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.
Wow… Chris and Cherie – My god…I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience. Can’t imagine what possesses some to be so ugly. It seems the anonymity of the internet pulls a level of invective out of some individals that they would never display openly. All I can say is: Frederika and I have relied on your help so much – that’s why I saw this…I was looking to research a topic that I knew you would have tons of info on. We enjoyed meeting you last year at Borrego Springs with Paul and Nina; we appreciate you greatly; if you go away we will miss you terribly. Much love and all the best to you both… Pete Olson & Frederika Haskell
Cherie and Chris,
I have never commented before but I had to now!!!
I have been reading your blog, learning SO MUCH from it and just Loving every post that you do!!
You are UNIQUE, SINCERE, FAITHFUL to your blogorinos, and much, much more.
I for one would be very sorry to not be able to see your blog. It is no surprise to me that you all are being inundated with GOOD comments!
May you find a little peace and rest, and then get recharged to continue. Just remember and never forget that you are a BLESSING to many of us out here and we so much appreciate everything you do and we learn from you and “travel” with you.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of information with us and for being unselfish. Your blog is indeed a model for others to follow, may you be blessed!
Karen
please take a break. then come back to the folks who LOVE what you do….F@@K the haters. thanks for all you do…
I recently found youse guys via an SKPs post and have been devouring your expertise and enjoying your symbiosis on camera. You can’t possibly talk too much – there’s so much info to impart (absorbing which requires me to stop the video often to go explore some new goodie you mention).
Regarding negativity – consider the source. And be thankful you aren’t burdened by such a downtrodden view of the Universe.
Years ago on my first solo night broadcasting as a volunteer for KVMR in Nevada City, CA (a must-see location) as I was giving information about the esoteric music I was playing from my personal collection, a listener called and said, “Would you just shut the f**k up and play the gogdam music!” OMG! I thought, am I rambling too much? So I started playing longer sets with less talk. Another call – from the same woman – with more profanity-laced invective but with a decidedly drunken slur made me realize she was just so much background noise in my life and I tuned her out. A later call asked about a song I had just played which informed me that listeners DID want to know about the obscure music being played.
Just know that your love of the subject comes across loud and clear.
Also congratulate yourselves on becoming better employers of the self-employed in granting you the time off to decompress. Self-employment is hard. Put your health first.
If you never came back to further enlighten us you could proudly rest on the laurels of all the material extant.
Hugs and appreciation for all you have done…
Ken Kligerman, camping at home in the woods until our next foray into the world in our 84 Lindy
We have been reading and enjoying your posts for some time. I hope a break refreshes you and you choose to return. This won’t sound as wise as many of the comments but I sometimes remind myself, “never argue with idiots, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience”.
Chris
So sorry to hear that you have gotten feed back that is not just THANKs for giving us all some GOOD information and fun things to think about. I have in joyed all the things you have talked about they all have given me food for thought ! Hope things work out for you and do not let the BAD guys get you down. Hope to hear from yo soon, we will stop by in Quartzite and say hello.
Interesting many people don’t post original material that informs, but have time to post negative comment like they know what they’re talking about. Sad how many popular sites get negative comments that don’t help make the site better or clarify information on the site.
When my dad passed away I inherited a sign that he had hanging in his shop which is now in my office. It said “Illegitimi non Desperandum”. Don’t let the ba@&ards get you down. We’re not full time RVers…yet. But found you guys and look forward to your insights and info. Take a break. Come back. There are far more people who will miss you than will diss you. (hey I just made that up!)
Be well!
I understand about taking a hiatus. Sometimes it’s what you need to do.
Just remember that there are LOTS of us out here who love you, who appreciate all that you do, and who have been inspired and encouraged by your posts and sharing. I don’t think we would be on the road if it weren’t for all I learned from you!
I’m probably preaching to the choir, but do remember that anyone who is attacking you or trying to pull you down is first off, in the way, WAY WAAAAAAAY (yes, I’m shouting) minority; usually 2% or less. They sometimes seem like more because they have no sense of compassion or empathy and so spew more filth than the other 98%. Also remember that they are typically threatened by or jealous of anyone who cares about others, helps other people, is generally successful, or gets into a position where people listen to them. You’ve obviously made it in all four of those categories.
I hope you find a personal way to deal with the anti-social (not the “I’m not going to be social” type but the “I won’t allow anyone to every be social and will stop it in any way I can”) unfriendly psychopaths out there who have targeted you. And I’m sure there are lots of others besides me who will come to your aid in any way we can.
After reading the nearly 300 comments on here, I think it is time to revise the old saying to “Those who can – do and teach. Those who can’t and are jealous of those who can – b*tch and moan.” 🙂
Everything you have shared has rippled out to so many of us …and those ripples will continue to flow as each one of us takes a step outside the box of conventionality to follow the dream. That is what you are doing and it is awesome!!! Often the judgers and bullies are stuck and thank goodness you and many of us are NOT!!
Damn, you guys are my favorite RV’ers not to mention that you’re so damn informative. All I can say is that if you truly love what you’ve been doing do it despite the haters or else they “win”…
Good for you. Take the time to re-charge and enjoy. It is to bad that people need to criticize other’s. I always told my kids, as they were growing up, when people need to criticize or put you down to make themselves feel better it speaks volumes about the sadness in their lives.
“I am thankful for the difficult people in my life. They have shown me exactly who I don’t want to be.” ~unknown
Enjoy this time and be safe.
Tom and Deb
Celebrating the Dance
We’re going full time in May, and find your website very helpful. So sorry that some people have been cruel. Understand why you want/need a break. All the best.
David and Becky Tscherne
I have not contacted you for quite some time and only to ask questions when I was dreaming of getting a travel van to hit the road. You answered my questions and I continued to fantasize of the day when my dreams could come true. I continually checked the PPL website searching for affordable vans and went to check out a few in person several times. I watched more than a few of your live broadcasts and visited your site regularly. It was so wonderful learning about your adventures. Unfortunately my dream was sidelined in November of last year when I found out I had a brain tumor which was, thankfully, benign. While I was recovering in the hospital I figured, once I got out I would continue my quest for travel freedom with a vengeance but before I left the hospital I found out I had lung cancer and life changed forever.
Your adventures inspired me early on and I wanted to follow your example. Once that wasn’t possible, visiting your site meant the world to me. Just living through you two was wonderful. The quality of your articles, videos and site are up in the top tier of travel sites. There will always be haters but know there are plenty of us that love you.
Ps. Moral to this story is, accomplish your dreams while they are possible. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. If you want to travel…do it now! If you want to write about it…do it now! Don’t wait until the day it is no longer possible. Ignore the trolls. Be you.
I undersatand and will miss you. Please continue to take care of yourselves and do whatever is best for the two of you. You have been a wonderful insight to intelligent RVing living. I wish you the best!
Good luck, your fortunate to have each other, do what you have to. I’m just starting out…hope we run across each other sometime. L
This is my first comment ever.
We must drown out the negativity.
I appreciate you guys very much.
Love reading your blog.
I would like to eliminate haters.
Thank you for your informative blogs!
I have only been a member for a short time but I have learned from you and enjoyed your personalities. If we met at a camp ground I’m sure we would share a bottle of wine and become good friends. God Bless you both!
Hang in, hang on guys!! Do NOT let those critical jerks get yiu down! We are with you! Love your openness.
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
Borrowed line from a U2 song of long ago.
🙂
See you on your return.
You guys put your hearts and souls into providing great information to the RV’ing community and deserve nothing but gratitude for what you so freely give. Take a break (you certainly deserve it) and come back when and if you feel ready. Know that those people who “hate” are deeply troubled and unhappy human beings. Peace to you both.
Chris & Cherie- This is truly unfortunate, yours was one of the few truly authentic, unbiased and most helpful blogs I have found as I explore the who world of RV living. I have never before felt the need to post a comment until now (mainly because of the noise from those same trolls); unfortunately the Internet appears to bring out the “id” of most people who see an opportunity to tear down others for whatever inane reason they feel they need to. I think this post deserves at a minimum a response… which is “Thank You”.
Thank you for all you have contributed and selflessly given over the past few years. The sheer amount of knowledge you’ve just put out there for people to discover is outstanding and a testament to your character.
Job well done. Kick back, enjoy some wine and recharge.
Once the trolls go back under their bridge, hopefully you’ll decide to come back to us here.
Just know if you do, we’ll all be waiting eagerly in anticipation.
Best Wishes,
Ted
I a kind of surprised. While I didn’t alway agree with everything you guys said, a lot of though usually went into it. Picking on someone because we don’t like your name, lifestyle, etc. seems like an awful waste. I like your knowlege and experience. I would love to get together some time have a beer and argue over things. I always find it boring to have arguments with people who always agree with me. If you’re going to be in Quartzsite, maybe we can get together.
Hey guys, hang in there. As I said in another post you have 8000+ followers. People don’t follow those they don’t like, don’t resonate with, or agree with but there’s always those who are a beer can short of a six pack ;o) We appreciate the fact that you keep this stuff to yourselves and delete it before we see it but sometimes, letting us shoot those idiots down would save your sanity. It would also let you see that for every stupid comment there would be hundreds of good ones. It’s like a business getting a bad review, before you do anything else you get everyone to put up good reviews to push the bad one down and hide it within a mass of good reviews. We can and would do that for you guys and you wouldn’t even have to ask, it would be instinctive for us. After everything you’ve given us and continue to give us how could we not??? Looking forward to sharing a Bota Box with you both one of these days soon.
Love you guys .you are a great help to the van living community as well, hope all goes well for you,
Chris & Cherie
I for one have long followed your web page for quite a while and enjoy it very much.
Have never understood why some would post negative comments about your efforts.
Kind of like the radio & TV, if you don’t like it, change the channel.
Your post and blog have been very informative.
Hope you will continue.
Charles
Wanna Be RVer
You two are the heart-and-soul of the full-time RV movement. Please don’t stop forever, but do take some time to recharge and just be together. You’ve been through so much, lately. Take care of each other. That comes first, but you will be missed.
Very well said Sandy.
I have been reading your blog since around the time you got your oliver. You guys helped me discover fiberglass rvs and i bought a new Escape trailer in 2012. I also got in on the millinicom verizon deal based on your posts and tons of other little bits of knowledge gained from your posts over the years. I have never once posted a comment before and I have never read the comments on here, I only read the post, absorb the knowledge and move on so I was very surprised to read that you guys are getting any hateful comments at all. I understand if you want to stop for awhile or permanently but it saddens me there is at least one person out there who gets mad over something like rvs and traveling.
Sorry to hear you have haters affecting your desire to blog and post. They are everywhere on the Internet on forums/blogs I follow, whether it’s tech forums, vehicle, RV’ing or whatever. Have followed your blogging for a long time and as an ex-software developer I enjoy the tech side of what you have to say. I like to think that it’s just the keyboard and such haters aren’t really like that but honestly I think those who spout negativity are just really hating themselves and need to try and drag others down to them. Take a break, have some wine, watch the sunsets, then decide. After reading about FT/PT rv’ing for years my wife and I will finally get to the SW in our fiver for 3 months this winter. All the blogs I’ve read have given me a lot of insight into where to go, what to do and how to do it. Maybe we’ll cross paths somewhere along the travels.
Well…. I hope to see you two on the road some day, and share a bottle of wine and some solar.
What a bummer….. Sorry to hear you obtained negative posts in the past! There’s all kinds. What a shame……
This is my first post on your site (and maybe only my 3rd post on any blog) and maybe after reading what has occurred, I should have been posting supportive comments especially when I enjoy reading one. Sorry I haven’t in the past! I’ve read your blog every week (for the approximately a year now) and will continue to check to see if you’ve come back. DW and I plan on retiring in 4yrs, we plan to full time in a DP and it’s been a pleasure reading your blog. Thanks for the efforts and time spent posting!
Yes the haters went after the Nomatic Fanatic as well. So sad. I am sorry you both had to experience such people. Most people are good like the both of you. Sorry to see you go. I follow you because one day I will be one that beautiful highway too. For now I live through people like you. It keeps me going when life sucks. Thanks for everything.
Elizabeth Mahurin
Hang in there guys…… My wife and I will miss watching your video logs while enjoying Happy Hour.
We are sitting in the winter sun in Borrego Springs, the desert has a strange way of recharging your batteries, yours and your rigs!
There are too many people out there whose mission in life is to lord over others. I understand, completely, your frustration over the nit-pickers, and just plain mean people. I hope after you have a chance to re-charge, you’ll be back to share more stories and information. I’ll miss your posts.
While i dont always agree with some of your opinions i do like all the resources out there that you guys provide, its difficult to find information that isnt oriented towards the AARP crowd or the weekend family trailer camping, we have over the years had alot of trouble finding much Gen X rving info, you and Gone with the Wynns are really the only consistant younger generations info and advice, im disapointed that there are some people who are just trolls and thier only joy is to anomously bully people online, most internet trolls are such cowards they use trolling because they know that in person thier behaviour would get them a pop in the mouth. i do hope to see you and chris back after you have gotten some time away, Have you and Chris thought of using Vimeo instead of You tube for your videos? i know its not quite as easy as you tube but ive found that its much more professional atmosphere there than you tube.
Even those of us in the AARP crowd find a lot of good information here. Just saying. 🙂
Thank you for all of information you’ve provided to date. My husband and I plan to retire from a house to a home on wheels and have learned so much from the two of you. While your decision makes me sad in so many ways, I say, “Cheers to you! – to your candor, your generosity, and to your brave decision to do what feels right.” We’ll miss your virtual presence and hope to cross paths with you some day.
Holy mackerel, how did I miss that “Workspaces” page until now? Exactly what I need. You guys take your break, I have enough to catch up on.
What I hate is that I didn’t discover you guys sooner! Once I did (about a year ago) your thorough and helpful information – and stories of your own adventures – were instrumental in helping me decide to hit the road full time. I’ve been full-timing since the end of July and cannot believe how amazing this life can be!
I understand the reason for the hiatus but hope to see you back sooner rather than later!
Thank you!
Peter
So sorry you have come to this point. The haters have no “real” life. They thrive on the “power” they feel when they can rip others while protecting themselves behind the anonymity of the Internet. They have neither the talent nor the courage to take on life as you both have done, and in full view to boot. Here’s hoping you’ll be back, and thanks for the years thus far!
While I’m still a few months from getting on the road, it was your articles that convinced me it was practical, and were my gateway to all the other great sources of information. If you never post again, I’m still grateful. Having once experienced a little bit of “around-town” celebrity, I know how disconcerting it is. That said, it’s the best-written blog I’ve seen in a long time, so I hope to read more someday.
Enjoy your life, thanks for sharing your adventures, forget those who offer nothing to life or themselves. Joy.
Chris and Cherie, First time I’ve commented, just to say Thanks! I appreciate your articles on solar and mobile internet, and enjoy the campground reviews. Wishing you all good things in your continuing travels
Cherie – you are a bright, actualized, loving and courageous woman, not to mention a really good writer and photographer. Because this is who you are, I assume Chris is your reflection and you his. Haters don’t get it. They don’t get Life. That is putting it succinctly and mildly. I wonder if there isn’t a way for you to find a volunteer to screen and delete the haters for you. Once advertised that that’s what you do, the haters will have no audience, no place to put their ugly self loathing.
In the meantime, have a good rest. After your huge and stressful bus remodel, you deserve it. Just remember what an enormous service you provide to the RVing community. I miss your posts and I don’t even RV currently, but I love “traveling with you”. Refresh, renew and recapture your fabulous spirit! Sending you both healing love and support. And much gratitude for all I’ve learned from you.
My thoughts exactly.
Hmm…a screener – not a bad idea…
Wow! Sounds like a major case of burnout. Negativity can really sap your strength. Take tome to heal and find your center again. Luckily you have the perfect opportunity to do that being out in nature. Re-read your post from September 26,2007 (A Nomadic Moment). Not all days can be like that, but when it happens it’s sweet, and the memory of it can help you through the dark days.
Take heart in knowing that even though we’ve never met you in person, losing touch with you via your blog and videos is like a personal loss to so many of us… that’s how you know you made a difference in this world
I’ve been reading your blog for several years, and I haven’t posted until now. I have an RV, in no small part because of you two, although I’m limited to weekend and vacation for now. I’d just like to say thank you for all of the wonderful information and even more basically for everyone know that the technomadic lifestyle was possible. You guys rock! Have a good break and hope to read more from you in the future! 🙂
Chris and Cherie – Love you guys and you’re honesty. Take care of and enjoy yourselves, first and foremost. You’ve provided a great service and inspiration to me and many more with your travel adventures and tips. Just yesterday, I was looking at the your solar cost breakdown and thinking how I might make that work. Hope you’ll return in due course when you’re rested, re-energized and happy to be public figures again. Until then, drink all the dang wine you want! 🙂
Your honesty is one of the reasons I look forward to your blog updates. There are only three blogs that we follow and rely on to give us the knowledge we need to follow our dream of full timing in the near future. That would be technomadia, wheeling it and the wynns. We wouldn’t have the knowledge or courage to follow our dream without you all! Thank you for your help! I hope you renew your strength, rediscover your joy and find your smiles again soon! May this bring the two of you closer.
No! You can’t! I mean, if you MUST… But NO! I have just started my blog and don’t have many readers, much less haters. ;-P So while I try to understand what you must feel, I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like. I don’t understand the need people have to be mean for the sake of being mean. You deserve better. You have given a lot to the mobile community.
I did a series of blog posts last month where I mentioned what inspired me to go for it and live the nomad life I’ve always been drawn to – and you guys were mentioned as a big part of my inspiration. I’m a member of your ‘premium’ internet group and very thankful that you offer it. Your website is a valuable resource to me now as I plan, but even more when I am on the road next year. Sooo…take a break. Take a long break if you must. But pease come back. You are valued and appreciated more than you can imagine.
Very very sad to see you guys sign off. I’ve always found your blog inspirational.
There are always party poopers…I can only speculate that they are neurotic and envious sad folks that only wish they could enjoy life as you both are.
What you both are doing is way too important and valuable to the many of readers who are benefiting from what you share to be dashed by small minds….What a great thing you both are doing! Keep on-
Damn the torpedoes, FULL SPEED AHEAD!!
Wow. I just started following your blog. So, sooo sorry about the silly, stupid, angry comments you have received,
I find your blog, pictures, sharing attitude so helpful and friendly and genuine.
People who are angry share thier sickness way to much. They can rant to people they don’t have to look in the eye. A coward’s attack.
Take care of your selves. Enjoy the wonderful journey you have bravely chosen. You rock!
Deb
You take your break and when you’re ready, we’ll all be here eager to read your next post. Remember why you began this and for whom. Those “haters” aren’t worthy of their mention. I may rarely comment cause frankly I hate writing but my husband and I look forward to your posts/blogs. We just bought a motorhome and will be full timing some time in 2016, God willing. So you see we need you back.
Absolutely love your blog and everything about it, hope to see you back again someday. Enjoy yourselves.
Wow. I hope you are still reading the responses to your sad news. Even though I want to think that full-time RVers are helpful, considerate people (our experience so far), I guess being public figures is never easy. What a shame that you have had enough negative comments on your labor of love to make this decision necessary. I hope that you are getting overwhelming support to let you know how much your site has been appreciated.
For our part, we started traveling full-time 1.5 years ago, and started planned a year before that. Your site was the first one I found when I started to look for a full-time community. You gave us the confidence to actually make the start, and a lot of knowledge to make the process easier.
Take care and safe travels. Know that you will be missed.
B and B Retired
Cheri and Chris,
Noooooooo!
But we understand and we love your honesty!
We know you will relax and enjoy life more than ever and wish you all the best….when you come back we look forward to reading all about that free time you had…..
See you in Quartzsite and safe travels!
Les and Sue
I’ve been an RV blogger troll for a couple of years now gaining knowledge and experience from others like yourselves so that when we hit the full-time trail in August 2017 we’ll be ready. I’ve only commented once or twice on anyone’s blog but now feel more compelled to provide you all with positive feedback/comments from the wonderful posts your write to help offset the negative comments that people are sending out there. Maybe you just turn your comments off for a while and not worry about anyone saying anything negative? I can’t pretend to understand how you feel but know there are people out here that really enjoy your content and don’t care if you’ve mispelled something or the picture is blurry or your voice is a little low on video. Your content and topics are great! Recharge the batteries and hopefully we’ll see you soon.
Been following along for a couple years now… Try not to let the ‘haters’ get you down (most of them I’ll bet are just jealous) of the lifestyle. Just block them and move on. Hope to hear from you again soon 🙂
Sorry you have had hate directed your way. No one deserves that when all you both have ever tried to do is give us all such a Big Peek into your lives. I truly hope that when you have relaxed long enough, recharged ever longer the three of you will again let us once again be apart of your lives. If by chance you do not return to blogging, I wish you Fair Winds and Following Seas. My serendipity always find you on your travels.
Respectfully,
S. Kaeseman, SK1(SW), USN (Ret)
Too bad there isn’t some software that would automatically catch and delete abusive posts on YouTube, blogs and FB. I bet there would be millions of people lining up to license it. Hmmm, that may be a pretty good business idea. 😉 Keep it, it’s yours! 🙂