Well my dear readers, I now have 200,000 points and 300 blog posts under my belt. It took me quite a while to get here. My first post in January of 2007 was hideous! 
But, just as ActiveRain has evolved, so have my blogs!
I think they’re at least readable now! I know I might be analyzing the obvious, but this blogging stuff is a lot harder than it looks!
Since joining ActiveRain:
I've met some truly wonderful people who I now think of as friends.
I’ve received and given out some referrals.
I’ve even picked up a few clients along the way from some of my Localism posts.
But, as I sit here in front of a blank page, I know you’re thinking...
“So what Craig. What have you really learned since joining ActiveRain?”
Well, I’m glad you asked!
When I first signed up on ActiveRain, I made really good use of the “Contact ActiveRain” link on the bottom of the page!
No sooner than I clicked that link, I received a phone call from AR Staff member Brad Andersohn in response to one of my questions. He was so pumped to help me that I knew right away this ActiveRain thing was going to be good! Not only is Brad one of the best bloggers on ActiveRain, the dude can rock too!
See Brad Rock!
I’ve also learned that Bob “The Builder” Stewart is always there to help you out when you have an ActiveRain question. Bob Rocks too….Although, I’m sad to say, not as good as Brad does!
I can’t confirm this, but I got it from a good source, that this is Bob rocking out.
See Bob Rock!
I’ve learned that Alan May has a great sense of humor, writes a wonderful blog, and is the modern day reincarnation of Elvis himself! Over the years, I’ve watched Alan go through a metamorphosis ….
From his Heavy Metal look…
To his Sanjaya look…..
But Alan will always be ActiveRain’s resident Elvis!
I’ve learned that Charles Buell, home inspector extraordinaire from Seattle, WA is a lot older than his profile picture shows…
The same holds true for MichaelThornton, the best home inspector this side of the Rockies…
Both of these guys, aside from needing to update their profile pictures, write excellent blogs. Insightful, motivational, humorous and visually appealing.
I’ve learned that Bill Gasset, from Hopkinton, MA, was originally the fifth Beatle before embarking upon his illustrious Real Estate career…and right after that spat with Yoko!
I’ve learned that Jim and Maria Hart are not only the HART of Charleston, SC Real Estate, but, along with their son Josh, are the epitome of the all American family….
I’ve learned that Debi Boucher from Woodland Park, CO, is not only one of the best photographers here in the Rain, she’s got a sense of humor that can’t be beat. Before her photographic career, Debi was a waitress at some greasy spoon with one of those neon signs out front that just read, “EAT”.
By the way, if you’re looking for some great closing gifts or holiday cards for your friends, family or clients, contact Debi. She’s got some great stuff available for you…Mention my name and you’ll pay full price!
I’ve learned that Mary Douglas from Red Feather Lakes, CO is one of the nicest people in the world! And she lives in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I’ve also learned that Mary has issues with Saran Wrap!
I’ve learned that all of our furry friends must see Kristin Johnston, the Queen of Waukesha, WI Real Estate, as some kind of Super Woman for all she’s done to battle injustices against them…
I’ve learned that Toula Rosebrock, of Lacey Township, NJ and I share the love of all the same New York sports teams. And, that after much emailing back and forth, is without doubt the best Toula I’ve ever known! She’s also so interesting that they’ve made a movie about her life!
I’ve learned that Greg Nino, of Houston, TX fame, is certifiably off his rocker! Want a blog that will make you laugh, make you mad, or just leave you shaking your head in disbelief? Greg’s will do it!
I’ve learned that Caren Wallace, of Akron, OH, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, is as delightful and adorable today as I’m sure she was back when she was hugging trees in Haight Ashbury!
I’ve learned through his blog posts that Richard Weisser, of Newnan, GA knows his stuff when it comes to Real Estate. And that he’s come a long way from his days as a fussy little boy!
I’ve learned Matt Stigliano, the RERockstar from San Antonio, TX, only writes great blogs because he never sleeps. You didn’t hear it from me, but word on the street is that Matt is really a vampire. Hey, pictures don’t lie!
I’ve learned that Nevin Williams, mortgage broker supreme, is licensed in more states than I can even name. Aside from being a friend of mine, Nevin is my resource for everything in home financing. Nevin knows lending better than anyone I’ve ever met. Even though he’s a three time recipient of the “Personalized Pocket Protector” award, he’s actually a pretty cool guy!
I’ve learned that Russell Lewis, who works, lives and plays in Austin, TX, was the cover guy for all those romance novels before he took the Austin Real Estate Market by storm!
I’ve learned that Jason Crouch, the King of all things Real Estate, should he ever decide to leave the business, would probably make a great politician. I think he knows it too. So, recently, in an effort to become ballot worthy, Jason’s changed his appearance to give him that “Vote for me” look!
I’ve learned that Betina Foreman, from Austin, TX, and, one of my best buddies here in the Rain, is slightly amused when I do things like this…..
The only thing that scares me about Betina, and I love her dearly, is that as smart as she is, she consistently comes back to my low brow blogs! What’s up with that?!!!
And then there’s Andrea Swiedler who actually called ME for advice one time! And Wanda Kubat-Nerdin, the “Locks of Love” hero here in the Rain.
There’s Sheldon Neal, my brutha from across the pond and CarolProvenzale, the Feng Shui Queen from Long Island who's blogs always make me miss my old stomping grounds!
There’s Sandy Aichner and Debe Maxwell both from the Lake Norman/ Charlotte area of North Carolina, and both who have helped me either through referrals or through their blogging insight.
There’s Terrie Leighton and Brenda Mullen. There’s Teresa Berry and my first ever subscriber Laura Giannotta.
Leesa Finley whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with, Kathleen Cooper, Amy Hahn, Robin Rogers and so many others who I’ve learned so much from...and who I now call friend.
But most of all, I’ve learned that while the Real Estate industry can be trying at times, it’s folks like you guys, who, at the end of the day, make it all worthwhile.
I love you all…Some of you more than the others, but you know what I mean...and you know who you are!!!
Thank you one and all for being part of my ActiveRain family!
Disclaimer time: If I didn’t mention you in this post, it’s not that I don’t think of you as my friend... or love you any less. It’s just that I really need to go eat something and get out the door to pick up my check from my closing! But don’t worry; you’ll make a guest appearance in one of my future posts!
About The Author Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.
To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com
Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions
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That's a long tribute to many folks here in the Rain. Congrats on the milestone.