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"When is Your Blog like a Toxic Waste Dump?" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

Forget about Al Gore and all the alarming hype about Global Warming!

The real danger is a growing epidemic right here on the ActiveRain Network. More and more of our members are turning their blogs into a Toxic Waste Dump!

Rumor has it that ActiveRain will soon make the EPA's Worst Superfund Site List!

What are these deadly pollutants, you ask?

Well, instead of posting valuable relevant original content for consumers, many ActiveRain members are posting plagiarized (stolen cut & paste) articles to their posts.

Rather than generating content that attracts and engages potential clients in meaningful dialogue, Rainers are posting blatant and obsessive self-promotional advertisements. These 'Agent-Centric' posts are overwhelming the platform, dilluting the levels of quality articles, and causing consumers to leave the Rain disappointed.

How can we turn the tide on this dilemma?

As Broker Bryant would say, "All Original, All the Time!" The best way to combat plagiarism is to contribute only original content articles. This obviously takes more time and creative energy, but you will maintain the integrity of your blog, and readers will appreciate hearing 'Your' unique voice.
Don't use your Blog as a 'Virtual Billboard.' Simply dumping endless ramblings about how great you are, and all your pertinent contact information DOES NOT constitute a good quality blog article!
Don't post REDUNDANT information. You have a Profile. Use it to its fullest extent! You don't need to take up half of your post with hoards of links, website URL's, logos, and banners. Consumers aren't dumb. Too much 'self-promotion' will force them to move on to the next person. Spend more time developing a top notch ActiveRain profile.

See your Blog through the eyes of the consumer. Are you contributing information and resources that are helpful, practical, and relevant to them? Or, are you simply polluting the blogosphere?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For some additional tips on how to improve your ActiveRain Profile, check out the following past articles:

"Updating Your Profile Page" by Colleen Kulikowski

"Setting Up Your ActiveRain Profile" by ActiveRain Staff

"Listening to Broken Records: Yet Another Post on AR Profiles" by Yours Truly

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

social-media-is-a-conversation

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker on 10/29/2007 12:43 PM

Comments (50)

Blog Tips for Rain Drips in the ActiveRain Channel

activerain community support, plagiarism, cut and paste, original content, advertising, activerain, quality blogging, help, faq

Short URL: http://actvra.in/89D

Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Blog Tips for Rain Drips
Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: HELP/FAQ (Read 'Purpose Statement' Carefully!)
Post is included in group: Social Media Marketing

50 Comments on "When is Your Blog like a Toxic Waste Dump?" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

OCT

2007

Rich - On my blog dashboard I wish I could show you where your post was positioned. The two above you and the two below you were utter garbage. I agree with BB - All Original, All The Time!

Mike - thanks, man. I always value your opinions. Your articles are excellent examples for our members to follow....

I'm new with blogging and www.activerain.com but this sounds like a wake up call. Bravo!!

People want to blog but they don't want to write because that requires thinking of new material. So they rehash old stuff.

It's about as appetizing as cold spam

Rich, I agree with you, however last night I HAD to copy and past an article that was sent to me. I am a parent and If you search my blog you will find a few posts regarding the issues of parenting and the safety of our children. So, the article I posted last night was amongst one of these, not self promotional, not mine, but a paste and copy.

Rich,

Nobody could have said this better. The ones that get me are the recipes. What do recipes have to do with real estate. Let me guess? blog points.

Rich - Stop that you are making me blush!

I have been meaning to mention - I love the Rain Drip Series.

So now I'm a Hop Head, a Cork Dork, and a Rain Drip!

Well, as you know, this has been a sore point for a year. It's only gotten worse as the membership has increased. Until AR decides to DELETE the offenders, it's not going to change. Only members see the kersplatts - the public doesn't. Taking away points or adding no-follow tags hasn't worked. There's a member here who has a kersplatt on everyone of his posts. Guess what - he's still here and the public is none the wiser.

AR keeps saying they support quality, but so far, they've not backed that up with action. It does seem that body count is more important.

Keep trying, Rich!!!

I agree with part of what you have to say, and disagree with part of it. (Feel free to delete my comment if you wish)

I thoroughly agree with the copy & paste and blatant theft. (Lenn Harley said it best - call plagerism what it really is - theft) I am so disgusted by what I see, by so called "professionals". Until drastic steps are taken word this will continue.

I disagree about content. I feel as if each individual blogger has the right to post whatever the heck they wish on their own blogs. I really don't wish to see limitations as to free speech. As long as the content is original, go for it. If someone wants to post "me me me" articles so be it. If someone wants to post recipes, go for it. Me? I write articles mainly for the consumer. I try to be informative, yet find a balance of "me" so that a relationship can be built and they can get to know me.

Kris - Can I jump in? This isn't just about plagiarism. It's dumping useless garbage over and over again in the hopes of creating some sort of google ranking or who knows what else?

I see it over and over again in the Newbie Group. Post after post of uselessness. I have seen a local Agent and a local LO post useless garbage over and over again. I know their mindset because they both attended one of my blog classes.

You are right. Freedom of Speech. It's his business - he should be able to write whatever he wants. But I also think we in ActiveRain should stand up and not allow the spammers, the gamers, the points mongers, and the page rank wranglers to dilute and pollute the beauty of AR.

Go pollute your own blogspot blog - please don't do it here.

I have to agree with Kris about free speech. Yes I hate the self promotional garbage on AR but I don't have to read it.

Don't like recipes don't read blogs with recipes. Don't think someone else should write about their dog, cat, kid, a Saturday Night Live skit, religion, politics, market reports, or that they are the best thing since sliced bread?... Why ? because you are not interested in it? Until you are given editorial rights, you just have to move along... You can't control what others write just what you read.

I did take a good look at ActiveRain a few weeks ago when the whole Move Inc buying and then not buying ActiveRain thing was disclosed and there was a lot of buzz outside AR. IMHO AR is getting more and more full of mediocre blogging but the membership numbers are going up. AR does look like a chat room in some cases.

Plagiarism and "garbage I don't want to read" are two separate matters. ActiveRain at least has "Kersplats." Move Inc blogs, RealTown blogs don't.

As far as spamming search engines, black hat, etc. use the Contact ActiveRain in the corner. Either AR will deal with or they won't I don't think those people are reading this and going to change their evil ways for the good of the AR community.

Mike, I'm not going to hijack Richs post with an argument about free speech or what AR should have to say about content. I understand that others will have strong viewpoints which may or may not be along the same lines as my thoughts. That's ok. Isn't that what makes AR so wonderful? The diversity?

For me, the system is designed well. The problem is that there is a percentage of the populace, any populace including real estate related folks who are always looking for the short cut, the easy way to achieve a goal. I'm not sure what their goal is, but I suspect it has to do with points.

Now, no one loves points more than I, no one!!! However, while I love the points, I know folks are going to see my work. Yes, it's work and ActiveRain is a part of my job. So, personal pride in my work dictates that I submit for the public and my real state friends, interesting and important content. Hence: Hard Core Real Estate Talk.

I don't care of folks post 14 lines for a post, it merely deminishes them in the eyes of Active Rain members. however, if they don't care, I don't care. I wouldn't refer any business to them because I figure they'd treat a buyer or seller client in a superficial manner just as they blog. Folks' personality doesn't change from one task to another. Folks are what they are. An opportunistic blogger is an opportunistic person.

I do object to the blatent commercials on blogs and I've hit the red flag from some, but they're still there.

We are losing some very valuable members. They don't resign, they just post elsewhere. I'm loyal to ActiveRain because my grandaddy instilled in me that loyalty was more important than almost anything. That was a long time ago, but it still works for me. So, I'm loyal to ActiveRain but I'm not surprised to see so many who have moved over to other blogs or platforms because the other site is perceived as more professional, more productive and just plain better for business. I've figured out how to make ActiveRain good for business. So, I don't have to seek other blogs or platforms.

I made a serious mistake when I started on ActiveRain by thinking it was more "hard core" real estate related. It turns out that preference is given to the more "social" blogs. However, at this time, I've got too much invested in ActiveRain to change my direction.

So, rathern than the serious ActiveRainers leaving or becoming less serious, I'm hoping that rather than just a head count for members, the owners will strive to keep quality members too. Policing the copyright thiefs and controlling the advertising is a good place to start.

Mike has a grasp on what I was attempting to communicate. I don't really care if people want to post recipes, or stories about their pets. At least that's content that somebody somewhere may find interesting and relevant. To each their own. However, to me, there are two primary problems here - plagiarism (stealing other people's content for your own gain), and using your blog platform as though it were a static website. Both practices undermine the primary intent of conversational blogging. In both instances, if the problem continues to escalate, then consumers will grow weary of the trash content, and go elsewhere on the Net for their searches.

Dillute and Pollute. Well said, Mike!

Kris - if these 'polluters' were actually 'writing' an article, I wouldn't be so harsh in my critque. But they aren't writing ANYTHING. They simply clip & paste a hodge-podge collection of ad slicks, like the ones that are stuffed into your mailbox everyday, and pass it off as blogging...

Rich, I agree with you - that is why I stated "original content". As long as a post has original content I cannot see limiting what that content is.

The laziness and theft of the copy & paste grinds me also. My thought is this: The consumers will see right through the laziness of the copy & paste posters. They're not stupid. The polluters will simply fall by the wayside when they don't get the activity they thought they would get the easy way.

Lenn - yes, we've lost a significant amount of veteran members. Some of that can be attributed to the typical 'fad' wear-off normally associated with social media networks. Many others have ventured out onto their own 'outside' blogsites, which I think is only a natural progression for those who truly embrace the value of blogging. And then, others have left because they feel the quality of content here has gone drastically downhill. I am like you. I am committed to being here and to providing whatever positive influence I can to make it a better network....

Elaine - don't beat around the bush, dear. Tell us exactly how you feel!....thanks for your candid assessment....

Mana - I read your post on MySpace, and think it is totally appropriate.

Rich,

I read what I find interesting and pass on the rest.

I must admit that I have noticed changes in the quality of writing on AR but I'm a believer in Free Speech...I just don't have to read it.

Moni - I wonder sometimes, if consumers have the ability to do the same? What is their initial reaction when accessing our network? My sense is that many would grow weary of the 'polluted' content, and look elsewhere. I am not so concerned with what the 'membership' sees, or how 'we' perceive things. I am more concerned with what consumers are seeing.....

Stinkin' cut and pasters! Just think of the damage someone could do to a good crab photo with the help of the Paint program...LOL!

On a serious side, Sweet post! I have read one of the articles you mentioned previously, but I will read the others too.

Many of us are here every day, culling through the good, the bad and the ugly, trolling for the jewels that exist on this network. I'm not sure that a consumer will stick around long enough to get through the bad and ugly if that is all that they find. No solution, just an observation.

Rich, I got a little weary early on with AR, trying to weed through everything to find what I needed to help me grow in my business. I've only recently "returned" because I know there are people here who post valuable information - and I'm speaking as a new agent using AR as a resource - but it's still takes a lot of time. I'm slower with posting because I want what I post to be good, but I have to admit I get frustrated knowing so many others are racking up a lot of points just because they can. I appreciate your stand on this. As for me, I'm in a wait and see mode with AR.

I find that continuously blogging off topic helps me keep things fresh. ;o)

Like sushi.

I can't believe this topic has to come up again!! How can people continue and continue to plagarize and post nonoriginal information. I know we're getting like a hundred new people a day, but blogging is not really a "new" fad anymore. It's been around for a few years, and people should get it by now...

Rich - I agree in respect to mediocre writing. I wanted to encourage new people by commenting on their blogs, but it was not easy: blog after blog after blog with nothing to read. I couldn't comment, since I can't even say "nice post". I don't think much can be done about that: may be writing is a talent, I don't know.

One thing I think can be done: require that there was at least some content. Tell me, what consumer in the world would be interested in "copy and paste" MLS charts. They wouldn't even understand it, let alone the boredom factor. Someone wants to talk about market conditions: write about market conditions, use appropriate data, but don't just post copied over tables for every town, every moth, for thousands of points.

Public face of AR is important and it's based on content. People want to learn about others in this profession, they should have a chance. If people come here and find "toxic waste dump", they will not come back again, so it effects me.

Rich ~ Great content here as usual. Your points are well taken, but I wonder if AR can reverse it's reputation as a Super Fund Site...the damage certainly has been done.

Hummm maybe there's government funding...

I really value so many astute and well-thought observations expressed here.

Donna - you're right. You'd think we'd be alot farther along by now. Unfortunately, many who join this platform look for an easy way to jump on the Google Juice Wagon. How much effort does it take to endlessly post your website URL, contact information, and branding logo/slogan?

Kristal - it's hard to say. The landscape certainly has changed since this time last year. Technology is changing so rapidly, who's to say that blogging will morph into some other form of social media in the next year, making sites like AR outdated? Thanks for stoppin' by...nice to see your face up there. Sorry about those Rockies. I was pulling for 'em!

Rich ~ They say everything has it's season. With technology evolving so fast the seasons don't even last a whole year. Finding a way to stay on top or ahead is getting more difficult. We have to keep re-inventing ourselves. I don't know how much more I WANT to be re-invented! ;)

I'm sorry about the Rockies too. I keep reminding myself it's just entertainment. Now the Broncos just missed a big op. Oh well. Back to blogging...

OCT

2007

Rich,

I'm pretty new to AR, and I've seen it (and more) enough to make me embarrassed. And I don't embarrass easily!

I totally, 100% believe that if I post crap, you will let me know. :)

Oh, and please explain Kersplats, I'm not familiar with those jewels.....

Every time I see a post like this, my heart pounds.... am I doing something wrong??? is the first thing that pops into my head. I almost always sign my posts (not my comments) with my name, phone number, email and website and the name of the company I'm with. Is that wrong?

Nancy - for us agents, it's a learned response to brand everything we send out. It's engrained in us from day one. Promote, promote, promote. Here on AR, they've kind enough to give us a Profile. Our profile contains everything the prospective client needs to find us and contact us. Why then do we feel it necessary to insert additional, redundant contact info into our articles? Just food for thought.....

Marlene - first things first... this is considered 'Comment SPAM:'

Marlene Scheffer, Realty Station, Bremerton, Kitsap, WA

Secondly, the Kersplats are the little red flags at the bottom of your posts, where members can 'flag' you (turn you in) to the AR staff for plagiarism, miscategorized advertisements, or inappropriate content. If they agree, and you've violated their policies, then you get an little red/orange "X" or Kersplat at the end of your post.

It is good to read things like this. We all could learn something from this post.

Lee - one would only hope......

Rich, I first saw your most recent post with the business cards and testimonials and was a bit confused but now I get it! You are so right, of course. I seem to focus on AR members that write wonderful posts but sometimes when reciprocating I am amazed at how lame some posts are. For me, localism is my first goal as I have my own blog. However, the friendships and camaraderie at AR has drawn me in and inspired me to write off-topic things like MEME's. It's so great to read a post about someone's life. There have been many in the past few days simply talking about slowing down, being still as Sally said, and appreciating life. I do love AR.

Diane - if I didn't care as much about AR than I do, I wouldn't be wasting my time writing articles like this...thank you!

Rich~

As Lenn pointed out, "Policing the copyright thiefs and controlling the advertising is a good place to start. "

Like you and Lenn, I have noticed a lacklustre trend in posts of late. As a former schoolteacher, I cringe at the d- quality of some of the material I see. But for the most part, the professional spirit that guided AR in the beginning can still be found.

I DO miss the AR moderators though!!! Who knew best what the big picture was, and how to feature the golden posts? I say bring them back! THAT might be a boon for AR and the members here.

I just wrote a similar blog then found yours. Glad to see I'm not the only one who is annoyed with all of the trash :)

OCT

2007

To Everyone Commenting:

Susan Milner posted along a similar vein with "Let's Repost All of Our Junk Mail"

Ooops, sorry, glad someone finally told me. It takes a while to learn all the ins and outs! One person says "Just start posting," then the tenth time you do something, eight people tell you it was wrong.

It's intimidating. I have been going through and looking at posts for newbies, tips and suggestions for Active Rain, staying up till 2 am checking this site out, and I still can't seem to get it. Just when I think I am doing ok, literally eight people tell me to stop doing something, like the "Comment Spam". Some people said it nicer than others.

It is frustrating. Perhaps that's part of the reason people fill in their profiles, but never post anything. They're afraid to! I'm getting to the point where I am almost afraid to put anything on here. And believe me, it's not for lack of trying to learn.

Is there a mentor program or something for Active Rain? Someone who can look at my posts before they are published, or check my profile, and tell me privately when something needs to be changed?

See, I can't even find that.......

Marlene - take a deep breath and exhale!....There's a learning curve here. It takes time for everyone to find their unique voice and niche. One size doesn't fit all here. While there are certainly basic accepted best practices to blogging, there is a lot of room for individuality. And in the final analysis, that's the true essence of what blogging is - conveying your individuality to potential clients. I would glad to help you in the process. I was very fortunate to have some great mentors when I first started here as well....

ME <------ taking a few deep, cleansing breaths; thanking Rich, who knows more about blogging than I can ever dream; and going to bed, for once, before midnight.

Marlene - we have a whole group just for you! 3,336 members strong and all of them are there to help you! How cool is that?

The Newbie Group!

Before you post here please read the rules:
ACTIVE RAIN NEWBIE GROUP POSTING INSTRUCTIONS

Also, please take some time before posting to read the following links we have compiled from various Active Rainers.
You will learn almost everything you need to know from these links.

NEWBIE...definition taken from Wikopedia
The word newbie is used mostly in Internet gaming culture. Its definition is to be new to something, mainly video games or an internet service. There are variant spellings, such as newb, n00b, noob, and nub, although noob is sometimes used as another definition.

If you have a question, just blog it and check off the Active Rain Newbies box at the bottom of your blog.

Blanca Cholewczynski: Welcome Wagon
Brad Andersohn: Paying it Forward
Colleen Kulikowski: Active Rain Manual
Jeff Turner: Active Rain Video Tutorials

And here is a place to practice...
The Practice Here! group

Hi Rich,

Very informative post. As a newbie this helps to guide me, not that I would consider spamming my personal info all over my blog or plagiarizing, but I think I have a better sense of what people might be interested in. That being said, I feel like every day in Real Estate is an adventure, and right now I'm taking pleasure in documenting my day-to-day activity as a Realtor. I'm trying to keep things light and positive as opposed to bombarding people with stats, though I will incorporate that from time to time.

Thank you also for the personal welcome on my blog, I appreciate it and look forward to continuing as an active member of AR.

Lisa - We're glad you're here. You will grow to value and appreciate the benefits of your involvement here!

NOV

2007

Thanks Rich for another great post, and even better followup comments to the posts. I have taken the time to read many of your posts back to back, its good to know that you and others are here to keep it real. Real Good...Good job again,///// Mike Norvell Sr

FEB

2009

I hope the new payment plan for members will cut out or reduce the cheaters.

Joetta: One can only hope!

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Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Silverdale, WA

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Keller Williams West Sound Realty

Address: Silverdale, WA, 98383

Office Phone: (360) 499-6367

Cell Phone: (360) 440-4758

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Providing Knowledgeable Empowerment and Relentless Representation of Real Estate Clients throughtout the Western Puget Sound, including all of Kitsap County WA, and portions of Mason, Pierce, and Jefferson Counties.

"Helping You to Successfully Achieve Your Next Adventure in Life!"

Rich Jacobson

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