Well, that being said, I had better get to bloging. Thanks for this blog.

You are welcome David : )  CNN's article was the inspiration!

Blanca - I am so honored that you would mention me among such esteemed colleagues. They are the true talents. I'm just having fun "Singin' in this Rain!"

You are way too modest Rich!  You have a very special place here in the rain.   True source of inspiration!

We can not pretend its not there.  Its not going away. Very nice post, Blanca.

Maureen, you are another great blogger with plenty of virtual land claimed already.  I can only dream to barely reach the deep waters your rain boots stand in!  I hope one day I can be as good as you guys are. : )

Nice post Blanca... thanks for the mention. I did not notice it until after I made this a featured post in the Welcome Group... really... 

I love the "rain boots in all sizes title. "  My legs are too fat for my rain boots... 

I am glad you liked it Maureen.  Reading all of you every day has made this an awesome experience. 

I saw this morning that there are about 200 online members and about 1,400 non-members.   WOW!

Wow I must not pay attention to those numbers.. I was shocked it was that high, so I had to go look.  

Members: 13,903 - 239 Online  not that I did not believe you...

Just in this little time....

There are 242 members currently online.
There are 1,604 non-members currently online

There are still a lot of members that are not sure of what is going on or in the fence.   I say; get going...with those numbers of on-line people, comments and blogs should be pouring in don't you think?

Blanca ... I'm typing as fast as I can ... Maureen McC makes me do it!! I used to have a life - now I have to take photos - and keep a pad in my car to write down ideas - and check additional stats - ad infinitum!

My boots are on!

I know what you mean Elaine, she can be a mean General sometimes huh? : )  I am glad you have your rain boots on, the weather forecast said there is a huge storm on its way..wink, wink!

Blanca.... as you said, to embrace technology and its changes. So true...if not, you will be eating other's dust.

I agree with Maureen F.... this is not going away. I just hope not as many loan officers catch on. SO I am semi greedy.  ;o)

Jeff, I think more Loan Officers should be here.  Haven't you found yourself learning more, raising your standards in part due to being a member of this community?  I know I have.  

I can't be greedy, I perfectly now of myself that I can only be of great service to some but not everybody.  My dad used to say "Butter is only good when it's nice and thick" and I have always believed that by having a healthy dose of competition it keeps me on my toes and on top of my game. 

You are my competition but I admire you and respect you, I aim to stand tall, side by side with the giants and I can only hope I can be as good as you some day.  Without competition how sad it would be for the consumer to have only one option or too many bad choices.  

It is not only technology that needs to be embraced; willingness to change is the number one element to factor in on your way to the top.

Thank you Jeff! : )

Blanca.... I agree about competition.... but not all competition plays fair. So, there is a reason for my comments.  Again, I don't mind having loan officers in here.,.,,but just as they flood the online advertising and TV ads, and papers....  I don't want them flooding these types of outlets. Does this make sense?

I totally agree with that Jeff!  That has to be toned down just a notch : )

Blanca ~ thanks for the mention.  do you mind if I change the title and copy this?  :)

kk

Hey KK.... I guess you saw this already. I just sent you an e-mail.

Hey Blanca... I guess this blog will get featured now.   Even though it hasn't, I will say Congrats on a featured post.... because that other guy, what an ASS.  And I am just being polite.  I made a comment or two on Ryan's post, when you mentioned this. I just can't believe.

For you... anything KK.  : )

the cyber police should fine him..ban him or something..Blanca spent alot of time putting her own words into the blog......shame on YOU, You know who you are ! Public apology would be a good start.

Jeff, now I clearly understand your point of view in your earliest comment:

"Blanca.... I agree about competition.... but not all competition plays fair. So, there is a reason for my comments.  Again, I don't mind having loan officers in here.,.,,but just as they flood the online advertising and TV ads, and papers....  I don't want them flooding these types of outlets. Does this make sense?"

Thank you Michele!

Congratulations Blanca for getting a featured post!   Very deserving.  And good job to AR who reacted quickly to get rid of the bum.   He qualifies for my "a special kind of stupid" award.

Thank you so much Linda.   I wasn't thinking that this is they way it was going to get featured.   

And to think I almost used his title and not mine.  But the title was from the article I read and I figured that was a big no, no.. 

Does anyone know of other real estate community blogs out there like ours? Just curious. I think Blanca's smile should be on the cover of real estate blogging in the rain.

Stage It Forward! 

Blanca...

We have survived and run our business for 12 years without having to go to "virtual land"...

Working in the same farm area for as much time has helped us with that :)

Over the last few months we have decided to go ahead and expand our business. We have a new agent starting soon.

We have also found a very unique way to use "virtual land" to keep our new agent very busy. We have been giving our Buyer leads to our Realtor (R) friends for many many years. But, thanks to Active Rain we have found two things that we can do with "virtual land"....

• 1. We can employ someone who needs a good company to work for :)
• 2. We can put something into our farm area that the home owner's here have never seen and it will be very useful to them :)  

In a nutshell...We can turn "virtual land" into something good for everyone where we are. I like that.

It goes along with that whole "giving back" thing that Broker Bryant and I like to do. SVW (smiling very wide)

For the record. None of this would have happened if we had not started Blogging on AR...

I am so happy and proud that the fruits of your labor are now being reaped! SVW ( i've been wondering what that stood for!)

You both are a strong presence here and I enjoy your wisdom and wittiness. You are definitely growing something great for your farm!

Sheron You are making me blush!  Thank you so much for your kind words.    

TLW & Bryant.  I can totally see you guys doing that you show us every day, with your comments, your suggestions wonderful humor and amazing posts.  You have the biggest stake planted on this "virtual land" Thank you for sharing everyday with us! 

Congrats Blanca on getting that other guy exposed. You'd think if someone was going to do something as blatant as HE did, he'd at least wait a few days before doing it. Glad to see his post GONE!

I hear you Elaine, he is not the sharpest tool in the shed uh?

Awe...You Ladies are just so nice. Never mind how much the both of you inspire me all the time.

SVVVVVVVW. wink. wink.

If I had it all to do over again I would have only changed one thing:

I would have located the two of you sooner!      :)

TLW...ROAR!

Blanca, I brought your boots...

Blanca,

Too true, too true!  The age of technology is growing at a rate that is just on the verge of exploding.  It's such an exciting time to be in any business.  We believe that "In giving - we truly receive the most".  Thank you for being such an integral part of this network.  We all adore you for how kind and sweet you are!  :) 

How sweet of you Mark how did you knew that is my favorite color! : ) I am so happy now!

Lisa Sniffle! 

Hi Blanca, So much better reading this post from the original author. You look much better on the dashboard than that other guy:)

Bryant  Actually it was me dresses like a man.  I guess I was way too early for Holloween : )  Thanks!

TLW BIG HUG!

hey blanca, i'm jumping in and let it RAIN...!!!!!

So glad to hear that, I hope you have your rain gear George, there is a storm coming.  Welcome!  : )

Blanca, you wrote it all!  Isn't this a great way to learn before the storm hits?  Nice boots!!!

You said it right Kay.  I have gone and got myself a few extra pairs of rain buts.  I am planning to be playing in the rain when it pours.  Thank you so much for your comment Kay!   I know... Mark's boots are so cute!

Way to go Blanca

Thank you so much Tim! Got your boots on?

That last quote is so true! I can't believe how many people in my office have no clue... and I don't worry about writing that because I know none of them will read it!! Some don't even know how to upload pictures to the MLS. These are SEASONED VETERANS!!! Well I guess that means more money for me!!

Well put Blanca!!!  We are at the forefront of this revolution.  With technology changing everything, an online presence is and will be very important.  - Aloha

You are so right Carl, I see that all the time around my office too! 

Kengo, Thank you for your comment!  Aloha, is one of my all time favorite words! 

Blanca,

You have an awesome way with words.  I believe that AR is a great social networking environment.  Bring on the "technical revolution." 

Ray Thank you so much! I have been little by little finding my own voice.

It has been an uphill battle but it is happening.  AR greatest bloggers wearing the big poncho are a great source of inspiration

Yep...Even with a very strong computer background, i had no idea how important this blogging stuff is. I didnt see it until I joined this site.

 Only issue for me is, I wish i had something to blog about! 

Blanca - Thanks for the mention...I think my rain boots have gootten a little soggy inside... :)

Dave, you just have to find your own voice, it would come, you'll see.  You can read at first, then get your feet wet, it is not fun seen everybody have fun from the porch! : )

Angus, plenty of mileage left on those booties!  But, I have some extra boots from my underground connections if you need some.  TLW has a nice collection of rain boots coming in with her logo. LOL

Blanca,

I have one boot on, and I am tugging on the other, thanks to your invitation.

I am impressed with how much you contribute in terms of time, information, and good will. Your posts are informative and thoughtful, and you are generous and motivating.

 However, based on some of the comments on this post, i feel as if I am missing an important point. I conclude that I joined AR too late and so am missing a part of a thread that may have started earlier. Perhaps it wa, it was washed out by the rain.

I enjoyed reading this post and comments.  I feel like the only guy who didn't get joke.  Who was rude and what did he say, without being graphic?

Blanca

I am well prepared despite the soggy socks

Blanca,

Nice to see you`re starting to get noticed.I can always claim I was one of your "First Fans"... Keep up the good work! 

Blanca,

Brad Inman is right on the money...there are many companies who are offering new technologies to RE professionals...it's a very exciting time for all.  All the best in 2007.

You are so right blogging will be a big influence on the real estate industry, I can see the potential and have also noticed the  rewards some are already repeating; so I am doing my best to embrace this technology.

Blanca,

G R E A T P O S T!  I even ran out and bought an umbrella !!

Congrats on being "Featured"

Atta Girl !

Blanca,

Thanks for sending me notice on who the plagiarist was.  He has a lot of agents in Georgia on his Associates list, including me.  I quickly blocked his association with me.  I am now very grateful for that little feature.

I still find it hard to believe that there are some agents in my marketplace who do not use the internet.  Hello !

Blanca,

Thanks for the post. We are here basking in the rain, boots and all. I'm ready!

Blanca, I liked your post.  I read the CNN article and it was good!  Who would of thought blogging would have this kind of potential in the real estate industry. 

Congratulations on the featured post Blanca!

Yesterday when I was online sometimes mid or late morning I saw 315 members here!  WOW!  I do think there are still many who will not/do not participate in blogging or commenting and it is a shame.  We all have a lot to learn from others and be taught by others.

As far as those who don't understand the tech thing, let's just make it our doity little secret and keep it to ourselves ;)

Very well said!  We have to embrace this while it's still relatively fresh. 

Eloise that is the magic of the rain.  It washes things out and allows us to move on!  Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate them!

Angus As said you are way ahead and at the front of the storm.  Where you a boy scout? : )

Scott Ah! The truth finally comes out.  Don't be shy...you are my No 1 Fan LOL

I just hope more people begging to buy boots in large amounts Nick.  Preparation, Preparation, Preparation right?

Take the time to learn from the Pro's and plant your stake on the ground Jennifer!

Fran I can see you all the way from here with that umbrella : )

Tim He has actually made a public apology, I am moving on.  I have learned a valuable lesson and I have gained a new found deeper respect for all the hard work many of you put in your blogs.  Heart and Soul!

These agents are going to be left out, scratching their heads, wondering what the heck just happened!  Find your voice and don't be shy about blogging.   I know....sometimes I also want to wear the big size rain boots.  With patience maybe one of these days!  Welcome to Active Rain John! 

William I can totally see you guys are having so much fun!  Wait for me!!! : )

Patricia I know what you mean, I came in a little late and only by chance.  I am glad for recognizing it's great potential...just in time!

I wonder the same thing Renee everyday when I am signing in.  Amazing!

Caron He is so generous.  I do have to say that the title from this blog was inspired from one of his featured posts. 

technology is a nessecity, not an option...good Post

www.EagleResorts.com

I just had to post a comment to get you some extra credit, you deserve it after being so gracious even in light of being ripped off. =)

Come in Jim & Maria....where have you been?  Glad you are here!

You said it Chris!

Thank you so much Leigh for your comment, I am so honored with your visit. : )

I like your last line engage it or pretend it is not here... Many in this area try to engage it through out sourcing their sites, newsletters and blogs to thrid parties.  Which is tailored to individual areas isn't bad but unfortuantely they don't grow themselves so when they do make contact they sound like the same ole game... If you're going to use technology you need to become personally involved so you an speak intelligently to clinets when trying to gain them as a client.  The day of smoke and mirrors is rapidly passing.  The public is no longer easily fooled by words and catch phrases.

Great comment Michael! I do have to tell you that line you refer to is an actual line from the article that inspired this post.  I wish it had come out of my own pressure cooker but I am barely poaching eggs right now with this blogging thing   

Normally technology and water don't mix, but ActiveRain has found a way. Now it's up to us to leverage this huge opportunity to improve service levels to our clients and efficiency levels within our business.

Great way of saying that John!  Good title for a post....wink,wink.   It is now 01/19/07 5:012....just in case you need to trade mark the title ; )

Nice post Blanca... thanks for the info.

Rickey,

Thanks, and Welcome to Active Rain! : )