For those in the race to garner better ranking position on ActiveRain, the race itself and some fluff here and there seems to be a means to that end sometimes. Before I even think to criticise, I need to admit I have probably made this mistake at least a few times myself. I do not intend to risk doing it in the future. It is so tempting when you are really busy not to think of the best subject posts you can and not take any short cuts by it being just a piece of fluff. We all know how competitive we REALTORS can be sometimes. We also know that no one would do that intensionally, right? Well I disagree. I see it and I see it often.
The reason for me not to risk doing this is that I want to be very serious with this blogging tool and do what it was intended to do. Build a following of trusted colleagues and consumers that can be empowered with what I have to share. So no more fluff stuff posts, just to get the post in. No more of the " I need to post today so take whatever shortcut you can figure out and just get the post in.
Doing that yeilds to something that for one thing isn't that interesting or insightful or else has nothing to do with improving the lives of those that you are touching, especially consumers.
Having or presenting in a humorous way is good sometimes. Not all the time. We all need to laugh more but we must make it worthwhile as well. With my new personal blog launching next weekand having gone through my 1st real blogging lesson, it became obvious to me that the most important hoped for outcome of blogging is to be credible. To write things that others have an interest in, not a short cut to fulfill some point obligation or daily fix for the need to be heard. If you have your own blog and share it with Active Rain, mess around like that and you won't build a following of serious people that look to you for your vision, insight ,education,and real estate expertise.
I have read lots of posts that lack those things, including some of my posts. I am investing my valued time and precious resources to become a blogger of passion, insight , truthfulness, vision, composition, and integrity. Maybe I am feeling a little guilty that now and then I have taken a few shortcuts to get a post up. So here is how I will measure my posts form now on.
For my colleagues: I will write with inspiration and guidance that the information I impart to you will in some way have immediate or longer lasting benefits for you. Even if opinionated or controversial, the post should be worthy of at least of those measures. A way to think of it is to pretend I am running again for the Presidency of the Association. How am I looking out for the interests of the members and the industry? How am I engaging you in the issues. To be heard or to share insight? Keeping that focus will prevent the fluff and I can still be anecdotally humorous once in a while. :-)
To the consumers: I will write with the same passion, dedication and discipline that I do my business as a professional. A touch of innocent humor but never at anyone else's expense. Would I want my most valued client to read that post. Would it reflect the character and the work ethic that had them accept me as their REALTOR for life in the first place.
So there you have it. You likely will not see me on the leader board any time soon, as much as I would like to earn my place there. What you will get from me are more powerful and useful posts. I owe that to myself, the Internet Empowered Consumers and my colleagues. Enough talking. Time for action. The proof will be as they say,will be " in the pudding". If anyone else wants to join me in this commitment, we can commiserate and support each in our efforts for more quality and not so much quantity just for points. Active Rain as a social network is providing a perfect vehicle for enhancing your Internet presence. Make the most out of it!
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You sound very commited William (or do you prefer Bill?)
I noted on your previous post that this was not an on-line class. I'm going to have to search around for one. I too would like to improve. I'm definately not doing this just to fill valuable time. I tend to post for Localism but would like to also do more Business content, however I still want to keep it "Consumer Friendly"
So much to learn! Sigh....
Good Luck!