Peace Love Unity Respect

A few weeks ago, there was a story that was ran on a certain LA newspaper about how dangerous "raves" were and how horrible the production companies were handling the problems that came with these festivals. More specifically, Insomniac productions. Now, I know it might sound completely biased, as I have attended, volunteered, and worked at Insomniac's shows, but I would still like to put my two cents in. No matter how great (or stupid) the story seems, and how extensively sourced it may have sounded, it completely left out the other side of the story. OUR side. Most people judge and fear what they do not know, what they only hear about them. And of course, we all know that watching the news is one of the most depressing things you can do, since its mostly made up of negative things happening around the world. Now, while yes, there have been some misfortunate deaths, and I, in no way, shape, or form mean to downgrade the severity of the deaths (condolences to the families and friends of the guests who lost their lives) but focusing on just the negatives of the festivals is not a good way to try and truly explain how festivals go about. Compared to the massive amount of people attending these events, the numbers are actually really great. That's thanks to the hard work that everyone who works at, for, or is in one way or another contracted by Insomniac productions, does at these events. From the volunteers, to the security, to the stage managers, paramedics, police, and everyone in between that isn't directly employed on a full time basis by Insomniac, we work hard as fuck to always bring the best to or guests. But we also understand that we shall never put their safety in jeopardy in exchange for something that may seem amazing at the time. Safety is always the number one factor when organizing and planning massive events. And this doesn't just go for Insomniac. I am sure most other companies feel the same way. Singling out a single culture, just because you hear certain things about it, and stereotyping everyone that walks into the grounds is just wrong. We are in the fucking year 2013, get your shit together. Drugs and raves go to together like horses and rodeos? If you don't have both you don't have them? Are you stupid? You're assuming that everyone that attends these events, who pays with their hard earned money that they slave away, with all that excitement leading up to the day of, that we all go all drug ourselves out? While I am not going to sit here and deny that those activities do not happen, not everyone at the events participates in them. While we can do everything possible to try and prevent the narcotics from being brought in, the fact of the matter remains that they're going to find a way unfortunately. And while you sit there pointing fingers, claiming that we basically encourage people to participate in these activities by providing medical personnel to help when people fall out or something of the sort from utilizing drugs, I ask of you again, Are you stupid? If we don't have those personnel, do you not think that worst things can happen? It's always better to prepare and not need it, then need and not be prepared for it. Stop pointing fingers to a certain group just because you don't understand our culture and our way of life. Take some time to actually experience these events for yourself. I invite you to join us, and volunteer for one of these, then let me know what your opinions and certain "facts" of these events are. If your interested, email volunteers@insomniac.com, and we will gladly provide you more information on how to join our group. Tommy sunshine said it best "Everyone deserves to experience the joy we experience on the dance floor as the bass line drops. Come on in! The music is great, the people are warm and we've got a spot saved for you on the floor." So let's rage together, have some major fun, and let the love spread. Don't spread more hatred and hostility. There is absolutely no point to that. Instead, spread that PLUR life out to your everyday life. Hope you all had a great weekend. Don't forget to always Live Life Happy. Peace and One Love.