Here is a basic primer for Newcomers to Active Rain (with special recognition to the members of the Mile High Chapter of WCR!)

 As you participate in the network, you receive points for your contributions.  The various ways you get points are:

1. Filling out your bio
   • Add a detailed description about your business and what you do.
     (You will see later this description shows up under your Name on your Active Rain Blog.)
   • Add more information about whatever you wish in two more sections (be sure to modify the title to fit your needs)
   • If you have nice testimonials from customers, be sure  to add them also
   • Uploading your photo to Active Rain

   Once you are done filling out the site, Hit "SAVE".  (In fact, every time you fill something out hit the "save" button.) Don't worry about being perfect the first time, or even filling everything out at once.  The beauty of the system is that you can come back whenever you wish and change or add more material. It's not permanent!

2. Recruiting other members
3. Writing blogs
4. Commenting on blogs
5. Bonus points for getting your blogs noticed outside the community
6. Bonus points for writing a really good blog (like this one J )

What are points used for?

If you visit your Primary Market , you will note the members are ranked according to their points.  Since the Network is relatively new, it is fairly easy to achieve good ranking on the system.  All you  need to do is participate on a consistent basis and invite all your industry friends.

What's the point?

The point for many is not about points, but about promoting yourself online:

1. your profile is indexed on Google  (fill your service area into the "keywords" box)
2. when you blog about topics near and dear to you, they too will be indexed by Google
3. You will meet many new friends in the industry to learn from, share with and network

How and where do I blog?

1. From "My Home" you will see a "My Blog" link in the left column, click on it. 
2. In the box "New Blog Entry", click on that.  A new window will pop up, this is where you prepare your blog.
3. Start with a title, then enter your main thoughts in the "entry" box. Finish using "Tags"
4. Be sure to properly identify the content of your blog
   • For real estate professionals only?
   • For consumers
   • Regional
   • Advertising
   • Other advertising

It is important to list your blog in the proper category.  Mislabeling a blog means it might not get noticed, or worse yet flamed! Another hint that could save you time and heartache, since it is very easy to lose your hard written work before it is published online, try writing your blog in MS Word, notepad or the fabulous new online wordprocessor called Writely.  Thinking online is best when you can save your work as you go.  IF the system burbs,  you lose your work, so take my advice and write elsewhere, then "cut and paste" your blog content onto the Active Rain Blog.

Publishing Your Blog to the World

Once your writing is complete (after you spell check it of course!) you just click on the "Post Blog Entry" button...off it goes!  In a few seconds you will see the results (as will everyone else) online.  Now there are a couple of things to remember;

• If after you publish it, you need to correct it, don't worry, just click on "edit" and fix it, remembering to "Post Blog Entry" again.
• Realize this blog is on your personal blog space at Active Rain, BUT IT IS ALSO on the main collection of blogs too .
• Relax

What about Comments?

After your blog is online for awhile, you may notice on your "My Home" page some links indicating others have made a comment.  Follow the link to see what the comments are.  If you have something to add, you too can make a comment.  This is how good discussions begin and keep going.  Getting lots of comments is a good thing!

 As you hang out here on Active Rain, you will find the benefits are enormous, the more you give, the more you will get.  Hope you find this outline helpful...and by the way (BTW)

Welcome to Active Rain! 

Want to join?  Sign up here...

Colorado Licensed Broker ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist CRS - Certified Residential Specialist The Berkshire Group Realtors 3801 E. Florida Ave. Suite 400 Denver, Colorado, 80210 USA	Mobile: 303-589-2022 Fax: 303-953-5362 kristal@tbgdenver.com Denver Real Estate and Relocation Denver Home Search
Selling Denver and the 'burbs