Last comment, Brian & Jesse from above had a reply to a different thread, here's part of it. These two threads should be cross linked somehow...
Quote follows:
"We find that having a nice business card with your picture on it, and maybe a link to a website, if you have one, helps a lot. Tell people you meet who seem curious/suspicious that you're a writer doing research in the area (and keep a travel journal so you're always telling the truth), and then ask the person or people if they know much about the area, and have them give you their opinion on the birds, trees, weather, prices, cost of living, wildlife, social aspects, and recreational activities, ad infinitum - and get them talking to you, which they will. In all the years I've been globetrotting, I've yet to meet *anyone* who wasn't eager to give me their opinion.
A business card legitimizes you as not only an known entity, but a professional. A thousand cards on good, white stock, doesn't cost much, and they'll last you for years if you aren't advertising anything commercial. They're also great to hand to policemen, when you get pulled over, as they can check out your website and see the pictures you post, and the paragraph you write daily. (BLOGS are a great alternative to an actual website. I recommend Wordpress.com .) Be SURE to highly praise any city or general area that you plan to park in.
No LEO or other official is going to worry about you when he/she can follow your adventures on the Net. (Do NOT link to any 'living-on-wheels' sites like this one.) Hiding in plain sight is the best way to go in today's world, and you'll find that you'll make friends with many Police Departments, National Park Rangers, and community vendors and other businesses in areas you frequent in your preferred parking/camping locations." Quote ends.
Thanks for great ideas (business cards, blog, travel writer). Anything we can do to deflect the "abnormal" ideas is good. They also "my reality isn't your reality" too but that doesn't come across as well or nicely.
