For the record

[Heidi Mull]

BUT when someone (usually with something to gain)  convinces other people that living in a van is simple, easy and without negative issues, the reality can topple some people into dispair.

I didn't begin vandwelling because of Bob. I *did* however get the vibe around there that if I wasn't comfortable living that way, if I didn't find it easy and simple and fun and "the best times of my life" then it was my fault and I was not a good example of vandwelling.

That was a bit of a downer.

[technomadness]

For the record— I was a nomad long before bob left the rat race and the only reason I know who bob is, is because *after I decided to full time in an vehicle* I started researching and stumbled on his site.

Unfortunately his target market seems to be poor people who are barely making end meet and want an escape.

But the thing is, bob’s lifestyle works for that if you work hard and are willing to endure discomforts. Eg you should be able to fix a flat tire yourself, at a minimum.

On his board there were a lot of people who seemed to be unprepared for the reality of being self reliant!

This is VERY DIFFERENT (sorry for shouting, I’m getting worked up) from the #vanlife movement which is 20 something kids working remotely... or from me which is somewhere between #vanlife and the snowbirds.

I’m CHOOSING to live a minimalist nomadic lifestyle even though I can afford to do whatever I want. In fact, in large part because of it. (Not wasting money is one way to end up with money you could waste... most millionaires drive ford Trucks, not ferraris, etc.)

The snowbirds spend big bucks on their class As and resorts.... van life kids are a separate movement from “cheap RV living”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[technomadness]

Earlier someone said Bob was very protective of his RTR trademark... didn’t think he was that sophisticated so I did a search— he does have a trademark in RTR, which is funny, but it’s for gatherings.

So if any of you wants to start making RTR software or RV accessories, go ahead. Just spend the $600 to register your own RTR trademark too!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Blacktank]

roll tide roll,alabama crimson tide football,been around forever

[Heidi Mull]

Unfortunately his target market seems to be poor people who are barely making end meet and want an escape.

But the thing is, bob’s lifestyle works for that if you work hard and are willing to endure discomforts.  Eg you should be able to fix a flat tire yourself, at a minimum.

On his board there were a lot of people who seemed to be unprepared for the reality of being self reliant!

When I moved into my non-converted van and took to the streets in winter, alone, while significantly disabled and unable to care for myself, I saw death as a likely outcome.

Was I unprepared? Yup. But I had run out of options. So I gave it my best shot, and fought for survival.

Lots of other folks on the streets have a similar story.

If someone is fortunate enough to have the luxury of waiting until they're all good and ready and prepared to move into a van before they do so, then that's absolutely fantastic!

The rest of us just do what we can with what we've got.

[pnolans]

His problem is he has succeeded.


Problem is he's too much of a sweet heart to comfortably hang on to the tail of the dragon he created.

Excellent point.  That's what I have been trying to reach... that conclusion.  He succeeded in him mission. 
Kind of like the whole San Francisco scene/hippie movement.  By the time people began to notice, most of the original crowd had moved to communes , living in buses , going to other city's.  Different in that I don't see it becoming a place for predators like some of what went on during the "Summer of Love", 1967.  

I've been saying for a while that he has a tiger by the tail... a dragon is more accurate.  And I too wish him the best, and appreciate the tremendous help he's given me.  But I just don't want to hang out in a group.

[pnolans]

We had and i emphasize had, 3000 when we left.  We broke our last 100 fixing the starter solenoid, so i say phooooey to the money thing.  The rest are all valid concerns, one of the reasons i went with a newer ford gas engine....
I am just some sorta smart, sorta handicapped hippy, but i got spirit and i learn quickly
tally ho!

It's hard to do your build out before you hit the road, IF you haven't done this kind of thing before.  Which I hadn't.  After a year on the road, I now what to go back to my overpaid Computer Geek job and get what I REALLY want.  

But I'm just plain too old for that shit. For now, I still have Social Security, and it's not bad.  But IF YOU CAN, it's best to try to get some experience with the new lifestyle before you retire from you job. 

Regards,

Pat

[RepublicOfTXPatriot]

Thank you Gary for this forum and to you and everyone else I Thank yall too for allowing the our 1st Amendment to be fully displayed !! 
#NomadLivesMatter

[Ballenxj]

Thank you Gary for this forum and to you and everyone else I Thank yall too for allowing the our 1st Amendment to be fully displayed !! 

 Not just displayed, but put to use. 

[RepublicOfTXPatriot]

Thank you Gary for this forum and to you and everyone else I Thank yall too for allowing the our 1st Amendment to be fully displayed !! 

 Not just displayed, but put to use. 

Use them or lose them .,.right?