Like freak stepchildren us Regionals are consistently left out of many Burning Man discussions. A LOT has happened since 1996, one of the biggest changes has been the organic growth of the Regional Network (RN). Why organic, because each Regional sprouted ON IT’S OWN, they were not directed to do so by BRC LLC. Much of the growth and spread of the RN has gone beneath the radar of SF BM veterans for far too long.

Each Regional Contact (RC) stepped up to the role and began to organize their comunity with the understanding that NO ONE is profiting from Burning Man, and no one ever would. RCs put in hundreds if not thousands of hours a year in volunteer passionate effort, all for nothing (well we do get a free ticket to BM, wheee). NO RC is in it for the money (if they were they would be pretty dumb) it is all about building community and passion.

Both outcomes of John Law’s suit would be detrimental not only to everything BRC LLC has built since 1996 but also to the 80-odd Regional groups around the world. Destroying the “brand” (putting the trademark into public use) would have a much larger nrgative impact in the RN. Forget about “BM Girls Gone Wild” or Nike “BM sneakers”, the real threat are the already existing event promoters that would instantly capitalize on the Regionals’ hard work and good name and reputation. Sure you would open up a whole bunch of people to use “BM” as they see fit but you would also be clubbing the RN in the knees and instantly devaluing 9 years of passion and dedication by the 100-odd RCs.

The RN and BRC LLC can and will recover through rebranding or whatever but the enormous Social Capital that has been built up in the past 20 or so years will quickly begin to drain away. A public lawsuit battle is not in anyone’s interest and just goes to show the world that BM really is not that special, it is just another capitalist endeavor wrapped in nice words.

I am writing this today so that you Mr. Law (and Larry and M2) can reconsider what you are doing in light of what is REALLY happening out here. And I have a proposal, this for-profit thing has always a bad smell to me. How about putting the “Burning Man” name out of for-profit use for good, not by destroying the “brand” but by converting Paper Man LLC to a nonprofit, or by transferring all assets to the Black Rock Arts Foundation? That would be the ONLY way to insure that no one ever makes money off of the BM name.

If you need a hand with the nonprofit thing you can always ask the handful of Regionals that are 501c3’s and 501c7’s. Ka Pilina would be more than willing to help out in this endeavor.

Andi Cuniberti
Founder, President, and Executive Director
The Ka Pilina Interactive Arts Society, Inc. (501c3)
Burning Man Hawaii co-Regional Contact

What does Jerry think? Knowing Jerry, he’s staying very far away from this.

I have a phrase for larry and the would be uber groovy corporate drop out blinder wearing board members of Bm- I say they fuck their own god. I do not think they are evil but they certainly are steeped in mendacity.
Their ignorence and blinder wearing can be astounding. It sure as hell ain’t just a river in Africa now is it?
Have you thought of suggesting putting the name into a creative commons Liscensing agreement or some such?
So when are you coming to visit Austin? Perhaps make the art car parade in hot smelly Huston?
Marian is good at what she does but the gulibility of her audience doesn’t hurt none either. Her veracity is dubious at best but like any truely good pr person, hack propagandist or outright lier she truely believes her own somewhat mendacious paridigns- its sad.

Hi to jr and missus, hope to see your prodigy in person someday.Perhaps this summer, maybe late august or so.
namaste as i wanna be,
Tym

Victor from Portland Cacophony here.

You have my unqualified support.

v

Thank you for keeping everyone on their toes! This has been a long time coming.