Posting To Localism

True to its name, Localism is about location and it's about consumers. To post to localism you've got to include both types of designation. Write out your post. When you're done be sure to categorize it correctly.

Be sure to mark the post visibility as public.

Check the box "For Consumers."

for consumers.JPG

The box will then expand into other options.

ar check box

Each option labeled with "(Region required)" will designated for that same heading in localism. These are your options for posting on Localism. They will show up on Localism.com as seen below.

where it shows up in localism

Where It Shows

The clip above was taken from the Localism's Alabama page. That means posts showing up on that page were last tagged with the regional designation "Alabama." Following Tags were not selected. That means this post is meant for the "Alabama" page and not for the succeeding city and county pages.

regional designation

If this poster wished to further define and focus their post on a particular area they could follow the drop down menus to have their post show in that last region picked. So if you wanted a post to show for a particular neighborhood you would want to have the neighborhood as the last one chosen. For each designation you would want to stop choosing where you want it to show. Leave the next box marked as "not -----Specific."

Hit"Post Blog Entry" and you're done. Your post will be sent throughout The ActiveRain Real Estate Network and it will show up on the cooresponding page on Localism.  If your post is for a neighborhood not listed yet, then keep reading.

Adding a Neighborhood

Let's say you wrote a post for a particular neighborhood that doesn't exist yet on the system. Then you'd select down to neighborhood and click the link "Add Neighborhood."

neighborhood level.JPG

Clicking on the Add Neighborhood link will open up a window with a map of the city you are adding a neighborhood to.

add a neighborhood

Type in the name of the neighborhood and be sure to use proper spelling. Then put your mouse over the map where the approximate center of the neighborhood is and click. An icon will show designating the spot where the center of the neighborhood will be placed.

Some options to help you here:

· You can zoom in by clicking on the ‘+' and ‘-‘signs on the page.

· You can pan by clicking and holding as you drag the map around to your desired position.

· If you click the wrong place you can always click again to change the location.

When you are finished select the Add Community button.

The community will be entered into your blog post, and you will have added a new community to The ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

Now hit Post Blog Entry. And you're done. Your post will show up on The ActiveRain Real Estate Network and its corresponding place on localism.

Thank you.  Caleb

 
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Localism Beta

118 Comments on Posting To Localism

The add location features are coming soon. Watch for them.

01/17/2007 05:01 PM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


thanks for the details Caleb.. this one is definitely worth the printer ink to have it handy.!

Nick the Appraiser

I was wondering if we had to be featured to make it over to Localism... you answered my question before I could ask!

my best regards...

 

01/17/2007 05:15 PM by Nick M -Realtor®-Appraiser in West Palm- South Florida Real Estate Appraiser (Certified Residential Appraiser- West Palm Beach Real Estate)


Wow. I managed, with my 2nd post ever, to get it correct even before this tutorial.  I just found my post on Localism!  Thank you for making this so easy even a beginning blogger can get it correct. 

01/17/2007 05:21 PM by Debi Braulik (Tacoma Real Estate) (John L. Scott Real Estate)


Thanks Caleb but I knew all that already and I think the reason that our blogs weren't showing up was due to the fact that they just didn't make there yet because they're there now.  Although there are still some that have not made it to their respective destinations yet.  I have faith that they will eventually though.  Thanks for sending this message to me!

You guys are doing a great job!

Best Regards,

Lisa

01/17/2007 05:47 PM by Pascack Valley Real Estate>> Lisa and Robert Hammerstein (Coldwell Banker)


Great job.......Encore!  May the encores be fruitful and continue to multiply!

01/17/2007 05:49 PM by Ron Withers (Town & Country Mortgage Services, Inc.)


I thought it was pretty self explanatory, but maybe it's because I'm getting used to your thinking....thanks for the explanation though.

01/17/2007 07:02 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Coldwell Banker)


Great explanation, and it's easy to do. I love how it is shaping up, and how people are participating.

01/17/2007 07:08 PM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)


It's amazing how quickly the ActiveRain Team adds functionality! Question: As a general rule, posts should be placed in the most specific category, correct? For example, a post about Sun City Summerlin in Las Vegas should be placed in that specific neighborhood - not left at the State or County level, right?

01/17/2007 07:09 PM by John Novak - REALTOR®, Las Vegas and Henderson, NV (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)


Hey! That's pretty neat. I was wondering how to add a subdivision or neighborhood.

01/17/2007 07:11 PM by David Spencer & Assoc., Broker & Lic. Instr. CE and Pre-Lic.


thanks,

you've done a great job helping people understand how to get their posts on Localism  as the curator of the group Localism Beta, we have been getting a lot of local posts that I have had to delete.  Now I have a great resource to refer them to - this will remain a featured post in the group for some time - thank you very much.

by the way, if anyone reading this post has an interest in keeping an eye on Localism or wants to express an idea, tip or suggestion we are trying to gather all of the material and articles together in one convenient location, so please check out the new group LOCALISM BETA

Now have a Blessed Day,

John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR
www.JohnOcchi.Com

 

01/17/2007 07:34 PM by John Occhi Hemet CA Real Estate (Century 21 Crest - Crest REO)


That was great. I didn't know we could add a neighborhood. Hmm...I think I need to work on some neighborhood blogs....

 

 

01/17/2007 07:47 PM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)


Thanks so much for this crystal clear explanation. I have bookmarked it for reference.

01/17/2007 07:58 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Thank you for posting this how to, I am sure many members will benefit from this,

01/17/2007 09:24 PM by Daniel Lowery CNS, e-PRO, Broker/Sales (Coldwell Banker Gordon Co. REALTORS)


Do you guys have this all figured out, like JK Rowling had the Potter story all outlined?  Or do you just never sleep?  "Hey, this would be cool, let's do this..."  ;-)

I like it, and the possibilities are really exciting.  Thanks for letting us play too.

01/17/2007 09:30 PM by Bill Williams (Coldwell Banker Aspen Realty)


Caleb,

I was going to write you all an email tonight asling how we could do this because I posted an article last night that was specific to a neighborhood/community that I created on Localism.com, but could not find a way to list it there.

Some times I think you guys are reading my mind from the exact opposite side of the nation (Washington to Florida); of course minus Hawaii and Alaska. :)  Thanks... time to go update a post.

01/17/2007 10:11 PM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Ok... I just went to fix my post, and I am not given the option of neighborhood or adding a neighborhood.  Is this feature only good for new post, or can I go back to old ones to update them?  Why can't I see this option?  Caleb, HELP...

01/17/2007 10:16 PM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Very cool!  Thank you.  Can't wait to get a nice sunny day so I can take some photos and get blogging!

01/17/2007 10:21 PM by joanne Douglas (Terrie O'Connor Realtors)


Caleb, why can the Post show in all the regions that were selected, and not just the last selection made?  For example, why can't it show under state, county, city, and neighborhood?

01/17/2007 10:27 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)


Caleb,

Thanks for the update. I trust you and the crew are getting proper breaks in the process of keeping Localism on track!

01/18/2007 02:10 AM by William Collins, Broker Associate (ERA Queen City Realty)


Thanks for the update.  I was confused on how to post on Localism.com

01/18/2007 02:52 AM by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)


Thank you for keeping us updated. When do you plan to get out of Beta?

01/18/2007 07:28 AM by Jennifer Fivelsdal,ABR,GRI,SRES (Keller Williams Realty)


Thanks for the details Caleb.  Got my first one there yesterday and now the AR addiction is here for good with the addition of Localism.

Just wondering about John Occhi's comment.  Did you have to delete posts because they were inappropriate or just ended up in the wrong place?  Thanks for the pointer to the group.  Must check it out.

01/18/2007 07:37 AM by Palmetto Bay | Redland Real Estate | Maggie Dokic (EWM Realtors)


thank you guys for the awesome info..Its great to be able to keep current with things..

Gary Urich 

01/18/2007 07:54 AM by Gary Urich- North Myrtle Beach Real Estate (Eagle Realty)


Hey Caleb,

Thanks for the update :) The site is looking great!

Scott

01/18/2007 10:51 AM by Oak Valley Mortgage-California Home Loans and Refinancing


Thanks for the update Caleb.I can't wait to add communities and what not.The site looks sharp and is friendly.I can send these to clients. Great stuff!

01/18/2007 12:27 PM by LLoyd Nichols~SW Florida Homes (Right Choice Realty LLC)


AHA!  Nice public service anouncement.  Been wondering about that....

01/18/2007 12:49 PM by Kyle Frazier (Frank Howard Allen Realtors)


I've noticed grammatical errors from other members. Please check your spelling before posting. How do we report these mistakes?

 

01/18/2007 12:57 PM by


Localism is terrific, and I love all the updates you guys keep making!  Thanks for doing this - and may it bring all of us some great new business!

Ann

01/18/2007 01:11 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


I find that the localism site is great.  I figured out how to add more to it with my site here on Active Rain and am quite pleased at the turn-out.  Thanks a bunch for putting it together for us.

01/18/2007 02:29 PM by Brenda Brown, e-PRO (Coldwell Banker Evergreen Realty)


Thank you for sharing! i will check it out

01/18/2007 03:04 PM by Natalie Bagayas (Windermere/Realty Partners Inc.)


THis is good stuff Caleb.  THanks.  I always wondered how the neighborhoods were created.

Ken

01/18/2007 06:18 PM by Ken Spencer (Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners)


We love what you guys have done so far.  Localism is awesome!  Thanks!

01/19/2007 01:33 PM by Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate (Agent Owned Realty)


Do tables not convert over to Localism?

I created a Singer Island Market Report - based on the data in our Regional MLS - when it displays on Localism - the formating is gone?

Do I need to recreate using tabs?

THanks

01/21/2007 07:56 PM by Jupiter Real Estate Agent - David Abernathy (Ocean 30 Group at Waterfront Properties & Club Communities)


David,

Tables are stripped from the forum view throught the Network. 

Singer Island Real Estate Market Update - January 2007

Is on localism and looks fine.

01/24/2007 11:38 AM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Is it just me, or is this the only thread/post on AR getting spam?  I haven't seen it elsewhere on AR.

wierd.

01/27/2007 09:14 AM by Nick M -Realtor®-Appraiser in West Palm- South Florida Real Estate Appraiser (Certified Residential Appraiser- West Palm Beach Real Estate)


Nice job on the site-- you've even managed to entertaining a 83 year old woman. I was demonstrating to my mother how to browse the web, and she's getting quite a laugh out of seeing things like guestbooks online after only having signed them in the real world.
She's going to be relocating to a retirement center in a month, so the Net is not quite "of her generation".

01/28/2007 02:22 AM by JennyBentson


I posted a table and it displays properly on active rain, but not on localism. For example see here: http://localism.com/real-estate/NB/Westmorland%20County/Moncton. Thank you.

 

Update. I found another post pointing out that when you click on the hyperlink, the table displays as it should. However the 'thumbnail" view still looks messy.

01/28/2007 07:12 AM by Larry Estabrooks, Independent Agent, REALTOR® (LarryEstabrooks.com)


hi 2 all.
hello world! It is nice site. Keep working!
best regards
i found you here http://google.com ^^

01/29/2007 02:22 AM by marionxlx


Nice article on Localism.  I've started carrying my camera in my car, just for that perfect picture to add to the neigborhood. 

Comments have been fascinating too. 

01/29/2007 01:04 PM by Citizens First Financial


John,They should be as specificaly categorized as they are intended to be.  If it's about the state or county that's the last place you'd define it as. Some times it will be left at those levels.

George, We decided we wanted the most appropriate information at each level. So that if you make a post for the state it shows at the state level.  A neighborhood post isn't really about the state itself.  This may change.

Maggie, I believe John was referring to a group.  It's a part of group moderation to assure that only related posts are placed there.

Ben, I saw the comment spam and blocked it let me know when and where you see more.

01/29/2007 02:08 PM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Abolutely awesone right now......and just think....it's going to get even better.

01/29/2007 05:31 PM by Ron Withers (Town & Country Mortgage Services, Inc.)


Caleb, why can the Post show in all the regions that were selected, and not just the last selection made?  For example, why can't it show under state, county, city, and neighborhood?

01/17/2007 by George Souto

Hello, I saw the post above awhile back that asked a question I too am curious about it. I did not see an answer, but I'm still curious. There are times when a post would make sense at the County or State level as well as the City level. Any way to add it in?

Also, my main service city is located in two counties. There are times when I'd like to see info for the city on both county pages. Any chance of this?

Thanks much,

02/18/2007 05:54 PM by Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona)


Beth,

  1. Defining where things should show up on the Administrative side has been difficult.  For a number of reasons we've opted for our current format. This is something that we will be reevaluating for some time.
  2. We are still working on our location data and cities and counties haven't fully been worked out.
Thank you.

02/19/2007 10:23 AM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Caleb-

You pretty mush spelled it out for everyone.  I think the add features location is going to be a nice addition.  Localism is huge - and I am hoping more agents in my area find it.

03/06/2007 12:16 PM by Heather Saul (Weichert Realtors Hoey Group)


Caleb,


Thanks for your response, I want you to know I got it and have been mulling things over.


I'm sure it must be complicated figuring out a format that works for all areas. I don't envy you that task!


Having said that, I am still a little perplexed about something. regarding Localism and how (if?) area entries are verified.


In one of my main service areas, Sedona, things are complicated by the fact that the city & immediate area is located in not one, but TWO counties. Roughly a third is located in Coconino County, and about 2/3 in Yavapai County.


On 2/13/2007, I logged in to look at what Localism had for our area, and noticed that someone had posted a bunch of neighborhoods (some area names, many subdivisions) to the Coconino County Subdivision page, some of them in error (actually should have been shown in Yavapai County) and none of them with geographical coordinate markers. I assumed that this was either someone who did not realize there were two places they could add areas, or that they did not know the area well enough to know this, so I took the time to post areas (with geographical coordinates) in their respective county/city areas, and pretty much left the subdivisions out of it.


The next time I visited, I noted that ALL of the Sedona sub-area information for Coconino County was gone (or not viewable). I thought OK, great, they are going to verify and clean this up.


Now I see that the information is back, or at least some of it. What is showing is a mix of area names and subdivision names, some correct, some incomplete, and some still in the wrong county.


For Yavapi County, the Sedona area information I posted is still intact, but entire towns in our Verde Valley service area were removed (or are they merely invisible as no one has posted content to them? I may just not understand how this works, yet).


Since as real estate licensees and as NAR members (where applicable) we are required to present a "True Picture", this is likely to become a problem as we post information, particularly listings to Localism.


Is there a mechanism for dealing with these discrepencies, and if so what is it?   


Thanks for your time, I will check back for an answer. 

03/09/2007 12:49 PM by Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona)


Good reference sheet for ensuring posts show up as expected on Localism - thanks for the clear cut instructions!

03/14/2007 07:04 PM by Tony Marriott, Associate Broker, CRP, CLHMS, CRB, CRS ~~ Phoenix Arizona (Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners)


I've only been involved for a short time but am loving it - was out taking more pictures today and did an interview with a local business - hope to add more later! 

Thanks for the info - I was able to use Localizm today to refer to another agent and it worked great! Thanks for a great network for both professionals and consumers.    

03/16/2007 02:18 PM by Clearwater Real Estate - Tampa Bay FL Homes & Condos for Sale- Cyndee Haydon (Belloise Realty)


Cyndee, Interviewing a local business?  Wow that's terrific!  That's the kind of thing that I think is really going to make a difference.

03/16/2007 03:36 PM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Caleb, here in Brazos Valley we have both Bryan and College Station as twin cities.  My office is located in College Station, so Bryan isn't getting the billing that it needs.  I am adding pictures and neighborhoods, but is there any way to get it on the menu after people click into Texas?  Currently it looks like CS is the only city in the area getting any attention, they have to go to Brazos Valley and then to Bryan to see anything.

03/17/2007 09:51 AM by Chris Tesch College Station, Texas Real Estate (RE/MAX Bryan College Station)


 

Thank you for that wealth of information, I haven't done anything over there yet :(  But I bookmarked it so I can go over it again step by step!

03/17/2007 10:46 AM by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island (Feng Shui Long Island)


Cyndee, god idea on interviewing a local business, make sure they see the post you make on them.  What category would that go under?  News and Events?

03/18/2007 01:57 PM by Century 21 Showcase


Caleb,

Thanks I needed this, I'm bookmarking and then start writing.

Good Day!! have a cup of java and a smile on me :)

www.duayneweir.com REALTOR in Minneapolis Minnesota

03/19/2007 12:19 PM by Duayne Weir - Minnesota Real Estate Agent (Investment Realities LLC/MarketLink Realty)


Beth, I am looking into these things I appreciate your detailed description on this. 

Chris, I'll have to follow up with off of the post.

03/19/2007 02:19 PM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Thanks Caleb, I know you must have a lot on your plate. If I can supply you with resources for verification or make your job a little easier in any way, please don't hesitate to let me know.

03/19/2007 04:08 PM by Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona)


I'm finding the location button to be a bit difficult, but I figure at some point it will get better.  You guys are wonderful!

03/21/2007 10:06 PM by Chris Tesch College Station, Texas Real Estate (RE/MAX Bryan College Station)


Thanks , I was just wondering about how to do the "localism" thing for a subdivision that I want to add and I found your post. Perfect timing.

 

03/24/2007 06:50 PM by Debbie Nateghi (Texas Home Group Realtors)


Thanks Caleb, for the helpful tips I've just started posting to Localism. I really am thankful for your direction since my last post here. I've put up 2 posts in localism and will be adding more.

Good Day!! have a cup of java and a smile on me :)

03/25/2007 12:26 PM by Duayne Weir - Minnesota Real Estate Agent (Investment Realities LLC/MarketLink Realty)


Thank you for the helpful information.  I also am new to posting to localism.  Hopefully I will catch on soon!  Brande Bradford is doing a great job of coaching me as well!

03/31/2007 07:48 PM by Joy Goushaw


Very good tutorial.  There should be a section on ActiveRain on how to to tutorials.

04/03/2007 05:58 PM by Mike Stankewich, MBA, e-PRO - ZipRealty, Inc. (ZipRealty, Inc.)


Caleb- Your post is clear and easy to follow. However, I have given up on trying to put in neighborhoods. I seem to be missing some bit of knowledge. Invariably, when I try, I am never able to find th exact spot for the neighborhood. I end up not being able to place it, my post disappears, and have to start all over again.

04/14/2007 06:46 PM by Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Eloise Gift-Keller Williams)


I posted some neighborhood to localism and I want to add a link - nothing seems to bring up the pop up box to add the url.  I tried holding down the ctrl button as well.  Any ideas?  I reference your tips all the time, thank you!

04/19/2007 11:17 AM by Judy Cicalese Trumbull CT Real Estate (William Raveis Real Estate)


Judy, it's possible either your popup blocker blocked the link window, or that the window showed up behind the window you were looking at.  It could also be off-screen.

04/19/2007 01:34 PM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Thanks Eloise thanks for the update, it looks like something must not be working correctly.   Judy, I may not be understanding you on the link.

04/19/2007 02:08 PM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Caleb.... great post, Thanks! I guess I wasn't the only one confused about how to post to localism. Thanks again!

04/25/2007 09:25 PM by Mike Mitchell - REALTOR® - St. Clair Shores, MI (GMAC Real Estate The Kee Group)


thanks...btw, two questions...1) is there any way to check how one's posts have been rated? and 2) how do you get something featured either on AR or Localism?

Cheers,
Uzi Husain
Arizona Realtor, serving Goodyear & The Phoenix metropolitan area 

04/26/2007 11:31 PM by Uzi Husain (DPR Realty, LLC)


Caleb - awesome informative post....i'm still a tad new, yet this will come in handy down the road. thanks.!  ron

05/02/2007 10:25 PM by Ron Lipscomb (EXIT Realty)


This is a key point, placing your Localism posts into the correct category makes a huge difference in getting your voice out in front of the public.

05/10/2007 08:54 AM by


I've gotten a few contacts through localism so far - I think it's great - thanks AR

05/12/2007 01:58 AM by Abraham Chaffin - Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)


Thanks Caleb -  I've bookmarked your post in case I need it for reference.  Great post!

05/12/2007 07:08 AM by Sue Berger ~ Gladwin MI (RE/MAX River Haven)


If I post to "General Information" for Consumers where does that go?  Also, if I have a blog offering advice/tips to consumers I want to "target" in my community what catagory do I put that in, or is it an option to narrow something like that down to a region?

05/13/2007 12:53 AM by Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North)


Thank you for this post.  Localism has really helped me out!  I love it!

05/20/2007 11:00 PM by David L. Britt, MBA (The Heritage Real Estate Team)


Caleb - I asked a question in the "newbies" group regarding neighborhoods/communities but didn't get a clear answer.  I "discovered" this group and joined so I can stay more informed regarding Localism. 

My question is this; what is the difference between communities & neighborhoods?  We had some communities (true neighborhoods) on our local site but they have been replaced by smaller cities that are nearby.  We do have real neighborhoods in our city and I assume if I want to post about one of them I could have that as an option.  Now my only options are nearby cities....does that make sense?

Can you please help with a definition?

Thanks.

05/28/2007 01:12 PM by Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North)


Joddie,

I'm not sure how to address the question on "what is the difference." Do we have something stated somewhere that uses the words differently?

Sorry for the confusion.  The idea is that there are that cannot be defined by the city because the are smaller than the city and encompass specific geographic areas that are widely known by city inhabitants by a particular designation.  For example in Seattle we have, Freemont, Greenwood, Captiol Hill, West Seattle, Downtown, Queen Anne, Magnolia... the list goes on, but these are all neighborhoods, districts, or communities that I could tell someone about and they'd know where I was speaking of.  I hope this helps.

Regarding your question on "General Information" to consumers.  Your post is marked for consumers and is published to Localism, but it does not at this time get channeled to any of the local pages.  We do have plans to push out post like this to more areas so that they can gather wider exposure.

05/29/2007 10:35 AM by Caleb Mardini (M2M)


Caleb - thanks for your response.  I asked it because we did have neighborhoods on our Localism site and now it appears they are gone.  Instead there are actual local incorporated cities within a short distance of ours.  There are specific neighborhoods I can add and yes, people would know exactly where I was talking about.  I need to go back and look at our specific page again and see if I can re-add those neighborhoods.

Also, regarding "General Information" your explanation helps.  I had posted a few blogs there because they were general to sellers and buyers, not necessarily specific to a town.  Since I couldn't find them I went back and narrowed it down to my County - which is where others have posted that kind of information as well.  I guess it's okay for now?

05/30/2007 12:04 PM by Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North)


Caleb - I found the neighborhoods...they were "tucked away in a corner"....thanks!

05/30/2007 12:08 PM by Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North)


Thanks so much for this. I've been doing it all wrong!!! But no more......

07/01/2007 07:34 PM by Joshua Lazaro (Prudential Gardner, Realtors)


is there any settings to use a blog editor like Adobe contribute wi