Burn the Man

Word count: 789

Word limit: 500-700
When its 102 degrees in the middle of Nevadas Black Rock Desert, everything
burns. The Playa, as it is known to those who brave the bleak desert conditions, is a
dry lakebed, a desolation of acidic dust, and a place of raw self-discovery. Each year
at the end of August, this seemingly uninhabitable domain becomes a thriving and
vibrant city, filled with around 70,000 participants, living in tents, RVs, or yurts.
Each participant is radically devoted to the Burning Man tenet of selfless gift-giving.
Though the desert itself is in some ways a furnace, the real burning happens inside
the participants, also known as Burners, as the Playa refines them and pushes them
beyond their limits.
GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE
Trying to explain the Burning Man festival to a non-participant is like trying to
describe fire to a fish. Tim, an actor from New York City, said of the event, Everyone
there has a very different experience. Every single person there has something to
contribute. Although all Burners are expected to support themselves throughout
the week, all are expected to give. Artists, who spend months preparing incredible
displays of innovation, share the results of their labors with their fellow Burners.
Others distribute strings of beads or apply sunscreen to the sun-seared shoulders of
passers-by. One camp offers temporary tattoos, while another offers free showers.
Curt, who first attended Burning Man in 2013, says, Theres no money exchange
there. The only things you can buy there are ice and coffee. Everything else is gifted.
Youre expected to take care of yourself, but everyone gives something to the
community. You cant barter; you just give what you have.

Comment [O1]: I think technically this

shouldnt be capitalized throughout, according to
Chicago 7.48. However, from researching online,
it looks like this term is usually capitalized by
Burning Man participants, so do what you will.
Comment [HV2]: Do people associate The
Playa with the festival? Are they synonymous?
Comment [RH3]: Great intro paragraph! It
really grabs the attention of the readers.

BURN WHAT YOU SHOULD

The perimeter of the camp is lined with a variety of sculptures, the most famous
being The Man. The Man is built differently every year; some years, he soars to over
100 feet. Beyond The Man lies The Temple. Out of all the structures, Curt explained,
That one is more sacred and spiritual. People go there to write things they want to
let go of. Sometimes they leave notes for people who have passed away. And at the
end of the week, these structures, composed primarily of wood, are engulfed in
flame as onlookers observe with awe and reverence, acknowledging the fleetingness
of the moment with rapt attention. When asked why the artists would consent to
seeing their creations turned to ash, Curt said simply, Its about letting go.
BE WHERE YOU ARE
When Burners arrive at the Playa, they receive a timetable outlining all planned
activities throughout the week. Events could include a midnight dodgeball game, a
Shakespeare open mic night, or a Skrillex rave concert. Logistically, participation in
every event is impossible. But to Tim, that didnt matter. What I focused on was
learning to be in the moment, no matter what I was doing. Doing dishes in the camp
I had some of the most incredible experiences, some of the best conversations. Each

Comment [RH4]: Im pretty sure this is a

compound word.
Deleted:
Comment [RH5]: I believe that this is also a
compound word.
Deleted:
Deleted: or

moment Id think, I could be anywhere else doing anything else, but Im here doing
this and Im going to give all my attention to this. And that lesson was really
enlightening in itself.
During his stay on the Playa, Tim felt the burn in a very real way: he impulsively
agreed to participate in the Burning Mans 31-mile ultra-marathon. Although he was
a runner, he had not trained for a race of such a distance and in such an
environment. After pushing through 31 miles9 of them in the buff, nudity being an
acceptable personal decision on the Playahe stumbled into a strangers camp and
threw up. Of the experience, he said, I was miles away from my camp; I was sick; I
was tired. There was no way I could clean this up. And this guy from the camp gets a
shovel and scoops it right up. Then he gave me a hug and some water and sat me
down to recuperate. No questions asked. That kind of experience happened all the
time. It creates an environment where youre not afraid to ask for something that
you need. Youre not afraid to ask because youre so willing to give to anyone.
The Playa gives too. I feel as though now Im able to be more present in my life,
concluded Tim as he reflected on what the Playa gave to him. I walked away high
on life, feeling like Id just spent a week doing something important, like Im a better
friend and a better person.
So visitors, beware. You might just leave the Playa a little bit singed. Because, in
Tims words, The Playa is just a place. The people make it Burn.

This really is a great piece! You incorporated all of the quotes and details in a
phenomenal way! I wish I had more edits for you, but it feels complete to me; theres
a strong focus and a great flow.
Any suggestions for what to eliminate to meet the word count?
This article is amazing! And I see where youre struggling to bring down your word
count. Ive cut out some things, but all at your discretion. Feel free to add and take
away. I really enjoyed this! Your use of quotes is fantastic, and the article is overall
very well written. Thanks for letting me read it!
Thanks! Turns out I dont need to reduce my word count because it fits in the layout.

Comment [O6]: Great work! You did an

awesome job!