Black Rock City is an experiment in temporary community. Many people know only a world shaped by institutions, service workers and commercial transactions, and may not even recognize the fundamentals of community: recognition of the participation of every member. Commerce and the public service sector define us on the basis of deficiency and need.

Communities are cooperative—uniting us as varied members of one body. Fifty million people may view a television program or consume a beverage in complete isolation from one another. In a community, transactions of value take place without money, advertising, or hype. Care emerges in place of structured service. In universities, people know through studies. In businesses and bureaucracies, people know by reports. In communities, people know by stories.

Community activities incorporate celebration, parties and other social events. The line between work and play is blurred and the human nature of everyday life becomes part of the way you work. You will know that you are in a community if you often hear laughter and singing.