Over the past few days, we have received many nice notes from complete strangers, people who have read our story on Slate and claim to be interested (or even inspired) by what we’re up to. It has been humbling to hear such support from the ether.

But I suppose we should not be surprised that responses to the piece have not been universally positive. I thought it only fair to share this comment from a disgruntled subscriber (who, I assume, will not be re-upping when his subscription expires).

It was one thing when your little fantasy fling was almost a secret, but now thousands and thousands of untalented couples will stop doing real work, sell their fine American dream houses, further depressing the market. No one will be left to do the meaningful, boring jobs that GOD intended us to do. The economy will totally collapse. Barns will be all the rage and the shortage of them will cause real farmers to sell out and we will all starve. I will mark this week as the final shout as we begin to circle the drain. Poverty and famine are our only future. Thanks Idiots and thanks Slate.

A former friend and admirer

We read these words and realize, with chagrin, the possibly catastrophic implications of our chosen lifestyle. Our apologies if we’ve triggered the apocalypse.

Our advice: buy a barn now, while there’s still time.