[MD] 42

[John Carl]

Hi Dan,

That's interesting. I've heard of burning man but never had the money
> to make the trip. Running my own business is great but it also means I
> don't get paid while I'm away. How do they handle food and water and
> stuff like that? Is it free? Is there a barter system in place?
>
>
They inspect your vehicle and quiz you to make sure you got enough when you
enter.  And there's no official barter system but an informal one is
encouraged.



> I don't know where creativity comes from but I agree its source
> probably has nothing to do with money. Unless of course a person has
> lots of time to do their art because they have fat stacks. The old
> 'starving artist' adage is many times more fact than fiction. I
> remember Hemingway writing about how he liked living in France because
> the breakfast rolls were cheap. A Moveable Feast? I think so but don't
> quote me on it.
>


I think there's a hidden truth in the old adage about necessity as the
mother of invention.  If you have lots of money then your necessities are
already met.  But Tuukka and I have discussed this and he makes the point
that a complete lack of money can be just as uninspiring as too much.  So
I'm sure its a balance.  My favorite story on the subject of creativity
born of poverty is by Roberto Rodriguez. - Rebel Without a Crew.  He sold
himself for a month of medical experiments in order to raise enough money
($5000) to shoot his first flick and his re-telling of that adventure
showed amazing creativity.

Take care,

John