Newbie-What's the deal with the tarps?

[Pass Port]

Aren't we supposed to be arguing about tarp size in this thread??

They do say it's all about size ... I say it is all about placement   

[Australian fan]

Aren't we supposed to be arguing about tarp size in this thread??

They do say it's all about size ... I say it is all about placement   

You guys, size, size, size...it is all about sharing the love

[Hippie]

  Thank you sweetie!!!! It's not about size but quality.

It was almost 90 on Flag today and I had to take a nap (siesta) before unpacking for a ying / yang event this weekend,,,

[FaceOnMars]

Not looking to single out this person and I hold zero judgment, but just couldn't help taking the shot (Sunday afternoon) ... simply as a matter of the "factual record". 

Also not looking to stir the pot to upset anyone, so I won't make any more posts on the subject of tarps in this thread or anytime soon, but I have given the tarp issue more thought and would like to offer my refined & new suggestion ... and will quietly disappear from this thread:

1.)  I do believe randomization of numbers before tarp run will mitigate a lot of the issues.

2.) Tarp size enforcement is hardly impossible ... the regulations just need to be widely dispersed and agreed upon as the "share the tarp space" rule is currently accepted.   Hand out leaflets to those waiting in line stating there will be no exceptions & your tarp will be either folded if it's in violation (or pulled entirely).  It wouldn't take that long for volunteers to start from the front and quickly scan the field, moving to the back.

Perhaps the tarp size limit would only apply to the section in front of the middle horizontal catwalk:  the sections adjacent to & in front of the soundboard.  Large tarps could still be setup in the rear sections, and larger camps could still coordinate efforts to run however many smaller tarps they can fit next to one another up front.

3.) NEW idea (not sure if it's been floated here before):  create a new horizontal line which parallels the first catwalk (poser pit rope), but setback by about 15 yards.   Small tarps can only be placed within this frontal zone & after a set time (around 3-4pm), all tarps AND chairs need to be cleared out of the frontal zone ... and the entire section reverts to a "pure" GA experience.   I realize this kind of happens to an extent anyway, but it's typically around 6-8pm ... and I've noticed that it is this particular "window" (especially the earlier portion) which has the potential to create some (minimal) tension as a result of "interlopers/dancers" vs. those who "put in the time and energy/sitters" to secure a good spot.

What might this accomplish?

- even though it already happens to an extent, establishing an official "rule" insures everyone is on the same page & expectations aren't perceived to be trampled upon by either "side".

- helps to promote the "performer / audience" feedback loop with greater activity / engagement by the audience up front earlier in the day.

- systematically clears away all of the crap/clutter up front ... making much more efficient use of space for people instead of "things".

- provides a better opportunity for more people to randomly / periodically get a closer look & intermingle with others.

- disperses the interest levels of the various "types" of real estate available ... since the very front section might not be appealing anymore to those who want to remain planted in the same spot all day ... effectively freeing up the very front for those who might not care so much & might not otherwise have a chance to be very close.

- if only small tarps are allowed in this proposed very front section, it might be enough in so far as being able to shuffle the deck & improve the dynamic of the overall audience's "egalitarian flow" sufficiently and not have to worry about tarp sizes elsewhere

- There might be unintended consequences, but I think it'd be worth a shot to see how it plays out.

Since I've promised not to respond again in this thread, I'll apologize in advance if there's anyone I've offended or feels like I'm a broken record (which I admit to a certain extent) 

[landshark]

Not looking to single out this person and I hold zero judgment, but just couldn't help taking the shot (Sunday afternoon) ... simply as a matter of the "factual record". 

Also not looking to stir the pot to upset anyone, so I won't make any more posts on the subject of tarps in this thread or anytime soon, but I have given the tarp issue more thought and would like to offer my refined & new suggestion ... and will quietly disappear from this thread:

1.)  I do believe randomization of numbers before tarp run will mitigate a lot of the issues.

2.) Tarp size enforcement is hardly impossible ... the regulations just need to be widely dispersed and agreed upon as the "share the tarp space" rule is currently accepted.   Hand out leaflets to those waiting in line stating there will be no exceptions & your tarp will be either folded if it's in violation (or pulled entirely).  It wouldn't take that long for volunteers to start from the front and quickly scan the field, moving to the back.

Perhaps the tarp size limit would only apply to the section in front of the middle horizontal catwalk:  the sections adjacent to & in front of the soundboard.  Large tarps could still be setup in the rear sections, and larger camps could still coordinate efforts to run however many smaller tarps they can fit next to one another up front.

3.) NEW idea (not sure if it's been floated here before):  create a new horizontal line which parallels the first catwalk (poser pit rope), but setback by about 15 yards.   Small tarps can only be placed within this frontal zone & after a set time (around 3-4pm), all tarps AND chairs need to be cleared out of the frontal zone ... and the entire section reverts to a "pure" GA experience.   I realize this kind of happens to an extent anyway, but it's typically around 6-8pm ... and I've noticed that it is this particular "window" (especially the earlier portion) which has the potential to create some (minimal) tension as a result of "interlopers/dancers" vs. those who "put in the time and energy/sitters" to secure a good spot.

What might this accomplish?

- even though it already happens to an extent, establishing an official "rule" insures everyone is on the same page & expectations aren't perceived to be trampled upon by either "side".

- helps to promote the "performer / audience" feedback loop with greater activity / engagement by the audience up front earlier in the day.

- systematically clears away all of the crap/clutter up front ... making much more efficient use of space for people instead of "things".

- provides a better opportunity for more people to randomly / periodically get a closer look & intermingle with others.

- disperses the interest levels of the various "types" of real estate available ... since the very front section might not be appealing anymore to those who want to remain planted in the same spot all day ... effectively freeing up the very front for those who might not care so much & might not otherwise have a chance to be very close.

- if only small tarps are allowed in this proposed very front section, it might be enough in so far as being able to shuffle the deck & improve the dynamic of the overall audience's "egalitarian flow" sufficiently and not have to worry about tarp sizes elsewhere

- There might be unintended consequences, but I think it'd be worth a shot to see how it plays out.

Since I've promised not to respond again in this thread, I'll apologize in advance if there's anyone I've offended or feels like I'm a broken record (which I admit to a certain extent) 

As a sister and fellow Festivarian I would like to say that I value your injection and analytical responses but as I mentioned before you wild and crazy guy you are long winded. LOL  

Hugs and 

[landshark]

Tarps.... I have a funny story to share.

Our first TBF and everyone left for a food and drink run their last words to me were, "hold the tarp".

So the music stopped and I was the only one standing on this huge tarp. People started to filter away from the stage and chat and mill about between sets. I was on this tarp trying not to let anyone on it What did I know...nuttin
People were over running the tarp so I finally laid down to take space. So funny.

 What I did not understand ( and this may be helpful to a newbie ) is this is a loving and communal effort.

So  instead of holding the tarp space, I let everyone on and they were fun and respectful. Filtered back to their own space as soon as the music started.

 I still laugh at the notion that I laid down to take space. This land is your land, this land is my land.

[Hooch]

The man in the photo clearly had not bathed in several days.

[landshark]

The man in the photo clearly had not bathed in several days.

  No tubs on tarps..

[32hour]

My wife and I like to sit at the rear of the area in front of the sound booth so our backs are to the path and with just two of us, we don't take up too much space.  It's pretty normal during the day to see people try to squeeze behind us so they're actually on the path.  There are almost always a nearly empty tarp or two in front of us from people who've reserved a big space for their late-arriving crew.  Once or twice during the day PB staff will usually try to move people off of the path so that it remains -- sort of -- clear.  The people being asked to move off the path seem reluctant to sit on somebody else's tarp even though it's wide open but this year one of the security folks did something I hadn't seen before which was very cool.  He very politely asked some people to move off the path and pulled a program from his pocket to read a paragraph or two of the Festivarian's Bill of Rights and told them that they were a-ok sitting on someone else's tarp until they returned.  The path-sitters sheepishly took their chairs and huddled in the very corner of a huge empty tarp right in front of us.  Over the course of the afternoon and early evening the only people sitting on that tarp were folks that the very nice PB security person directed there.  They were all first-timers to the festival and we enjoyed meeting them and reassuring them that, yes, it's fine to sit where you are.  At one point late in the afternoon, we left for a bit to get some extra layers and while the people were sill there, the tarp was gone.

[Pass Port]

  FoM,
Thank you for your well thought out input and idea. Not sure I agree with all your comments, but your new idea sounds interesting ... and yes it seems we've beaten this horse back to the river. 

Landshark, I always enjoy your stories of Festivals past! 

32hour, another good story and example of how we festivarians can influence the outcome.

Dang Hooch, you see the size of that tarp? You're right, he couldn't have bathed if he can't find someone to share that!!

[Australian fan]

FoM,
Thank you for your well thought out input and idea. Not sure I agree with all your comments, but your new idea sounds interesting ... and yes it seems we've beaten this horse back to the river. 

Landshark, I always enjoy your stories of Festivals past! 

32hour, another good story and example of how we festivarians can influence the outcome.

Dang Hooch, you see the size of that tarp? You're right, he couldn't have bathed if he can't find someone to share that!!

Dang? dang? What says you?
What language is this you speak?
 

[Pass Port]

FoM,
Thank you for your well thought out input and idea. Not sure I agree with all your comments, but your new idea sounds interesting ... and yes it seems we've beaten this horse back to the river. 

Landshark, I always enjoy your stories of Festivals past! 

32hour, another good story and example of how we festivarians can influence the outcome.

Dang Hooch, you see the size of that tarp? You're right, he couldn't have bathed if he can't find someone to share that!!

Dang? dang? What says you?
What language is this you speak?
 

Ozian ... "Ding dang the witch is dead ... "

[landshark]

I love you guys and gals and I have to admit that  when I was a newbie it took awhile to fully accept no one was going to rob, rape and pillage at Fest. This we are love and share thing is beaten out of society and that pic really says it all.

After time and this is one huge reason we remain,  we start to buy into and believe and feed the love machine. Acts of kindness abound daily and it is so refreshing and almost surreal at first.

I like this forum and I like you. Fest is an experience and each time you go, you figure out new ways to keep the comfort zone. Weather it be a squirt gun, my Fest weapon of choice or a condo or a kitchen sink. Each time you get better at it...

The tarp has been and will always be just a point of reference for me now. I don't own that space and you can come and sit with me anytime. that's the best part.

[TheLorax27]

So, I admit our tarp is quite possibly the biggest tarp in the field.  We were pretty close to the front and had Jerry the Gnome flying WAYYY above.  The sheer number of people we had this spot ear marked for was around 50.  We had chairs, coolers, water, squirt guns sprayers ETC.  Getting this spot each day was quite a process as we needed 2 people to run it and a third to set up the shade spot and follow in with all the gear. (so 3 line sitters each night)  I am certain that there were times during the day when you could go by and say holy crap there is no one on that enormous tarp.  I'd be even more certain that if you went back by 30 minutes later it would be jammed with folks. 

If you were to, say make us use a tarp half the size, we would simply double the amount of line sitters and the tarps we run in.  I can assure you that we would beat you all to our spot with 1 big tarp or 2 medium sized or 6 tiny ones.  Our group is educated, excited and COMMITTED. 

However, the Gnome tarp did not only accommodate the people it was designated for but we met TONS of new folk who stopped to say hello or just needed a spot.  We NEVER asked anyone to leave our tarp (though I did have to ask someone if I could use my chair while I face pounded some dumplings)  and I would say that if you were lucky enough to find our tarp to squat on, you would have been greeted with smiles, passing of the doobies and all the cooling mist our water sprayers can dole out. 

Generally, each night before the 2nd to last act came out we would pull the tarp up and just like when it was down all were welcome to enjoy the space. 

I very much understand that joining a tarp with people you do not know is intimidating and really against societal norms but as this is TBF this IS THE NORM and something I recommend to everyone.  I came solo to TBF last year and this year re-united with at least 50 of my best friends. (All of whom I have known for a year or less)  If it hadn't been for tarp hopping last year I never would have met my girlfriend and all of the fine folks I call my bluegrass Jamily. 

So, outside of playing musical tarps (a great idea IMHO) I think if it aint broke don't fix it.

So next year, if you find yourself in need of somewhere to plop down come visit the Gnome tarp, but remember big tarp or small tarp it takes a village and that village is built on LOVE.   

Love you all, 50 more weeks til next year. 

-Nate Grant

 Listening to: Martin Sexton

[swander99]

So, I admit our tarp is quite possibly the biggest tarp in the field.  We were pretty close to the front and had Jerry the Gnome flying WAYYY above.
I'd be even more certain that if you went back by 30 minutes later it would be jammed with folks. Our group is educated, excited and COMMITTED. 

However, the Gnome tarp did not only accommodate the people it was designated for but we met TONS of new folk who stopped to say hello or just needed a spot.  We NEVER asked anyone to leave our tarp (though I did have to ask someone if I could use my chair while I face pounded some dumplings)  and I would say that if you were lucky enough to find our tarp to squat on, you would have been greeted with smiles. 

I very much understand that joining a tarp with people you do not know is intimidating and really against societal norms, but as this is TBF, this IS THE NORM and something I recommend to everyone.  I came solo to TBF last year and this year re-united with at least 50 of my best friends. (All of whom I have known for a year or less)  If it hadn't been for tarp hopping last year I never would have met my girlfriend and all of the fine folks I call my bluegrass Jamily. 
So, outside of playing musical tarps (a great idea IMHO) I think if it aint broke don't fix it.

So next year, if you find yourself in need of somewhere to plop down come visit the Gnome tarp, but remember big tarp or small tarp it takes a village and that village is built on LOVE.   
Love you all, 50 more weeks til next year. 
-Nate Grant

Spoken well, tarp-hopper!  Next year, the s'wandering potluck will be back, bigger than ever, and we'll need even more tarp! Just sayin' 


 Listening to: Radio Heartland