Why Bother with the Bottles?

What is the point of using the bottles? Everyone could simply add placemarks for each place they want included in NML without all the hassle of "brewing" and "drinking".

The bottles make NML more complicated than it necessarily has to be, but for good reason:

1. The bottles ground NML in the real world. Without them NML could become littered with placemarks that do not mean anything. The brewing and drinking activities ensure that NML is not created entirely from behind a computer. You have to have actually visited the place you want included in NML. The drinking activity also ensures that at least two people use the place as a free public space.
2. Hopefully the bottles also add a fun, game-like component to NML. Think of it as a treasure hunt.

Brewing/Drinking Tips & Suggestions

My bottle has been taken, but no one has posted a placemark or reply. What do I do?

Leave another. In fact, it is a good idea to check on your bottle on a regular basis. If someone took it without "drinking" it (i.e. posting a placemark for that space) then just leave another bottle there. No harm done.

How long should I keep a motion open, with a post and a bottle at the space?

Use your own judgment. If you think it has had enough time for a like-minded person to find it, yet still no response, then take down the post and brew somewhere else.

ONCE THE PLACE IS OFFICIALLY IN NML WITH A PROPER PLACEMARK, THEN GET RID OF THE BOTTLE PLACEMARK!!!

Should I leave the bottle in an obvious spot, or should I hide it?

There are two brewing methods; the Place-To-Post method and the Post-To-Place method. The method you chose depends on the place you are nominating.

Place-To-Post: For this method, you are counting on the Drinker to find the bottle at the place you left, and follow the instructions to get to your post. So you leave the bottle in the open for anyone to see. This is the ideal introduction into NML because it is literally from the ground up. Use this method when you think there is a good chance that a person coming across the bottle would be interested in NML.

Post-To-Place: This method is intended to have the Drinker be someone who found the bottle after reading your post and then going in search for it. So you hide the bottle and leave directions in your post on how to find it. The benefit of this method is that the Drinker is someone who already understands NML and most likely wants to second the motion. Use this method when you are leaving the bottle in a public space where it could easily be found by someone who might turn it over to authorities, or where it would simply be ignored. A public library is a place where hiding the bottle would be wise. Especially with the Patriot Act hovering over librarians.

Where in the "Welcome to NoMansLand" thread do I post?

If you are Brewing: Post your bottles as a reply to the main "Welcome To NoMansLand" post. In the subject heading, include the location of the place you are nominating. In the body, use the language from the Notice of Referendum. Also include directions to the bottle, and a rationale for inclusion in NML. DON'T FORGET TO UPLOAD THE ACTUAL BOTTLE PLACEMARK ON GOOGLE EARTH.

If you are Drinking: Post a reply to the original post for the place you are including in NML. Give any information on the place you think relevant. Add pictures and links if you have them. DON'T FORGET TO UPLOAD THE ACTUAL PLACEMARK ON GOOGLE EARTH THAT BEST DESCRIBES THE FREE SERVICE.

How Do I Protect My Privacy?

So you don't want the authorities, your boss, or other people to find out about your involvement as a revolutionary. What can you do?

You need a second identity. NML is above ground, but you don't have to be. Here's how to stay in cognito:

1. Create a pseudonym. Be creative with it. If you were a superhero, what would your name be?
2. Create a separate email account that cannot be linked to you in anyway. Use your pseudonym for your username, and have a password that is only for your secret identity. Give false information when asked, i.e. do not give your actual zip code.
3. Use your second identity for all other internet accounts: keyhole, blogspot, friendster, etc.

Under or above ground: to post or not to post?

Should you include your squatter community in NML or should you keep it on the down low?

There is no right or wrong answer. It is up to your group to decide. Obviously NML needs free housing and living space to be a viable free society, but it does not necessarily need to be advertised on the map. Just weigh the benefits and risks. If you have more to gain (and give) by posting your squatter community on NML, then go for it. If drawing attention to your community means losing it all together, then it is probably not worth the risk.

Isn't the "Brewing" Activity also Littering?

If you leave a bottle outside in a public space, then yes, you could get fined for littering.
But if you use an empty bottle that you found laying on the ground, you are not littering, you are just moving someone else's litter. Label it, stick the notice in it, cork it, and place it where you want it. If anything, you are recycling, not littering.