I have often wondered what makes a good Blogger and how do Bloggers get better? Like most people, I didn’t go to Blogging School, nor did I Major in Blogging, Journalism, Education, English, Publishing or Creative Writing. For the record, I didn’t get started on ActiveRain until a few years ago.
With the advent of Social Media, I knew I better get started on a blog. When I discovered Activerain I jumped on board! In the beginning, I felt awkward. I wasn’t sure what to write about. As a matter of fact, on one of my earliest posts, I received several comments on a lame post about not being able to sleep. Suddenly, Night Owls appeared leaving encouraging words, all under the light of the silvery moon.
But here I go again, pondering what makes a good blog and how do Bloggers get better? ActiveRain offers challenges. Many of these challenges allows me the opportunity to strengthen my weakness to becoming more proficient in my profession. What I love the most about AR are my personal favorite Rainers who are willing to share information of interest, personal stories of conquest, assisting others in some new technique, and encouraging others. What I think makes a better post are stunning pictures, quick wit, cleverness, intelligence - all are forms of beauty. On the flip side, while I don't expect everyone to accept my ways, personal philosophy or conventional ways that may differ, I'd prefer to receive feedback that references a difference of opinion in private and not posted to the general public or even worse, commented on and singled out on their own blog post. On my post, I can delete or choose to ignore, but do I really need to see a reference to me in a negative tone from someone I looked up to on their own post? I find this type of pugilistic behavior to be uncomfortable; however, I am learning to become a Duck in the RAIN and to let things roll off my back.
When I write a blog post, I write about issues that are near and dear to my heart or information about what's important in my market area. I always try to be professional especially when commenting on other people's posts. Nobody is perfect, but you can get better with time, staying focused, defining values, articulating goals, inspiring or motivating others and providing support, humor, tips and advice, education and even stories about something you’re passionate about, like building bird houses, volunteerism or local events.
What I don't need from the ActiveRain community is confrontation. I believe that everybody is different and the Real Estate Community is comprised of a diverse fabric of interesting people who share their expertise about their profession which is then shared across borders and that treating others with respect makes the Real Estate industry stronger, healthier, and an even better source of informative to the general public. I’d like to think we are one for all and all for one - a community of professionals. That’s why I’m looking forward to building strong relationships on Social Media and meeting more ActiveRainers. I also find that endorsing others is one of the highest compliments you can pay to another.
As far as features, points and comments are concerned, that always gives me more confidence to know I'm getting better. Also, when it comes to contests or comments there is nothing more fulfilling than public recognition and praise from one’s community and peers. I may be a DUCK on ActiveRain but I'm not a quack and when it comes to Social Media for all the world to see, I think it's very important to keep things positively positive.
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