Recently I became familiar with a website that I find questionable and would like to have your honest, professional opinion about. Of course, I realize that there are all kinds of strange, bizarre websites out there in blogosphere world and some may come and go...
Sacramento Channel 3 news reported on a website that ultimately could have a devastating result on neighborhoods, in my opinion. Some may feel it is a joke. Some may think it's good to let your feelings out no matter what.
The website for reporting a rotten neighbor, in my opinion is an irresponsible maneuver on the part of those trying to make a buck on the neighborhood's back. No, they charge for reporting bad behavior but as we all know, they obviously are or will be getting advertising money.
I took a look at the website and as usual those who want to get their names (rather their statements) in print, or consider this to be a big joke, or are out for revenge seem to sign as anonymous. This to me is not only irresponsible but down right cowardliness.
It doesn't take rocket science to figure out that negative and possibly false information can ruin a neighborhood. This can, in my opinion effect every person anywhere close to the negative comments being published. It is nationwide, so watch out, if it grows and appeals to the masses.
If you think the sub-prime real estate market has hurt the value of a homejust wait for more of these money hungry websites to pop-up. We have seen the same type of websites pop-up to hurt Realtors. And of course, there are some "bad" Realtors just like there are "bad" neighbors. But, unfortunately, the people who write gibberish to hurt others never sign their real name and the website junkie who started the website is laughing all the way to the bank. This isn't about trying to help the public, this is about money, in my opinion!
The public has enough sense to check out a neighborhood during the day, at night and on weekends, I hope and pray. If it's really all that bad, it should be obvious to home buyers. And furthermore, that is just one person's opinion and may not be something that would bug another person.
I happened to notice when checking this irresponsible website out that there is also evidence of racial prejudice and in my opinion, slanderous. I did see where the reader could report the statement like the one that I read that was racially motivated.
It seems to me that what we need is a website that would help neighbors get along, be able to problem solve.
What do you think?
Is it any big deal?
What would your neighbor say about you?
Do you care if there are a lot of negative remarks about your neighborhood?
I realize that we seem to live in a negatively media driven world and sensationalism sells but I'd rather see more of us ban together to get along.
Is that too "Father Knows Best," in this day? Oh, dear...how many of you even know what Father Knows Best was?
For the enjoyment and a little nostalgia, enjoy...
74 Comments on Should EVERYTHING Be Aired in Public?
FEB
17
2008
Gena...No way does this site, or any like it, have a redeeming feature (other than to potentially make money for its owners). It is also cowardly...that anonymous bit really gets to me.
There are people that have legitimate concerns about a particular neighbor or community. There are positive things you can do to address those concerns. This is not one of them.
Glad you brought this to our attention. So far I haven't seen anything like that in my area but I'll be on the look out.
"Think before you ever write negative information about your neighborhood or anyone else's neighborhood or for that matter, anyone." Good advice, Gena. I understand that everything you send out over the internet is forever. Never write anything you wouldn't want the whole world to see... on the internet or anywhere else. The same for photos, videos.
It will be interesting to see how this affects neighborhoods. I personally think this site has just opened up a huge can of worms and do not agree with posting negative information about someone else. Once it's written it's no longer gossip, it's permanent.
Gena, our newspaper, the Plain Dealer, allows comments on articles and some of the comments are full of rancor; some anonymous some not. It's amazing how free people are to be stupid when they think they are invisibile...and even more amazing when they are not!
Hi Gena, At first I thought rotten neighbor was pretty funny..but then when you look at the larger picture- How will it affect property value when someone has gone online and complained about barking dogs,or suspected drug dealers (both of which I have seen on the site) and then one of the homes on the street goes up for sale. ???? That's kinda scary.
I agree with you and the term irresponsible website. Too bad they don't have to abide by the same Fair Housing and Discrimination rules that we do.
On another note, it just shows another way how the general public just does not seem to get along with each other as much anymore. What happened to block parties and neighbors being friends? Just my opinion. :)
Gena~ Someone on our community message board here in Lincoln just posted this website. Major Bad News! Not only that but with the built-in satellite imagery those who complain about certain neighbors are mapped by address!!!!! Can you imagine going onto that site finding a complaint about you right along the satellite image of your home! And considering some of the heated debates from our message board...this could get very ugly.
Kathleen, "There are positive things you can do to address those concerns. This is not one of them." Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could be more positive...and find better solutions? Thank you for commenting and glad to see that a fellow professional feels the same.
Shirley, how true that is. Sometimes, we don't think before we react and I believe that for every action there is a reaction and consequences for our actions or lack thereof. Thank you for giving me faith that mankind has not totally lost it!
Jason, I agree and wonder if there isn't the possibility of legal ramifications.
Hi Gena - I checked out my neighborhood... nothing yet... which is funny since I know plenty of neighbors who would be happy to talk stink about each other... haha. I hope this doesn't catch on.
Carole, our newspaper the Sac Bee on line has the same thing and I too, wonder about some of what the public writes. Am I reading your last sentence correctly...on some of the anonymous comments you can figure out who is writing? If so, that really puts a spin on things. Sounds like those folks best be very careful especially around the all knowing Carnac (speaking of Carnac-isn't it past time to hear something from Linda?)!!!!@ Thanks for your comment.
Stephanie, the bigger picture is where it's at...so to speak. And that's something that I think we all many times forget or don't think about. Fair Housing would have a field day with this site!! Good solution with neighborhood block parties and getting to know your neighbor. We need to go back to basics. Thanks for your input.
Judy, absolutely. The pain that lingers when you hurt someone continues and if you have a conscience it hurts on both sides. Life is too short to hold grudges and find fault with others. We really do need to learn to overlook, forgive and get along. Thank you for your thoughtful insight.
Laura, how awful! Not only is that very distasteful, hurtful and bad for Real Estate but especially in California considering what a litigious State we are, they are really opening themselves up for one heck of a lawsuit. Damages definitely, in my opinion would be accountable, not only to the individual whose home is featured but also to the rest of the neighborhood.
The thing, I think that really gets me is that the person writing this is also hurting their own home value. Very poor thinking or should I say LACK of thinking! Thanks for the update and contributing.
Geogina, hi old friend. You squeezed in here while I was commenting back to everyone. The bad neighbor site is world-wide from what I read and is just starting off. Let's hope that more people decide to ban it than use it. Good to hear from you.
Someone posted on the a week or so back, I read through the post quickly yet did not respond, it seemed to have a tone different from yours. Or maybe that was because I read through it so quickly, yet I didn't feel comfortable commenting. Like the others I see absolutely NO benefit of perpetuating ill feelings, especially out in cyberspace. And it's also just a person's opinion, yet when it print too many can assume it's factual.
BTW, it's nice to see your smiling face back in the Rain.
Hi Gena - I can see no good purpose that a site like that can ever possibly serve. It would appear that there is no accountability measure there if incorrect info should get posted. I wonder what recourse someone would have if false stuff got posted about them? I just never understand why people come up with ideas like this. It doesn't occur to me to think like that.
The gentleman who started the site was on the the Today Show with Barbara Corcoran. He explained that he started the site because of a problem he had with a next door neighbor. I personally don't think this is long for this world. I think he will be sued at the first possible point and I also think people will understand that the posts could be a vendetta, untrue to hurt someone, etc. He is a young guy and I am not sure he completely understood the ramifications of the site. We'll see.
This is something I have never understood. Why don't you just stick a sign on your house that says "This is a terrible neighborhood - don't buy my home!"
Gena - I agree with you 100%. When I 1st heard about this site about six months ago on one of the early morning new channels I thought it was a joke. Sites like this are there for entertainment purposes. Dirty Laundry always sells. I would liken this site to the TV show Jerry Springer which is basically a bunch of fools parading around a stage. The problem with a site like this is if it becomes something people buy as credible.
I hope this site doesn't hold up. Every chance that someone gives to someone to act stupid or act out especially not having to claim it, they will....stupid is as stupid does. Why don't people stop their negative thinking and stop coming up with sites like these? Just wait till it happens to their own neighborhood.
A lot of sites do not have a purpose other than receiving that big fat check. Just like entertainment television. But I guess they feel someone has to do it and at whatever costs does not matter. Shame, Shame, Shame.
Hi Gene, Interesting post. In some ways it seems like an extension of some of the trashier " reality " shows. Do you think something like this will last for long ? Good luck.
I took a brief look at the site. I believe it's main goal is to steal clients from us. How? By allowing property searches. No doubt there is some subscription based service behind it where agents pay for leads.
Other than that, I also think it's a scam to make money. You can find out the same information (but in a better, more reliable way) by talking to the local police department and getting information from them.
Negative, nasty and false information is abundant on the internet. It is truly a sad state of affairs when people don't consider their actions in a global sense before they act. Don't you agree?
Found one in my area that totalled 6 words, and really wasnt' that constructive. Hopefully there won't be too many more in the future. THanks for pointing this out!
The internet is a whole new can of worms for these types of people. I have been to that website and it is filled with busy bodies who inflame and have nothing better to do. It is also filled with bad racial slurs. Cannot imagine a normal person hanging out there!
The problem today is most people enjoy bashing other people while talking of tolerance. I miss the days when we had a greater amount of respect in general. Seems back then, people were just nicer period.
In assisting some Realtors with marketing and advertising, I have seen these types of sites as well and have had some concerns. They actually have been up for quite a while (and obviously designed for advertising revenue . . . "negative sells papers as the saying goes), but locally I haven't seen them getting much use.
As I read through various blogs myself to get ideas and keep up on things, I'm always amazed how negative Realtors are publicly and then complain about the "outside negativity (i.e. media and websites such as the one you mentioned). I'm speaking of the "Mr. and Mrs. Seller/Buyer" headlines and the like that are public. How condescending could one be and actually not think that is not negative in tone? What I read when I see that is "Hi, I don't actually like customers and think they are not as smart as me, but I will be glad to take your money." No thank you. I'll find someone else. The industry has had the privelege of keeping the "curtain closed" for a long time, but that "curtain" is pulled back now (that's the real change . . . not the technology) and professionals can not be secure in feeling they own the keys to the box any longer.
There are 3 perceptions that exist in the industry like a dark cloud hanging over it: 1. Realtors are lazy 2. Realtors are greedy 3. Buying/Selling will be the most stressful thing you'll ever do (mostly because of the first 2 perceptions). It is my belief that the ones that finally accept that the customers pay your paycheck, put the customer above themselves, and make the buying/selling process enjoyable (as it should be and you all have the ability to moreso than you ever could before) will win in the end. In my management experience I have found that you need to keep an eye on your surroundings, but the most importnant thing is that you are doing things right, taking care of customers, and that word will get out. Yes, external conditions will always have impact beyond your control but by creating a business setting that everything you do relates to serving customers you minimize those dips quite a bit.
All it does is lower home values and prices. Don't we have enough problems showing properties when the next door neighbors dog will not stop barking or another nighbor parks his car right in the front lawn. This is just another way to down neighborhoods.
Yikes, that is a scary web site! Scary concept! Isn't there an invasion of privacy issue there? Plus, a person's idea of a bad neighbor can be completely biased for one reason or another... another neighbor might not have the same view of that person.
And "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" is a GREAT book that everyone should read!
Wow this is scary! Somebody could trash a neighborhood for their own gain effecting many families. But the problem is we have freedom and we all must do what we can when actions of others step on us.
This is lawsuit waiting to happen. One posting stated that a man was bipolar. He may be, he may not be. I am pretty sure the neighbor was not his psychiatrist...
I looked up a city in Oregon and most of the comments were about barking dogs. Someone is going to get sued. We will just have to see how long it takes. I say one comment that someone wrote about how the neighbor was nice, but that he wasn't as good at video games as he claimed to be....Huh? That needs to be posted for the world to see. Sheesh...
I also have to agree with another poster, that just because I may think my neighbor is a jerk, it doesn't mean that other people will. It may turn out to be a new homeowners best friend.
I scanned the topics that were posted and they were disturbing at best...I had no desire to read what could be posted there...someone needs their mommy to remind them of The Golden Rule.
Something like this can destroy neighbors, not just "hoods"... looks to me like law suit after law suit will come from this, when the feuding McCoys chase down the Hatfields...
Oh well, we can only hope that this one goes belly up before one of the subjects of a post does...
I find it pathetic. Also, I believe that what someone says (or types) about another person, tells more about the writer than the subject.
The founder of the site has a problem with a neighbor and what does he do? solve the problem? go the extra mile to make things work? No, he does this... says a lot about him...
I initally heard about this website one morning while listening to the radio. Anyone who owns their home and comments negatively on their neighbour(hood) on this site (or anywhere public for that matter) is doing themselves a great disservice and could come back to haunt them whenever they want to sell their home.
I mean come on. "Can I please buy your house that you're more than likely selling because of your nightmare neighbour? Please, I'll pay you top dollar..."
I saw that on the news too. I checked out the site and thought it was worthless. No need to spread more hate and negitivity in the world. Don't we have enough already? Neighbors should find a more suitable way to handle their squabbles than to air their dirty laundry.
I agree, it sets a bad taste for the neighborhood.
I had read about the site here on AR some time ago. Then I saw the guy on The Today Show and thought "oh, no" they just gave credibility to the guy. As I recall, he was a RENTER with a problem apartment. So he had none of his money invested in property he OWNS. Unfortuantely, his actions are apt to destroy some homeowner's equity.
Gena, this a perfect post. It is sad that the good old days are gone where we had neighbors that would look out for one another. It's not a good business practice at all. A sad situation.
Hi Gena, you bring up a good point. Far too often people substitute slander in lieu of productive information. It is more embarrassing when the purpose is financial profit. The best thing you can do is bring it into a larger forum and state your opinion in professional manner. Good work!
I had written a post on this several weeks ago. It is a slippery slope. Do you tell your clients, the neighbors could be the very reason the house is for sale.
If I cant tell a perspective buyer in my area that the home they want to buy had a double murder/arson in it or a murder/suicide, (unless they ask in writing of course & only if I know about it which too many agents usually claim they dont), then why in the world would I tell them about some stupid website that is akin to some of the worst tv shows meant to sell airtime?
Or tell them they have, in another persons view, that they have lousy/irratating/etc neighbors? Would I tell them that the neighbors parade around in the buff? Run a paintball field? Have many barking dogs that enjoy chasing your car down the driveway? Have a rifle range on their property? Trespass onto their neighbors property to hunt, in that property's treestand no less. Yes, I can vouch to all of the above personally but then again its all in a (currently) rural area so things may change.
Some things I have no problem disclosing but some things I think I'm gonna play ignorant too & stop reading the local papers, not listen to the local news, & stay in my house so as to not socalize with the neighbors (grin). Some days I already have way too much to worry about anyways.
IMHO its just best to ignore trash sites like that, people will read them if they chose too, chances are the site will not get pulled down, freedom of speech & all that ya know, & the more people talk about the more people will go to visit it. Eventually it will pass from peoples mind or the guy will get tired of it & not renew the domain/host & it will pass silently into the good night.
People need to have their 15 min, seconds or hours of fame at the expense of someone else. But i can only refer to the Bible where it says you reap what you sow. So when people think they are getting away with something they truly are not. But you are so right it has and always be about money.
I used to have a neighbor from hell... at least the guy before me thought so. I found him to be a great guy. But, there are two things I want to point out.
I haven't gone to the site, but I have heard of it and similar ones. By going, you are driving up their traffic and potentially increasing their revenue.
One might consider reading a post like this... I think this is just as big of a problem.
They are free to write it, and I am free to not go there.
Genna-I would never click on that site...and I never have ever...and I won't...lawsuit waiting to happen..not sure what purpose it serves but none for me!
I have this belief in life what goes around comes around...just wait...
I have seen and actually wrote about this site some months ago. It is people complaining about their neighbors who are drug dealers, wife beaters, etc.
There are sooo many sites out there. Used to be more frequently if I typed in a wrong domain, it would automatically go to a porn site.
Nice thing about the internet is the little red fox in the upper right hand corner with the "x". I don't like it, I can click it and forget about it.
Different strokes for different folks. And everyone is different.
I commented on someones blog about this. They believed it was humorous. My opinion was different. So many people in this world love to "GOSSIP" and make "PRESUMPTIONS" about others. Or they don't really care for someone and they make up lies strictly because they don't want to stand alone in their battle against the person. Those people are what I like to call "COWARDS".
Unless you have a setup in your house like the movie "SLIVER", you really don't know what or who lives behind those doors.
Silly site. I just checked it out. Someone in my neighborhood is complaining about some building staffs hogging parking spaces by taking up two parking spaces so a space is available for their friends. The thread went back and fourth with name calling. IMHO it would be much easier to just call the police. I think a ticket or two would nip it in the bud.
Lynda,thank you. It's nice to be back ... a little bit at a time. I didn't realize anyone else had written about this and must admit that I was horrified when I saw this on our news station recently. In fact, just last night someone from our area had been written about and they happened to have a day-care center which with erroneous information printed could have a negative impact on their business. The irresponsible website developer of R_tt_n N_ig_bor took the that remark off his website due to TV pressure. They did have a lawyer interviewed who shared that the cost of litigation for most be would too expensive.
I guess there are a ton of these negative sites that are up, running daily and allowing free speech and inventive lies to propagate.
Mistakes are sometimes made but the clear hearted individual needs to really look and determine if
1st, the statement is true
How Will It Impact Everyone
What Good Will Come From It
Correcting mistakes or misinformation is imperative along with forgiveness.
Wouldn't it be a better world if we could just get along? Thanks again, for the welcome back and sorry for the delay in answering. I always appreciate your input.
Ann, I don't think they realize how it hurts their own home value and neighborhood along with the person that they supposedly are writing about. Once again, last nite they were on the news and a remark was removed after channel 3 of Sacramento contacted the webmaster. Sometimes, it seems that our amendment rights have gone a bit over board and need some stipulations put in. Not sure that we would get a consensus on that action but in my opinion, it is needed. We all need some guidance sometimes.
Thank you for popping by and sharing your thoughts.
Miriam, I assumed he was young but thanks for the update on what you saw. Which brings up an interesting question. Do you think that a site like that will be a place where young people gravitate to and they too won't realize the consequences? I hop you are right, in that, it won't last long and will be boycotted into extinction.
It's great to be back a little and hear from so many...what a nice welcome back. I appreciate it.
Ruthmarie, great point!!! Those few words, say it all. Thank you.
Bill, boy howdy, do I ever agree with you on the comparison of Jerry Springer and this site. It is ashame that a lot of people believe whatever they see on the Internet and on TV. Not sure what we can do about it but I'm hoping that something can be done. I had no idea that this has been on the Internet for 6 mos. Our local TV station just started reporting on it this past week.
Thank you for commenting and love your comparison!
Suzanne,you said something that might just be the solution..."someone to act stupid or act out especially not having to claim it." What about if they had to step away from the "anonymous" and actually show their name and their address and somehow those two items had to match in the tax records. Betcha that might lessen the load of how many would speak up and out.
Thanks for giving what could be a solution to a disgusting website.
Sonya, money seems to be at the root of a lot of evil. It's never too late to turn it around so I hope they do the "right" thing and just take the site down. Let neighbors and people deal with each other on a one-on-one or learn to ignore what's bothering them. How about a conflict management course?
I know that on my website I have invited those having issues with their neighbors to email me and see if I can help them to resolve whatever it is or at least give them sources to go to for answers.
Bill Gilhespy, trashy site it is...you're absolutely right and I hope it doesn't last. Let's see what this generation decides to keep around or toss out. Thanks for your thoughts, here.
By the way guy, my name is Gena. Just in case you are ever wanting to subscribe to my blog or find me, you'll need the correct spelling.
Gena, I read another post on that web site today. I'm not a fan of venting web sites and you open yourself up to libel if you comment on them. BTW, loved the nostalgia Father Knows Best video.
Stephanie and Keith, WOW! You may be on to something. We all know how the fishing nets are thrown into the stream to suck up our leads and this might just be this guys weird way of accomplishing that. The unfortunate part is what havoc he is leaving in the wake. I stay on his site long enough to capture his intended purpose. Thanks for sharing that ... just goes to show you what lengths these lead predators will resort to.
Thank you for this insightful information.
KK, absolutely! And I hope that together we can educate and find solutions to ensure that this does not continue. I realize everyone has "free speech," but maybe it's time to have some guidelines on what cam be on the Internet. Do we just ignore what's out there or bring it down? What are your thoughts?
I appreciate you coming over and commenting more than you know. Thank you.
Dan, you are most welcome. Sounds like your area may have more sense than other areas and has chosen not to participate. Hope that's the case. Thanks for chiming in.
Renee,sounds like you were as amazed as I was. In this day and age with the strides that we have taken as a society when it comes to race, I hope that something like this doesn't set us back. We need so desperately to get along and find the good in people while overlooking the differences.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention and commenting.
Allison, couldn't agreee more with you. The Internet has opened up a whole new on-slaught of issues that a lot of people including me, in the beginning didn't realize had long lasting life and then there are those that are just mean-spirited. I say, each one of these individuals should apologize, take their "crap" off the website, boycott websites that promote bad behavior and start setting some ground rules.
Let's all play nice in the sandbox and help each other build castles! Thanks for your thoughtful hope.
Gena - It looks like we may have to post about manners for the whole world to learn. Mom would never allow me to speak about the neighbors in a negative fashion no matter if she liked them or not.
One thing I find annoying about my own blog is that every once in a while someone, ALWAYS anonymous, will be negative and nasty. If you're going to be a jerk, you should have to let everyone know who you are. If we are going to be transparent, why shouldn't everyone else?
Kaye, absolutely! I keep hoping for the day that we turn the corner and go the other way...they say everything old comes back again...common sense
Kelley, transparency is key. And standing up when you're wrong and apologizing right away takes character. What's right is right. We all make mistakes but it takes the bigger person to say "I'm sorry."
Judy, your mom had good sense and she taught you well.
Gary, you are the ONLY one who mentioned the video. I guess the others never watched Father Knows Best...glad you liked it. Hope it comes back someday with new actors...we could use a little light heartedness for a change.
Jane, I love your idea...kinda like Mr. Roger's..."Won't You Be My Neighbor?"
To each commenter that I have not personally named in response...I will visit each of your sites and comment. I thank you for all of your comments and in due time I'll be reading you, as well. Thank you so much.
Great to hear from you...missed ya. I think you are absolutely, right! Hopefully, those using this site will learn some management conflict skills and deal with the problem in a win, win solution rather than in this manner.
Gena: Everyone has said what is to be said about your post. But... what a nice trip down memory lane watching Father Knows Best. I used to watch it all the time. If you watched the above video, Billy, the son, just got some bongo drums. But, he had had several other musical instruments, but the excitement about playing them only lasted for two weeks. Where I am going is... he complained about playing the accordian... claimed it was giving him a "corrigated" chest.
Funny thing was... fifty years ago I used that same complaint to my parents when I got tired of playing the accordian... after four and one half years of lessons. I complained that it hurt when I played it... because it kept pinching me... and the pinching really hurt. They tried to tell me to wear a "slightly padded" bra while I was practicing, but when I said I only would... if I could also wear it to school... they said... NO... and then let me quit that doggone pinchy accordian. Memories... ahhh.
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Gena...No way does this site, or any like it, have a redeeming feature (other than to potentially make money for its owners). It is also cowardly...that anonymous bit really gets to me.
There are people that have legitimate concerns about a particular neighbor or community. There are positive things you can do to address those concerns. This is not one of them.
Glad you brought this to our attention. So far I haven't seen anything like that in my area but I'll be on the look out.
Take care,
Kathleen