Been their twice -

'93 and '94.

It is huge and from what I've heard has changed dramatically over the years. Kat - you're right it was kind of a biker rally at first and then because of the growth in New Age and especially Pagan religion in the U.S., the event started getting a different crowd.

There are plenty of rules at Burning Man, just not as many as in a typical city. They attendees must pick up after themselves, treat the local flora & fauna with respect (not that there's much there to begin with) Nudity is allowed, but in the freakin' desert it's pretty minimal anyhoo. There are families as well as singles, retired people as well as college students. I'm sure if you took a poll just about every profession would be represented there. At the time I went I was working for the Elections office in Orlando.

It's mainly a time to hang out with people who generally have the same interests of spirituality/religion as you do and buy and sell stuff that is homemade or hard to find. It's just a big ass gathering that eventually sacrifices a giant wickerman (though not everyone puts the whole symbology behind it).