Burning Man is big business.

When it started in 1986 with a few friends on a San Francisco beach it was good, and right, and meaningful for those few friends. What has it become now with upwards of 60,000 people at each yearly event?

For one thing it has become a big business. You can view their financials online. But a few summary facts. It cost almost $27 Million in 2013 to run the program for a year. It cost $11 Million for the week alone. Of that $4.5 Million was just to pay for the rights to use the public land. Interestingly they also list $7 Million for "payroll."

I enjoyed the documentary film, as far as I can tell it just told the story. At least now when I hear of "Burning Man" I have an idea what it is all about. I know it seems like a tremendous waste of resources to many, and I personally am NOT drawn to it, but when you consider the 60,000 entertained by it, that is a per person cost of less than $500. Tell me, what kinds of hobbies or vacations can one do that costs less than $500 a year? I figure my wife and I spend about $4000 a year on golf. So I find myself not judging the Burning Man participants too harshly.

TxMike
Make a choice, to take a chance, to make a difference.