I joined Active Rain almost exactly seven months ago. I feel like it was like years ago that all of this has started. Since I started here as you can see in the title, I have written 100 post and made over 2000 comments. I can only imagine how many post that I have read...it wouldn't be a true reflection of the number comments, it would be much more. Unfortunately, I didn't comment on every blog I read. (But I truly enjoyed them all.)

The amount of information that is shared here is simply amazing. The sharing, the caring...it is amazing how a virtual community comes together. There has been heartbreak, sorrow and pain, joy and happiness...each step of the way people pulled together and offered support, words of encouragement...everyone shared in their victories.

All of this because of blogging. Myspace or Facebook, I don't think have the same sincerity as ActiveRain...partially because of their online personality. How can you be a real person if your name is ROCKhardabs67, johnnyLOVErocket or lovemyDDs85? (no there aren't members with these names on myspace, but you get my point.) It's kind of hard not to be yourself when your name, address and phone number is pasted on everything you write...not to mention your picture. I am sure some of the comments could be cleaned up from time to time, but it is also OK that we vent. It helps us understand each other.

To think that I have grown is an understatement...to think I have reached the pinnacle is even more of an understatement. This is only a scratch in the surface of the technology world as it pertains to real estate. I still consider myself a student of the industry with everyday that passes. I have recent wrote about the Tom Brokaws statement about the Washington News Post and you truly have to embrace that idea...one day your newspaper will be delivered on your Kindle. If you are still relying on print to bring your business, how are you going to survive when it goes away? You have to stay out in front of technology and continue to build relationships.

Active Rain has been the catalyst of my online experience. I have always been on the internet, just never to this extent. You see what I have done on Active Rain above...but here is what I have done on the outside since starting here. I launched my own business blog called Focus On Frederick, went from a free blog to my own hosted blog, moved my static website from page 50 to page 2 on google, inspired the naming of other successful blogs, created multiple other blogs. On my biz blog I have written 129 post, but I am not sure how many comments I have made on other outside blogs. I have create multiple social network profiles...and the invitations continue to mount up for the newest latest and greatest network. I can't say I have quite found anything like Active Rain. It has truly been an experience that cannot be matched. Lately it hasn't seem to be the same as it was when we all first started, but it still has not been replaced. Facebook, LinkedIN, Plaxo, MySpace...just doesn't have the same magic. (even though the people are the same) :)

I feel bad that I haven't been around here making comments like I used to...maybe I have just hit a wall. I am sure it will come back around again.

Thanks to all my friends and acquaintances for pushing my along. You have spoke loudly through your industry related and off topic post, your comments. all the Emails and phone calls. Without you I would not be here writing my 100th post on AR.

In the mean time, I figured I would share a recap of a few of my favorite and not so favorite post with you.

• So, when is it time to start a Team or Group?? How did it go for you? First met the famous Linda Davis here.
• Covered Bridges of Frederick County Google at its finest almost 3000 views from OUTSIDE Active Rain
• What do you do to help promote your listings? My biggest flop lowest views period.
• Flickr email Photo blogging beginning of another addiction - photoblogging.
• What state blogs on Active Rain the most? took the longest to research and write
• Friday Night fun...its a stress reliever The most fun on a Friday night
• Villages of Urbana and Urbana Highlands - Frederick MD the most client customer driven search
• Oh no...I need more subscribers!!! Most subliminal and a little tongue and check
• I made it to the Big time now!!! One of my biggest honors to be a part of...
  

Other blogs

• Realestateshows.com my first comment
• Top Agent SEO >> Top Reciprocal Linking Meanies when I became one of Karen George's sheep
• Dear Abby/Teresa I feel like I have bad breath or something . . . . This wasn't about me, but I really related to it and moved forward from it. (got my first subcriber too)
  
• POLL: Are You For or Against Dog Limit Laws? my first of many many off topic blogs MWA
• A Break From Zillow Posts: Tumblr.com Tool Boy Turner is real
• Adding A Drop Shadow In Photoshop Elements 5 Met the PS master
• Something on Active Rain Smells - Maybe it's Dirty Diapers? Met my match on this one.
• The MyBlogLog "STALKER" Widget: Should it stay or should it go? Realized not all widgets are real cool.
• IF ONE GETS CAUGHT STEALING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, SOMETIMES IT'S BEST TO PAY UP QUICKLY OMG she is real!!! There are those maps I have heard about!

I am sorry if I missed some of my favorite people on Active Rain...by no means was it intentional. Please help pay the bills by doing your shopping below. :)

Amazon.com Widgets