A two-man stand is not made to be put up by itself and most manufacturers actually mentioned that in their directions and manuals. I've struggled just like many of you and then I started simply asking a buddy of two for help. It's amazing how quick and easy they are to set when you have some help. Surely there's a friend or two that could help all of you folks. It's also much safer that way, a guy would be seriously screwed if something happened like one of those monster stands acttaully fell on ya or something. Be careful out there guys?