Hey, I'm a newb as I'm sure whoever is reading this knows. I am not a raver... sry, just a kid who loves the art of glowstringing/poi. I just want some opinions of you guys who know this stuff a lot better than I do and I am sure you know what question is coming:

I have read enough of these boards to fully understand the High School performance argument(hell, the first time i ever saw glowstringing was at a junior high talent show, lol), and i agree with GSC, but how does the argument stack up for the college art scene?

When I say college scene I should specify that i do not mean a drunken frat party or in the middle of the quad!!! I mean what about college art festivals that showcase art and music from around the world in a forum where people are completely tolerant and truly want to learn about others.

PS. Remember I started as a poist so don't light me on fire... actually i might like it... lol thanks everyone!

I may be wrong, but I think the standpoint on College would be the same as the standpoint at...lets say...a park, or any public area; If it's the right time, place, and people, then it's ok.

Sorry if that's too general. I think someone else would do a better job at explaining ><

Actually, that was very succinct. The fact of the matter is that the atmosphere is different, and there is a certain maturity level expected of College students, and that includes the glowsticker. In College, they should be capable of deciding the appropriate time to crack sticks or not. There is a difference between doing it for the art and doing it for the attention that a pair of ultras brings. It should be everyone's nature to second check themselves and ask, "Is this a good enough time to string or stick that people won't get the wrong idea and can appreciate it for an art form?"

I think Guinto did something like this at his college. I can't remember specifically how it went about in discussion but I'll try to find the thread(s).

Guinto has used his digression many times during his time at SLO. He has always taken the oppertunity to show it as an art form. He has always treated it maturely and decently.

Personally...

I spread stringing/freehanding and poi at college, as a member of the juggling club. We all have our individual specialties in the club, and people who are interested come up to me & ask about it, and spread it in turn.

I do NOT use glowsticks for performances, only glow poi.

Some people have used glowsticks in performances at college and although it's more or less approved if you're not using it for profit, personal advancement, or competition...I still don't support it. I also don't support glowsticking "groups" or clubs at college-- it's not far from high school and still feels like self-promoting crews to me in a sense.

But like others have said, it's really up to your good judgment. I err on the side of caution. I've taught people before and already some have questioned the non-competitive tenets of GSC.

I completely agree with Lira here. As a singluar entity, it can be beautiful, but there are alternates such as glow poi that don't connect to the rave scene and are more socially acceptable. Keeping groups and crews out of it gets difficult when you are in a schools ettign when groups naturally form.

QTF, Quoted for Truth. If it feels wrong after a thorough looking over, it's probably wrong.

Guinto and LastSingularity both have done performances at college with glowsticking. It's genereally considered a more "open minded" atmosphere.

I performed twice for a college benefit talent show (proceeds go to charity). I talked a little bit about GS.C and gave a quick talk about glowsticking =/= drugs, etc.

this is a touchy subject. That i kinda agree with you on in theory. I dont really see anything wrong with performing in public but im too nervous to do it yet lol

The main point to remember and consider is...

"Can I properly portray this as an artform? And, can I explain the culture to everyone that sees it?"

Thanks guys, this is what i have been thinking about for awhile as most of your threads cover the area of high school but never college; and I believe the step is astronomical for those who have gone through it. Not to say that college kids are mature(thats a funny thought) but the atmosphere itself can be if your in the right place at the right time.

i wouldnt do it in either,
i only stick at home, or at clubs/massives.

In my opinion, which other have already stated, it's all about the time and place and people around when you crack a pair of sticks that ends up determining if you are using it to draw attention or for the art.

I will, and have, positioned myself in a corner outside around my college campus, away from the main area of the school, and practice with dud sticks. That way, I'm not really showing off, more like spending my free time in between classes to practice the artform that I love.

That said, people have seen me before and approached me about it... but rarely, and only with positive attitudes.

I wouldn't be caught dead with a pair of cracked ultras in the center of my campus where everyone can see, unless we were doing like an art show or something. It is an art school, where something like this can be appreciated. (Is that a problem? o.o)

Why? I don't want the attention. I don't want the idiots on my campus finding something new to mock. I don't want to ruin an artform for everybody. I don't want to waste the ultras. xD

It comes back down to the maturity level of the people, including the sticking/stringer/etc.

I'm not well acquainted with the GS.C culture, and that is totally my fault... I'm trying to learn though. >> But I know when is a good time to crack a pair of sticks and when it's just inappropriate.

I think the first time I cracked sticks in a public place without even once considering the art was at an anime convention, outside of the hotel. It was an innocent ignore, but still...

<rant>
And on the subject of people mocking others at highschools or whatnot for the art, my cousin, one year younger than I, will never grow up. He dropped out of school to work at some auto shop, ended up not only having one kid, but three, tried to leave the girl he keeps knocking up, he smokes, does all kinds of drugs, is in trouble with the cops alot..... Basically a bad kid. I go to his house to visit my uncle. I empty my pockets so I can go swimming. Cell phone, wallet, DS, strung up duds. He picks them up and starts talking about how I'm a fuck up. -sigh- I didn't even bother trying to explain myself.

Why must some people act so childish towards things they are not used to? Why are people so afraid of something so new to them that they melt down and act like a child?
</rant>
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Sorry about my tangent. o.O

I would do it in either because there are still people in college with a child-like mentality (no offense to anybody) so i just do it at home or when i go to a club or an event in that area.

yea it should be okay, just keep your mind on ur interest in Poi/Glowsticking and not the attention you receive. I'll admit college is better than high school because most kids in college are more mature and more open minded and don't stick as much to mainstream activities and bash all less popular activities that are new to them.

Just dont accept any money and/or gifts during or after your performance because it will show your love for POI/GS'ing (Not to mention make GS.C look good (IMG:http://www.glowsticking.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ).