We’ve been receiving a lot of ‘Hate’ lately. It’s just too much.
For everyone who has ever hated on our gs and ms, or Chris’ hat, or the angle of our lampshade, or other grammer, or the volume of our audio, or the misspellings, or the oh gasp.. she talks more than him.. or the the ‘you’re not worthy’ comments.. or the ‘ you’ve got a premium membership service.. you are shady’ comments… or ‘you’re not presenting my state fully’.. or.. whatever your complaint is with us…
You win. Good bye. For now.
Maybe we’ll back. Maybe we won’t.
But we’ve grown tired of sharing peeks of our personal lives with the public just be met with occasional thanks (while seeing other bloggers met with an outpouring of support), but a lot of criticism and ‘corrections’.
We need time for ourselves. As individuals. As a couple.
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Morning Update:
I’m leaving the above intact and unedited. While it was influenced by too much wine last night, the end effects stand true this morning. And it’s raw, and authentic.
We need to take a break and re-focus on ourselves.
We know there are way more of you who love and appreciate us than criticize. And we know that it is our own internal happiness & balance that does not allow us to see that as clearly right now. Yes, ‘haters are going to hate’ – but right now, we just don’t have the strength to keep a smile on our faces.
We appreciate your understanding in that. Thank you for having traveled along thus far. I do suspect we’ll be back in some form.
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11/5 @ 6pm : Holy Guacamole… we are completely humbled by the comments, emails and reach outs this post has generated. We never expected it, and didn’t post to solicit accolades. But do know we are reading each and every one of them, and you are melting our hearts. We are taking some time to take care of ourselves. And we really appreciate your support in that (not that we need anyone’s approval).
Yes, we do delete & ban the negativity, and hardly ever respond to it. That’s why you don’t see it. It comes in from so many directions.. and to get to that delete button, we have already read the comment. On good days, it passes right by. But it does add up over time.
PS. We are continuing to post mobile internet news and assist our members over at RVMobileInternet.Com. Our premium membership group, Mobile Internet Aficionados, remains unchanged and we are actively assisting our members there.
RVMobileInternet will be our only non-personal focus for the time being while we are on social media hiatus. We have stepped back from all other obligations so that we can take care of ourselves.
I am a regular follower but never one to comment. I really appreciated how you opened your home to all of us to learn and experience on how we can enjoy our lives outside the standard ways of living in track homes, working 9 to 5, etc….
Trust me, there are a lot more people who enjoy your blog than those who have negative comments. We, the true followers and the ones who appreciate your site does not comment. Maybe we should comment more to show our support and appreciation as it will allow you to know we outnumber those “haters”.
Enjoy your time off and hope you come back stronger!!!
I will miss your blog. It has energized me because my husband and I are going full time next year.
I will miss you! Sorry you need some time, but I’m sure we all understand
I’ve had some disappointments with blog readers recently too that have momentarily curbed my enthusiasm for blogging. Nothing to the extent that you guys have to deal with on a daily basis, but enough to make me wonder if this coming political year is going to bring a whole new level of nastiness to people’s online behavior.
More and more it just feels that the “Helpers” (those who enjoy answering questions or providing info to others) are being more and more overrun by the “Takers” (those who don’t bother to search or research because they know there’ll always be some gullible “Helper” to give them an immediate answer).
So take a well-deserved Helper holiday! All your great posts and content are on the site. If people are too lazy are dim-witted to not know how to search for it, that’s their problem!
I, for one, am very grateful this month for your Florida Domicile posts. As I begin that process, having your step-by-step instructions and tips are invaluable. I’m going to owe you another box of wine when this is done!
I was running a bus rally in Brunswick GA this past weekend, and a nice couple asked if they could visit and learn more about bus conversions in preparation for buying their first. They are intending to be fulltimers.
I asked them what kind of research they’d done, and their response was that they had learned an enormous amount from your blog. Hoped to meet you at some point.
I would imagine there are many others who’d say the same.
As for me, I have checked your blog daily for five or six years, been busin’ for 15, and I always learn something valuable from you.
Take a break if you must, but don’t let a few jealous malcontents get you down. You quit – they win.
Mike Heron
Past President
Southeast Bus Nuts
Hey…I fully understand…that’s why I’m taking a break from social media…people are too much sometimes, to want so much for so little…
Break it off for as long as you need. Haters always talk tough until it’s their struggle…
I’m not a regular follower of your blog, but this post gave me pause so I figured I’d share some thoughts. I once wrote an oped piece for a my local newspaper and got weeks of negative comments and name calling. It was bad and it was the last time I did that. It made me think long and hard as to why I even wrote that piece. But, it was a good learning experience. I did learn that there are lots of negative folks out there hiding behind keyboards and I can’t do anything about them. The bigger your audience, the greater chance you’ll encounter them. I also learned that it’s easy to draw fire when using certain words, expressing opinions, or making a negative statement. As a fellow blogger, I developed my own informal style guidelines to follow for each post so I can try and avoid drawing negative fire. Its my own list of do’s and don’ts. I also have to constantly keep my self on track with staying to the purpose of my blog. It’s so easy for me to stray off purpose.
It looks like you guys have been blogging for awhile. Taking a pause to reassess or validate what you’re doing is not a bad thing. Also, if you’re getting more that a tolerable level of negative feedback perhaps soliciting a friend to give you objective feedback may be of value. Good luck.
I have been following your blog for years and have admired your tenacity to become successful while living a full-time lifestyle. I sense jealously! You’ve worked hard and deserve a rest. The negatives you mentioned means those people were ignoring your content and being petty. A majority of us are offering you hugs and strength.
P.s. We got beat up in a workamping position by petty posturing. We left and landed two of the best assignments– lasting six seasons. A greater opportunity exists for you.
Sorry to hear the dregs got to you. It is too easy too lambaste people today with social media. The people that do this are jealous, selfish, self centered, frustrated individuals that are not happy with their own lives and want to take down those that have found happiness and a purpose. I have enjoyed your weekly discussion and a bit of wine. I have learned so much over the years from you guys. PLEASE come back, you are going to be missed.
Hmmm… I didn’t see this coming. But, I completely understand.
I started my weblog in 2001 and it’s been running ever since. I have few readers, but don’t really care. It might be nice to have more, but the flip side of that is that the trolls come out when the site is popular.
I recall another instance with one of the mommy-bloggers my wife loved to follow. She (the blogger) was able to parlay her site and writings into a decent living. That takes a lot of work and there was a lot of her “out there” in the public eye. The more successful she became, the greater the hate-pressure. I was appalled at some of the comments I read and it reminded me of high school where there was so much put-down because it made the putter feel better about themselves.
I wrote a bit about trolls some time ago. I have another essay that I’m drafting about the demise of respect with the increase of perceived anonymity derived from the Internet. Anecdotally, I detect a serious decrease in the level of civil respect we have for each other over the last few decades and I think that’s wrong.
But, it is what it is. I’m sorry to see y’all go, but I certainly understand. Be safe, be healthy, and be healed.
I’ve also seen or felt the decline in civility you mention. I think it is a more recent phenomenon than the last few decades, though. I attribute a great deal of that change to the advent of social media. The technology that makes it easier for us to stay connected also makes it easier for us to speak without thinking and to say things we might otherwise not say. Occasionally, that’s a good thing, especially for those of us not confident enough to otherwise voice our opinions. More often than not, though, it is not such a good thing.
I will repeat what others have said..breaks are good..the ‘haters’ will move on to someone else..
enjoy the quiet time…come back when you are ready.
don’t let the haters win… it will only encourage them further…
So VERY sorry to hear this. You two are assets to the RV world and as virtual friends who have made this reader’s day time and again. I can only dream of traveling for now so you adventures have taken me away from the drudgery and allowed me to take in the sites you visit. Take care of yourselves. Hope to cross paths soon.
Breaks are good although I’m truly sorry for the cause. The more well-known people become, the more subject to the nastiness of ass-hats they are. Sad that is the case with you two. You are appreciated and supported by thousands more than the recent haters.
So sorry to hear this. I’ve followed your blog long before you even bought the Zephyr and I’ve been a big fan. I hate it when bloggers get overwhelmed with the trolls and snark but it’s understandable. I hope you come back and keep blogging about your travels and the bus upgrades. I’ve never comment on blogs including yours….. but it seems more and more lately I’m only commenting when people say they’re giving up blogging due to the negativity. Take care!
It’s sad that people act that way on line. I am so sorry that the trolls have driven you to this point. Your blog has been an incredible resource of information, and I’ll miss you and Chris and the hat. That’s a great hat.
I will post something a little different than I did on fb. I love you guys and sorry to hear the toll your generosity is taking. I have the opposite problem – usually feel invisible. Wonder if I’m wasting my time. I hope you will refresh and return. Either way, hope to meet you on the road sometime. If I see the bus, I will say hi.
I’m in the same boat, Robyn. I’ve been blogging for several years in relative anonymity. (I’m not sure even my family reads my posts, but that’s okay.) In fact, I recall asking a blogging variation of the question “if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?” more than five years ago. (The specific question was: ” if a blog is posted and no one reads it, is it truly a blog and was it ever really written?”) As I anticipated, there was no response. So I blog mainly for me as a creative outlet. If others happen to read it, fine. If not, that’s okay, too.
Hi there! I’ve been following along for a year or so and sorry I never comment. We are not RVers yet but I still enjoy reading about your adventures and I have been filing away your bits of knowlege for the day when… Your time in Alaska was so inspiring. I understand if you need to take a break but please come back soon. Thanks for all your effort and hard work. I can’t even image people being so shallow and petty.
So sorry to here about the negativity you’ve been receiving. We’re also avid readers of your adventures and rarely comment. We’ve recommended your blog to many over the years for the wealth of info you offer. Hopefully those of us in the majority will win over the minority. Thank you for sharing your adventures and knowledge and hopefully you guys will be back after enjoying some down time.
Safe travels!
Best wishes. I’ve enjoyed your blog which has been full of advice I expect to fully use next year when we start a long trip.
I am so sad for you. I am also feeling somewhat guilty that I have been following your blog for a couple of years now, got a tremendous amount of pleasure from reading it, and never once sent you a positive note. (I also did not send you any negative comments!) You have given so much of yourselves. Thank you.
Jeannie
http://www.RVJeannie.blogspot.com
http://www.learningtorunatage60.blogspot.com
You guys give of yourselves so much. I sincerely hope you will be back–we enjoy your blog and appreciate the information you provide!!
Cherie and Chris, your blog is one of 3 that I follow. The other 2 are fellow full timers and acquaintances of yours. It’s is rare that I ever comment and only occasionally read comments. You two really put yourselves out there with more interactive access than most, it’s always real and with a sense of humility. I have never read a blog posting of yours that has even come close to be offending.
Technomadia and Wheeling It are the best, think I’ll post a thanks on Nina’s blog. I find the way you make your way through life interesting, your smart, delicate, accepting, alternative, insightful, and really enjoy seeing your prospectives, thanks for sharing!
Arrogant bloggers almost demand positive comments by the way they write, always get the last word and at best are superficial. I have a very famous cousin in law that describes life in two words, Peace and Love. You and Chris are, well, peace and love to you
Understand, but do not let the negatives affect you. True RVers get you! No one should comment at all unless they have nice to say. They do not have the life you have and are jealous. I just lost to death a friend of 54 years and the greatest comment I can say about her is, “She did her life her way!” So proud of her! Rest and come back to whatever you wish to share, OR, do not share. Do it your way. Live your life on your terms!!!
I’ve always enjoyed your blogs. Sorry that others don’t. Be well.
Chris and Cherie, You two have been one of my rocks in learning about RVing. I can’t imagine saying anything bad about you two. You help me learn, make me laugh, and empower me to try new ideas. Love and peace to you both.
I bet there a lots of people like me who read this blog and watch your videos – people who don’t even own a tent let alone a RV, but just love your style and your on-road adventures. I love blogs but I also understand how weird it is to put yourself out there. I closed my own blog for many reasons and a return to privacy was one of them. But – however – gosh – I hope you do come back to the blog world. As a non-rver I really, really have enjoyed your content. I (and I am sure people like me) don’t comment, ’cause I am just an outsider enjoying your world. I did want you to know that I think you both are fine people!!
I never comment on your posts, but read them daily and take copious notes on places to go, things to do, things to avoid, improvements we might make to our fifth wheel, etc. I have very much appreciated your personalities and style, and never been offended by them, although our lifestyles are quite different. You fill a niche in the RV blog area that I have not found anywhere else. I hope that after a good rest, you will look back over the uplifting comments and reflect on the people who have now become your devoted fans – those who seek you out on the road and even rearrange their plans to spend time with you. There will always be people who must put others down in order to make themselves feel a little better, but as a wise friend once reminded me when I was in that situation – “consider the source” – do not take it personally.
As an avid reader and occasional commenter, I wish you well.
I’ll echo the comments of the others and say I’m sorry to hear this. I’ve especially enjoyed your solar discussion, and you helped to reassure me that I was on a good path in terms of what I was thinking in regards to my own future setup. I follow a few other people who have also been on the receiving end of such “hate,” and I simply tune such people out. I recognize, though, that is much harder to do when it’s your efforts the haters are hating on. Gee, that’s a lot of hate there.
As an aside to that, I think this points up the good, the bad, and the ugly about the internet. It is possible to disseminate information and express a viewpoint usually without fear of recrimination. On the other hand, it makes it much easier to anonymously spread negativity without accountability. The internet has paradoxically enabled both the expansion and destruction of civil and social discourse. At least that’s the view from where I sit. (Sadly, not a view of a mountain or lake.)
Worry about yourselves first, then decide whether you want or need to worry about the rest of us. 🙂
So sorry to hear you’re letting the trolls get the upper hand but totally understand the need for a break. You two have been pushing really hard the last few months and when you burn the candle at both ends, you eventually begin to melt in the middle! My DH and I really enjoy your blog and all the good info you share and have made some purchases due to your recommendations.
We’ll never be full timers as we’re(both in our 70s and love our home but we use our fifth wheel about 5 months out of every year and know we can never learn too much about Rving. We have appreciated your willingness to share but are guilty about not letting you know that.
So, a belated thank you for all your help and guidance! We hope your break brings you back in a more rested and positive state of mind. Take care!
I remember visiting our first Escapee park over sixteen years ago when we first went full-time. Walking around the park one morning I struck up a conversation with an “old-timer” and I mentioned that we had been out on the road full-time for ten days. During that conversation he said that the Escapees were a great group of people but like any group of people, you’re still going to meet up with that 2% that are ___holes…his words. It’s too bad that the 2% ruin the enjoyment that the other 98% of us get out of your posts. But being the unofficial spokesperson of that 98%, we understand. Enjoy your solitude and we will look forward to your future posts!! Life is good!
I’m very sorry you’ve made this decision: your web site is remarkable, and of particular interest for techies who, like myself, like to move around a lot. I also value it because it represents the thinking of two people who could easily afford to have a less nomadic lifestyle but who choose deliberately to be wanderers.
I’m assuming your decision was triggered by remarks from one of the many folks out there with severe emotional or mental problems that were simply the final straw. As you know, the Internet is a haven for loners who simply can’t adapt to a more open and welcoming society: they cause a lot of distress, but they are simply very ill. I do hope – and I’m sure many of your other followers hope – that when the distress of those remarks has lessened a little you’ll reconsider.
FWIW, I avoid the people who have given you trouble by not allowing comments on my various blogs. This is too extreme an approach for some, and another possibility would be to allow comments only to people who’ve logged in – you’re both probably technically skilled enough to filter the process of applications for “member” status. Frankly, I’ve never read the comments on your site: AFAIC I read your site for your expertise, not anyone else’s. But it’s far more likely that I’d be interested in comments from people who’ve passed some sort of vetting process than from someone who (like me right now!) simply thinks he’ll put in his ten cents-worth.
I know you are far more community-minded than I am, but I hope you are able to find some middle path between the openness your site has had up to the present time, and shutting it down altogether.
If you choose to stay off-line, a word of thanks for the generous provision of information since you started your site. I don’t think you should count your success in terms of people who have said “thank you.” Personally – and this is purely my opinion – I think that the repeated appearances of IP addresses (again, like mine!) in your web server’s access log will be the best measure of how much your site is valued.
Warm regards,
EJB
While we’ve only been rving for a year, and have no desire to “full time” you’re blog is onenof the best knowledge boosters on the web. It has been an incredible help to me and a great source of encouragement to embark on projects. Your research and willingness to share has been a huge leg up.
Please know that while you get some negative comments, 90% or more of us don’t say much, we really appreciate your efforts.
Thank you for all you’ve contributed and rest assured you are loved.
For what little it’s worth; I think that those of us who really enjoy your blog are probably much less vocal than the few haters. For the simple reason that we have nothing to complain about!
It isn’t fair, but it’s likely that we who really enjoy your blog far out number those who like to make themselves feel superior by nitpicking.
It’s the nature of the internet, I’m afraid.
I hope you can learn to ignore them. Your blog really is a significant contribution to those of us who say the least.
Best wishes to you both and many thanks for all the great knowledge you’ve provided,
Scott
Sorry to hear that! You’ll be missed. 🙂 Hope you come back soon.
For every negative, or passive aggressive comment you get please remember that there are 50 followers who love every word and tip you share. I am sorry your desire to help us all on the RV traveling lifestyle journey has been met by thoughtless mean people. Why those folks are the more vocal I will never understand… but I guess that is the point. They feel the need to poke at others to make themselves feel good. I hope you get rest, find peace, and someday come back to us. Your work has been very much appreciated and I have passed your links on to others who were needing help many times. Good luck to you, please know you will be missed and you have been appreciated by many. Give us a holler if you come back… those of us who are followers will be watching with fingers crossed.
I enjoy your blog. I respect your decisions to run your life how you see fit. I also think that we all need a break some times. Enjoy your time off!
i’m a shadow fan. i’ve learned so much from you. enjoy your time off, but please come back.
Take a break. Y’all deserve it. But please come back!
geez so sorry to hear you have been getting such negative response to your blog. I certainly can see why you need a break from it all but please come back when you are feeling the love that many of us have for all that you do to help the rest of us with all the techie stuff. would love to meet up with you sometime and just chill. we live in Az so come on and warm up for the winter.
Enjoy your break, PLEASE come back…
Sorry to hear your leaving, I check your blog daily for new postings. I have learned so much from you both and enjoy reading of your travels. Take a break, recharge, I hope you will be back soon! I don’t understand why people are such jerks, If they disagree with you they don’t have to read your blog. Seems like a simple solution for people that can think!
You two have been an inspiration and a tremendous resource, and your hard-won knowledge has helped me refine my life plans. I, too, have been the target of unearned vitriol (in person). It’s taken time to process, but here’s what I’ve learned: These people are miserable. They hate their lives and themselves—but they are either unwilling to admit this or incapable of seeing this very obvious truth. People who are content (but not perfect) don’t need to spew venom. The haters? They need to blame and target others. The sick high they get helps dull the pain of massive insecurity. They are pitiful, weak creatures. We’d hate to lose you because of them, but life’s too short and you have an amazing life to live. As for your second point: Why you two don’t get visible forms of love? It may be that you give folks so much to think about, they walk away…thinking. I know I do. Peace to you both.
Wish you well on your break…will be looking for your possible return in future. Happy Trails
I’m very saddened by this. I have so much respect for the both of you.
This blog, and your videos is the best resource my spouse and I found for full time RV living. You guys are young, still working, and tech savvy. It was your blog that helped me convince my husband that our next career jumps needed mobility in mind so we could get moving.
We both watched all you videos. It convinced 6’4″ inches of him that he could probably fit in a renovated bus, and even take the cats. Without your blog we wouldn’t have bothered actually going out and shopping vehicles for him to “fit” in.
I feel guilty that neither of us commented to tell you guys how instrumental this blog was, or how many of your pages we saved. (Especially anything to do with mobile internet.)
I know the hate must be deafening, but I just wanted you to know how much you guys meant to some of us silent fans.
Grrr…trolls just make me despair of humanity. It’s just awful to see what some horrible folks have managed to accomplish with their evil ways. You guys have an amazing blog and so much to offer. It’s such a shame that they’ve caused you to take a break. I hope it’s only temporary and that the trolls don’t “win” in the long run. Thanks for all that you’ve shared – hopefully, we’ll see you back here one day. Cheers – Ellen
Cherie / Chris,
I’m so sorry there are people out there who have nothing better to do than insult others. I can’t imagine why? My wife (Jeanne) and I are going to feel the loss of not having you two as an inspiration. Well, we’ll still be inspired, we’ll just miss your chats, your great photos and stories. I feel like you’ve been part of our circle of friends, kind of like family. I still look forward to the day when we meet in person. Anyway, I will be visiting your tip jar and sending you guys a bottle of wine. Please enjoy,
Scott & Jeanne McLeod
Our Gypsy Life
PS. Wish you the best on your upcoming wedding
Sometimes it takes a moment to step over the ‘lawn sausages’ to resume the beauty of park. I will look forward to your return. And thank you for your sharing hearts.
I too have enjoyed your posts and vlogs for some time now. You’ve helped my wife and I in a number of ways over the last year. As a new vlogger ourselves, it is disheartening to hear this – something that appears to happen to many popular bloggers/vloggers.
You will be missed during your absence, and I hope that you’ll come back refreshed and recharged – focusing on the good rather than the trolls.
I love you guys. I hope you reconsider. Please take all the time you need. And hopefully you will return. You have given so much of yourselves and have shared such great information. You certainly do not deserve to be treated badly and don’t have to tolerate it for a second. (((((Hugs))))) be well and safe travels. Peace.
Oh no! As I began reading this those two words escaped out loud & my wife said what? You guys are the cats meow in my book and always will be. Those who’ve been there and done it can only teach those who will listen. Please know that every post and every video you’ve done has been enjoyed and totally appreciated. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves and your life. Take the time you need but please come back when you’re ready.
I’m very sad about this. As an RV newbie, you’ve taught me a great deal, and I’ve enjoyed your videos and blog immensely. Sorry to hear some base, moronic haters got you down. You two are a fun, intelligent light in this world; may you keep on shining, wherever you roam. (And if you ever roam back to Alaska, would love to meet you and assist you in whatever way I can. I live in Anchorage.)
Thanks for sharing what you have so far, I hope you come back and continue to share your journey.
No, no, no, no! I hope you just take a break and please come back. Miss you already.
Sorry guys — while I don’t really understand (and really have no reason or aptitude to) a lot of the tech stuff you talk about, I really enjoy your articles, videos & blog entries. I get the email updates & see you in my timeline, but I guess I missed a lot of the negativity, but I’m sorry you’ve had this experience. When someone shares their lives the way you do & try to inform & help others, there’s just no reason for such ugliness. I hope things get better for you – at least distancing yourself from the haters (even for a little while) might help your morale. I wish you nothing but the best.
I think you guys deserve a break even if the response was 100% positive. Thanks for your work and sharing. Art
I have been enjoying your blog for the past 6-7 months. Thanks for all the time and effort you put in. I feel sorry for the people who feel that being negative and even hurtful is in any way constructive. I have always felt your sharing has been in an adult and considerate manner. Tom
Sorry to hear the news. I have enjoyed your writing immensely. The quality of your work is second to none. But you two have had one helluva year. It sure sounds like it is time for a long sabbatical. I remember trying to put out some “flame wars” on a couple of listservs I was on back in the late 90’s. All I accomplished was adding fuel to the fire. I don’t understand why people can be such jerks. Take care. Life is too short for bullshit.
I’m so sorry it’s come to this, but I completely understand your frustration and need for a break.I hope you find peace, solace, and healing. All the best to you both!