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Friends are great - BUT....

I was reading "The Lovely Wife's - What would happen if RECIPROCITY paid a vist to active rain" post . I commented. I agree with her. I do see alot of the same people commenting on the "popular kids" blog. I see the people who have huge scores getting ratings and exsorbant amounts of points. Like I said, I agree with The "Lovely Wife".

But -

There is almost always a but....

Why does anyone care? Are we in High School again? Aren't we PROFESSIONAL's living in an ADULT world? Aren't we here to make Money? I mean.. I know its nice to have friends.. but, I dont think that the Lovely Wife or Bryant or Kristal or anyone on this blog venue will be willing to pay my bills. Right? The points to me mean really - nothing. I want the rankings on Google. I want the search engines to INDEX me.. It can be from Active rain or my personal blog.. I really don't care. I want a home buyer to look up "Homes for sale, Whitestone NY" and see MY name come up. I want someone to google MY name and come up with ME. How to contact me. I don't think that they buyers/sellers will care that I dont have as many points as Krystal or The Lovely Wife - They want to find me - a PROFESSIONAL real estate agent - who wants to pay her bills and worry about selling their home. Not how to boost my POINTs on Active rain.

Again - this is just my opinion..

Posted by Christine Forgione - Associate Broker on 09/29/2006 01:40 PM

Comments (34)

professional real estate agent, active rain, nyhouses4sale, blog, blogging, search engines

34 Comments on Friends are great - BUT....

SEP

2006

Right on Christine! That is what it's all about....business. I am curious how many consumers visit this site vs. sales persons?

As you said, this network gets you Googled and that would be the main purpose behind getting on every page you could on this network....IMO

Christine, I'm going to practice tough love here. You've been on the network 1 month. You have posted some very good blogs. From what I can see you are talking to but not eliciting comments (or very many).

Have you tried some consensus building, by posting comments on other blogs? Have you picked up the phone and called another blogger just to surprise them? What have you done?

I seen references to HIGH SCHOOL on more than one occasion. Is that you or are there others who feel the same way? If so my message is to all.

No this isn't high school we are all grown ups here. IF you feel left out, then fix it.

Write to the group. If possible try not to offend them. It really works so much nicer that way.

As far as getting indexed for being the world's best Realtor In Whitestone NY, you will regardless of the points. The points are for fun and games. (and shoes if you are lucky).

So in closing, my advice to you, quit you whining and get to work. Blogging on a network is like playing to an audience. Go find yours.

Kristal Kraft ~ Denver, Colorado

Excellent observation. Blogs have gone past the stage of adolescent boredom looking for a venue to vent. They have become active means for promoting businesses and agendas. They are for giving the public information and insight into how we are as business people and letting them know that if they want to find Richmond Hill Homes For Sale then I am the one for the job.

The AR system is a marketing tool that has a social side effect. Being social is great but like all networking systems, online or off, the desired end result is more business.

> No this isn't high school we are all grown ups here. IF you feel left out, then fix it.

That' just it Kristal - I don't.

I am not trying to make any waves here. Trust me when I tell you. But posting on a real estate site about - posting comments on other peoples blogs - so THEY don't feel bad - even though you could care less about the post that the blogger did (as close to actual words) - I think that is just absurd. I do enjoy getting comments. But I want them to be REAL comments - not just to boost my posts...

And Kristal - I am far from whining..

Christine, I read your post as whining. You are illustrating a point we all know, we would like more business, but offending others who have worked longer and harder than you is not the way to get the proper attention.

For the most part, we don't post comments 'just to make others feel good.' It's a social thing, like welcoming a guest to your home. You certainly don't want to ignore them. That's rude and not something anyone here would intentionally do.

I DO CARE I an have worked hard to prove it. I may not touch everyone, but I do put out an effort to do so.

Points are just a way for the system to be viral. Maybe we get too wrapped up in them, to the distraction of those that are still struggling. But as one who has been here awhile, I can assure you I won't be at the top forever, neither will the others. So keep plugging and I will try not to be offended when you and others throw stones.

It just when you are Kristal you have to beware of people throwing rocks.

If you don't care then what's the problem???

No matter how many points you have or dont' have they're not negotiable.

I tried to deposit some of my points at the credit union and they wouldn't accept them. ;-)

*Note to the humor challenged, ;-) means the comment is tongue in cheek.

This is just sort of a fun place to exchange ideas and network with fellow real estate professionals

> Christine, I read your post as whining. You are illustrating a point we all know, we would like more business, but offending others who have worked longer and harder than you is not the way to get the proper attention.

So Kristal - you have come to a judgement about ME, from my post about points? You are saying that You have all worked harder and longer than I? Get something straight - I have been on active rain for over a month. That does NOT mean this is my only blog - or my first one. So Kristal - please remember this is not a contest.

>It just when you are Kristal you have to beware of people throwing rocks.

OK- Kristal - Seriously. You sound snobby. Let's just end this now. No need for your response. I posted a blog comment regarding someone's post. This is the the WEB 2.0 - shared information. I dont have to agree with the blogger. This is what BLOGGING is about. Blogging leaves you open and I hope gains audiences to agree or DIS agree. I disagreed - BUT (again with the buts) This does not open you for judging and propping yourself up on pedistals.

We can remain that WE agree to disagree.

End of post.

Jim - I wrote a post that disagreed with another blogger. That's all.

Doodoodeedoo...

I agree with you, Christine...this is a place where we are making links to our websites so they will be more highly ranked in search engines.... so we will find more clients and help them with their real estate....

Points are secondary.....

Relationships are a great thing.....and I love who is here and the wisdom and support and networking are great also, but links are what is making me do this....

I have my Professional Search Engine Marketers Certification.... links are a good thing....

Wow! Get a Jersey chick and a NY chick in the same room and WHOOOAAAAA! God, how I miss that here in SoCal (I'm from Philly).

Christine and Kristal both make points. Christine, it's all about the Benjamins, baby. No blog is going to drop leads in your lap. And at the end of the day, noone cares here whether you make it or not...BUT....

Kristal is correct. I agree that relationships can be built here and should be. Christine is taking an awfully limited view (she's from NY so anything west of the Hudson is the sticks, right?)

So, Jersey and Queens...back off and enjoy the weekend!

Again...I love and miss ladies like you two. These Cali girls lack the spunk.

LOL Brian.. I agree with you to some degree. I did get 2 listings from out of state people who have homes to sell here in Queens. I am actually in (one side) contract with one and the other one - I will be having an open house this week. So leads DO come from blogging.. I have my main blog since early April. I have only been a member here since Aug., and TRUST me - I did not join to get "point". I joined because I saw after I registered - I came in higher rankings..

As for Queens and NJ - You might be right (but isn't Kristal from Denver?) We do have spunk.. :> To add - I grew up in Arvada, Co. I moved to NY in 89.

"Cat fight" on aisle 9! Ok just kidding but I'm a guy what am I supposed to say?

Seriously though, one of the things I llke most about AR is it can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some it is a great place to "socialize", for others it's a well of information and for some just a good place to post content for your blog. To me it's a little bit of all of these things.

Christine, some people care and some people don't. It doesn't really matter to me if someone cares or not. I like opinions, whether I agree with them or not.

Kristal, I didn't really see Christine's post as whining. But hey, I'm a man what the hell would I know.

I like commenting because I have an opinion and don't mind voicing it. I like socializing and having a little fun as well. And I hope my blog posts are informative, helpful and will increase my SEO.

I try to comment on a lot of different posts, not because I need to but I do feel it helps the writer in their confidence and will keep them coming back. My comments are honest. I won't make something up just for the sake of commenting but have found it is pretty easy to find something encouraging to say most of the time.

So there you have it, a man's point of view. Now on the count of three ya'll have it! I going get me some popcorn.

Christine,

Do I know you? Hmmm.. you look very familiar and I do have friends out in Whitestone. Very interesting. I must email you. Would you like to be a contestant on ActiveRain's version of Dancing with the Stars? Check out Colleen's blog: http://activerain.com/blogsview/Dancing-with-the-Stars-Active-Rain-Version?10801

Look for my email too!

Your Mortgage Man,

Nima

http://www.MyNima.com

Bryant:

Kristal (and obviously, Chrsitine, now) is not a woman with whom mere men trifle.

What is happening here? You two exchanged locations. Kristal grew up in Jersey (that's why I like her).

Keep blogging, or fighting, or whining, or bitching, or ANYTHING! Activity breeds success. It's great to meet you, Christine.

Brian, I'm not sure what all is going on here. But I like it! What the heck is a triffle? Man I love this place! Beats the hell out of Entertainment Tonight. And we get points for it!

Hey boys & girls, here's a problem with email & blogging.

Both are very 'flat' mediums, that is subtleness, quirky humor, and nuances that come across in a live conversation with someone don't compute here.

Someone could easily say something in a joking or kidding manner and have it taken the wrong way.

"The Lovely Christine"

I am pleased to see everything has settled down in here.

My Goodness...What else can I...That was not a pleasant thing to watch.

by "The Lovely Wife"...Kum La Ka Lakka...ROAR!

Alexander - First, let me start by saying - I am sorry about your accident and I am glad to hear all are fine. That must have been awful.

Secondly, Alexander,Bryant and other - I agree with you all that networking and socializing is an added plus to active rain. That is the great part about this kind of blogging. (here I go again with my buts) BUT - that was not the reason why I started blogging. Did you ever wonder why - most realtors start to blog? I mean really - did we build our first websites to gain friends? Did we start to blog because we HOPED that one day - we would all meet and have a huge party? I didn't. I started my website to advertise ME. To show that I am a realtor. I started to blog to further that. I learned how to blog and use the vehicle as almost as a venting board - but here is what I learned - CONSUMERS do see us. So - this is a form of advertising for me. Don't take it personal when I say I don't care about the points - but if I could have a choice between points or listings or sale.. I am sure you can guess which one I choose. Am I wrong?

Nima - Dancing with the stars huh? Hmmmm.. only if I get to do the lindy...

"The Lovely Wife" - I hope that you did not take my entry regarding your post personal. I hope that you understand that this is part of blogging. Instead of me leaving a comment like my post - I did a post. There was nothing to be directed at you personally.

I just voiced my opinion.

Like your husband Bryant said "I try to comment on a lot of different posts, not because I need to but I do feel it helps the writer in their confidence and will keep them coming back. My comments are honest. I won't make something up just for the sake of commenting but have found it is pretty easy to find something encouraging to say most of the time"

That is the way blogs are to be. Encouraging is good. But when you disagree - don't agree because that is the way the "crowd" is going. I would never tell my friends they looked great if in fact they did not. Honesty is more important and if you are asking a question that requires an answer - then expect nothing less than an honest answer. If you post a comment and people will only agree with you and you don't get a look at the "other side" if there is one, then there is not a chance for growth.

The post was not against you -

SEP

2006

Wow, I go away from AR for almost a day and I miss something. Like it or not the Real Estate Business is about NETWORKING, and that is what we are doing here.

Well I guess I started all of this because I have seen some potentially great writers were intimidated by the writing here. Me being one of them. Had it not been for kind comments from Broker Bryant and "The Lovely Wife" and their encouragement I wouldn't be writing here.

I am a strong believer of giving back and since I was a corporate trainer I saw how I could give back to this wonderful community. So I started a small effort to encourage people. If I have something critical to say about a BLOG I send a private email to the person. Welcoming people like Kristal said is just nice and we choose to do it. You don't have to do it. You get what you put into it.

I started getting cards from people, so I started sending them. I got phone calls, I reach out and call other members. Sometimes, especially in this down market, it is nice to feel appreciated and cheered on by a few people. Since it makes me feel incredibly wonderful, I thought it would be nice to do it for some others.

The social aspect of this site is very important. If we admire and appreciate each other we will refer to each other. There are times that I have a referral for another area and I might as well throw a dart at board with a list of names. Now with AR if I have a referral for Whitestone I know you. I have a sense of who you are and that your personality will click with my client. From this BLOG I know you will fight very hard in negotiations and be a champion for your clients. Something that I do not get from a list of potential realtors in Whitestone. Previously I would make my decision on are they a GRI, CRS, do they have a website and how quickly did they respond to my phone call or email message. With AR I have something I can use to judge and know that I am putting a client in the right hands.

ps... I wold think this one should be marked for members only. But that is my personal opinion.

"The Lovely Christine"

I know I had nothing to do with any of this. Every one has an opinion. How boring the world would be if we all agreed on everything.

My Blog was addressing a topic that is bothering me...People without comments...There are so many people upset that they do not have comments...I felt there was something I could contribute on their behalf and help them understand "Participation" is the key if they are seeking comments.

We all Blog for different reasons...I am a Retired Realtor...As such I have much to offer AR on Inspiration and Motivation. These are the things I write about...And people enjoy this. After a long day a little humor is a good thing.

I still own Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. and do care about this business. It's what pays my bills. Broker Bryant Blogs on Real Estate. I compliment his Blog with Inspiration.

We do not work with Buyers (investors) only...So our Sellers are directed to our Blogs to get to know us and our family.

I hope that clarifies why I Blog the way I Blog. You will also notice I did not jump into "The Cat Fight"...That in itself should tell you a lot about me. And of course after I saw Broker Bryant jump in...I slapped him upside the head! Bad...Broker...Bad.

Create for yourself "A Lovely Day"

by "The Lovely Wife"...Kum La Ka Lakka...ROAR!

all points well taken.

"The Lovely Christine"

Lotsa Love...Lotsa Love...Peace Be With You...And with me for that matter!

by "The Lovely Wife"...Kum La Ka Lakka...ROAR.

OCT

2006

Okay, I'm like a week late responding to this but I've been reading through your blogs and came upon this one.

I would have to agree with you with the "mentality" of blogging and being on Active Rain. I've got WAY too many things to do to worry about writing a blog if it's NOT going to help grow my business.

I'm sure that there are "agents" who don't have clients, listings or anything to do and are just on here for the "CHAT ROOM" Atmosphere and the points makes this chat room fun, but for those that want to use it as a Networking, Learning, SEO, and Promotional tool, then that's what it'll be.

Good post

OCT

2006

I agree Robert. (Btw, A week late is better than never). You get what you want from blogging. Active rain is different than my own blog - and I do treat it differently. Points do make people come back - that is proven. But that is not why I started and that is not what will get my bills paid.

"The Lovely Christine"

You popped up...just making sure everything is okay over hear...

But...Everything is fine! :> Yipee...I am a Chatty Catty!

Oh Well...That' me...I like me.

TLW "The Lovely Wife"...Kum La Ka Lakka...ROAR!

I like you as well. LOL I liked your post last night. How did that beauty sleep go?

"The Lovely Christine"

Thanks...And you know how I feel about my NY chick!

They started spraying down Orange Groves at 4AM...

Lots of Heavy Noising Equipment and Barking Dogs.

So loud you can not even hear the cluck cluck!

I'm Exhausted...We are moving...Gotta wait for the RE Market to pick up in this littel town of 4,000.

Baby Boomers getting ready to downsize and get some sleep!

Nod...Nod...Nod...:>

I will be checking out your other Blog today. Can't wait...I hope it has lots of howevers and but!

TLW "The Lovely Wife"...Kum La Ka Lakka...ROAR!

seriously - you are moving out of your house? Or did I just misunderstand?

Moving is equivalent to H*LL ya know?

I am shocked.. after all this time we have spent "together" you have not checked out my other blog???

"The Lovely Christine"

You did not misunderstand 2,660 sq ft is too big for us now!

I can barely keep up! I know about H*L. I am going to need one uhaul for just my tropical plant collection and Guns! Have already started packing it up!

This house will sell quickly when market picks up It's huge. 2 acres on a lake...surrounding by O Groves. Great for a family. We are only two plus my two dogs.

The noise is to much...Never get to sleep in!

Sorry about the Blog...Rookie...What the H*LL do I know. At least I know now. Got me some reading to do. I promise not to shoot anything. I will just read!

One favor: Go to my blog and say you like my Blog! Your opinion on my Blog matters to those who read my Blog! You are a Blogging Goddess of Goddesses!

TLW "The Lovely Wife"...Kum La Ka Lakka...ROAR!

Ohh TLW - you are hysterical.. I will do it - just cuz you asked... and you have a few guns.. :>

Bravo- I agree completely.

Hey, there's nothing wrong with getting points for fun or for the competition, but it seems like some people get into the whole points thing so much that maybe their perspectives are a bit off...

Greg its funny - I just posted a comment to you on the other post that I had -

There are some good bloggers and some not so good - but I think that it is safe to say that there are some good realtors and some bad ones.. and some good ball players and some not so good - But, you do have to give credit where credit is due.. ya know?

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