I have sent a proposal to Burning Man personel about getting funding for light sabers, and have received no response.
Does anyone have a Burning Man councel member I can talk to?


Here is the text of the plan:

Proposal

For Improving the Safety
and Aesthetics
of Burning Man Participants








By:
BADASS












November, 2006













Written and conceived By Badass
A.K.A. Badacting Scenestealer
returntheclonesback@gmail.com
Palo Alto, CA
408-316-2578








Intended Audience:
Harley K. Dubois Playa Security Council
Joseph Pred Emergency Services Operation Chief
Danger Ranger Director of Genetic Programming
Larry Harvey The Guy at the top of the Man



Problem





As the Burning Man event starts to progress beyond 40,000 participants towards the 50,000 mark, the nature of nighttime excursions changes. It is no longer safe for the participants, now numbering in the thousands, to walk around without lights. These “moving speed bumps” only participatory act is to work as bumpers for hundreds of dark bicyclists, and art vehicles.

In essense, it is a pinball game without the whizbangs.

Although personal lighting was strongly stressed in the survival guide, many of our good citizens will not heed the request until they “get it”. Additionally, the cost for the personal lighting (i.e. EL-wire and LED lights)for our citizens is relatively expensive, ranging from $5.00 to as high as $40.00.




Solution


Provide 5,000 Expando Light Savers
to the children, the Playa virgins,
and the needy.



The Greeters (or Jedi volunteers) could provide toy light savers, similar to those dispensed by Wattos Junk Yard in 2005. These would be dispensed to the virgins, and children. Also they would be given to those who are deemed unprepared by said greeters.

The light savers in question are rugged, and long lasting. They have 3 watch batteries inside, and have 3 bright LED's that allow a choice of 8 different colors. They will stay lit for multiple nights.

The Sword part can be unscrewed making a makeshift flashlight.


The cost for the swords, with batteries, is $2.00 a unit delivered – for a total cost of $10,000. They come in 50 pound boxes of 120. 7 Cubic yards of space and 1,600 pounds would be the gross weight.




Benefits


The extra lights will make it easier to see participants at night, who would otherwise be unprepared. The participants who choose a light sword for the night will also be more active of a participant, more likely to “play” with others. This icebreaker will make it easier to find and engage new people and make friends.

The total cost of going to burning man will be reduced, with only a minimal impact to the Burning Man Organization. Also, giving such a neat gift will help our friendly greeters in their excellent work of setting a welcome stage for whats to come.

Also, I have a personal agenda for my art project. Last year, I coordinated the self funded giveaway of 5000 light savers to create the “Battle of Innocence”. I intend to give away 10,000 light sabers for a final expression in this genre. By funding this safety program, I get to save some money and time on making my dream a realization.








Caveats

I do not think it is the job, nor should it be, for Burning Man Inc. to give out toys. It would be too tacky, and commercial, and limit the participants experience to only one point of view. This specific proposal is a case of a sharing of multiple causes by a single action. It should not be repeated. If in subsequent years, this pilot program is found useful, a more neutral light source could be chosen for the same effect.
Wattos yard would also be willing to have our own volunteers distribute the light savers, next to the greeting stations.

I do not think that Burning Man should be, in any way, affiliated to a single outside cause or commercial theme. Although the light savers are similar to the lightsaber that was used in the Star Wars films, strong steps must be made to keep out the endorsement or acknowledgment of George Lucas's commercial venture. This is why I choose the name
“Light Saver” as in a light that saves peoples lives. This is something I was criticized for in the 2006 performance, and I will not do it again. I believe that the gift of safety, and the performance, have transcended the roots. If you have any ideas on how to further distance this light saver, please provide me some welcome feedback.

I am not trying to make money on this. I have spent $12,000 of my own money for the performance art, and intend to spend as much next year. I am a computer consultant, and enjoy earning a living doing the technical work. The light saver idea is entirely for fun. That is the crux of my dream.

Appendix A:
Pictures of Light Savers:
Box of 12 Light savers. For 2006 I had to unwrap each sword prior to transporting to the Playa. I am working with the manufacturer to come up with less wasteful packaging.





Example Light saver prototype.

Note that the blade can be unscrewed, making a cool multi color LED flashlight.