devo wrote:
Whats going on? I swear last year there was loads on here. I was planning on OCB but their not doing one. Im supposed to be introducing my gf to the whole thing as well…
if you mean free parties they are still happening but the organisers are no longer openly publicising them on the Internet.
there has been a massive drop in party info on every rave site I am aware of.
a peak in raves from 2001 to 2004 caused a backlash against these events from the rest of society and a corresponding increase in anti-rave enforcement actions, cops are using internet posts as part of evidence for subsequent Court action. free partying has also lost its “hippy/activist/alternative community” ethos and got lumped in with illegal car cruising, binge drinking/multiple drug taking and anti-social behaviour
cops have also been keeping up the pressure despite the diversion of resources caused by 7/7!
bad things have happened to people including permanent confiscations of equipment (not like old times when it got given back), people being arrested mid week and those who have never had trouble with law before having to make multiple Court appearances, getting civil cases against them (totally fucks your credit rating) and stuff like licensing prosecutions which become full criminal records and have other repercussions (such as being refused licenses for any legal events)
the risks have increased and the rewards lessened, some people are moving back to licensed events, others are simply being more discreet about when, where and how long events last so their parties do not attract too many complaints from the locals (the main reason for clampdowns)
it is a great shame for newbies – I feel really gutted about how we can no longer talk freely like we used to and I feel they are being wrongly collectively punished for the excesses of earlier ravers (many of whom have ended up being dealt with by the justice system or requiring rehab treatment, where their cost to the public purse has bveen noted)
OTOH parties still happen; and they can still happen if the remaining ravers move closer together and act as a community willing to share info (may be worth giving a rough idea of how far you are prepared to travel!)
