| In a nutshell, here is my dream. I want to purchase a small parcel of land deep in the wilderness and drop out of society. I am going to build a tiny shotgun- style house with lumber and plywood and live in it. I plan on growing most of my own food and fishing and trapping for the rest. After I get settled in and get rolling, I will start weaning myself off-the-grid. I am sick of traffic, sirens, boom boom music, crowds, Walmart, crime, and the buzzing conformity that is life in modern America. I am a simple person with simple tastes and I am willing to sacrifice much in the way of lifestyle to achive my goal. Who needs cable TV or pay-per-view when you can walk out of your backdoor and go canoeing, hiking, bird watching, star gazing, spelunking, fishing, etc? It will be like a never-ending camping trip. And that is what I want to do. Get away from it all, for good. Land is cheap where I am looking to move. (one thing..I must have my computer) Biff's FAQ FILE This FAQ page is intended to answer some obvious questions regarding my plans. I have received many emails from people wanting to exchange ideas or offer advice. Also, I have received many critical emails from folks who have a problem with me because I ask for donations on this site. Hopefully this FAQ page will address many of these issues. Some time back, I had an extended "debate" on a message board regarding the nature and merit of my plan to drop out of society. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question : Who are you? Answer : My name is Dr. Biff. I am 53 years old and I was a truck driver for over 30 years untill an injury left me disabled. I live in an urban area just west of Chicago, IL. USA I am sick and tired of all the pollution, crime, traffic and rude people. I want a small cabin in the woods away from "It" all! Question : If your dream is so modest and cheap, then why don't you finance it yourself? Answer : Simple. I have no credit and no savings. I can't work because of my back surgery and have been married 5 times. I live from paycheck to paycheck. My soon to be ex took me off her ins. and my meds are about $1,000 a month without it. I have nothing left over to put back for savings. I am literally subsisting with little hope of getting the heck out of "Dodge" without help. I cannot take out a loan, no bank or lending institution will take a chance on me. As simple as my dream is, it is very hard to finance it on what I make. However, let me emphasize, come hell or highwater I am going to do this, regardless of any donations (or lack of) made through this website. I am not dependent on the public's goodwill to pull this off, but it will certainly make things much easier. Question : You say you want to "live off the grid. Answer : Yes, I am fully aware of the apparent contradiction in terms. I intend on weaning myself off the grid gradually. Question : Are you aware of the realities of living off the land, city boy? Answer : Yes. This is not some half-cocked idea born of whimsy. I have fully researched every conceivable aspect of this plan. I have made arrangements for every contingency that could arise. I am aware that accidents happen, people get sick, cars break down, and other unforseen circumstances could arise during any stage of my plan. These events are considered and will not deter me. Question : How do you make money now? Answer : I recieve a small pension. Question : Even if you find some land, how are you going to afford it and survive while you build your cabin? Answer : Simple. The cabin will be relatively inexpensive and will not require any complex or lengthy construction. Within a matter of days it will be livable. I may have to sleep a few nights in a tent or motel, but that has been considered and planned for. Question : How can the public be sure that money donated through this website will be used for the stated purpose of building a cabin and dropping out? Answer : Basically, I am running on the honor system here. However, when the time comes and I actually move out into the wilderness, I will continue to post updates and pictures on this website to chronicle our progress. Eventually, this website will become a "how to" reference for other people seeking to live off-the-grid. Question : When is all of this going to happen? Answer : I must be out of my sister's basement in 2004. So this is all going to start happening soon. I am indeed operating on a timeline here and that is why any and all donations from the public will be gladly accepted. I accept any and all donations regardless of amount. Anything will help : one dollar, five dollars, twenty dollars, or more. You can be assured that all donations will be put into a savings account and used only for my stated goal of moving out into the wilderness and building a cabin. There are three ways you can help me build my cabin. First, you can donate money through Paypal. Depending on the amount of your donation, you may qualify for a thank-you gift. Donations of $25.00 or more may get a surprise gift. Click the button below to donate via PayPal : All told, the following expenses must be accounted for : 1) purchasing a pickup truck - reliable, late model, six cylinder, automatic. 2) scouting trip to the area to inspect potential properties. 3) the actual move itself - gasoline and rental-trailer fees. 4) storage fees to hold our shit until the house gets built. 5) living expenses until my paychecks start rolling in again. 6) purchasing the property - deposits for electricity, phone, etc. Numbers two and five can be done "on the cheap". Number four will be a modest and temporary expense. Numbers one and six are the kickers that must be financed at all costs. The only ones I cannot plan ahead of time for are the truck and the property. These will require the biggest financial expense of the six and once these two are met, then the others will quickly fall into place. -- They X-Rayed my head and found nothing. Dr.Biff®© ²°°³"TM All rights reserved. www.biffstoejam.com |
| Donations may also be sent directly to: Biff P.O. Box 1898 Bridgeview, IL 60455 |
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