I’m a recent subscriber but I also bought a number of back issues and anthologies. I’ve learned something from every issue.

- The recent water treatment articles have been helpful. Tim Thorstenson was very generous in offering to answer questions. I sent him some questions and also suggested topics that would be good for additional articles. I hope you’d be open to that. With a little reorganization, the articles would make a good booklet. (Mostly more clearly defining subtopics and putting all the info on a subject in one spot.)

- The recipes and commentary by Richard Blunt are always well written, interesting, and helpful. I have a degree in foodservice, was in the business for 15 years, have done most of the cooking for 40 years, yet I have learned something from each of Richard’s articles. I’ll have to try every recipe he suggests in his most recent article.

- Can you ask Norman Bennett a follow-up question on his metal roofing article?

The most commonly cited question/problem re: metal roofs is leakage around the screws after 5 to 10 years. Supposedly, with expansion and contraction, the holes in the metal enlarge and the seal on the screw deteriorates. What has Norman seen re: any problems?

I recently had a metal roof installed by an independent contractor–the one that the metal supply company said was their best installer and that they send out to solve problems. (I engaged the supply company owner in a conversation and kind of worked it out of him.) The job looks great and the trim, etc. is as Norman recommends. But I wish I had seen Norman’s article before spending the 10K!

I needed a new roof because a wind storm broke off 20% of the “tabs” on 10 year old builder-grade asphalt shingles. The metal roofing contractor laid a premium foam underlayment (Palisade) over the old shingles . I had and still have some concerns about the screw issue but my feeling is that even if a screw does leak, the water has to drip around the screw, then through the plastic underlayment, then through the old shingle, then through the old felt, enough to rot the plywood. So it should be a very tiny leak thus taking a long time for any real damage to occur–right?

- I find it interesting that several of those canceling because they disagree with your libertarian principles also complain about all the lies on Fox News. Are they talking about all the liberal hosts on Fox–at least 25%?  The liberal political operatives? Or is it Glen Beck, who usually shows video clips of progressives convicting themselves with their own beliefs. In any case, why would they watch a show they think is presenting lies?

I’m interested in how many of the cancellations are from those who subscribed for more than one year. Or are they plants who subscribed within the last year–just so they could cancel? You should post the number of issues those canceling have been subscribers. I also can’t imagine any homesteader or someone even thinking about living in the country being antigun–don’t they know about rabid raccoons, bobcats and coyotes?  These cancellations smell even more like outside agitators since it’s easy to skip over the gun articles.

Thanks,

Irv K.

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Just wanted you to know that the reason why I have kept your magazine above all others is the quality of advice by your experienced writers.

I can collect lots of info on-line but would rather not follow the “tried it once and it seemed to work” folks.  If I have more experience in the subject than the writer their articles usually just waste my  time.

Keep up with the good writers and I will always be a subscriber.

Holly B.

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I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed “the gee-whiz page” in issue #125. I thoroughly enjoy all the articles that include any insight from O.E. MacDougal.  I have learned a tremendous amount over the past few years of reading back issues that featured John Silveira‘s recounts of conversations with MacDougal.  The series about the first ladies was especially interesting.

Thank you for including history in Backwoods Home Magazine.

Marlana Ward
Mountain City, TN

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Hi everyone at Backwoods home!

I just received my first editions of your magazine and Emergency Preparedeness guide. I could not put them down. I absolutely love your ideas.

What caught my attention to order this was the [Emergency Preparedness and Survival Guide]. I had just taught a class on Emergency Preparedness at our church. Also our local sherrif Department heard about what I was doing and asked me to speak at a local neighborhood watch meeting. This just happened to be right before the “500 year flood” that hit our area .(Nashville and Hohenwald, TN).

I wanted to let you know that your book is so much more detailed than what I got from the FEMA website. Although they have good information. You had the info that I was looking for, like [preparing for bombs and nuclear attack], food storage, and long term survival. I am glad to know that I am not the only one out there that thinks about these things.

I have basic survival preparations: kit, plan, info, chickens, garden etc., but you have certianly lit a fire under me! I have sent info to all my family and encourage everyone to be prepared. I will definately tell them about you guys.

I am reading your magazine cover to cover with great excitement.Thank you for your work! There are lots of people who don’t give these things a second thought.

Keep up the good job!

David Carroll

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Just had to comment on this article in the September/October 2010 issue: it is not really necessary to use two-by-x lumber; one-by-x will do nicely if it’s braced properly and there is no more than a four-foot span between supports. I always add at lest a 1″ x 2″ support edge at the front and back of each pantry shelf. I have also built shelves using front-to-back bracing but I have to admit that doesn’t seem as good.

The author experienced a collapse of a set of metal shelving. I have to wonder what gage the metal happened to be. I have had great success with the heavier-duty metal shelf units, and with office-type storage cabinets. The light-duty metal shelving sold in many hardware and discount stores is weak and flimsy; as a 67-year-young disabled veteran I do not have much strength in my hands, but even I can bend one of those 18-gage shelves!

Currently, our “pantry” consists of a built-in closet-style shelf set about 28 inches wide by 24 inches deep, where we keep the canned meats and sauces; a nice tan steel office cabinet with a locking door where I keep boxes of cereal, pasta, and other goods (I cover the bottom of this one and the backs of each shelf with fresh bay leaves each spring), and a nice 24″ x 36″ Edsal industrial shelving unit that holds canned goods, jellies, jams, and jugs and bottles of water and juices. The metal units have flanged shelves and are 12-gage steel. Over the years I have collected gallon jars and popcorn tins to hold wheat, barley, millet, whole oats, tapioca — and of course sugar. We do not store flour; in our climate even with the best of care it tends to turn rancid. We swap for or buy honey at the farmers markets as we need it. We have two chest-style deep freezers: an 18-cubic-foot in the barn and a smaller five-cube here in the house. Excess non-perishable foods that won’t be affected by heat and cold are stored outside in an old mobile home in four more office cabinets and two sets of shelves built of 1″ x 6″ and 1″ x 10″ lumber. We use the deep-mulch method to preserve cabbage, potatoes, rutabagas, and turnips over the winter, and simply rake back the straw covering or the snow when we need a root vegetable or a head of cabbage for a meal. We have a cold frame for spinach, chard, and other hardy, leafy greens.

All that works for us. We’ve been here for 22 years, most of those as subscribers to Backwoods Home. We appreciate the articles and the letters from readers, and always get a chuckle out of the Irreverent Jokes page.

Your faithful subscriber,

Joyce Eikenberry
Ohio

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I want to thank you for being there.

My mother hen hatched 3 chicks. Both her and  my first experience with this. I was so excited. When I told people at work they looked at me like I had just landed from Mars.  It is nice to read your magazine and blogs and know that I am not alone in this world.

Other people  out there still get excited about first chickens, tomatoes and wonder what to do with all that zucchini.

Thank you again.

Rebecca Boitnott
Virginia

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I just got my new issue of BHM and I noticed several nasty letters canceling subscriptions because of right wing thinking. Keep up the right wing thinking! If anything, you are not right enough! I have been a subscriber for years, have most of the anthologies, several of your books and all of my back issues. I love Jackie! She is my absolute favorite. My sister, Linda, who is also a subscriber, and I often talk about Jackie’s articles.

My husband and I moved back to our home in Tennessee a little over a year ago, having moved to Illinois approximately 8 years prior for fortune not fame. Unfortunately, there was not much fortune to be had there either. Ha! Ha!

We are trying diligently to get as prepared as we can for whatever is coming without going completely nuts. Most of our friends and family think we are crazy. I am sure there are more of “us” in the area, we just haven’t talked to many yet.

LOVE BHM !!!

Virginia Weathers
Tennessee

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Thank you for a great magazine, full of tips and advice on how to live an independent, self-reliant life–without making it seem “criminal” to be Conservative!  Keep it up.

Jane Brown
Umpqua, Oregon

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Dave

You guys have a great magazine, dare I say the best!  I like every part of it. I like John Silveria, Massad Ayoob, your editorials, and all the wonderful info I have learned.

I canned meat because of your magazine, never thought I would do that. I have a Libertarian viewpoint like a few of you do, and wish more people did. I read “Can America be saved from stupid people”, and no I don’t think it can, without some type of revolution, bloody or peaceful.

I read your articles online and in print, I’d say your magazine is the easiest to find, and use in all media formats.

Thanks and keep up the great work!!

Todd Lange
Nebraska

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I just wanted to say thank you to all of the writers and staff of Backwoods Home Magazine.  You have inspired me to finally get off my duff and create a website and a new business.  I was disappointed in the writing and opinion of other magazines that promote independent living.  Sorry, but if I have to surrender my Second Amendment rights or be told I can’t criticize an entrenched politician, then I don’t care how far off the grid you are, you are not living free.

I know there are those who want you to drop your political views.  But to what end?  America has been and always will be political.  It’s part of who we are and what made us so great.  But it’s always a SMALL group who stand up and actually shout their opposition to tyranny and ultimately take action.  The majority either side with the tyrants out of fear and wanting to be on the “winning” side or, like the vast majority of Americans, they simply don’t care and don’t want to hear about it.  Like a child, they believe all that is necessary for evil to stop is to close your eyes and ignore it.  This was very much like the American Revolution, when a relatively small handful of citizens actually participated on the side of the Revolution.

BHM is doing it right.  You may not be as slick as the big money magazine (I’ll denote here as M.E.N). but you are far better, far more down-to-earth and serve a real and growing group of Americans who have come to the realization that America does not reside in Washington D.C., it resides in the hearts and souls of those who can reach across time and touch the meaning of what our founders really wanted.

Americans should be free to live quietly.  To raise those chickens and goats.  To have a garden.  To tap energy from flowing water, the wind or the sun.  They should also be happy in the knowledge that their government is working with them in their endeavors and not singling them out for heavy handed fines, threats, or worse, an armed attack to seize their property.

I am going to recommend  BHM to those who will be coming to my website.  I also intend to become an advertiser.  Thanks again for inspiring me to stand up and start using those rights that we all talk about, but few actually use.

Jim Harris

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Hello!

I just wanted to send you a little note and let you know how much I appreciate your magazine!

We live here on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and my husband and myself have been living  simply for a long time.

Thanks to all the great info from your magazine we are striving for total self sufficiency!

In these times of a bad economy,your magazine has become our bible.

Thanks for giving us a shot at the good life!

Julie & Don Goulart

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Editor and Staff,

I just wanted to drop a line and say thanks for a great magazine and E-newsletter. I look forward to getting the newsletter every month and the magazine every couple. I have several friends (hopefully future subscribers) who I have turned onto your magazine and and I know have been visiting the website.

I live in the depressed economy of Michigan and like many others is trying to keep my head above water. I hate going to my job due to the negativity and dismal spirit found there. I work in the auto industry and can tell you things are better than they were even just 6 months ago but I can still feel that my job is in jeopardy on almost a daily basis. It’s time for a change I just haven’t figured out what that is totally going to be.

You are always a bright light of hope as I can see where I need to go. I’m working on it and probably will be relocating my family in the near future to a property where we can practice the homesteading spirit. I don’t know what I will be doing yet but you have given me some direction on where to look.

Thanks again,

Jim Loomis

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Hello BWH!

I just had to drop you a line and let you know how much my hubby and I love your magazine. We have been subscibers for only a couple of years now, but have learned so much! In our plight for self sufficiency, your magazine has been so valuable to us-when we receive it…we actually flip a coin to see who gets to read it first! Cover to cover I might add! We always find a project that sounds good, so we put it on the to-do list. And we love the letters from the other folks who also are faithful readers.

Since subscribing, we have managed to put in an even larger garden than we had, and grow and can almost all of our veggies. Anything we need to supplement, it’s farmers’ markets and local farmers only.

We are surrounded by ocean so we do a lot of fishing, as we love fish…I doesnt cost us a dime and its healthy for us..and we love to go fishing!

We also built our own greenhouse from mostly recycled materials! We have a flock chickens for eggs and looking into getting a couple of cows for milk and meat and a few goats for milk for us and also to use in my soaps! Yes soaps!!!

My Hubby is looking into material to make some solar panels to use while we save up to get enough panels to go completely off grid.

We quit our jobs and are now self-employed. Not letting others profit off our labor is liberating!

We live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. I was wondering if there are any other readers around my parts. I saw BWH for the first time a few moths ago and with the self-sufficiency movement catching on…it would be a benefit and education for all who read!

We are so grateful to you for all the great info. You have been so helpful!!!!!

We look forward to many more years with you!!!

Julie & Don Goulart
Mashpee, MA

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I just got my package containing The Whole Sheebang and I’m so excited! It’s like Christmas all over again! There’s so much to read and learn, I don’t know where to begin!

I already have Jackie Clay’s book, “Starting Over” but that’s ok because now I can give it as a gift to someone. :-)

Thanks for the prompt service. You publications are definitely my favorites by far!

Now I’m going to go make myself some tea, grab an afghan and soak in all that Backwoods Home goodness starting with, “The Best of the
First Two Years”

Thanks again and take care!

Rhonda Jurgenson

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As a new subscriber to your magazine I was surprized that your humor section actually used Southerners as the butt of your humor.  I like a good joke and a laugh but I find it demeaning to use stereotypical humor with Southerners as the focus.  In some circles this could be construed as bigotry, but what the hell… nobody gets bent out of shape if a woman or a negro is the focus of humor, right?  Why should Southerners feel put off when a complete column is devoted to them.

I enjoy your magazine altogether.  The information it provides is worth the subscription rates.

Best wishes,

Mississippi Slim

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I really like the looks of your magazine, but is it really an extra $3 postage per issue to send it to Canada?  Not surprisingly that makes it way to expensive for me to consider.  I have things larger than a magazine sent to me from the US for less than $3.

Chris DeVries

Chris,

Dave

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Hi Folks,

I opened your webpage, which is indeed a masterpiece of useful information, and found a political article. I happen to be a strong supporter of President Obama and am really hoping that he will be given a chance to make some difference. I get tired of his every move, idea, thought, action, being criticized. He can’t pick his nose right.

When he came into office no one gave him a manual on how to clean up the mess he inherited. How can he be wrong on everything. The previous administration sure didn’t do everything 100% right. So I get offended when I see a magazine that promotes simple, close to the earth living going off into political commentary.

I’d like to think that I will be reading the articles on living simple. There are magazines that are specifically focused on political analysis. If I want political commentary I can subscribe to one or more of them.

I called up your website to subscribe to the Backwoods Home magazine, but first I want to know if the article I read is going to be the kind of fare I will be getting or is this just a one time editorial?

A potential subscriber

Harold Wheeler

Harold,

The articles you see on the website, which comprises hundreds of articles, some with a Libertarian viewpoint, is an accurate representation of what is contained in each issue of the magazine.

Dave

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Dear friends at Backwoods Home:

Kudos to Emily Chadwick (Call Me Plumber Jan/Feb.2010 issue).  I hope her toddler was smart enough to be impressed by Mom’s spunk and self reliance.

When I was a young lad, I accidentally dropped a quarter into the toilet after finishing my business, but before flushing.  Oh No!  25 cents was a lot of money to a young one in a poor family in the 1960′s.  My mom instantly transformed into a superhero and plunged her hand into the toilet bowl.  Feeling around under the brown floaters, she pulled the money from the drain of doom.  I could not have been more impressed by Wonder Woman charging into machine gun fire!  Washing her hands and my money, she explained that it’s not always pleasant, but we do what must be done.  It was one of many incidents proving her to be the strongest, bravest woman I knew.

I am now older than she was then.  When I need strength and courage in the face of adversity, I still look to her for inspiration.  I expect Mrs. Chadwick’s daughter will feel the same way.

Paul Miller
Hannibal, MO

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As I have my own business, I get to work with the public and that includes many officers of the law. I have taken a sort of poll. The concensus is hole up your weapons and buy as much ammo as you can afford. Store up food and be prepared. Something is in the air and it’s coming this way.

I am not one to say the sky is falling, but I have done what my senses have told me to do. I am also “networking” with reliable people whom I can trust and depend on and with. (That network is a very small one for obvious reasons)

I cannot comprehend that some people cannot comprehend that someday the store won’t be open and there won’t be any food on the shelves. What will they do?

I truly hope all this bypasses us and things get better but if not I’m ready.

One more thing…Love your mag!! I try not to read the whole thing when I get it in the mail and try to save some for late night reading, but dang!….I read it all again on the day I got it. Just will have to read it again…

[Name withheld by request]
Kirbyville, MO

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Mr. Duffy,

This year was my first year subscribing to your magazine and I just wanted to say thank you. I’m 27 now and I know that that’s not really to old or wise but I guess I have a bit of an old fashioned soul and way about looking at life. I’m not caught up in all the trendy junk pushed onto us. Nor do I buy into all the scare tactics thrown at us all over public media. I believe that people actually need to earn what they get and I don’t mind doing hard work to get it. I’ve never felt self gratitude after receiving something I didn’t really deserve. But I do take pride in the unexpected pat on the back I get from doing something right and doing it well. Not because I wanted a reward but because it needed to be done and well lets face it I trust myself (and that’s about all) to get it done.

Anyway, about the age thing. I’m currently in my 3rd year a U.S.Marine and I live in a barracks filled with stupid people. My mom and dad raised me right. Yes ma’am, no sir. You want something bad enough, you work for it. Respect your elders, and most of all respect yourself. If someone does do you a favor be honestly grateful. If you mess up, man up and accept what’s coming. Yes I’ve messed up plenty, but I also am doing what I need to make it right. However to 90% of my co-workers, the task of doing a load of laundry is overwhelming. Oh and don’t even ask them to clean up after their own messes. These guys were sheltered. Mommy and daddy handed them everything they wanted whenever they demanded. Their parents never smacked their bottoms but instead grounded them to their rooms, which of course are filled with tvs, video games and more entertainment then most small countries. Now don’t get me wrong, we work hard when we work, but when work is over (or as soon as somebody isn’t riding their asses and giving them step by step order) their brains turn off. It just amazes me how these big bad marines can be such babies. Common sense vanquished. I wonder how they will survive once they return to the civilian world and have to actually fend for themselves.

I am currently reading your “Stupid People” book and it’s one of the most honest to the point truths I’ve experienced. I only wish I could shout half of the common sense in this book to the people around me. How can the world or at least America really be so blind. I guess I’ve kinda turned this into a rant but what I’m trying to say is I appreciate your work at helping good honest hard working americans stay on the right path. I love your magazine. I feel like part of a big happy family when I’m reading it and I’m glad that real people still exist. Thank you for being real, and telling what some of us think but most of us never get say. Please pass along my sincere gratitude to everyone in and involved your magazine/website. Thank you.

Respectfully

PFC Andrew Nolen  U.S.M.C.
East Sparta, Ohio

P.S. I’ve extended my subscription for at least the next two years. I cant wait to see what’s coming next.

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