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Yuppies, bourgies, hipsters, business minded profiteers, whatever you want to call them are almost always doing things with space (and land) that are not what anarchists want or are advantageous to us. But yeah, the back to the land fad is annoying. Perhaps it seems bigger than it actually is and you and I are in a 'search bubble'?

Is the TOTW saying anything more than a not so subtle "owning land isn't anarchist, squatting can be"? I think given the framing of the TOTW, if your project is squatting full stop then the answer is clear. If you intend to do other projects, or have concerns due to ability or age, it becomes less clear. I don't think squatting is anarchistic by default, but then we get into a defining terms thing. There's a lot of mutual exclusion going on in the TOTW and I don't think it reflects reality, but hey, sometimes that is what provoking conversation is about I guess.

It should be pretty obvious that there are practical reasons for even anarchists to own land, as others (ingrate, etc) have already mentioned--we still live in this capitalist world no matter how much we want to leave it. Yes it is a compromise, but it can also open up possibilities for projects that aren't always realistic while squatting in the woods or even in urban areas. The first of which being easing some psychological background noise of being evicted tomorrow, interrupting all your other projects. Or having your materials stolen or smashed by cops, drug people, the owners, or mad nimby people. Then there's the endless distraction of dealing with the people you are sharing the squat/land with. Multiply this last one by ten if you have an open door policy and aren't ready to feel yucky about kicking people out regularly for making the place unsafe, unsanitary, or even possible due to fucking the squat situation up one way or another. Be prepared to deal with drug dealers trying to take over for their enterprise (not a speculation, happens often). Be prepared for unhinged people to pull knives on people (has happened). Be prepared for upset people to burn down the building (i can think of 3 different instances off the top of my head). Be prepared to have what little personal survival items you hang onto be stolen or under the constant threat of it (backpack, sleeping bag, etc). Be prepared to have other squatters and activists tell you you are doing it wrong all the time. Be prepared to have identity nationalists perform a hostile takeover (has happened), but almost everyone leave on their own accord without putting up a fight because it's too awkward to go against the simple moral stories we are all told about race and identity and collective vs individual responsibility. Also, thinking that you won't have to engage with law while squatting is naive. Do I sound bitter? I am really not, I wouldn't trade my experience squatting and I could see myself doing it again in the future. However I see the appeal of trying to make some roots that have a bit higher chance of lasting longer than 2 or 3 years. Where people with affinity can look after each other as they age. Yes it is hedging, it is a contingency to operate parallel to our growing line of failed anarchist projects. I think it can also be a beautiful thing. It can support squatting initiatives and vice versa. After all, where do squatters often end up when their squat gets busted: a friend or family member's house, the rented infoshop, etc.

All the problems I outlined above can happen on a paid for land project. It comes down to the kind of people living there if they are going to involve the law to deal with you. Or perhaps they just shoot at you eventually? Is it anarchist to force other people to share space with you? If I ever own land I don't want to act as though all the living things on it are my dominion. I don't like the idea of having fences and no trespassing signs either.

Fauvenoir and I have discussed these topics a little bit before already though. I am all for and ready to see and/or help with a squatted land. I appreciate the anon at Tue, 05/21/2019 - 18:17 bringing their perspective.