[OldDave]

I finally broke down and spent $8 on Amazon and read Leisureville. I plan to read the other two books I know about also (including the one here, although it seems a bit expensive for an e-book.)

I'll say right off before I ask my questions, I don't think the author's resentment and resistence to age restricted communities makes any sense. He talks about the Villages not being real. His idea of his older neighbors loving his family and children is more imaginary in many of our lives than the Villages. For many of us our children are grown and gone, and there really isn't much in our towns we care about. Our kids love us and will always come to visit, but they're a lot more likely to visit us in Florida. And I think it is easy for younger people to lose site how how terrifying a coating of ice or snow is for those of us with no balance and difficultly walking. Not to mention just being tired of freezing in the winter. The Villages seems like a great idea to me. (Oh, and too the sex maniacs he met and seemed so bothered by, hey good for them!) OK, to my questions.

There are some things he brings up which concern me and I'd really like your response. (Those of you who just hate these guy and the book, please restrict your comments to those on these points, if you don't mind.)

The most problematic topic is "what happens after the build out?" His chapter on where Sun City is now caused me to stop and think. Whether you like the Morse family or not, they are here to make money. Yes, it sounds like they've built a nice product, but from what little I understand about the structure, they will be gone after it is finished or at least not really movitated to supply new and exciting activities. Their income is in houses. What do you think? Can this eventually become a city and sustain itself? Of will it go the way of that other small community he mentioned in AZ and let everyone in.

Second, how does the lack of an actual government set with you? Sure it's easy to say you didn't like the government back where you used to live. Few people do. But are you, at some level, worried that a company is making decisions that effect your lives. Many people here comment about how well they are taken care of, but is that tempered by the knowledge that at some point in the future, the company won't need to make you happy any longer, after the last lot is sold.

Any other thoughts about his concerns or others?

Again, please don't bother with flaming the book or the guy. I didn't find him to be a particularly good writer. And I can say as a journalist myself, he tried in no way to be an unbiased reporter of the facts. But I want to know your honest concerns. As I've said in another post, this is a huge decision for us. Posts that say, "hey don't worry, be happy" just don't help much. I really need to know what real people feel.

Finally, I know if we do move there I will have to do what my son said. "Dad if you do, you're going to have to drink the kool-aid and like it, or you'll never be happy." I raised and awfully smart son. And a part of me actually wants to drink the kool-aid, but I do want to think about it first.

Thanks for your thoughts.