Human nature being what it is, (David L. Britt)people will always want to socialize and they look for avenues to make that happen. Years ago we had the barbershops, local soda fountains, checkers and the town of Mayberry(/David L. Britt)
Today we have social networks and online communities. The concept started with BBSs (Bulletin Board Services). Wikipedia lists the first recognized BBS as Community Memory, formed in Berkeley, California, in 1973.
Compuserve forums became popular in the 1990s. In fact, many established companies used a Compuserve forum as their customer support center. A user could post a question related to a piece of hardware or software. A company rep would answer the question right in the forum. Other users would often chime in with their solutions to the question. Sometimes the online user community would offer better solutions than the official company rep.
But enough with the history lesson. (Bob) When you talk about the socializing and FUN of the Active Rain, FUN is definitely a necessity.
I have heard many times on here about the art of blogging. "Even though you're not getting comments on your blog, people are listening." That maybe very true and we have to get past that until our public readers are comfortable enough to start engaging us. But I say, AHHH Phooey. That's no fun. Human beings are social animals...we need to be with people just like us.
Look around here...heck look at your Blog roll, (or blog subscription, whatever you want to call it) Why are ONLY these folks on your list? Because you can relate to them you find them intriguing. This place is all about the YEO.. Jeff Turner could not have put it better.
The more you relate to people on here the more you want to join in the conversation; you look forward to the next post. We want to tell people how great we are, we want to tell people how great they are. Just like Arnold Horshak for "Welcome Back Kotter" we want to be heard. Ooo OOOo!!! Fortunately, you have that opportunity in a safe and welcoming environment.
Some of the best posts on here have nothing to do with Real Estate, Mortgages or even Staging. But the top bloggers in each of these categories use humor in their post to get their point across and everyone joins in. They socialize and they have fun. Laughter is the best medicine...it keeps us healthy. (/Bob)
An interesting effect seems to take place when people start having FUN in their online community. They tend to become more comfortable in sharing their thoughts and ideas. And as that comfort level increases, people find they are eager to extend a hand to other members of the community by sharing their experiences and offering their solutions to problems.
(Sharon) For many people, a daily visit to their favorite social network site is like sharing a cup of coffee in the morning with friends, or having a drink together after work (/Sharon), (Tisza) a really great gathering where all of your friends show up, bring a gift and still like each other when the evening ends.(/Tisza)
(Tisza) An online community is great place to come when you are feeling down because you can always count on someone sharing something that will raise your spirits. (/Tisza) (Sharon) Sometimes you talk, sometimes you listen - but the sense of community is there. (/Sharon)
I recall a warm-fuzzy joke circulated by a friend a few years back. The punchline went something like: "I'm never alone if my computer is turned on because I have dozens of friends that live inside my computer".
So, just how do you do the Social Blogging thing on Active Rain? Start by browsing the blog dashboard each day. Pick a few blogs that sound interesting to you, read them thoroughly. Make comments that explore the ideas in a different way, or ask about some particular point. Check back later for other comments. If someone has commented about your comment, respond back.
Maybe you have a completely different take on an idea in someone's blog. Write your own post explaining your position. As people comment on your post, respond to their comments.
Be nice. Be courteous. Remember to say "please" and "thank you".
The evolution of this post:
FIRST DRAFT: Social Fun
SECOND DRAFT: The Power of Blogging - Social Fun
Bob Carney: Cheryl's big mouth
Penultimate Draft: The Power of Blogging Social Fun
The complete Power of Blogging Series:
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Cheryl,
PLEASE continue to post your wonderful stuff (especially your tutorials for dummies like me) and THANK YOU for all that you do!
Lucky :)