There is a contest going on that aims to cause some networking and some search engine optimization (SEO) education.  The contest is the brain child of Eric Bramlett, an AR member.  Morgan Carey, of Real Estate Webmasters (REW), thought it was such a good idea that he is offering a great prize worth thousands of dollars.  You can find out all about it here.

The contest is titled the Greatest Real Estate Agent in the World and I have joined this contest as part of a team instead of vying for the prize on my own.  Truthfully, I just don't think I have the time or knowledge to win this by myself.  So this is my way of participating and maybe I'll get a mention on Eric Blackwell's blog.  

When I started my first website I had no idea what SEO was.  When I first joined REW forums I lurked for a long time because it was like a foreign language to me.  I couldn't post a question because I didn't even know what to ask.  I have no idea why I stayed - I guess it sparked my competitive side to try to get my sites in top search engine positions.  So I kept reading and it finally started sinking in - well, a little.

After a while I felt somewhat knowledgeable about SEO.  Well, enough to give some free advice.  However, there have been many changes over the past year and I almost feel like I did when I first found out about the term "SEO."  I'm once again confused as to the best ways to assure top placement for the keywords I'm interested in optimizing for.  White hat ways that won't get me penalized by the top search engines. 

Some webmasters seem to have it figured out for the most part (no one knows everything since we don't have access to Google's algorithm).  I feel like I have enough knowledge to make me dangerous.   

When I first read about the contest it felt more like homework than a fun contest.  So I found an easier way to participate and wanted to spread the word about the contest so there will be actual competition among as large a group of website owners as possible, instead of just a few.