized religion. This festival shouldn’t be the highlight of your year.
Sometimes it’s just one of many highlights in a year. But it’s usually pretty amazing, still. And I’ve been going since 1998 so I’m not one of those who always say “oh, it’s no good anymore, like the old days”.
1997 was the last good year, IMO.
Come on, it’s called “The Shroom”. Like The Onion, get it?
This is probably related to the ebay tickets for sale for 10grand right now…
The people going are ignorant to the ideals of which it originally was founded.
The only constant is change 🙂
I’ve never been to BM, and yes, fair call, i’ve missed the early days pre-circus. Still – to everyone who longs for the ‘good old days’ or wants a party staying true to this or that principle, why wouldn’t you just create a new one yourself?
I understand, parties are always wicked at the start, when they’re small and crew orientated, word of mouth deals – unfortunately, if a party rocks, people hear about it. Then they talk about it. If you keep doing the party, and it becomes an annual event, yes, you’ll get tourists.
I started an event myself because i wanted a certain kind of party (from what i understand, kinda like the halcyon days you rant about here) and because i like the crew / friends vibe, we’re going to change the name every couple of years so the sheep hopefully never catch on. Will that work? Dunno. Fact is, any event can only go in a few directions – it can try to stay underground (ie: invite only) – it can grow (leading to a spiral of higher logistics costs, legal regulation, rules, lack of free-expression cos you just can’t drive a flame-throwing tank through a random crowd, and ‘selling out’ chants from the founding mom n dads – or, it can just go away or splinter into something new.
I’m going to try a hybrid approach and see how that flies. ie: only book acts which 90% of people in this part of the world have never heard of, but which are awesome. (and limit tickets massively – we cover costs but by design, we pour any profit back into the event community – hopefully, such a charter means no individual – including me – makes much profit and with no potential for such, the temptation to corporatise is less.) I could be full of shit though.
Of course, this means i’m never going to get rich. Who cares? Love not money, i get by. 😉
Er.. short answer (yeah i know, you didn’t ask for a thesis from a random) – if BM sucks to you:
– Drink a cup of cement
– Harden the fuck up
– Make a Party
– Book Skazi
– Tell your Friends
– If it’s awesome, work out how to keep it that way
– Deal with all the whining from people who came to the first one, but
hate that other people heard it was good, so came for that reason
alone, without understanding the spirit behind the original rave.
😉 ❤
If you actually think people read past the first paragraph, you are kidding yourself. why dont you start a blog and follow your own advice instead of trying to create it here?
I read the whole thing. I apologize for not having the attention span of a marmoset.
I read way past the first paragraph. Just sayin’
this means next year is free,,, bring your own porta john….. 🙂
and plenty of ice…
The Shroom, The Onion, The National Lampoon, Christ on a crutch, get a grip……
Don’t worry, Golden Voice or Clear Channel will pick up where the Borg left off. Don’t forget to tip the t-shirt vendors!
Don’t worry, Golden Voice or Clear Channel will pick up where the Borg leaves off. And I bet the official t-shirts are gonna RULE.
Best Burning Man Icon- ever.
Yes, it’s all over everyone, yep, all over. So don’t bother going online next January and buying tickets, no sir. Just move along, nothing to see here folks. It’s over, spread the word.
Anonymous: you’re the best! I’m an Aussie burner back again this year (for the last time unfortunately), we love a good joke down under mate and you are absolutely KILLING it. I’m wetting myself laughing at your posts. Keep up the good work, mad love and respect… Sergeant Wunderschnitzel
Hey- where is the DMCA takedown notice for using Harvey’s name or the Burning Man likeness? Also I hope the 10% tithe of your ad revenue is being paid in full to BMORG. They are watching. Always… well except if you are cool. I heard you even get to urinate on the playa if they like you.
i’m pretty sure if it was the end of burning man it would be on the main website, and there’s nothing so this has to be a joke. not that i care, i doubt i’ll ever go there. anything in america cannot be awesome, and common DUST ?? not the brightest place to have a good time.
This article is written in the spirit of many Burners. It is in jest, very wry, sardonic jest, but jest all the same. All the people crying that it is too far… if you’re going to step over a line, you’d better make sure you’re miles over it rather than just toeing the line. If you can’t handle the heat… you should probably stay out of the fire… or BRC for that matter. Mischief runs rampart through the city, people ride up to you on their playa bikes just to yell “fuck you!” and ride away, others wielding megaphones and hurling insults “you call that a costume? GO HOME YOU FUCKING HIPPIES!”
It’s a beautiful thing.
I will hate theshroom for this article. not funny and in bad taste. but whatever, do what you want.
Don’t worry. We will.
Don’t tell me what to do!
Whoever posted this obvious satire, I hope you do a stand up routine on the playa, at center camp so I don’t miss it. Because this shit is funny. . .Dork.
Needn’t worry about the DMCA, but watch out for the Google Mothership.
No more BM! wewt. I’ve heard that upon receiving this news, a fellow DPW representative was quoted as saying “Fuckin’ A, goddam about time.” And then went on about something involving blindfolded lake bed racing, whiskey and fully automatic weapons around the same time and location next year. BYOG, and sparkle-motion casket.
People – have you heard of “The Onion” a popular satirical newspaper which names bares an uncanny parallel to “the shroom” They are all for shits and giggles. Dr. Dre did not start burning man, the event was not sold out in January, no wikileaks drama about the BORG, why believe this one?
Will you be quiet? Don’t ruin our fun.
You guys have all misread this article completely! What they meant to say is that BM has been cancelled THIS year! So, return your glow sticks and your 2cB, stop making your Dubstep mp3 mix, renege on your Cruise America contract and go back to your job at the law firm.
Sorry, you missed your chance to be “creative” this year. Maybe you can use the money you saved to finally take that photography class at the community college.
wow… i thought burners were, uh, smarter than most.
I will believe it when I see it. This kinda rumor mill happens EVERY YEAR!
These comments just go to show that the percentage of down right stupid people is the same for “burners” as it is for the population at large.Of course the same goes for smart folks too.
Silly blissninny twits- all it would take to utterly screw BM would be three days of solid rain right before the gate opens..not terribly likely but not unheard of. Some of y’all really need to get a grip and stop treating it like a cult. Honestly i think thats ruined the event as much as the rich folks.
It was my understanding Larry had already moved to a dacha on the black sea?
What is Burning Man?
Long live the regional burns, like Critical Massive in the pacific northwest, that are thriving around the world. It is NOT going away!
so wait………..HES A FUCKIN SHAPE SHIFTING VAMPIRE!?!?!?!?!
Even though your narrow minded blog site is a parody (which isn’t exactly evident when you happen across it via google), your choice of subject matter is in bad form and poor taste. One should never “quote” someone that isn’t true or was never actually said by that person. That’s a cheap way of getting a laugh and is downright bullshit. So why don’t you put your creative forces (and i use that term liberally here) to work and become a little better at posting propaganda that doesn’t hit so close to home for the less informed that come across your stupid and lame blogsite. May you drink from a pee funnel in your drunkin stupor while on the playa this year for this kind of crap.
How much “less informed” can one be? Satire: it’s not just for Larry Flynt anymore. If you can’t read the titles of other posts, I’m not sure that’s the fault of The Shroom. I mean, for the love of dust, there is an article about the UNICORN FLU here.
Seriously?
holy hell you’re an idiot….. for the love people…. Now I realize that BM is a religion and this is your annual pilgrimage to worship the almighty man (not to mention, is burning a bunch of wood environmentally friendly??). Get over yourselves, its just another festival and thus not too sacred to be fodder for a satire blog.
It is not the Shroom’s responsibility to make sure you have the mental capacity to understand what the hell a JOKE is.
thanks for adding to the long list of why BM is a useless event that is a menace to Nevada.
This is why we never shroom alone!
Why not just create a ticketing system that’s egalitarian (e.g. a lottery system), and putting into place safeguards preventing the resale of those tickets???
Gee Martin. Thanks a ton.
but where will all the shirtcockers go? will assholes with megaphones have to roam random city streets aimlessly? just who will wear the surplus of neon fur, glow sticks, and goggles? what has the world come to? oh my god, i knew 2012 was going to be bad, but not this bad.
Is this for real? Can I really enjoy the isolated peace of the Blackrock without a bunch of hippy freaks desecrating it? It seems too good to be true. I pray that it is and we can keep these fucking freaks out of the high desert and in the city where they belong.
best news ever. except, wait…. does that mean that all of these douchebags will stay in town in August?!?! UGHGH!!!!!
I can’t say how much I enjoy reading the rants of people who “love” Burning Man and hate ruthless satire, it’s one of the rare pleasures in life. At the risk of sounding elitist, or at least educated, I would point to the fact that the event began as a prank and Larry Harvey was simply invited along, because he chose to cooperate with cops in SF and not burn the man on Baker Beach that year. What you call Burning Man began as a Cacophony Society ritual call the “Zone Trip,” you can look up “Zone Trip #4” and read about it.
The mode of satire with the intention of collaborative art is what made the transformation of Disneyworld and Las Vegas possible.
Without the satire(yes, very ruthless satire) your precious experience will settle right back into old forms, as it has been doing for years.
YES…. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!
YOU!!! I could KISS you!
Yeah, but satire demands a degree of literary ability and elegance — at the risk of sounding elitist.
This is just well-pastiched information laced with malice.
best,
Chris Weitz
…perhaps it’s time to ride my sparkle pony into the sunset, if only to get caught in the trash fence….
this satire was a good laugh. So many gullible gullivers falling for it.
Good art moves you. ‘Nuff said.
Inept, poorly measured sub-Onion satire=hoax.
Not impressed.
Chris Weitz
What’s Burning Man?
In a way it is true. Black Rock City LLC that runs Burning Man is being changed into a non profit organization. So out with the old and in with the new!
we had a good run
They only thing I saw was SPARKLE PONIES!!!!!!!!!!
It’s clear that Chris thinks it’s in poor taste, but to criticize it as a text, as poor satire is a bit strange. It’s a prank, not a satyrical text(what text is it satirizing?), and judging by the responses, it was quite an effective one. So the writing must have been adequate at least.
Confusion is the shadow of ambiguity and those who cannot live in ambiguity always try to reduce the world to a simpler one that they can understand, by any means necessary. It leads to fundamentalisms and eventually violence.
These pranks are useful in revealing dangerous literalists who don’t know how to think, and here I’m not thinking of Chris who actually is sophisticated in his views.To focus on the prank as being bad because it’s “mean” is to lack the capacity to step back and see the bigger picture. It’s like saying that Max Ernst or Marcel DuChamp is bad because their work lacks beauty. Yes, it is reactionary and yes, the thing reacted to is ugly, whether it be the first world war or the atrocious commodification of b man tix. But the ethic of the trickster is to be the guardian of homeostasis. If the gofer pops up, he will bat it down, or cause another one to emerge with its head turned upside down.
Sometimes, as in this case, it is a gross exaggeration of the logical outcome of a process. We may not like it, but this is actually an opportunity to tune our vision into a mode of perception that can see through bull shit and clear the way for more truthful wholes to emerge.
As far as the possibility of violence at the gate because of this shroom article, really? As if it won’t be cleared up by then, as if we can’t look at the web site, as if Harvey won’t make a counter announcement at some point if necessary?
As I said in the last post, a slightly sadistic and reactionary chaos was the crucible through which the sacred burning man was born. Clowns calling bull shit on every possible thing they could and blowing things up. It’s a dangerous catharsis, but one so honest that the result is something real for a change.
If you want to keep burning man make a BETTER ONE!!!! Nevada sure would love that revenue…
Best burner troll I have seen yet
you want to avoid scalped tickets, PRINT NAMES ON THEM. closing burning man due to commercialism would be the most anti burning man thing you could do.
To be honest, I did not understand anything of this story!
So, Daft Punk isn’t playing this year?
Fell for it hook line and sinker – then came back for another looked and howled with laughter “World’s Largest Shrew Files World’s Largest Lawsuit” how the hell did I not notice that the 1st time… ha haaa
another look sorry – was excited about shrews and mistyped
love it!
I never even got to go 😦 Guess I’ll never get a chance now.
this is the right reason to end something, and the right time for others to create something new. Death is an important part of any project. All this means to me is there’s an opportunity to find the next NEW and amazing experience.
He’s right, anything awesome eventually attracts a wider and wider audience until it’s no longer what it once was. Here’s to the next thing, and those who will make it awesome.
Aww…so long fun times
This is completely in the spirit of Burning Man, so leave your angry comments, please do whatever you like!
[…] The notorious Burningman pranks and rumors have already begun. Yesterday, the The Shroom Reported the end of Burningman and Facebook blew […]
Hilarious how many gullibles folks are still commenting as if true. Best hazing ever. Kudos Shroom! READ people!
Something smells fishy. To announce this is the final Burning Man BEFORE the event, leads me to think (ah the real world cynic is going to come out now) that there is probably something else, having to do with missing money, unethical behavior on the part of BM organizers, or head honcho, etc. It makes absolutely no sense to do this at this time.
All the BS that is part of the party line, BM selling out yada yada, just doesn’t cut the muster. It will be interesting to see if there is some grand jury, police investigation or other worldy things in the works.
Can it be cut and run while he/they still can? It will be interesting to see this play out. The timing makes no sense, in light of the BM staff acknowledging the potential problems, probably actually enticing some to such violence. Something doesn’t smell right.
Hummm…maybe I was premature…is this just another rumor and not true at all?? I would hope it is just a wild rumor and has no basis. Mea Culpa if it is not true for previous post.
What’s really funny, to anyone who knows anything about BM at all, who’s ever even bothered to talk to Larry, you would know he let go of making BM happen many years ago. He couldn’t stop it today if he wanted.
How do you kill a thing that you burn each year, and yet it keeps coming back? Paul Addis gave it his best shot, and look how that turned out. BM is the evil un-dead zombie mother of large burn events.
– yo momma
BM is evil, that’s for sure…Damn hippy freaks desecrating the sanctity of the Blackrock.
[…] Harvey announces 2011 is final Burning Man « The Shroom "When we realized we’d actually sell out this year I had an inkling this was the end. When it was clear demand would outstrip supply and market forces came to bear I knew that there was a strong possibility people would abandon the ethos of the event and turn to profiteering by scalping tickets, offering tourist packages and other practices we’ve been opposed to since the beginning." (tags: 2011 calendar community culture) Share this:No tags for this post. […]
Dear Teh Dumbz who didn’t realize this is satire, nor check the source:
Please sell your tickets at face value to people who need them.
You are not smart enough to be at the Burn and would definitely hurt yourself (or others) It’s obvious you cannot read and will get in trouble, even during the daytime. Please go to ePlaya and list your ticket now.
Thanks from a concerned Burner 🙂
WOWZERS!!!
the “article” was pretty good. but, reading all these asinine comments has been a seriously entertaining time! and, i feel fairly confident that the writer was, in some measure, expecting something along these lines. therefore, it was a brilliant piece!!! congratulations!
I have never been to Burning Man. I’m a college student who hasn’t been able to afford the time off from school, or the 1000 mile trip. I was planning to go in 2012, and had just started making preparations. I’m very upset. Burning Man is something I’ve wanted to be a part of for years, and now, I’ll never get a chance to go. There are so many others who, like me, wanted to enjoy this life-altering experience. We wanted to chance to prove our self-reliance, to support a community, to create and appreciate art on a grand scale, and now, it seems as though we are being denied that chance. I hope that the Burning Man community will rally, so that even if Harvey choices not to continue with Burning Man, the community will continue the event to the best of their ability. I truly hope to be at Burning Man in 2012, regardless of who organizes it, even if that person has to be me.
Sweetie, wait ’til you read about the Unicorn Flu Pandemic! Hold onto your sparkle ponies!
MM, folks like you have been denied the real Burning Man experience for many years now. Harvey just didn’t have the guts to end it when anyone with integrity would have.
You are absolutely right – you should organize the event you want! gather some co-conspirators, and make something new and better! (or at least as good as the old BM was. it was pretty cool)
Every year has been the last year for Burning Man and that is how we lived like it was our last!
“this needs to be officially labeled as satire so people don’t get upset like this”
“satire is only funny when it’s obvious and not harmful”
God bless the pranksters!! I live for this shit.
http://fuckburningman.com/
Yes!! Fuck Burning Man and the horse it rode in on!! There should be no hippy freaks desecrating the sanctity of the high desert!
Ignore all rumors of cancellation.
[…] journal The Shroom have wreaked panic in a ‘burner’ village with their article that claims this year’s Burning Man is to be a […]
I have absolutely nothing interesting to add.
I’m sad to see it end, but glad that I was able to grab a ticket on Day 1.
People are STILL being trolled by this article! Even after The Shroom changed it, as to tip the reader off to the satirical nature of it. Unbelievable.
Thanks for making my job as a regional contact more difficult. Just spent 4 emails convincing a newbie that it really is satire, best comment in that thread, “its the newpaper for the burning man. did you read the artical its pretty legit” . Well played Shroom, well played..love it! 🙂
You’re welcome.
Well,damn! If this is the real deal it blows!! Kept sayin I’m gonna make it out one year,but I guess that wont happen.
wow that super huge penis I made for next years burn that was spose to be cristened by all the burn ladys yaya’s aint even gonna smell like a 100 yr old dead carp aww crap Imna just shoot myself
I think it’s for the best, honestly. Burning Man totally jumped the shark…it’s more like a big frat party rave these days anyway.
This was a fun read…..basically sums up the whole experience. Isnt confusion, inner turmoil and re-evaluation the point of the whole thing. I Love the pranksters the most….welcome kids! and wake the fuck up.
in 1995 i wandered out of my backyard of winnemucca about 50 miles from the black rock to this amazing event driving a mustang 100mph across the desert from beat to beat from bright light to bright light and every labor day since then minus 3yrs i have continued to go out to experience a more incredible event each and every year bringing along with me at least 1 new virgin each year that continue to go with me to this day and there is a reason for this due to the fact that it is such a magical place that gets me through the entire year by all of the love and kindness that is shown day after day night after night on the playa and it is how people should treat one another when u do come back to the daily grind on earth so i will see u all once again this year and come join us lets get down have a great time and treat one another just like we always do on the playa with lots of love and respect look for us on the helicopter beating up the desert oh and to the guy with the comment above about hippies ruining the desert u have got to b one of the more closed minded people who have no clue and obviously have never been to the burn so stay at home and play your x box
Even if a joke, should the truth hurt? I have been to BM twice, am unlikely to return, but I’m always happy (especially for the virgins) when the end of August hits.
Take it as you wish, I’m thinking of you when I am not there physically.
[…] […]
I really am disappointed because I will not be able to enjoy the delights of the festival. 2010 wasn’t as magical as my 2009. Some of my best friends are going this year for the first time. Atleast they will be representing with my costumes I have given them. What i wonder is what or who will take this events place? I have heard the rumors about this ending. i also wonder what will the regulars do now? Where will they spend their 1000s and 1000s of dollars on for weeks worth of fun?Where will we go. To fill this empty space? Where will i go to be naked, costumed, and social? My mind draws a blank…
Thank God its finely over with, all those pussy loving old geezers getting poon in exchange for booz or water.
Good What are these “tree hugging” libs gonna do now. What a shame
I on’t know about anyone else, but I’ll be working hard, educating myself, and practicing to become a better musician, writer, and computer programmer, so that I may continue to live a good life and to be able to help others less fortunate than myself. You?
To ensure this type of quality reporting reaches the Playa this year please visit our IndieGoGo site and donate to The Shroom to help us with printing costs this year!
http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Shroom?a=220106&i=addr
this article is a hoax….it was refuted by Will Chase in an article of the Jack Rabbit Speaks…see you all on the playa…this year and next!
Aren’t YOU the quick one.
hahahahahahahaha awesome keep up the good work kudos to everyone at the shroom
Ah fuckers!!
Just made a dick of myself on facebook announcing this 🙂
You’ve won this round Shroom!!!
Great article. Good coverage. Amazing ass-detector.
ALL YOU KIDS SIT HERE WORRYING ABOUT A LITTLE FESTIVAL WHILE THERE’S CLEARLY A UNICORN FLU PANDEMIC UNRELATED ARTICLE! Oh em geeze this was funny to read all the responses and arguments about a fake story.
Make sure to check out Zocalo Public Square’s article on Burning Man:
http://zocalopublicsquare.org/thepublicsquare/2011/08/28/wanna-get-naked-and-drink-absinthe/read/nexus/
War of the Worlds all over again.
[…] York City for the sake of setting aflame an epic 12-foot model of New York City at what might be the last Burning Man Festival ever at the Blackrock Desert in Nevada (now through Sept. […]
hahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahahah!
Regional Burns forever more! State of Jefferson is splitting off.
Lots of good points here, but we all know that this is the future…. that is unless you can reason away the gross unsustainablitiy in light of thousands of city folks losing their egos, for a brief moment… sorry, just doesn’t cut it for me… all the AC and generators… and the shit, where does it all go?
love ya all, and yes, I still wanna go next year.
ravicher
Over consuming and hypocritical is what it’s become. Good luck losers!
It’s true. But if you’re just a couple of people who drive in and pitch a tent you can feel okay about yourself. It’s a fun way to spend a week, and so many things to do – talks, classes, massage, yoga… There are a lot of things at Burning Man that are simple, communal, and not wasteful.
2011 25yr BM aniversity…..2012….26 yr cycle into a new age……its an art show and we are the art…see you there even if i camp out alone…….
JFH^^
January 18, 2012
Burning Man 2012 tickets on sale
LOL BM WILL NEVER DIE!!!!!!!!!!!
[…] fucking sucks! Day late and a dollar short. https://theshroom.wordpress.com/2011/…l-burning-man/ GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-9888434945255495"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); […]
I feel so bad for the dirty drug hippies out there.
I started reading this and was in awe, than i realized hell no! All of the recaps for the last few burning mans talked about how burning man is better than ever. I cant say myself because i’ve never been.
But from the reserch ive done it doesnt seem like the burners would take no for an answere. I feel likeThey would all show up at black rock city and have a festival weather it was techniqually organized or not. Keep it going birners, i hope to take a trip out to my first burning man when i turn 18, no way am i going to live my life without going to burning man! It just sounds too good to be true
great, another year of sucking depleted uranium dust from Sierra Army depot at Honey lake,seriously it’s the “testing” ground for DU tank and artillery round practice. Probably why there is cancer in off the map numbers in the local towns. Public health advocates have followed this for years and there is no wonder why the Bush boys gave extended permits to the burners laughing their asses off in DC. Yes you have been duped, but it wasn’t by the shroom! Just explore the prevailing winds and dust storms,sit back in your playa home and write your wills, THEY will help you prepare for your burn.
Hahhahha. Man what a massive load of funny ass replays to this writeup actually more entertaining than the piece – respect to you all !!
Asking questions are truly nice thing if you are not understanding something
completely, but this article offers good understanding yet.
He thought that the chunk of property, that she discarded initially thinking it.
In several Simpsons episodes, Lisa and Bart can be found watching and laughing at Itchy and Scratchy killing each other.
Here is nice news that Spongebob has won the award
just for this year depending on the kid choice.
daft punk around the world
Harvey announces 2011 is final Burning Man | The Shroom
heard your post on google and checked out several of your early posts. Continue with the very good articles. Ill probably be by again to read more, thanks for the info! If you have a chance check out my website. It’s a work in progress, but I believe that someday it will have almost as good of content as yours.