The blog and website resistant agents are looking for instant gratification.  If they don't see a benefit right away it is not worth it, to them anyway.

Maureen, as a baby boomer, I had to go outside my comfort range to figure out what a blog was.  AR promised to make it easy, which is one of the reasons I initially joined.  Although I continue to slog through incomprehensible user manuals, I'd welcome the day that things work again by simply plugging them in and turning them on!

Some Realtors can't force themselves to change from the old days..I have been concentrating more on my web presence while the market is slow..if I get a lead then I go for it..I was not looking for it but I just finished writing a lease from a lead with Activerain and also git a listing..was not expecting it but it is nice to see whatever I am doing seems to be working...ah those were the days......

ActiveRain is so much easier than most blogs and to me there is instant gratification, but I guess it is all relative.  Maybe the new Move Blogs from Realtor.com are the personal toasters of real estate blogging.  I still have not got mine.  Thanks for the comments guys. Please pass the jelly.  

Maureen,

I am a boomer and just getting involved in AR. I generally agree with your comments. There is resistance from many older folks to technology. I am excited at what AR has to offer and it is all free! Just some of my time. Now I don't consider my time free, but after reading many blogs in the past week  since I have joined, I think it is really possible to make this technology pay off in increased business and referrals.

One thing to remember is that the boomers are and will be for the next decade our best customers. If they are technology troglodytes we have to make sure we are reaching them in other ways. Your web site and blog should just be a piece of a well thought out marketing plan.

I have invited a lot of people to with the same results. I did sign up for the realtor dot com blog. Posted one thing to see how it went.

I have been posting on my point2 agent site and it is moving up. Why ? The blog content is fresh. So eventually the baby bummers will CATCH up. I like to stay ahead of the curve and activerain has helped me do that. I love it here.

Well, in defense of those of us "older than dirt" (to quote Lenn), I know that I'm in the minority, but way ahead of my Boomer and GenX daughters. AR is about as close to "plug in - turn on" as it gets!

Now ... about Mark and installing new batteries ...

I have pretty much had the same success with Active Rain invitees - few of the invited join. Seems I only know the "toaster" crowd.

Maureen,

I never thought of it like that. But your title is right. ActiveRain is like a Toaster. Pop in the bread and it works. The learning curve is minor and it allows you to begin discovering the wonderful world of Blogging in a very few key strokes.

I am a boomer agent. I do think that boomers do want to embrace new technologies. When an old fashion system is profitable some are reluctant to change.  For many boomers it might take them longer to feel comfortable with learning new technologies, sometimes it's just overwhelming.  I have seen many changes in the real estate business over the past 10 years to be successful, agents will need to change how they do business. As with any new system there is a learning curve which takes time and effort to produce good results.

Hi Maureen - what a cute post!  I read it that way and it made me smile as I could see that what you described is exactly what it's like to many agents regarding not just blogging but websites and even using email to some degree.  Blogging does force oneself to get out of their comfort zone for the most part, unless they're just prolific writers to start with.  It was quite intimidating to me for a long time.  AR does make it easier and provides for a nice friendly environment to get going, that's for sure!

Enjoyed this post!
Ann

A second Thought. When it comes to technology and its acceptance or reluctance to embrace it, there is no age discrimination as young and old alike or often at odds with it.

Although baby boomers may be slower to embrace much of todays newer technology it is not because of there fear of it or reluctance to learn. I feel that it is because boomers typicaly are reluctant to purchase products that are :

• Expensive at the onset
• often require upgrades as deficiancies in the product are discovered
• Out of date and or replaced by new technology within 6 months
• Often over hyped and do not perform fully as advertised
• or see that it is the same product they are now using successfully just in a sleeker box

Now my mother who is in her early 70's is a different matter. She refuses to use new technology. Her point as she has expressed many times is that her day is completely filled with activities she enjoys. To take on new technology would be to replace it with something she already enjoys doing.

A wonderful and cleaver way to inspire those that otherwise might give up too easily. Technology in general is a struggle. You don't win by overcoming it, you win by finding useful ways to apply it. We are at the birth of  technology. We are all pioneers in the way we try to use it. It is rediscovering itself daily with more genius than the world could even imagine. Yet it is based on simple principles that once absorbed help us to lay the ground work for future exploration its category. Children being born today will absorb it like we did in our country moving from candle power to electrical power. It is but a seed that has been planted that will yield more hybrid and creative tools for the future. It is endless and has no boundary. Are are seeing the optimization of life unfold before our very eyes. Great Post!

It's hard to believe that you'al are referring to 'baby boomers' as the OLDER FOLKS!  I'm kinda on the cusp when it comes to BB'rs, being born in late 1943, I think BB'rs are born between 1944 and 1964(?).  Our first child was born in April of '65, so he just misses it too!

I think that things move sooooo quickly now that many 'older' people can't keep up with technology.  I was one of the first to have a (real) computer...back in the very early '80's.  I learned to use the 'computer' before that at work.  But those computers back then were not really computers as we know them now.  Booting with a small floppy disc, no internet... I kinda lost everything when the ipods came out.  Seems I've fallen behinder and behinder :)  I do have a TREO 650 though :)

I just read Bernice's article this morning. I'm a boomer and I embrace technology but I will never trust it because it breaks and becomes obsolete very quickly.

I've never considered blogging technology. I consider it content. My content is being delivered to the consumer through technology, but technology is constantly changing.

If I wrote my blog on a napkin and passed it out at dinner parties it would still be the same content. Content is King. Many REALTORS® are afraid of content not technology (they love every silly gadget) but they have nothing to say. Writing is the hard part.

My niece (age 22) invited me attend a marketing promotion and said most people from "my generation" aren't internet savvy to be able to do it but I am different.  That struck me and I noticed that most of the "baby boomer" and beyond in my office don't get on board with all the technology etc. and I am considered to be  to "go to" person when it comes to all this.  I had never realized that I was not the norm until my niece said that.  I feel lucky that somehow the "baby boomer DNA" by passed me or something.  I am actually doing more business than many more seasoned Realtors because of the internet.  Until I read this, I did not realize that most of the people I invite are in this category.  I have wondered why they don't join something so Great that I highly recommend.  (Although my niece has not joined yet and I know she would love it - I think I will send her a link to this post).  Thanks for the perspective.

I agree, it's not an age thing, it's a comfort zone thing...even younger agents who are pretty okay with tech stuff can't see the use...I think one day it will become part of the landscape like websites, I know very few agents who don't have websites..but the other issue is, once it becomes the overwhelming "norm" it too will change.

Great post, Maureen. Being a Boomer myself I can identify with what you say. I guess that because of the corporate jobs I was in, and my kids, that technology was never a big issue. I think for many the desire for instant results is a big issue. It is also a very different way of doing things, other than the typical marketing so many do and are accustomed to. It certainly can't be the difficulty...or is it?

I, too, have invited a number of folks who did nothing beyond a brief profile. I don;t get it...and clearly they don't either.

Jeff

That was a fun post maureen...I'm the only one in my office that invests time in Blogging or a web page...funny thing is, I'm also the oldest in my office. Go figure! I do find it disappointing that those I have invited to join have only done that...join... and then...nothing!

I too have invites my office mates and a few others, only 1 has joined and not posted a thing.

It seems you have two types of boomer - love technology or against it.  I have read many responses from the "baby boomer's", great insight and knowledge.

I love the resistant agents.  It's what sets the rest of us apart.   It probably all goes back to the good old ( 80/20 )  Paredo Principle.  It's so universal in nearly every area of business. 

Maureen,  you post is great. 

According to Wikipedia, the free enclyopedia, a baby boomer was born between 1946 - and 1964 in a country that experienced an usuaual spike in birth rates following World War II.

My dad couldn't go off to war so he had 3 children before the boom (including me) and three during the boom.

When I look at my siblings I see that I am far more techie than they.

My associates in real estate in their 30's and 40's say that they can't keep up with it.

It's not an age thing but an attitude and time thing.

My attitude is great and time I'm always chasing.

Right now it's 90 degress and the pool is warm so I'm off to play with the grandkids.  More AR comments will have to wait.

Funny, I have also invited a ton of people to AR but only about 20-30% even sign up. And of those, a few never even added a photo. Go figure - it really doesn't get any easier!

I've stopped inviting local agents.  Shucks, they are my competitors after all.   Let them farm or do whatever they do. 

For many older men the resistance to computers is that they associate them with typing and associate typing with secretarial or "girls' work". Biased? Yes, but often true.

I'm not a boomer, and I still wish everyone thing would just plug and play.

Maureen - It seems to all boil down to what is the best use of my time. When I say that I really mean what is the highest dollar event for my time. Blogging, calling, prospecting, a combination, etc. I have just recently started blogging and am catching on to the technology fairly easily. However, I have to say that it must increase my bottom line and I believe it will for these reason:

Higher placement on search engines.

A broader base of professional connections to help with challenging situations, relocation connections, and just plain old encouragement from time to time.

Finger tip access to do it yourself technology questions that others have answered already.

The list is much longer but I think at the end of the day it's just worth the time to learn it...young or old.

Maureen... for the most part, my opinion is that many people are just lazy. Sure, we can blame it on lack of time. But you can make time for most things, if you put your mind to it. Just setting some time aside per week is all it takes. You don't have to be addicted like some of us.  Good post.

Hi Maureen,

Great Post!  And, like yourself, I AM a 'boomer'....BUT at least I BLOG!!

The analogy of us 'boomers' just wanting to 'plug it in and it works' is, unfortunately SO TRUE!  Gosh, I find myself doing that quite often - maybe a little TOO OFTEN!  I have no patience for the 'hourglass' on the computer and start pushing all kinds of buttons just to rid my screen of it and 'move on'!  What usually happens, as a result of my impatience, is that I have to shut down the program because I've 'jammed it' up.

We "Baby Boomers" are a demanding bunch...always have been!  Remember 'burning bras' and 'flags' to protest????

VAL

I wonder what an 'ilama' is...that's my 'graphic'......do you think it's an 'illegal alien' llama?  I JUST WANT TO MAKE THESE GRAPHICS GO AWAY!  Where's the "fruit"???  (and there you have another inappropriate and demanding Boomer 'Outburst'!)

Lots of great comments. I liked Virginia's comment that it's an attitude not an age thing. My philosophy most of my life has been that when I'm 80, I don't want to be in a rocking chair saying, "Gee, I wish I'd done such & such." I hope I never get too old to learn something new.

The only internet resistant agents are near retirement....as well they should be.

Maureen, what a great perspective and now it makes sooooo much sense!  : )

The only constant from generation to generation is the resistance to change.  A brief look at history will confirm it. -Charles

I a boomer, but I am taking a plung and have done some blogging her on AR.  I am not one of the frequent featured posts members -- but I am happy with 2 featured "on the big board".  Honorable mention on the Eco all stars and 3 localism featured posts!  So, I have a long way to go, but I am enjoying be an AR Boomer.

Wait...my wife and I are both baby boomer's and we love technology. Generally speaking, I do agree a majority of baby boomer in our industry are resistant to change.

Cute post. Creative and fun.

I have an ugly, ancient, but magical toaster someone left behind at my dorm in the 80's . When you put a slice of bread in, it lowers automatically without anyone pressing the lever. I refuse to get rid of it. It still is ahead of it's time. What does that have to do with baby boomers and instant gratification you ask? Well, I think AR is the magic toaster. There is MUCH more to it than what meets the eye. Make it yours and give us a slice of what's on your mind! Active Rainers are cutting edge!

That is a funny way to look at it but I like it...

First post on AR! Woo hoo! 

 Age doesn't have much to do with it. I have a client in her early 80's.She's has several computers in her house, WiFi, multifunction printers and loves doing photo slide shows and is proficient at Word Perfect. On the other hand I know a lot of 20 somethings and 30 somethings that can't make heads or tails of anything tech related. I think it boils down to desire and need.

The tendency though for older people to be less technically inclined is they weren't expose to computers and high tech until a much older age than younger people. Consider that the first time I was exposed to computers was I was a Junior in high school. Computers didn't have hard drives or mice and came with a monochromatic monitor. Compare that to somebody born a mere 11 years later like my daughter who is now 12. She started using computers at 18 months old (and had them at school from kindergarten on up)...simply a game that introduced toddlers to using a mouse. Now she runs circles around most adults like many kids her age.  (Just don't ask her what a "45" or an "LP" is! LOL!).

My point is that if you grow up using certain technologies like radio and toasters, not only do they just plug in and work for the most part, but  they are also familiar, usual, and easy to master. Most people grew up with these technologies already commonplace and using them is practically second nature much like riding a bike...not so much with computers unless you're gen Y or younger. Not only are they (computers & high tech toys) unfamiliar, but they're a great deal more complex and user unfriendly than older technologies, which leads to a higher learning curve and a big heaping pile of frustration. Nobody wants that. People like simplicity, not complexity and will naturally gravitate towards the path of least resistance.

 Having said that, I also think there's a tendency for people to convince themselves that technology/computers are too difficult and thus don't put in much effort on moving up the technology learning curve. Rome wasn't built in a day. Take baby steps, build on that, and you'll be well on your way.

Do you remember the smell of the transistor radio? YES..it had a distinct smell! So you know I'm a "bummer" as Missy called us in her comment above. Wonder if that was a "slip" or a proper reference from her perspective.

98% of our clients never blog. Because they are in the "Top 10% in production", they use excuses like "I'm to busy" among others. I agree with the other comments. It's not an age "thing", it's a "want to thing". As Jeff stated, we do what we want to do.

Maureen,

I enjoyed your post!  As for the boomers, some will flourish with technology and others will not inquire and learn the new ways.  For myself, I consider myself technologically proficient but still struggle to keep up with everything new.

I am about to be in the State Realtor Magazine here talking about blogs and SEO and I can't wait to hear the talk from the older folks here.

Maureen,

It seems that it takes convincing for people to take on "new" things.  Most people do not like change and technology is always changing.  I agre that it might not be related to what age you are but how open you are to try new things.  I liked the way you compare AR to a toaster.

I wish computers were so simple. just plug it in and everything works perfectly!

Isn't that what the marketing tells us Plug n Play

Ala Dustry Springfield's song..."Wishin' and hopin', lovin' and prayin'..." won't get you up to speed with technology. It all depends on your attitude, desire and necessity to become one with the techno world. As a boomer I can say I am very happy that I embraced early! My first computer was a Commodore 64 with QuickBrownFox as the word processing program. I was "thrilled" being able to transcribe my college course notes, key-in my papers and have my dot matrix printer spit them out while I slept!!! Now, I become verrrrrrrrrrry irritated when I have to wait more than a few seconds for something to load. We are spoiled these days. it's a wonderful world and can't wait to see what's next. Please pass the honey and butter.

Thanks for all the comments.  I think I do remember the smelll of a transistor radio Bobby. I 'd never thought of that.  Linda I was going to use a photo of an old Commodore computer... there were so many fun photos to choose from. Julianna your analogy of the magical toaster is good.

Of course the baby boomers thing is a genaralization.  There are lots of Gen X and Gen Y people in our industry who do not embrace technology either. 

I started out on an RealTown blog.  IMHO there are too many choices to make there so many have decided blogging is too much work, AR came along aout a year to 18 months later and was just "plug and play.'  The new blogs Realtor.com or Move introduced may be plug and play without the social network, that may work for some.

Ross's article did have a lot more... like many picked up on, you do have to be able to write to blog. I have invited a lot of members who have blogged a lot here, many baby boomers, a few younger, maybe some older.  I did invite some who were blogging, Maureen Francis and some of my RT Blogs buddies but I have also invited a bunch who have started blogging because AR is like a toaster, Elaine Reese, Don Fabrizio-Garcia are examples of that.  I have more points from inviting than I do from blogging and I appreciate all those who just did it.  I can understand why some are scared of blogging too and I appreciate the people who have filled out a profile and could start blogging at any minute or those who have only done a few entries.

Agan thanks for the comments to everyone.  I wrote it and then ran off for some fun.