ABOUT MEDIA MECCA
The Burning Man volunteer Media Team is a motley band of journalists, marketers, sociologists, technical writers, artists, anthropologists, Web designers, clowns, film geeks, and rock stars whose sole reason for existing is to prepare journalists for the Burning Man experience.
Activities range from educating journalists on the history, culture and general goings-on of the event to hunting down and deep-fat frying those who violate the organization's copyright and photographic restrictions. Burning Man is unique in that it pursues almost no pro-active public relations.
In the months leading up to the event, the team focuses on educating and registering media outlets (more than 300 outlets attended in 2007). On the playa, the team runs Media Mecca, a "press room in the desert" for media looking to hook up with artists, organizers and participants to (hopefully) create something that hasn't been written before.
The Media Team is always interested in bringing in new members. We're particularly looking for folks with backgrounds in journalism, public relations, still and video photography, and related industries, but we can always use a hand with construction, hospitality and operations. If you're interested in learning more about the team, indicate your interest on question #14 of the Volunteer Questionnaire or send questions directly to media volunteers.
At the Mecca, the media can find out what's going on, trade film and batteries, and connect with organizers and your fellow media. We will point you in the direction of participants who might be from your region, or connect you with artists whose profile fits your story's angle. What we don't do is baby you, coddle you, suggest story ideas or drive you around Black Rock City on a golf cart.
Media Mecca is open daily from 9 a.m.-ish to 5 p.m.-ish beginning on the opening Monday of the event. If you're looking for a place to camp, we'll be glad to introduce you to an available village or theme camp. Happy Hour starts around 4:30 p.m. and is a great time to swing by each day to meet organizers and artists who might be interested in talking to you about your story. If there's any way you can pack an extra bottle to help us keep the bar stocked, you will be heralded as a Media Mecca hero.
When you arrive at the gate, tell the Greeters you're a member of the media and they'll give you directions to Media Mecca. We're conveniently located in Center Camp. We'll give you an orientation, a cold beverage and a shaded place to hang out when the temperature tops 100 degrees.
Please note: if you plan to cover Burning Man, you must visit our Press Here section and pre-register before the event. Members of the press who do not connect with us prior to the event will be taken into the desert, staked to the ground and left to fry in the sun -- but, perhaps more importantly, will miss out on valuable information and registration.
Ready to register? Visit the online press registration form to get started! If you are interested in wearing the silver cowboy hat for the Media Team, check out our volunteer page.
