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fly out of it, voluntarily or otherwise. If such a person does not appear to be actively seeking a way out of the pit, it is general etiquette to push or throw them back in."
These are some of the rules, the method to the all-too-apparent madness. At web sites such as unityhxc.com, you can also find links to mosh pit history (the word "mosh," incidentally, was originally an acronym that stood for March Of Skin Heads), detailed instructions on pit moves and maneuvers, and more.

Despite the existence (albeit voluntary and loose) of such guidelines and safety precautions that have come from within the moshing community itself, the fact still remains that a mosh pit is nevertheless a dangerous place. For every few responsible pit-goers, there still exist in every pit the drug-addicted, the reckless, the ignorant moshers who come with the sole intent to cause harm.
Serious injury is sometimes unavoidable, despite every precaution, and deaths have been known to occur at more intense concerts. In fact, over 230 concert-related deaths were reported between 1992 and 2002 alone. If physical danger is really the nature of the beast, what is it that motivates people to enter the belly?
"It's a rush, kind of like an extreme sport," says Robertson simply. "It's just like taking risks in skiing or snowboarding. Thrill-seekers take that risk to do what they enjoy. Me, I just want to enjoy the music and express what it means to me physically."
He says that he thinks most people are like him in that respect. They want to have fun and enjoy the music, not put each other into comas. That collective mentality contributes to a controlled kind of insanity.
But is it worth risking injury just to "express" yourself? Are a few hours of "fun" worth the possibility of a broken rib, or worse?
"Totally," he says. "It's all about rockin' on."

Learn more about this author, Todd Bluth.
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