Attracting Purple Martins

I'm interested in putting up a Purple Martin house next year. I've been reading up on them on the Purple Martin Conservation Association website ( http://purplemartin.org/ ) and am getting a little frustrated. They recommend not placing a purple martin house closer than 40 feet from a tree taller than the mounted house or a house (human). Are they really that picky? I was hoping to put a pm house up at my cabin-our lot is wooded and small so there is no way to meet the listed requirements. I can probably get 12 feet away from a tree/building but that's about it. Should I just forget about the whole thing or what do you guys recommend?
Thanks!
Deb

Hi Deb. The ones I've seen are far away from buildings and trees. 12 feet is very close, I don't think that would be enough.

I think 30' is the least that is recommended for them. Sorry :-(