WASILLA, Alaska — A writer working on a book about former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says he moved to her hometown to talk to her longtime acquaintances, not to spy on the family.

Joe McGinniss said Tuesday on NBC's "Today" show that the price was right on the house next door to the Palins. He says he needs to be in Wasilla to do his work.

Palin posted on Facebook last week that she wondered what McGinniss would gather "while overlooking Piper's bedroom, my little garden, and the family's swimming hole?"

McGinniss called Palin's comments "ugly innuendo" and "revolting."

An editorial posted Saturday by Palin's hometown newspaper implied that the former governor or neighbors could shoot McGinniss if they felt their life or property were threatened.