Tell us more about your problems with the tarp line

[BluegrassBrian]

We heard from a bunch of folks who had problems in the tarp line last year.  As we look at solutions to some of last year's feedback, we need a little more info about the specific problems. 

In addition to telling us which line you were waiting in, feel free to share more specific details below.

Thanks for your help.
Brian

[stongwrcs]

Brian, It's just darn cold at that altitude at 3 am when it's my turn in the barrel for our camp. Can't PB do something about the temperature and, if I'm honkered down and  snoring loudly (because I might have embibed a little too much the prior night), please assume I'm awake and throw a number on me! 
Now I did have a problem with the gal next to me that was breaking wind. THat's just rude!
Really think it is part of the routine. You accept it and conduct yourself as a festivarian. It make TBF, at least from the TP/Warner side, what it is. Don't like it? Don't come...more tickets for us regulars that know the drill and don't gripe!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it! 
Rob

[Hooch]

I have not had any gripe since you guys started the number system, which works great.  Oh...except please hand them out before Maggie's opens so I can go get my breakfast bagel with extra bacon right away.   

[Hippie]

  Really... I have no problem with the current configuration. The only problem I may have with it is the blatant disregard for the "time limits" of the line. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all stroll down to the lineup spot sometime around the beginning of the last set. That also means around 11pm on wed night. Anyone who places a chair in that line at 11 pm should make sure that it is occupied "most of the time" until the numbers are passed out at a random time chosen by the Planet staff.  Any chairs placed in line before the final set should be deposited in the green until someone comes to claim them.

We are a bunch of wonderful humans, I look forward to sharing time in line with you and/or serving you waffles, bacon, and cowboy coffee in the morning.

[stongwrcs]

Cowboy coffee! I'm there at that hour!

[colokathy]

I think the number system is great.  There is karma somewhere down the "line" as I understand it!  You will always have people that will take advantage of any situation.  I think the current system is just fine.  Thanks for checking.

[landshark]

Yeah, the ground, stop moving it, it keeps getting farther away,,,,
 oh it's just me getting older

[RockyMtnGuy]

Well, not to be a stick in the mud, but, I do recall some concerns regarding the kids/folks who would get in line and get a number and then sell/scalp that number to another so that THAT person can get in the tarp line in the morning and not have had to be in line.  One way around that is to have a stamp that is put on the ticket receivers wrist and then check for that stamp as they go thru to do the tarp run.  I know, this may not be a good idea if many of the ticket receivers GIVE the ticket to another in their 'party' so they can get some sleep sincehaving been up all night, SO, maybe not so great an idea, but it is a thought.  It'd be nice to someway prevent those rascally scalpers from trying to make a free buck or 10 or 20 or more.

  Just my 2 cents worth.

/r

  Kevin

[completejohn]

Here's an idea that we runners can do by ourselves without giving the PB'ers even more responsibility.  Let's make sure to tell novice runners to leave everything outside EXCEPT tarps for the initial 15 minutes of helter skelter.  It's so frustrating to see people ahead of you running like mad while you're stuck behind a baby stoller'd, back-packed, juice-box totin' family.  We tarpers know that after 15 or 20 minutes, things calm down, and that's a perfect time to get all the "gotta haves" for the day to your perfectly placed sheet of plastic.

Or can we have a "passing zone" for those who only have tarps in their soon-to-be sweaty hands?

Another suggestion:  line up by age.  Us elderly folks need a respirational bailout and should be allowed to go first.  You youngsters (under 45) will just pass us up anyway!

And last suggestion:  free beer.

 Listening to: My lungs wheezing the juniper pollen in and out. Ah-choo!

[KS]

We are in line by 5 am and are fine with the tarp line protocol.  Since all the numbers are given out by say, 8 am, why can't the gate open earlier so the tarp run can get underway?   I do see the problem with staffing.   Just would prefer less time sitting in the line waiting for the door to open at 10:00, and more time for other activities.

[TellurideTom]

We are in line by 5 am and are fine with the tarp line protocol.  Since all the numbers are given out by say, 8 am, why can't the gate open earlier so the tarp run can get underway?   I do see the problem with staffing.   Just would prefer less time sitting in the line waiting for the door to open at 10:00, and more time for other activities.

Like getting in a nap before the music starts.

[Debbiefromtucson]

[to tell novice runners to leave everything outside EXCEPT tarps for the initial 15 minutes of helter skelter.  It's so frustrating to see people ahead of you running like mad while you're stuck behind a baby stoller'd, back-packed, juice-box totin'

Actually, I think this is the policy... Nothing but tarps until the numbers run out...

[AnythingAtAll]

Hi Brian,

You've probably seen this, but just in case, here's the thread from just after last year...
Scalping Line Tickets
Other issues are covered there too.

I didn't have a problem, per se, but just some observations and common threads- this is not to bash the current process, which I gather is much better than it used to be, just trying to offer something constructive with the idea of improving the process.  My comments are just for the TP side.

First of all, I believe rules should serve people- not the other way around.  With that said, seriously (re)consider if some posted rules that people generally ignore (sometimes for good reason, so an occasional examination of whether a rule is necessary) don't undermine some of the other rules.  As an example (and I don't recall all the rules), I think I remember "no bedding of any kind."  Last year, the place was like a giant slumber party.  If this rule can be generally ignored, why not any other?  Having rules that are widely ignored lessen the ability to enforce other rules.  Those others may be really good rules, but then people want to pick and choose the ones they like and ones they don't.

I'm not arguing for no bedding here (which I take to mean sleeping bags), BTW, I have no probs w/ sleeping in line.  Sleep deprivation doesn't seem like a worthy goal.  I'm arguing for tight, concise rules.

From the above thread it seems that vying for 1st in line may be too easy.  Someone (huckinfappy) made the suggestion to shuffle the first 50 numbers or so.  I thought that was pretty good thinking.  Maybe even the initial number of people that line up the night before and then add 10 or something to that number and shuffle.

Finally, as has been mentioned- the times the numbers are passed out are not random, they are very predictable.  I understand that this one has logistics issues- I'm just sayin'.  And I certainly don't want Bill? to miss out on his beauty sleep...

Thanks for all of your and the Planet's efforts- and thanks for askin'

Other Ron

P.S.  To the runners of a more advanced age: stretch for heaven's sake beforehand, stretch!

[stongwrcs]

Tarp Run?..let's see...running at 56 years old ...cold..honker down...sun comes up ..meet folks around you in line ...get your number...support from the camp (food, coffee, etc,) ...almost time...Heart starting to pump...excitement? Apprehension?...Oh, damn, what have I gotten myself in for? ...getting closer...heart starting to pump faster!...God, just let me keep up!...here we go, PB guy, "No running until you pass me!"...Okay, Light them up!...Damn, why aren't my legs responding to my brain?.. Okay legs, it's about darn time...we have a little cetching up to do...Aaaahhhh, still got it!....There's a spot...get it!... Tarp and dive!..Got it!!!!!..Good spot for the camp!...Secure tarp...Hugs and congrats!..GOT OUR CAMP'S HOME FOR THE DAY! We've done our job for those we care about. Good seats, hey buddy?
Tradition! We are losing to much of this good stuff in the US. Don't let this one go!
Memories I will go to my grave with!

My Two Cents!
Just keep doing that good job PB!
Jailhouse Rob

 Listening to: James McMurtry "Just Us Kids"

[Wander]

Line Scalpers, chairs in line before the allotted time.  I am through with my nights in line...Thats what newbies are for...