Paul Boutin

BLACK ROCK CITY, NEVADA — I’m still trying to get someone to explain why cellphones aren’t ok here, but instant messaging is.

I confess: I’ve been wardriving Burning Man.

Internet access here is nothing new; astute Googlers can still find Web pages posted from the desert in 1996 via Satellite phone. The Oregon Country Fair Embassy has hosted an open Wi-Fi network every year since 1999.

But this is the year of Black Rock City’s Wi-Fi explosion. In terms of accessible networks, Burning Man has better coverage than downtown San Francisco.

Laptops in camps are a common sight. I measured over one megabit per second throughput on OCF’s beefed-up network from the far end of town last night. That’s better than I get in my living room.

Local nodes abound, too. Campers who once discreetly rigged a Tachyon satellite link on the roof of their RVs now have wireless bases attached, making themselves known and available to neighbors.

Still, it’s hard to spend much time online here. A few friends have uploaded photos, but a flat-panel screen can’t compete with the sights and sounds all around.

No news is good news - when you’re on vacation

A few readers have emailed me asking if Wired is going to post any stories from Burning Man this year, but after last year’s reportathon, I’m taking a vacation this time.

Besides, the best stories from here are the personal ones. By contrast, most news reporters could just refile last year’s stories. The Onion does exactly that; I think they’re making a point.