general Archive through December 21, 2004

I've had an idea for some time, and my latest foray at a huge concert has cemented this idea into fruition. Everywhere I went, I just asked a cool-looking person or group if they liked magic mushrooms. Then I asked them if they knew how easy it was to grow them. People are always shocked to hear about the ease and reliability of the PF tek. It always surprises me how many like-minded people have never even heard of the PF tek.

My idea is to make up some nice business-like cards and hand them out to folks at these venues. The header would be something like: "Do you want to change your life?"; "do you like magic mushrooms?"; "know thyself"... Put words like "PF tek" and "mycotopia.net" on it, and let them find their own way. Since I'm always fairly straight at these shows, I can't imagine that providing the information could cause harm.

It might only be 1 in 5 that show real interest, but its a crowd with untapped potential for growth of our community. People just don't know how easy it is. Turn them on!

I would be interested in hearing ideas for phrases or catchy sentences that would draw peoples attention enough to put the card in their pocket.

I'll be having many made up, so if anyone would like some to distribute, you can pm me an addy to send some to. Prolly take a few weeks, but I want to have them for my next show mid-Aug, so it'll be soon.


AND


Shaman

hrm

here's a few that i like!!

sharing is caring!!

need room to shroom!!

may the fungus be with you!!

and the old favorite
their's a fungus among us!!

nice idea

[alpiner]

dare I say it but if our little hobby grows and becomes more common and more small time people growing get popped it will make the news and when that happens laws will follow
I think anyone who has a interest should give it a try but what will happen if a politicians kid eats a couple grams(that he/she grew with PF tek) goes out partying then gets in a car accident or just gets busted with a eigth instead of taking responsibilty they say its wherever they got the supplies and info "those internet druggie sites""Mushrooms the kid killer" I can see it now clips of some guy saying he learned how to grow 75 lbs of mushies a week from the internet then they will have the guy on who makes meth in his tool shed on there talking about how if it were not for rhodium and erowid he would not have done it
why did I add the bit about meth thats how the media and drug enforcement will look at us they will put us in the same boat as the guys run chem labs
first they target places where the info is distributed though protected by various free speach laws they do manage to scare off sponsors to this and other sites then what happens to a site that cant pay the bills for hosting it goes down
then the law that would kill our hobby at least for many of us is if spores were to be made ilegal for me that would really suck since cubensis does not grow wild here so obaining spores would be hell if they were not legal

some of you think that this may not happen I sure hope it doesnt but look at what has happened in the last few years our country is being hijacked by the religious right I have said it before and will say it again if you dont believe me look at the patriot act

That is a nice idea, Shaman, but I'd much prefer that these things are kept low-key for exactly the reasons outlined by Alpiner.

If someone wants to get into the hobby, then they can find us on their own eventually. It's the best way to weed out the riff-raff, so to speak.

Besides, I'd hate for one of those cards to find their way into the hands of a Narc.

[carpo4]

grow the key to your imagination

shine a light on the inside of your brain

take your consciousness to the next level

make shroom for the future


turn off, tune in, shroom on!

I think basically anyone who is interested in using the mushroom respectfully will find locating growing teks to be one of the easiest aspects of it. And I really do still think buying them is cheaper, when you also consider the investment of time.

Fortunately, I think the mass supression of mushrooms is pretty much impossible at this point, due to the work of certain unnamed persons.
You know who you are...

it's far too late to worry about hiding,
there have ALREADY been busts and news clippings
for years,
the damage is done.
we aren't hiding here,
the whole world can see us.
so why not advertize ?

A few minutes of discussion is sufficient to separate the wheat from the chaff, in most cases. One young man I spoke with was very polite (saying "yes, sir") and asked intelligent questions. He gets a card. Another person said, "I'm looking right now, man..." with glazed eyes, no card for him.

As for narcs, I am clean at these shows. Information is legal. No harm done. Besides, maybe they would benefit from reading here at mycotopia. Besides, does anyone really think they ("The Man") are not aware of us already?

The effort required IS the safety net. Only the serious will seek further than just perusing the site.

My point is that there are thousands and thousands just like you and I who have NEVER even HEARD of the PF tek. They deserve a chance to make up their own mind. As PF said, "the shrooms will take care of themselves".

This is about providing a key. Only a few will use the key to open the door, and fewer still will step on thru.


Thanks for the input, everyone. Keep it coming.


Shaman

[life]

There is no "they" there is only "us".. do what spirit moves you to do man!

Everytime I ever bring up growing mushrooms, I hear very similar things from people. Almost everyone says that they know it's really easy, but few have tried - those that have had cantam problems or didn't do it right, and gave up. I started on net-bought jars and now, 6 months later, do my own jars and it works a lot better for me. I think people learning that buying a $10 pressure cooker on E-bay and learning why rice works better than rye is a good thing; I think it would be better if they happened upon this place before they happen upon some vendor and waste their time and money on something that we and they could be passionate about.
I will tell you now, I know people that grow (or, I should say, try to grow), and I have told them about this place. I have said, "Go to The Mycotopia - they can answer any question, they are the best, they can help you." But they don't come. I think giving the cards is a great idea, knowing full-well of the 500 people you meet, and the 50 you give cards to, 5 will log in. But that's the way it goes, and really the way we want it.
I agree with Shaman. Knowledge is power. If you don't think we're all hot as shit right now for posting here anyway, you're nuts. Might as well try to revolution.

[life]

Evolution is much better than Revolution.. With the latter you just end up at the bottom of the same ring. With the former you spiral towards a greater goal. I believe we are EVOLVING here .

evolution occurs when small groups of one species are isolated, and must change to adapt to changing enviroments. although i believe that some humans have an attachment to these fungus, i also believe that humans would develop an attachment to any plant/fungus that has psilocybin in it, just my 2 cents on that.

but i do think that the common person should have the right to grow hallucinogenic fungi at their home if they use it responsibily and do not distribute it in a manner in which it would be used irresponsibily or in a way which they would profit from it.

i don't agree with people selling spores, because who's to say that they OWN the spores. the spores belong to the mushrooms, not to the growers.

selling spores will make one rich way faster than selling just the mushrooms. if you can make 1 syringe from 1 cap, you can sell it for $15-20 or more, but selling mushrooms doesn't make that much money per shroom (usually) and it's illegal.

i think that the free spore rings that are around right now are the right way to go. i think that if people were informed about shrooms and how to grow them, they can make a good decision and do that which is right for themselves.

if i had the time, i'd start a free spore ring, because i'm just that crazed about shrooms. but i don't think that people would send me prints in return, or would forget to, or wouldn't find the time and just say screw it.

[life]

evolution occurs on all levels misfit.. you are just talking about evolution from a microcosmic point of view.

EDIT:
But even that view separates that which is evolving from the environment they are evolving in.. one cannot change without the other changing as well.. any way you look at it the process is whole and all inclusive.

(Message edited by ridder on July 27, 2004)

Y'know...after pondering this for a day, I've changed my mind.

This sounds like a great idea, if you do it the way Shaman does: "A few minutes of discussion is sufficient to separate the wheat from the chaff, in most cases. One young man I spoke with was very polite (saying "yes, sir") and asked intelligent questions. He gets a card. Another person said, "I'm looking right now, man..." with glazed eyes, no card for him."



Now that's the way I'd do it!

A little suggestion to attract "Matrix" fans: Use the "Take the Red Pill" angle....."Take the Red Pill....Know Thyself: Mycotopia.net"

[carpo4]

home wanted for real fungi

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

that's why we are here, though.
this is no elitist club,
we do work,
and we don't discriminate against
newbies.
in fact,
i like newbies best.
pros are far too often
very opinionated,
with inflated egos.
i've tossed many such
out on their arses
for being nasty to newbies.
newbies are the lifeblood of our community,
when they stop coming
it's over.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

Hell YES!

[carpo4]

got another one for ya, shaman:

connect to psilocyberspace @ mycotopia.net

"just a shit load of ppl asking newbie q's"

I heard a few people bringing up the idea of having an advanced shroom cultivation section and a basic section. seemed like a good idea to me. Its hard to find the interesting cultivation advances sometimes in the midst of such a flood of questions.

I want to see your cards when they are done!!
you should post a few pics.

This is a rough sketch of what I have:

KNOW THYSELF

Magic Mushrooms
www.mycotopia.net


Learn the "PF tek".
It will change your life.
You now hold the key.
Unlock your imagination.
Its never been easier.
Take the first step. Awaken.

--------

Any ideas on color? I can do either color print on white cardstock, or black print on color cardstock. I was thinking black print on a bright color cardstock.

Any thoughts on what I have here, or what should also be included?

Thanks for the input, y'all.



Shaman


(Message edited by Shaman on August 02, 2004)

Omni, I think thats a great idea. I have the same problem too of finding the interesting posts among all the chatter. I am not exactly sure how you would set the guidelines out but I think it would be cool as heck to have.

-bill

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

I want to see your cards when they are done!!
you should post a few pics. <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

I'll do you one better, friend. PM me an addy, and I'll send you some to distribute as you see fit.


Shaman

Great idea.

I agree that most who want to know will probably find out,
but they'll end up with the MMGG or other silly and
expensive teks, or they'll get greedy eyes at
the shroomery when they see pics of super-grows,
even though most folks won't go through an ounce
in a few months (most, mind you).

That being said, this is the best spot for newbs,
as Hip's post clearly shows.

I know it's been used, but I still think it's a catchy phrase for
our unusual hobby:

<font color="0000ff">They Make Great Pets

www.mycotopia.net



soliver</font>

"I'll do you one better, friend. PM me an addy, and I'll send you some to distribute as you see fit. "

Thanks for the offer!!! I would love to have some.
PM sent

I think some cards with one liners on them would be cool too. Some good slogans have been thrown out.

The submitted print is slightly modified from above. I asked for the proof on bright white, but someone suggested taupe or light grey for the cards...we have been debating the color here as well, and have not yet come to a decision. basically we're trying to balance "eye-catching" with class.

I have to approve the proof tonight, so if anyone has an opinion on color, post it before 5:00 est.

There has been quite a nice response from folks wanting to distribute cards. I encourage others to join in the fun.

I am delighted that my idea has been so well received. I am fully convinced that an army of mycophiles armed with this simple tool can effect serious change in the lives of the people we choose to share the "magic key" with.




Shaman

"we're trying to balance "eye-catching" with class.

Hmm...it may be expensive, but a dark blue with silver letters would be cool.

And if that's not do-able, then that Grey or a light-blue card stock with dark-blue letters would be nice.

I dunno!

[carpo4]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

And if that's not do-able, then that Grey or a light-blue card stock with dark-blue letters would be nice.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
i second that.

"They say tope is soothing"

I love slate. I'd make two cards, same message, same ink. Make the ink purple - the spores are purple, after all. Then have one card with a light grey background, one with a darker grey - the purple will show up differently on each but would be readable, and would make people more curious if you were to hand out a few to a crowd - even though the message is the same, they will look harder at what they have because now "it's indivisual" and not just mass distributed.

Test print looks nice.

This first run is black ink on ivory and black ink on "sea mist". This is the closest to magic blue I could find. Next time I'll do purple ink.

Some artistic license was taken on rearraging the message, but its nice.

I'm happy. I'll be sending out cards to those who requested them this week. Keep an eye out. If someone who gets these would like to post a pic, I would be grateful; as I do not have a digicam of my own.


Shaman

cool idea.

shaman i sent you a pm.

[bookmaker]

This is a very good idea.

At bonnaroo I gave out roughly 100 CD's of my growers guide program.

Most people do not know that this hobby exists on a wide scale. They think most of the shrooms come from fields. Others know that this hobby exists, but do not know how truly easy it is to get started. My hope is everyone can become informed, and learn the beauties of this wonderful community.

I would suggest people get some cards from Underground Shaman, or make some kind of advertisement of their own. If you would like my program on CD to distribute, just shoot an e-mail to bookmaker@mycology101.net. Anyone who is willing to accept the knowledge should be willing to attain it. Give people the spark to start the revolution.

Bookmaker

Okay folks, the cards are in and they look pretty sweet. I'm happy with them.

The members who have sent me an addy already, your cards have been sent. I just stuffed as many into an envelope as I could fit; this should not be viewed as a limit. I will be more than glad to send out more. Please, please, please, one of you post a pic of the two different colored cards. I will be most grateful.

This is a PERMANENT offer for anyone who is interested in having a role in spreading the word about mycotopia and the PF tek. All PM requests that include an addy will receive an envelope full of mycotopia advertising cards.

Hip, do you think it might be possible to put a notice of this offer out front, or with the CD offer? I would like to make this as visible to as many folks as possible. Consider card-distributors as "inoculation points".

SPREAD THE WORD!


Shaman

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

They think most of the shrooms come from fields.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

I know people who have refused to eat mushrooms based on the single fact that they grow in cow shit - these people will blow lines that could be cut with who-knows-what, but they won't eat a mushroom that probably didn't grow on shit and in fact needed an extreme amount of cleanliness.

Shaman - I already have people lined up, dude, send away!!!

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

Consider card-distributors as "inoculation points".<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

Don't forget to pressure-cook your spawn...

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

This is a PERMANENT offer for anyone who is interested in having a role in spreading the word about mycotopia and the PF tek. All PM requests that include an addy will receive an envelope full of mycotopia advertising cards. <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

bump

Shaman, my brother, got the cards - the USPS is speedy when it's just a couple of miles, huh?

Argh...I wanted to take a picture with a cake but my camera's fucked up...they look really good man, very pro...makes us all look much more clever than we actually are...lol

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

This is a PERMANENT offer for anyone who is interested in having a role in spreading the word about mycotopia and the PF tek. All PM requests that include an addy will receive an envelope full of mycotopia advertising cards. <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

Update: I was able to speak to my lawyer this weekend (criminal defense specialist), specifically to ask about the legality of having and distributing these cards. In his expert opinion there is no legal basis for the detainment or prosecution of anyone because of these cards. Essentially, I was given the legal "green light" to proceed as intended.

(That's not to say that an ass-hole oinker having a bad day won't hastle me, but I'm within my legal rights. I'll deal with that situation if it ever arises (highly unlikely), but for now I'm willing to stand on my constitutional right of free speech, and the protective guidance of the shroom.)

PM me to reserve your free envelope full of mycotopia advertising cards. The world can be a better place, and we can be catalysts of change.




Shaman

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

they look really good man, very pro<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

thank god for kinkos...

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

...makes us all look much more clever than we actually are...lol<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

lol,speak for yourself...


Shaman

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

Hip, do you think it might be possible to put a notice of this offer out front, or with the CD offer? I would like to make this as visible to as many folks as possible.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

Hippie3,

I'm not sure if you were agreeing to do this, or just agreeing to allow me to send some your way.

I don't even have to be the contact person for this offer, if you would rather have a mod or anon. receive the requests.

Is there anything you or Zen need from me in order to facilitate this happening?
Wait until you get to see the cards first, but I think you will like them.

God bless Mycotopia!


Shaman

got my envelope of cards
Thanks!
They look very nice.

Most people do not know that this hobby exists on a wide scale.)

Good...

I think interest in psychedelics is waning. Perhaps it peaked in the late 90's or so, as it did in the late 60's. I watched interest fall in the 70's much as it is doing now.

Young people are are becoming more conservative in their values. They are returning to a more 50's or the 80's sort of lifestyle, ie flags, religion, family etc.

I think this idea is a few years too late. Perhaps in another 15 or 20 years. These things come and go in my opinion. They become sort of trendy for a time and then interest dies out.

I am sure there are many people who are real "heads" out there, but they are mot as numerous as those who just follow the latest fad or trend.

I am not meaning to sound negative, but interest has come and gone in the past, why should the future be any different? From my observations at least things do not seem to be growing as far as interest goes.

This is just my personal observation...

[maynardsdick]

shaman,

what you're doing is pretty noble and idealistic.
however, i think most people will think you're crazy or a junkie. regretable, but true.

well khemenu, maybe if you take it decade by decade. but taking it on a much more broader scale, interest in psychedelics has never been so massive and prevalent.

planting seeds is always a good idea to push forward the movement, no matter what the transient swing of the pendulum.

To plant seeds that will grow at a future time, yes.

My question is one of intent. If the intent is to make money doing it, I would say its too late this time around.

I would also say that society in general wants to see us gone. Why make ourselves a bigger target? Why give society the the name "Mycotopia" to be a target?

Maybe what I am trying to say is that these seeds need to be planted in fertile soil where they can grow and not be thrown before swine. That was Leary's mistake, I do not see the need to repeat a lesson learned over 30 years ago. I think Huxleys approach to these things, was and still is, a more sensible approach. If we put the Soma in the hands of everyone, we are in for another disappointment.

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

Maybe what I am trying to say is that these seeds need to be planted in fertile soil where they can grow and not be thrown before swine.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

That was already discussed at length. See my comment about pressure cooking spawn. These are hardly getting cast to the wind - I think the worst thing that may happen is somebody says, "Woah, dude, I bet I could make money off these," and then they'll fuck it up and either say "This sucks" or actually stay, change their lives, and find some meaning. Leary's mistake, to quote Hunter, was selling consciousness expansion for three bucks a hit; when people found out that it was just a drug, well...

Persoanlly, I don't know what I feel right now. I don't know if there is a God or gods or higher power, I don't know anything. If I knew that I knew nothing, that would be something. But I don't. Fungus could be something that interacts with my mind, or it could be something that allowe my mind to interact with many other things, I really just do not know. I do know that the only way to begin something is to start it, and if these cards might give the chance to some punk kid to learn how to grow and respect his drugs, then I am all for it.

Fuck all that shit, Shaman, keep on rockin'!

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

I think interest in psychedelics is waning.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

We're just starting to surge. Hallucinogen use had essentially been lost to Western societies until the 1950s. The discovery of LSD was the catalyst for an entire generation to change their lives. This is the next wave, and it is bigger than the first. Look around you, shrooms are here to stay.

Magic Mushroom use is on the rise. The internet and the PF tek have made it possible for another generation to tap into eternity in the privacy and safety of their own homes. No more bad acid, no more piggies with clubs.

I actually agree with Huxley's approach. The shrooms WILL take care of themselves. Those meant to pursue this path will follow, while those with a transient interest will fall by the wayside; just as it has always been.

Money. Why do people think everything is about money? The love of money is the root of all evil. My personal philosophy is that the PF tek takes the money OUT of mushrooms. For $50 in stuff, and with a little know-how, any person can have a lifetime supply of shrooms. What they do with this tool is ultimately up to them, but we are here to guide them. I am not in this for the money.

We are here to provide a tool for each person to know themselves. The response has been phenomenal. People WANT to hear what I have to say.

I have a challange for you nay-sayers. Begin your conversations with strangers as I do (read the opening of this post), and when you find that folks ARE interested, give them a card. Its completely anonymous. The only thing you have to lose is the preconceived notion that it can't work. You will be amazed at the response you will get if you are only willing to try. I challenge you to suspend your disbelief long enough to try it.

oh, and Maynard, I AM a crazy junkie. Just crazy enough to believe in a better tommorrow...


Shaman

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

Hippie3,

I'm not sure if you were agreeing to do this, or just agreeing to allow me to send some your way. <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
i'll decide that
once i see them.

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

Is there anything you or Zen need from me in order to facilitate this happening?
Wait until you get to see the cards first, but I think you will like them. <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

i'll decide that
once i see them<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

We're on the same page, then. Thanks for the support.


Shaman

Hmmm..

I am beginning to understand your intent here Shaman and I agree with it. My worry is that they may show up in places they should not be, like highschools etc. Imagine if there is another school shooting and they find one of these cards in the back pocket of the shooter, who will our society blame? I suspect it will be the mushroom, rather than the kid or his society. "Substances" are easy spacegoats. We have had enough bad press over the years.

I think we should make a greator effort to put these things into the hands of people in our society that realy matter, rather than the masses, this is where I agree with Huxley.


Taoist Shredder,

Consciousness IS chemical in nature. There is nothing else involved in it. You take a sleeping pill you go to sleep, etc. It is a proven fact that spirituality is a chemical change in the brain. It makes no differance if it is induced by LSD or spiritual practices. Its all the same.