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Abandoned Blogs...Ghost Towns of Cyberspace?

The closest I've ever gotten to a "real" ghost town was the 2 part Brady Bunch episode where some of them ended up locked in jail. I'm a big history fan and love to look at old photos and think about the lives these (usually unsmiling) people led on a daily basis.

I came across an interesting blog post tonight via the blog catalog directory. The author, a local agent, was a name familar to me though we had never transacted any business together.

I clicked through because the topic was compelling.The date on the post was November 2008 and it was the most recent entry to the blog.

Had the agent left the business or simply abandoned his blog?

A quick search of MLS showed indeed this agent is no longer a member of our MLS and most likely no longer in the real estate business.

Reading through the posts felt like a cerebral walk through a Ghost town. The blog had most likely been started with hope and enthusiasm. Or had it been started as a "last ditch" desperate attempt to stay afloat in an industry where people were bailing left and right?

The blog was like a diary of sorts...days in the life of a career which no longer exists.

A good blog is about more than market reports, listings, rants and tips. It reveals the personality of the author on good days and bad, through the ups and downs.

It makes one wonder "what happened to make you stop writing? Where are you now and will you ever return to reclaim your territory?"

Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990 but specializes in the Maple Valley Washington area. She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400

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Colleen Fischesser is the Designated Broker amd Owner of RE/MAX Select Real Estate. She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in the greater Seattle Washington area since 1990 and specializes in South East King County including the communities of Covington, Renton, Auburn, Kent, Ravensdale, Black Diamond & Maple Valley. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for six years running, she and her team rank in the top 50 of RE/MAX teams in the entire Northwest region. Colleen is committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service.

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Posted by Seattle Real Estate|Colleen Fischesser| |Short Sale Specialist|So King County on 06/29/2009 01:40 AM

Comments (59)

Abandoned Blogs in the ActiveRain Channel

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59 Comments on Abandoned Blogs...Ghost Towns of Cyberspace?

JUN

2009

Colleen, I have wondered what happens to those bloggers that leave and I guess you just gave the answer; they go to ghost town cyberspace. That is very sad when you think about it.

Colleen - A few of my old favorites have disappeared, and I'm reluctant to delete them from my subscription sidebar, because if they ever do return I want to be there with a supportive and appreciative comment.

It's sad isn't it? I know how much time I've spent developing and publishing all my blogs/sites. It's just a reminder of how tenuous our jobs are.

It is interesting to think about what will become of these writings. Unlike a physical ghost town, there are no natural elements that will eventually level the buildings. Instead, the posts will continue to drift around like tumbleweeds that randomly appear and disappear.

When I'm doing research for a blog, if I use the internet for my source, I frequently have to check the date on the page I found, to make sure I'm not looking at data that is several years old. And it's not just blogs!

JUN

2009

Colleen but they have still left a mark---to be found like lost treasure:)

Colleen: I remember this one Realtor... she used to do really cool, and very fun videos... but I think she only did two of them. I remember how much I really enjoyed her first video. Gee... I wonder what happened to her... ? :)

By the way, Colleen, Barbara Duncan is an AR member in Searcy, Arkansas, and often has both old-timey photos of buildings, houses, and old-timey people posted on her blog. I really enjoy seeing them. If you aren't familiar with Barbara, you might take a look.

that brings about a good point: should blog posts be purged after a certain period?

Do extremely old posts have any instrinsic value?

Colleen -

Two observations here, because I have noticed the same thing.

First - indeed, many HAVE left the business within the past year - unfortunate, but true.

Also - it takes a lot of work to keep a blog up and timely. I know - I spent nearly two hours tonight researching and updating mine.

One fellow, just behind me in the AR rankings in Illinois, hasn't posted in over three months, despite accumulating nearly 200,000 AR points in the two years before that. His name is still on the MLS - but haven't heard much from him.

Together, these lead to the growing number of Ghost Town Blogs, here on AR and elsewhere.

A shame, however.

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

interesting concept... there are many people who probably only blog for awhile... I have to wonder how long I will able to do this constant social networking/blogging thing... just started and have spent all weekend on this and not done some things I should have... but your story goes beyond the blogger who stopped writing but more to the Realtor or agent who is no longer in the business... the truth is many people have backed out of this business in the last year... but that doesn't make the words they once wrote any less important.. in some ways it might be good to read them and see where it started to go wrong for them... or did they just bolt out of this industry into another one with more stability or a pension... it has been a long year with a lot of unknowns looming... we aren't over that hump yet...are we?

I can feel the nostalgia in your post and relate to it directly having seen many agents come and go. There's no motivation to clean it all up plus much of it is untouchable anyway.

It is interesting to see the number of inactive blogs of those with very high AR point totals. It seems some of these people may have burned themselves out.

Well, my blog probably looks like a ghost-town these days. I think I caught blogging laryngitis. HA. Actually I need to get back in the saddle. I'm surprised I remembered how to log in. :)

Say, what did happen to that rising video star? Man, she was a hoot. A hoot I tell ya! :P

Colleen,

I am finding that as I go through each state looking to encourage new members, that there is a lot of folks that are no longer around. I have found posts from as far back as 2006 and 2007 not to mention all of those that just enrolled to never return.

Colleen,

How interesting that we consider November 2008, 7 months ago, ancient history.

I have seen the same and actually called someone to see how she was doing.

In looking at the profiles in my County, a number of agents have since switched companys(and not change their profile) or left the business !!! AR soon make us renew every six months by adjusting something on our profile during a 30 day period (that month).

I really enjoyed this post and it reminds me that I need to get busy with my blog before it turns into a ghost town, It's been 3 weeks since I posted and I also agree that a good blog should be more than market reports, rants and me, me, ego fluff!

I just found a local blog recently that I was excited about. They were even advertising it on their facebook page so I thought I would check it out. One post a month and nothing since May...

I was surprised that so much has changed, so quick that November 2008 is ancient history too.... lots of people come and go who are in the industry and it is sad that some are leaving the industry.

My first blog, which I started in 2005 is abandoned but still get's so much traffic that I have gone back and added things as recently as a month ago... actually it is very much NOT abandoned because I still moderate comments (mostly spam.)

Interesting juxtaposition on the dashboard today between your post and Steve Shatsky's MO post, asking if ActiveRain has too much non RE...

You are talking on an individual basis.....

"The blog was like a diary of sorts...days in the life of a career which no longer exists.

A good blog is about more than market reports, listings, rants and tips. It reveals the personality of the author on good days and bad, through the ups and downs."

I love looking at history... ghost stories... I don't think AR would want to limit the content to active members, or reduce the number of members. Some of these people may come back to the industry in the future. Except for a small number who have passed away, they could come back...

Heck, Colleen, you can visit some AR groups and get the same ghost-town creeps! No highlighted posts dated this year...

I often come across blogs like those mentioned and wonder why the writer just stopped participating.

I have looked at blogs in my own state, and I see well written articles and the date of the post is over a year old. I can only hope that the writers are so busy wirh business that they don't have time to blog. Of course, the reasons are more I think related to really the enjoyment of this type of marketing, and they just don't like it. Maybe as they see the blogger/social networker at the top of the long tail search, and even the short ones, they will want to come back. If not, I predict that HDTV will have a reality TV show about haunted blogs, if Bravo doesn't get to it first.

It's interesting isn't it? I haven't been as active blogging lately because I've been out selling homes. I have to remember that my last 3 clients found me because of my blog. It's important to keep at it.

Colleen, I see many people like that when I look through the stats for my state. It seems many people started out blogging faithfully some time ago and then for whatever reason, they just fell off the radar. I haven't actually checked into them to see if they are still licensed...That would be an interesting exercise..

Chanda panda

Colleen, blogging take dedication and persistence. I noticed if some people don't get an immediate return on their blogging, they move on to other things that might work for them.

Judging from the many wonderful blog entries I've found here at Activerain, writing interesting entries frequently is an easy thing to do for some people. I believe a lot of blogs are abandoned by people like me, people who have a hard time coming up with interesting topics and take 3 hours to write one little blog entry. That kind of struggle and the devotion of that kind of time can be difficult and disheartening and eventually undoable, especially when you have a lot of other real estate activities to do.

Thats interesting stuff, I find myself blogging more when i am busy and less when things are slow. You would think that would be the opposite but topics appear more easily when I am busy.

Colleen,

Maybe they got locked up with the Bradys.

I've seen blogs like that too....even for agents currently in business. And it makes me wonder....if you're not going to write a blog entry, at least once or twice a month.....why not just take it down?

To me, it gives the wrong impression.....if an agent will leave their blog undone, what will they do with your transaction?

I think that blogs that are not used/updated within 12 months or more should be purged. Just my opinion. Same with AR and profiles. In my area, only 2 of us within our county log onto AR regularly. THe others logged in, got a profile and have never been back. There should be a purging!

Like space junk circling the globe, lost in a sea of electrons. I think if a blogger does alot and there are worthwhile blog posts that if they take a break or get distracted with personal health, divorce, career change, that erase them out of the picture and purging not good. Glad they did what they did and hope they come back into the blogging fold.

I tried that once, is the response I get from so many agents. When I mention AR they say I have a profile. You look it up and there is either no blog posts or 1 really crappy post that resembles most oof our first efforts.

Colleen, this is a really well-deserved gold star! There are so many Active Rain bloggers who I really enjoyed who no longer post, and I wonder if a lot of them wound up getting real jobs.

Hi Colleen -- It's hard to realize that this could happen to any of us, no matter how much control we like to think we have sometimes.

Yes that is interesting the 7 months ago is old! How things have changed et. Actually I think I've abandoned a blog or two that simply aren't relevant anymore or I didn't like the platform. It takes a great deal of time, energy and creativity to continue blogging and I for one need to chose wisely. Perhaps the AR precious bloggers are off to different careers non-real esate related never to return. Or maybe they didn't apprecaite AR? Or is just wasn't their cup of tea. Who knows....let's wish them all well.

Loved your barn pic.......made me think of all the barns I've photed over the years in ghost towns out west. That really is what the abadoned blogs are like! Very cool post!

Congrats of your feature!

Colleen: It kind of gives a whole new meaning to the term 'foot print'...

(the good, the bad, the ugly)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddl5f44spwQ

Colleen, I also check out other blogs, especially the ones in my county. Of 35, only the top 4 blog, number 5 & 6 have not blogged since November. The others haven't blogged in over a year! And half of them just set up their profile and never blogged at all.

You know the fanastic thing about blogging is that you can start to generate leads while still working a full-time job. Although to effectively blog you need to know a fair amount about real estate topics or whatever topic you are blogging on, a newtimer to the business can generate more leads blogging then many that have been in the business for years.

Colleen - I too wonder about some bloggers. I do know that there are a few that have passed on and their blogs remaim in cyberspace. It's a sad remider to us but it shows that you live on even after you have passed on. Thought provoking post. thanks

Colleen - very thought provoking, and I too have wondered where some people went. I have sent emails and called some, because being so active and then to suddenly stop has had me worried!

I know exactly what you mean...I know of a stager whose posts are still very valuable and still get high ranking on google, and she left AR and hasn't posted since 9/2007.

I agree that blogs and AR members with no activity for 12 months should be purged to keep everything fresh for our clients.

Hmmm, interesting analogy. I like the idea that Team Knowles have put forth above.

Patricia Aulson

I know some very successful agents who faithfully blogged at some point and then abandoned the practice. I guess some folks just get burned-out

I have come across a few of those ghosts blogs as well. Whatever the reason, quit real estate, burned out on blogging, lazy, died, ect., I am wondering if the AR staff has considered removing them??

I saw a few. One of the authors passed away and can no longer update his blog which is bittersweet.

I too have notice this.. Many in our area are still in the business.. Just don't seem to take the time to blog these days... Maybe they didn't get the big picture of what blogging is all about.. maybe they just don't find the time or thry think blogging is a waste of time since they may not have gotten any business from their efforts in a disclosed period of time.

"A good blog is about more than market reports, listings, rants and tips. It reveals the personality of the author on good days and bad, through the ups and downs."

Yes it is.. good post.

My blog is gathering dust too. Too busy to blog, but keep coming back to read. I've checked on several agents that quit blogging to never hear from them again. Maybe we need a monitor to let the AR gods know if an agent hasn't blogged for a year, the blog is deleted.

Why would AR spend time deleting content because a member is inactive? How would that look to the search engines? Like a bunch of dead links. Don't hold your breath for them to remove content or inactive members. There is nothing for ActiveRain to gain by that...

Colleen- Like many of your commentors, I have noticed ESPECIALLY REALTORS that have switched companies! Shame on THEM for not updating their profile, etc...here on AR! They are REALLY missing out, and more than likely, that is ONE MORE REASON they switched companies! If they cannot simply update their profile on a website, how are they running the rest of their business? Many LENDERS on here, havn't switched companies, their companies have just gone Bye Bye...However, even if I got out of the business, I would probably STAY in the business in some capacity, and would NEVER give up the wonderful connections I have made on here! Nice reminder today!- Thank you..BTW- You should email Jeremy or Bob, or Brad, and ask them to comment on this thread! Good one! Bucky

Hi Colleen, I noted the same thing in a similar blog post I wrote and I think many have just stopped blogging for a personal reason or are no longer in the business.

I have a ghost blog out there... I changed platforms and try to direct traffic to the new home...

But, I think that even if I left the business, I would still blog about something.

JUN

2009

Hi Colleen ~ I heard in a class recently that 80% of blogs fold within six months. I find old, unupdated blogs in all subject areas all the time. No two ways about it - it's a commitment and a lot of work. I imagine in many cases people simply decide they can't fit it into their lives anymore - or it's just not fun anymore. People still do find your old posts though - which is pretty wonderful and great justification for all the hard work.

Liz

A rattle on a brass knob, the swoosh of a lace curtain whipped back from a draft. A shadow that falls upon the last step when you look up.

Ghosts?

JUL

2009

Hi Colleen, I like the way you put it, I hadn't looked at it so profoundly. My evil nemesis (OK I mean the guy in my area that is WAY ahead of me in points) stopped selling real estate and moved 2 years ago. So I am in a desperate race with a "ghost " to get my picture ahead of his...he doesn't even know we are racing!

JUL

2009

Since I left the RE business, I don't blog very often anymore. However, I do write from time to time - but only so I can maintain an internet presence so my past clients can locate me for my referral business. I guess I don't qualify as a "ghost blog" yet, but I must admit that it's hard to summon up the mojo to write when you have moved on to bigger and better things in your life!

JUL

2009

I couldn't imagine a day going by that I don't blog something. It's been my standard of practice for the past 3 years and how I start my mornings. I'm going to Portland, Oregon, next weekend, and I'll probably blog about my trip there. There's always something to write about.

But I know what you mean about ghostowns. Sometimes I'll click on a favorite associate and not see anything posted for months. I wonder if they died.

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Seattle Real Estate|Colleen Fischesser| |Short Sale Specialist|So King County

Maple Valley, WA

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RE/MAX Select R.E | Designated Broker/Owner

Office Phone: (425) 432-5400 x 1

Cell Phone: (206) 491-3819

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The Real Estate Scoop as it pertains to the Pacific Northwest, primarily South East King County where you can get more for your money but are within driving distance of the Seattle Waterfront or Cascade Mountain Ranges. I love to keep on top of what is going on it the local market and with new technology in the industry. Feel free to email or post a comment or question anytime!

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