Had a guy approach me about the van life... Also, forum support ideas?

[TMG51]

While in a parking lot adding some fans to my refrigerator, a guy approached me with obvious interest as to what I was doing. I turned and he started asking me questions all about van life - apparently, I looked the part of a vandweller while soldering in my sandals. I answered his questions about finding a vehicle, what got me to that point, what systems are needed, any legal holdups, my experiences, etc. His body language suggested he felt like this was an encounter touching something he couldn't quite otherwise grasp.

I also told him about this website, and that it's a community full of people who live this lifestyle, and a great resource of information. He repeated the domain aloud four times before thanking me and taking his leave. He was obviously interested, and I think he might be one to take the plunge, with the right encouragement.

I've wondered before, and this experience draws the same question to mind - has there been any precedent for advertising and/or support of this forum? I'm thinking products with dual purpose. Say, if the website sold "cheaprvliving.com" car magnets. I would be willing to donate to support this place and Bob. I'm sure others would, too. Selling products with an advertising component would make it a two-way street as then people are able to locate this resource. Obviously those with stealth in mind would not want to label themselves, although a magnet could be put up only when traveling and removed before settling somewhere. It would also serve as a community identifier. I always wonder when I see unique camping rigs out there, whether the occupant is a member here.

Just snowballing the idea, here. There are few causes I find need my direct support, but freeing people from a lifestyle they don't really want is one I believe in.

 

[akrvbob]

TMG51, that's an idea that comes up pretty often, a decal to identify ourselves. Somebody even made some for the RTR one year and sold them.

You identified the main problem, stealth. Most people don't want to identify themselves.

One Idea we kicked around was a simple "VD" decal for "vandweller" But, it can stand for other things as well so that didn't go very far!
Bob

 

[Rugster]

Heck, don't worry about identifying yourself. If you made stickers, people could stick them inside their van or outside... I'd buy a couple of cheaprvliving.com stickers

 

[minimotos95]

I'm all for supporting websites I use frequently by buying stickers when I have some extra cash laying around, that isn't something that happens often because I'm a cheap man who is always saving up for something. If there was a "buy CRVL decals" button at the top of the page for $5 or $10 I would eventually click it and proudly display the sticker on my back window.
Maybe something discreet for those stealth mined like the road sign at the top of the page but with just "CRVL" instead of "CheapRVLiving.com"

There has been a vandweller in a dodge hanging around the park I'm staying at and a class B dweller just moved in.

 

[TMG51]

One Idea we kicked around was a simple "VD" decal for "vandweller" But, it can stand for other things as well so that didn't go very far!

Ha, very nice. I see the wisdom there. Minimotos' "CRVL" comment may be more appropriate.

Anywho Bob - I don't know what your operating costs are or how you feel about the idea on the whole, but it sounds like there are more than a couple people willing to chip in. I consider this website the frontier resource of information for livin' the van life, and I'd like to see it continue to succeed, and to see prospective 'dwellers succeed in finding it.

 

[eDJ_]

Could get out the graphic editing software and put up a sticky with enough 1/2" X 4"  strips
that have one line saying "Cheap RV Living" and the www cheaprvliving com/forum on the line
below it so that an 8 1/2 x 11 would be filled with these strips.  they could then be cut out
and stapled on the end.  Would be about the size of a pack of chewing gum.  

Then when you have this posted members could print these on their own printer or at a Library  on
a laser printer for cheap.  Then carry these with them to tear one off to offer any interested souls.

I've done this on websites of my own to promote the site and it is very effective and affordable
for the members.   You can get about eight of these on each side of the page (16 total).
Even use a small graphic of a Van on the end of it.

 

[ZoNiE]

Print CRVL in a white oval like the European Country stickers with the web address in fine print along the bottom.

 

[ZoNiE]

Updated file. If anyone wants to use this. feel free.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Or, go to a site like this:  http://www.autoplates.com/

Have them put CheapRVLiving.com on the bottom, and maybe your forum moniker - TMG51, ZoNIE, etc. on the top.

Regards
John

 

[GypsyDogs]

Updated file. If anyone wants to use this. feel free.

design note: Put the website inside the oval at the bottom. Keep the Euro-Oval look clean.. just sayin'

 

[WheelEstate USA]

design note:  Put the website inside the oval at the bottom.  Keep the Euro-Oval look clean..    just sayin'

I like that idea and would display one if for no other reason than to identify ourselves to other members.
We get lots of questions just because we are not stealth.

 

[highdesertranger]

zonie I like. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

I like that idea and would display one if for no other reason than to identify ourselves to other members.
We get lots of questions just because we are not stealth.

Like you, I really don't do stealth, and I believe that is part of my success.  When people ask questions and get to know you even just a little, and decide you're no threat, they're not as likely to complain about you.

It is not at all unusual for me to get told by a neighbor that I am welcome to stay for as long as I like, and many will tell me that if anybody gives me any trouble tell them you're visiting xxx and you'll be fine.

Campers are not normally perceived as threats.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I was coming out of a van when a sprinter with 3 people inside accosted P) me and started asking me about solar and living in a van. I was a really cool experience

 

[highdesertranger]

van life you look just like someone else on this forum. highdesertranger

 

[ZoNiE]

Rev 2. WWW inside the Oval.
I'm gonna see about getting some printed.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

van life you look just like someone else on this forum.  highdesertranger

There can't be 2 people this sexy in the world

 

[jonthebru]

I like this forum. I also subscribe to several Facebook groups about full timing, boondocking, free camping, etc. Whenever someone obviously inexperienced asks basic questions I often recommend they come here and join and read the posts. It is a tremendous platform, tons of information showing there are a million ways to do it.

 

[Patrick46]

Rev 2. WWW inside the Oval.
I'm gonna see about getting some printed.

Uhhhhhhh....

have you guys forgotten that I own a
SIGN & GRAPHICS BUSINESS????



How many of these do ya want??

(I 'may' modify it ever so slightly, but this basic idea is just fine, and for me to print these out??...easy-peisy!)

 

[ZoNiE]

Didn't know. Perhaps Bob would want some to sell to help pay for the forum bandwidth and hosting. Sell 'em to Bob for cost. You can make them cheaper that I can have them made...

I think they'd look best as an all white cutout, but the traditional euro oval is white with black print.

Feel free, to Use the artwork or change it to make it "right" I hacked this together in a couple of min on word.