Real Estate Blog - Is BloodHound Blog over?

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Is BloodHound Blog over?

So much has gone on over at the BHB lately, all of which I have learned today (don't tell Greg, he will call me some mean names). Writers are leaving, everyone in the RE.NET has HAD IT with "him."

We all know that GS at the BHB likes to create drama for web traffic (he ACTUALLY TOUTS IT).

People are running, screaming, quitting, unsubscribing in droves.

Could this be the end for a once-revered re.net blog?

There are some jaw-dropping threads at 4realz.net and Sellsius. Pop a bag of popcorn, grab a diet coke and enjoy.

Also, props to my sista over at the Rain City Guide for winning the Greatest Real Estate Agent in the World competition

Posted by Kevin Tomlinson - Miami Beach Real Estate on 02/20/2008 10:10 AM

Comments (246)

industry

246 Comments on Is BloodHound Blog over?

FEB

2008

That is a shame especially if it was a professional blog anyway. I never have looked at it myself......

I think Friday is their last day. You didn't miss anything.

I will have to take a look, have not been there in a while.

Kevin - I'm glad YOUR blog isn't over. You've come a long way since your apprentice days - glad to see you're so widely recognized and appreciated.

ARDELL,

You're still #1.

Sharon,

You are too kind. ARDELL deserves the credit.

"I don't know nothing about anything"

(inside joke on an infamous line)

That's a good road to take. You may be the next victim of "him."

lol, bad boy, he is going to tar and feather you ya know, hahahahaha

FEB

2008

I saw your comment, not talking about Greg. I doubt he would descend to the depths of AR, lol...

Gladys Kravitz!

Seriously? That can't be the case, as much as I love to battle with Greg, I respect him a nd his blog and wouldn't want it to go away. I love that he can be controversial and have crazy ideas. He is not the ass kissing norm of the RENet and it is refreshing. Greg is like Britney Spears, a little bit Toxic but always able to in-invent himself. I think the dog will survive. And I look forward to battling with him in the future.

Mary

How could you respect someone who is so downright mean for no reason other than just being mean??!!!

I love a good controversy or debate, but that is not what he did in that deplorable post. He crossed the line and I'm sure he has to be a bit mortified, I would be.

Would you ever write a post like that?

Mary

p.s. call me today.

Kevin, it has been a battle, I'm just reading or as they say lurking. I was wondering if anyone had mentioned it here. Some people here feel we get nasty...man that has taken nasty to a new level, huh?

My 2 cents of course BHB will not go away, neither will the others. But, truth be told, I am afraid to comment over there, scary.

Brian Brady's going to tar and feather you

Hehe, hardly.

Let's see.

1-We just announced Glenn Kelman v. Russ Shaw for the Unchained conference; that alone has television producers calling.

2-We just ranked #7 is RETopsites, behind bubble bloggers and OC Register, which makes us the leading industry weblog.

3- We have a whole lot more to announce next week.

4realz and Sellsius are vendor sites, Kev- those guys don't buy, sell nor finance homes for people. They aren't out there doing what you (and I) do every day.

But, truth be told, I am afraid to comment over there, scary

I'll work on that. Missy.

Like the icon photo. Perhaps the Princess Poodle Blog can replace the bloodhound blog, I think you're up for it.

I've been there, but it never really held my interest. I won't miss them if they go. I do love hound dogs though.

Brian

Hello man! I kinda feel sorry for you.

2-We just ranked #7 is RETopsites, behind bubble bloggers and OC Register, which makes us the leading industry weblog.

so? For being mean? That's Greg's plan for "visitors." Is that what you want to be associated with?

As for Glenn Kelman--everyone in the universe has heard him babble for the last few years. I heard him a couple of times and there is not much of value that comes from him. His company or his "success" is not one I would like to model myself after.

To everyone in the blogosphere: GET OVER KELMAN!

Oh Well, one less thing to try and keep up with, AR is sure here to stay

Kev - Thanks man, now I'm going to pop over there later this evening and enjoy the 'Show'. I'm not familiar with Glenn Kelman, I'm sure I'll be back with my thoughts;-)

I doubt BHB is going anywhere...why would GS fold up? You're talking about him here are'nt you? Like Trump said...sometimes bad publicity is like good publicity..it's still publicity!

Whether one likes or dislikes his content, I think popular blogs are good for business as a whole as it gets the public reading.

While I think the content got a little personal..so what, we spoke to Dustin a day or so ago and he did not seem to care, he just decided it wasn't for him. He utilized the channel changer.

As for Glen, why are we so quick to want to discredit anyone. You just spoke about BHB having a personal attack and right after said Glen was babbling. You might not like his business model which is obviously your choice..but nonetheless he has built something that is quite revolutionary.

No..I don't have anything invested in Redfin and I am not a contributor to BHB

I just don't see REDFIN as a successful company that's all. If the blogosphere didn't make Kelman a superstar he wouldn't have gotten his last round of VC. That's it folks---so many people here have disdain for REDFIN, but the same people who wanted to bring him down, MADE him a star.

Brett,

I would never make personal attacks like that. For as smart as GS is, he sure brought himself down a few (many) pegs with that post.

Brett you say: "So what". What if I called you every name that GS did --would you still say "so what?" I don't think so.

His contributors are leaving, people are unsubscribing --he is not a successful agent or broker--I don't see where he makes his money. I wouldn't compare him to Trump....TRUMP makes money. :)

I agree..he did lower himself....

No way was I comparing HIM to trump..was comparing the publicity side of things.

Hey..How do you know his contributors and subscribers are jumping ship?

And why the disdain for Redfin...competition is the backbone of the American economy. I don't like the current conventional real estate business model myself...but I don't have disdain for those who choose to operate that way.

Redfin, regardless of any level of marketshare or success achieved, makes people stop and think and hopefully do their own introspection. A client of mine at one of our seminars once said.."information is like a great big buffet..take what you want, and leave the rest."

It's appropriate to blogging, Redfin and even Active rain...the whole may not be what you want but most assuredly there are parts that you can use and take back and utilize in your own business.

I have learned a lot from some of the people here on AR and others make me want to scream or throw up. Redfin has taught me a great deal as well.

I'd rather find what I can that I can use in my own business..but that being said..I have no disdain against Redfin no more than I have disdain for AR.

Kris Berg, Jay Thompson both stopped "contibuting"

Joel Burslem from FOREM; Dustin from 4realz; Beth Butler have unsubscribed. ARDELL IS tearing Greg to shreds right now on Sellsius. These are some BIG people in the re.net. For these people to come out and PUBLICLY unsubscribe is a BIG thing.

Check out ARDELL's comment over on the Sellsius blog. It is toward the end and she made it today.

http://blog.sellsiusrealestate.com/rant/why-greg-swann-should-ban-himself-from-bloodhound-blog/2008/02/15/

She had to write her response on Sellsius because she knew her comment would be deleted on BHB.

Brett,

As you notice MOST PEOPLE are not going to BHB, they are doing it on other blogs. :(

Brett,

Now do you STILL think all this publicity is a good thing?

I don't have disdain for REDFIN either. I'm here in Miami we don't have a REDFIN. Look at some of the older posts in AR. Check out Laurie Manny www.activerain/ibqueenie

Love the dog!

Kev,

For the record, my comment on Sellsius is in response to Russel Shaw's post suggesting that Dustin created this "problem". Clearly singling out this incident and Dustin in particular, was incorrect from my vantage point. I listed my reasons which date back to the final straw being in October of 2007. and the Dumb Blonde video. When someone can't say "congratulations" to one of their own writers...that's just too sad for words.

Brett,

"The ends do not justify the means". We are bloggers...or we are just blog fodder and spam links and SEO wranglers. People do choose a side of that fence.

Brian,

Blogging is the show...not the commercial.

Hello Ardell..I understand the anger. It was out of line. As bloggers as we advance I think some of us forget the damage that we can do and more importantly sometimes take our audiences for granted. I try not to take my audience for granted and perhaps BHB may have lost site of the fact that you have to bring it everyday.

Sometimes, as we all know, controversy can be a good thing. However in this instance, when even supporters jump ship, that line you are not supposed to cross got muddied.

I don't think any of us do this to be simple fodder. There is so much more in life for us to spend time on if we do not intend on taking our business and our audience seriously.

Hopefully BHB will realize the damage and make amends to those treated badly. Like I said, I don't know him..but in reading what the blog was about it certainly had value. In any event...it is most assuredly a shame.

Would hate for the blog industry to turn into tabloid sensationalism any more than it has.

Interesting Post, Kevin.

Well, naturally everyone loves to hate Greg, and I give him credit for the fact that the people hating him send him a lot more link love than the people who hate me, who tend to do so quietly.

On the other hand, bragging about unsubscribing from Bloodhound at this stage of the game is a bit like bragging about your recent discovery that it gets dark at night. I never subscribed to Greg, and never could stand to read more than a handful of his posts. (Of course, I don't get link love for being an early adopter, either).

I haven't read anything there in over a year now, and I'm currently working on the next stage of my evolution -- not reading anything that's about anything over there. I must admit I'm finding that a lot harder to do, but I'm sure in time it will get easier.

Missy, good luck to you. Brian Brady's going to clear a path for you to comment over there. I'll make a deal with you -- if you can get permanently banned from Bloodhound in one comment, thereby beating what I believe is my record of doing it in two comments, I will buy you a cookie. (But look -- just between you and me -- I can understand the lure of a car wreck because I always see traffic slowing down at them, but do you really think it's in your best interest to get out and saunter over? Better you than me, but if Brian's willing to endure the nose placement needed to allow someone not-of-the-body to approach Landru, and you're down with that, be sure to report back.)

The prizewinning comment on my part was taking issue with an earlier flame from the boy Ardell has christened the most respected blogger in the universe. Around the same time, he was blaming me for failing on a fundraising drive I was doing that he'd earlier pledged to support and reneged on. Nevertheless, it's nice that he has discovered the secret of nocturnal darkness. In the Special Olympics, everyone's a winner!

The whole idea that real estate shoppers somehow benefit from watching Realtors(r) behave like idiots would be prizewinning in its own right for incorrectness, were it not bested by the premise -- that these shoppers are reading pompous asses like Greg spouting Latin about Redow And Zillfin (or, for that matter -- any of our other internal squabbles), to begin with. I suppose without that conceit the whole enterprise falls apart and we'd actually have to get back to work rather than sitting around rubbernecking. The beauty of being as depressed as I am is that you don't need the conceit -- you can just wallow in your own inconsistency.

John,

This time it is not about "hating" Greg, it IS what he wrote was so appalling and mean and has nothing to do with "link love." The fact that you think this is good for "link love" shows me that your are missing the point of this.

GS is wrong and mean. He violated everything that he ever wrote about how to treat people..

Brett,

I tried to follow the link in 4Realz.net to your talk with Dustin, but couldn't find the piece referencing Dustin. Any help with that, I would appreciate it. I'd love to listen to it.

No, I'm sure it's not about hating Greg. "Is Bloodhound Blog over?" Real friendly title.

I haven't tried this, but here's a thought. Go over to Sellsius and count the comments and trackbacks on the Greg-(this-isn't-about-hating-Greg) post, and compare that to the comments and trackbacks on three posts before and three posts after.

Greg Swann is his own cottage industry, and this-isn't-about-hating him is a second. Or maybe they're the same industry. Either way I admire his ability to get everyone talking about him. (Well, sort of. Actually I prefer having a profitable web presence, so I don't admire it that much.)

Regarding whether he's wrong and mean, I agree with you, but don't blame me. Any grown up still reading him in 2008 deserves him.

As for me missing the point of this, I'm sure I do.

You consider my title unfriendly?

HAVE YOU SEEN GS's post? Surely you jest.

ARDELL

Are you going to UNCHAINED to hear SHAW V. KELMAN?

Hi Ardell,

Please click here to hear the interview with Dustin, who by the way said NOTHING bad about BHB or GS.

Here is the interview link.

His interview is about 1 hour and 2 minutes into the show if you would like to go right to it.

Thanks,

Barry

Kevin,

No, I'm not jesting. Yes, I do consider your title unfriendly toward Greg. Don't you? When someone's having trouble (even self inflicted), and someone else predicts the demise of an important business enterprise of theirs along with "Pop a bag of popcorn, grab a diet coke and enjoy", how else would someone reasonably characterize it?

As for whether I've seen Greg's post, if you'd been reading a little more carefully, you'll have discovered that I don't read Greg Swann. See above: "I haven't read anything there in over a year now" and "Any grown up still reading him in 2008 deserves him."

Greg's an idiot. I can't stand him. But at the same time, I'm a grown up, so I take responsibility for my own actions and don't read him. Your argument is a sophisticated version of "Well HE STARTED IT." So what? If you're an adult, and he's an idiot, and you know that (cf We all know that GS at the BHB likes to create drama for web traffic), then if you read him and write about him, you deserve him.

The reason I've tried to point this out to Joe in the past (completely without success, as he is a leader in the it-isn't-about-hating-Greg industry) and am now pointing it out to you is that I think you might be happier reading and writing about people who aren't idiots. I know I am. But as the Isley Brother's sang, "It's Your Thing".

Kevin, I have to admit I spent about 2 hours with my coffee this morning reading all the comments over at Dustin's and Selsius. And of course, I popped over to read Greg's post that started created the whole fiasco.

I found it all quite humorous. Certainly Greg's name calling was not right. But the uproar it has started is a little over board in my opinion. People are nasty towards each other. Always have been and always will be. While entertaining it truly is just a blog. Greg has always made it quite clear what BHB is about. It's about Greg. It's a place for him to voice his opinions and talk over my(and many other's) heads:) This is not the first time he has slammed someone and it certainly won't be the last. It bores me.

I guess I'm just not in the "top bloggers" loop. None of this affects my business or money in my pocket in the least. My job is selling real estate. For me blogging is for fun and sharing. I judge successful blogging by checks deposited....not subscribers, link love and page rankings.

All I have to say is "ICK" :)

...And I didn't even get points for it :)

TLW...ROAR!

Kev,

The only reason I'd go to Dustin's is because I'm in town for my daughter's birthdays. But it is ON my daughter's birthday...so if it's while she's at work, no harm-no foul.

Thanks Barry/Brett. Dustin was quite impressed with the interview style...and of course said so on his blog.

BB,

I love you, but you and Lockwood are simply making the case for why AR is about being a Social and Business Network, and not about blogging. Nothing wrong with that, but "The Real Estate Blogosphere" is a show, not a commercial. There are responsibilities that come with that, to influence the betterment of not only the real estate industry, but the real estate blog industry as well. There are leaders in that vein and to that end. Those leaders must act and not stick their heads in the sand like ostriches. It's part of the duty to the whole.

Those who don't "get that" don't get what blogging really is about.

Kevin,

I hope more people predict the demise of BHB. While tech people are "un" subscribing, industry participants (people who actually buy sell or finance homes) are reading and signing up in droves.

Your opinion means more to me than a real estate attorney or a technology executive.

Brian

Come on...you are one smart guy. Please, please don't tell me you endorse that post OR in anyway feel that it was a good move. Come on. Let's drop all the fancy talk.

I can understand you saying NOTHING, which I would understand and respect, but your last comment almost says to me "huh, see it was good for business after all." It's like me going out and breaking my competitor's knees and justifying it by saying "I'm busier than ever!"

John,

When someone is out and out that mean and stupid, I say "have at it." They brought it on themselves and I will SURELY enjoy watching such a mean, pompous person get what they deserve.

I don't know how anybody could see it any differently.

John,

By Greg and Brian's standards this post is ok. Do you know why? It was a HUGE success. I received almost 500 points because it was featured. So by THEIR rules, this post is ok!

Live by the rules AND die by the rules.

TLW

ICK is right!

LOL!!!!!!!!!

Vickie

Thank you. I love the pic as well. I think it sort of brought the whole post together.

Ardell,

I'll leave the rest of your post where it belongs, but just one thing: don't lump me in with Brady, will you?

I have unsubscribed from suspenders.

Your only friend,

John

Kevin,

Congratulations on your points and on giving up on your earlier position of eschewing Greg's rules. :) :)

John

John,

You do know if this was BHB, your last comment would be deleted? :):):)

There is NO ROOM FOR DISSIDENTS on this post (just like BHB)! I'm the moderator of this ship, baby!

John,

GS's rules only apply when he needs them to apply. There are many words over at Sellsius to prove that point.

ARDELL, I 'm not quite sure I understand your comment. I'm a little slow today. I have an outside blog by the way at brokerbrynat.com. I've had it for about a year and get quite a bit of business from it. But by far I get more business from AR. Not referral business but direct consumer business.

I actually agree that bloggers do have a responsibilty to be civil to each other, whether on AR or elsewhere. I'm not sure what you mean by AR not being about blogging. You will have to clarify that for me. Are you implying that because I choose to blog on a network that I'm not really a blogger? How can that be?

OK I just reread your comment. I think I see what you are saying. You're saying that blogging on AR is more for business purposes where blogging outside is more for advancing blogging. Is that right? If it is then I certainly agree. Outside bloggers seem to do a lot of blogging amongst themselves. It's the same "blog roll" where ever you look. And it's also a very small group of bloggers.

WAIT

I must go get my popcorn...and diet coke.

Ok.

I'm back.

Here's a hot, new post!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/388036/My-Tribute-to-Bombastic

Good Lord...

The BHB is chocked full of talented writers, decent content, and is a great jumping-off point for the RE web.

There are no "true" experts in this world of RE blogging yet...It is still being explored, molded, and defined. In fact, it may never take on a character that can be accurately labeled. We are all exposing ourselves in such a way that leaves us all open to criticism, and the BHB is no different.

Every industry-related blog, especially in a field filled with egos, will have fleas.

My advice? If you don't agree, click on...I couldn't care less about these tiff-y posts...But, if you want to dig in and play, get ready for the return fire...

But don't just ignore something with positive qualities because it isn't utopia. That's the beauty of the internet.

Well there you have it...you are calling GS a flea?

what a tangled web get woven in the blogosphere. I've been the last hour reading comments and blogs about this. Hmmm

Nope, I think that would mean I was stepping into this fray in a way that I do not wish...;)

I'm simply saying that the BHB has quality, beneficial content and commentary that transcends such silliness. If GS's posts bother you, don't read them. I don't go to that site to find out anyone's opinion on who wrote the most ignorant blog entry of the week, sounds like you shouldn't either. As well, there are certain topics that certain posters (more than GS) seem to focus on that just do not interest me. I skip them. I go to learn and gather useful information. Then again, I go to a huge variety of blog's for the same reason. Compare / contrast.

I think this is an unfortunate featured post for AR. I don't think this is the forum for this topic...

Holy cow! I've got my popcorn and Diet Coke right here - yum!

There's some interesting reading in these comments, if anyone sifts through them!

"Any grown up still reading him in 2008 deserves him." John Lockwood
"There are no "true" experts in this world of RE blogging yet" Joe Hayden
"I judge successful blogging by checks deposited....not subscribers, link love and page rankings." BB
"The whole idea that real estate shoppers somehow benefit from watching Realtors(r) behave like idiots would be prizewinning in its own right for incorrectness.." John Lockwood
"truth be told, I am afraid to comment over there, scary." Missy Caulk

And THE best --->> "All I have to say is "ICK"" TLW

Back to my buttered and salted popcorn and ice cold Diet Coke........

Ann

Joe

Have you read THE post? There is NOTHING silly about it.

Ann

You found ALL the nuggets.

Kevin,

I will get my head unstuck from the sand, follow your links and try and figure out what this brouhaha is all about. It sounds like people will do just about anything for a little pub.

This time "anything" went WAY too far.

Ann

I'm running to the supermarket to get some of those cute "mini" diet cokes. They stay fresher, longer.

No, I didn't Kevin...;) I saw it, but I skipped it...It bears nothing on my needs from the BHB. But, as a consolation, I am going to skim through your blog and see if I can add something constructive to one of your posts.

I don't think I'm qualified to comment further on this post. Lots of bad blogging karma floating around these days. It's just not worth it. I'm going to agree that 'ick' covers this one...on both sides...

Oh and just in time for me to have a moment for activerain!!

Joe

No need to skim my posts for constructive commentary. My posts do not humiliate or denigrate anyone.

This post might...It's debatable...;)

But, I meant "add to your blog"...not search for anything negative...

Okay, okay, okay...enough for me...Carry on!

Joe

You are looking at this post wrong. I simply "calls 'em like I sees 'em." No PC BS here...just the real deal (can I cram one more cliche in here? GS would have me for lunch with this).

We can choose to accept this behavior, or not. I'm glad that other people are just as appalled.

I don't think I have it wrong. I understand that it is entirely possible there are multiple posts on the BHB that probably offend many. I was trying to say it in a nice way, but I'll reiterate it again...I just don't think this post fits the 'spirit' of AR. It's nothing intended to be personal. I absolutely respect your decision to bring this issue to the table, I just think it would be better on a different site. I think AR's strength is in it's community vibe and ability to mingle / learn with fellow travelers in this field / life, not to take an individual blogger to task over an opinion he is allowed to have on his site. I think AR's innocence in this regard should be maintained. The negativity will drive people away no matter who is right. That's all I'm saying. MHO.

Kevin you bombastic blogger, you. What the hell would you do if BHB disappeared? We keep you fired up for days.

Bloodhound Blog has moved the re.net conversation to where it squarely belongs; in the hands of people who earn a living daily through assisting consumers buy, sell, or finance homes. UNCHAINED will be the first ever conference of its kind. Practitioners helping practitioners.

Glenn Kelmann was no second prize. He's got his work cut out for him in Russell Shaw. Imagine an "old skool" vs new wave conversation about the real estate brokerage offering, set in a Presidential debate format. Glenn Kelman has been trying to have a conversation about how we might better serve the consumer...and UNCHAINED will give him that forum...because we think that although his offering may be illogical, his philosophy of serving the consumer is sound. Furthermore, Glenn's one of us; he's fighting for consumers like the next guy or gal.

Why the overreaction to Greg calling out a tech vendor? Greg stepped on a few toes and that opened the door for the real reason; agents and originators, the real heroes of Real Estate 2.0, are taking back what rightfully belonged to them; the conversations with the consumer.

...and that threatens the folks who want to control us..but that old way of thinking is over...because we're all unchained (or will be in May)

Come on Brian you call that "calling out a tech vendor" and I call it rude, mean, and inexcusable.

Stop sugar-coating that heinous post. Stop. Oh man now you are likening GS to a savior.

Wait, I need a fresh Diet Coke and need to get my wading boots, it's getting deep in here.

BB...

This is the focus. I get the calls literally every day "we are looking for one agent in your area"...My response is "send me the lead and if I convert, I'll pay you a 25% referral fee". Silence...ummmm...I'll need to check with my supervisor...Sorry, we can't do that...

Guess what? I can do it myself!! I don't need the middleman!

This is my focus.

For the record. I have absolutely no problem with the principle that Greg Swann has the right to personally attack people on his blog (but not defame them). But just because I defend his right does not mean I have to agree with his attack or condone it. I don't. But, by allowing him his right to post his opinion, however mean-spirited, he must, in turn, give me my right to post my opinion contra. And I choose to exercise that right. (I like the cartoon because it's worth a 1000 words I'd rather not type. Moreover, since I am on the blacklist, my post, which would have been a comment to his, must necessarily appear on Sellsius. Otherwise his blacklisting operates as a muzzle to me everywhere. That's not how free speech and open debate should work.

But I think something good comes of it afterwards. After Weeniegate, Greg did not award a single Cheez Wiz award and he never attacked Teresa again. In fact, he then gave out Medals. I suspect you will not see another personal attack from him either. I could be wrong but maybe he will realize, or his wife will explain it to him, that is hurtful to attack people instead of their deeds or ideas. Intelligence without heart is not to be celebrated. And I believe it is each person's moral right to speak up when principles dear to them are offended, even if it matters not a whit to others. If you chose to look the other way and ignore it, that is your right too. But it is our right to choose. Just as it is Kevin's right to make his voice heard, despite what others would do.

Finally, my post was not about Greg's obvious personal attack against a fellow blogger. It was about censorship, his double standard and hypocrisy. He will hold commenters to a standard he himself will not honor. According to HIS policy, people are prohibited from making personal insults, abuse and flame baiting etc. He bans them. OK. Yet he is immune. That is hypocrisy in my book. It reminds me of Animal Farm where "all animals are equal, except some animals are more equal than others". Furthermore, the policy is used to stifle dissenting opinions. SO in the end, he can attack you but you cant attack him. You can win alot of debates that way. Anyway, just my opinion.

I just have to go along with Mary McKnight and Bryant Tutas. Why should I throw the baby out with the bathwater? There is some good stuff on BHB. As well as a dozen other sites I frequent. While Greg's style is not my own I'm sure I've treaded on people who didn't look favorably at me, either.

Time to move on. And heck, I've been shot at. So people saying I'm "dumb" wouldn't be so bad. :)

Joe

Thanks for stopping by. You are completely correct. ARDELL and I were blocked from commenting on BHB because we were joking around with Brian Brady in the comments section on one of his posts on BHB. What we said was fun and not 1/10th as bad as "the post."

Isn't DECORUM a fancy latin word?

Chris

All "good things must come to an end"....and some "bad" things too :)

Brian

I've been thinking about your last response. I could never, ever condone such a post for ANY reason. Trying to "spin it" by saying he was trying to open doors for us little people is laughable.

No spin or sugar can ok that.

Kevin,

I have a pointed question for you. Do you really want to see BHB shut down? Do you really want to see the UNCHAINED conference fail?

Chris makes a great point: Why should I throw the baby out with the bathwater?

I'll bet Greg posted 6-8 posts that were considered offensive these past 18 months. He also posted over 500 articles; at least 100 of them had advice that was as practical as a jackhammer on a construction site (to agents and originators).

Why not click off the things that offend you and read what appeals to you? There can be no doubt that BHB is the leading source for actionable ideas for the rank-and-file of us who actually get paid by working in real estate.

Brian,

May I tell you a story about growing up as a child? When my father said to me, "Kevin, if you do this again, you are gonna get your a** whipped." I tested him, like all kids. Each time I tested him, guess what: I got my a** whipped.

If I condone such an unprofessional diatribe on a person I consider a friend, I would be another spineless wimp. GS who, when I got into blogging, was considered like a major player. After of year of being a blogger, I don't respect him as a blogger OR A MAN.

Do I want a person like that to succeed? My honest opinion is NO. On the other hand, I don't want you to suffer because of your "unfortunate" alliance with him, but Brian, that was your choice. You shouldn't care what I think because you guys are getting "major hits" over at BHB.

I wouldn't give up my integrity as a man for some web hits, but that's just me.

Brian,

Has Greg demonstrated any success (RE business), as one of the rank and file, by virtue of his blogging style or advice (those 100 articles you refer to)? If not, why would any of the rank-and-file be persuaded to believe he can teach them how to get more business? Un-likely. (sorry, couldn't resist). I'd rather listen to Kevin, who has a proven track record. Or doesn't a track record matter?

BTW: Did you ever answer the question whether Greg's post was a personal attack? Russell Shaw, to his credit, said yes. You say.....?

Getting a fresh bag o popcorn and a fresh mini Diet Coke....perched...

and on a bar stool at this point.....fresh Diet Coke. Give me a full-sized one please...

;-)

I think ARDELL just got home and is firing up the ol 'puter. Should be about 5 mins before all hell breaks loose in here.

Kevin:

"I wouldn't give up my integrity as a man for some web hits, but that's just me."

Wow, Kevin, your really must stop pulling your punches and learn to tell people what you really think. This beating around the bush is exasperating. :)

Joe:

Now you're being totally unfair to Brian. What about Greg's famous Realtor training post about de-licensing? That was right up there with Brian Buffini, Tom Hopkins and Floyd Wickman.

Of course Greg is making money. He's just pimping Brian's conference because he needs an investment vehicle for all the millions he made from grateful buyers who found his down-home, folksy explanations of the closing process in Latin to be so endearing that they told all their friends. You know: Post hoc, ergo loan doc.

I take it his post was a personal attack, right? You know how I count on you for accurate news now that I've endured the terrible career setback of being thrown out of Herr Nutjob's prestigious colloquium of Realtor success / kennel / home for wayward girls.

Gosh I love / hate these threads. It's like crack on your corn flakes, only not so nutritious.

John

from grateful buyers who found his down-home, folksy explanations of the closing process in Latin to be so endearing that they told all their friends. You know: Post hoc, ergo loan doc.

This is the funniest thing I've read in a long, long time. Don't forget ad hominem, or whatever, that would sound "important" right after the "loan doc" thing.

Thanks.

Argumentum ad Swannulam?

Kevin - first off - where did you get that picture??? It deserves a post unto itself.

Now, I think Greg crossed a line and I think that the footnote from Marc on today's 1000 Watt post was right on point and an incredibly subtle and classy response... here it is in case you missed it...

* Through my discourse, I offer the voice of the consumer in an effort to assist, not combat, the industry. The goal is to create dialogue and debate for the greater good. Change and betterment arise from tension. I stand for a better real estate industry. One that welcomes in its customers with a new and better agenda. After all, their payment for services makes it possible for all of us to have careers.

Apparently, this is just one pointed reason why these guys are successful... and successful they are.

So to Joe's comments, maybe now is the time for people to step up and stop talking about traffic and SEO stuffing and start talking about who is doing what kind of business.

I think Greg's post is just another example of too much ego in the equation and haven't we all learned that there is little business in all of that ego? What in his post "welcomes customers with a new and better agenda"?

It's time to keep our eye on the ball.

Wow...Beth thanks for the re-direct.

KT - what about that DOG???

So to Joe's comments, maybe now is the time for people to step up and stop talking about traffic and SEO stuffing and start talking about who is doing what kind of business.

I think that's a fabulous idea, Beth. We'll certainly distinguish between those that do and those that don't. What should we do, post 1099's or 1040s?

Beth,

The pic of the dog came from "royalty free" google images. I googled "dead bloodhound" and the poodle came up with the maxi pad on. I thought it was PERFECT.

I have a very "good" accountant, he basically makes me look homeless....so no 1040's

Brian - I was really wanting to talk about Kevin's heinous dog picture... but to your question....I vote for 1099's, but we may need to get an accounting firm to verify them as true and correct copies ;)

So while we wait for the firm to validate, certainly we know who does what in our own markets, right? Since this is KT's post, I can vouch for him... and he is doing real business from his blog. I am sure he is not the only one.

Who needs a Diet Coke? Going to get a fresh one. Beth?

TLW, you want some rum in that? Double you say?

KT - all out of Diet Coke - I just spit my last one out through my nose reading your picture comments and homeless remarks. Send one over, will ya?

Sure. You like the mini's or maxi's?

Personally, I am a subscriber, and will remain. Even if Greg says mean things about me... which would make my blog WAY popular. But, seriously, I have learned a lot from the BHB, from Greg and others there.

I guess I'm not one to play "pile on".

Kevin - I couldn't believe if I was seeing what I was seeing -the contributors gone and all the rest of it. I also couldn't believe how real estate could make for all the "high drama". I like a good debate, and recommended controversial posts to be featured on AR. I don't like dog fighting, or for that matter any other kind of animal fighting:)

I am sure he is not the only one

So am I.

I'm pretty certain Kevin is selling a bunch of real estate from his weblog, also. Call it a hunch but I've always thought that; I have a pretty good eye for talent and a am a splendid BS detector. I'll bet yours is pretty juicy as well.

certainly we know who does what in our own markets, right?

I don't know how to answer that. I am unaware of how to obtain that data.

Lane
This isn't a "pile on" post and if it were, it would be for all the RIGHT reasons.

Don't worry, I would never PERSONALLY ATTACK YOU.

Brian - not sure what "juiciness" you are referring to, but thanks, I think.

As to sources for numbers, I guess what I am saying is that I know which Realtors are successful in my market... we have reports, mls info and a host of other indicators. Is that not the case in your back yard?

At least in our area, I see a lot of agents starting blogs and getting going with this, but they are relatively new and trying to build a business. I have yet to see many really successfully agents who attribute their success to their blogs, although I am sure that will change as well.

Kevin honey, I never know what's going on. You have to keep me in the loop or I'm hopelessly lost on the blogosphere gossip! Truthfully, I have NO idea what has happened. I'm too busy just trying to work and all the usual stuff to follow all the slop....

I don't even know what a Pile On Post is. I need a Blogger's Dictionary.

Maybe I'll call you and ask you to fill me in.

MISS YOU. See you in July at Inman in SF, ok????

Mary

Oh Mary

Great to hear from you!!! I guess a P.O.P (already and acronym for a pile on post) is where everyone gangs up on someone.....etc.

Yes I am going to Inman and I can't wait to see all the group again.

This one is a doosey...Spend some time clicking on the links. Go to Sellsius, lots of good background there on this, the latest, blog drama.

Is that not the case in your back yard?

I don't know, Beth. I don't sell real estate. As lenders, we could submit to the Mortgage Originator Magazine Top 200 list but that's been gamed. We found that many originators did business but competed on price. We found that many originators "bundled" team efforts to enhance performance.

I have yet to see many really successfully agents who attribute their success to their blogs, although I am sure that will change as well.

...but Web 2.0 is about so much more than blogging. I have an originator friend who is winning the Web 2.0 game through MySpace and Linked In solely. His production from Web 2.0 is similar to mine yet he doesn't blog, he comments.

I did compliment you with the juicy comment. Call it a hunch.

Is that the guy that will be speaking at UNCHAINED?

I think more people would go to UNCHAINED if they weren't so afraid of the 'rabid dog.'.....

only kidding, really. These Diet Cokes have me wigged!

Brian - unfortunately, gaming the numbers is epidemic. I guess there is no real reliable platform for the true exchange of that information. Maybe Web 2.0 will come up with a solution for that. Do you have any ideas?

Thanks for the hunch.

Kevin - put away that dog!

Brian - I forgot to ask... who are you referring to with the remark

...and that threatens the folks who want to control us..but that old way of thinking is over...because we're all unchained

Who is wanting to control you?

Why vendors, of course. The essence of disintermediation.

I just thought of a good question. Do you think we might learn something from a practitioner who closes 400 sides a year and a CEO who has been recognized by the national media as the voice of the new wave of real estate brokerage?

Brian

I'm going to defer to Beth on this one. ONe Question: is REDFIN a successful real estate business, or do they need to keep going back to get more VC?

Ah... I see.. but I like some of my vendors... how is it that you see that they control? Forgive my ignorance... but this is new stuff for me.

I guess the CEO you are referring to is Glenn K and he has some interesting insights - and a practitioner who does 400 sides always has something good to impart, so sure, I'll bite one that one. There are a lot of people who we can learn from.

you guys hurry up ...because I'm gonna need to crack open another mini Diet Coke which will make me go over to BHB and do some snarky commenting.

ok KT - I am outta here. But don't go over to BHB- you will get deleted for your snarky comments ;)

Oh, I'm sure of that!

Thank you Brian for your un-answers :)

We were just talking about that "lingering" question.

Beth,

I agree with you. Anyone who does 400 sides a year has my attention. I'm fortunate to know Russell Shaw and have heard him speak; he's nothing short of remarkable.

Glenn Kelmann has much to offer to the conversation. UNCHAINED is a social media marketing conference and Glenn's success in this and mainstream media would be difficult to ignore. I think his service offering is priced all wrong but I think you'll see Redfin move more towards a menu of services approach. Aha! Now I know my question for Glenn!

What questions would you have for Russ Shaw or Glenn Kelmann, Beth?

is REDFIN a successful real estate business, or do they need to keep going back to get more VC?

I think the latter is more accurate, Kevin. What do you think would be a good follow up question for that?

FEB

2008

Brian - tell me a little more about Russell's business - residential? what market?

And for Glenn, and any other CEO ,I think I would ask how his business model changes if :

A. The offer of compensation in the MLS is substantially changed?

B. If IDX is no longer available

and second question... If the market turns downward, what plans does Redfin have for longevity in a down market... say where mls data shows an overall decrease in the number sales of 50-60% like it has here in the South Florida market?

Hi Beth,

Russell Shaw is a residential Realtor in Maricopa County (Phoenix) AZ. He's been written up in the Millionaire Real Estate Agent and is one of the STARS at Howard Brinton's Star Power. His team closes some 400 sides a year, in a market not too different from Florida.

Russell was a comedian and radio personality, before he became a Realtor, and uses those past careers in his promotion. He heavily uses radio and television. He has a good internet presence.

Russell starting blogging on BHB after he read the Hugh Hewitt book. He's doing it for fun, not business. He's stated:

1- He wants to share as much knowledge as he can about the industry with Realtors so that they don't pay for useless information (Russ is critical of some trainers).

2- He wants to close 2000 sides one year.

I make it a policy to not link in another author's threads, here on AR, so I'll invite you to scroll through the podcasts section, on BHB, to listen to the 3 hour seminar we did, last year, with Russell. As a broker (and leader, Beth), I thnk his advice would be invaluable (and the podcasts are free).

These are great questions for Glenn, Beth. Would you mind if I publicly communicated those to Glenn? I, too would be interested in the answers. I'm sure Glenn's marketing savvy will be such that he'll wait until May to give you the answers (at least I hope he does) but I think your questions are important ones for him to address. This guy's no lightweight; he intends to be a long-term player in this industry.

I think Friday is their last day. You didn't miss anything.

Countdown, Kev. 42 more hours until extinction.

Brian- thanks for the info. Feel free to share my questions and will look for the answers in May.

As for Russell, (and I will download and listen to those podcasts) it is obvious that his background would give him the personality to be successful... so here are some questions...

1. How is his team organized?

2. How has he used his internet presence to improve his business? Specifically, has he changed or is he planning to change his website? Who does he rely upon for technical support and direction?

3. I understand that Phoenix is having some of the same market challenges as Florida, how has he changed his operations to adjust?

4. With regard to his marketing, what percentage of his marketing budget goes to advertising properties? himself and his brand?

5. Number of listings he expects to carry to obtain 2000 sides? What percentage of his inventory does he sell himself?

6. How does he overcome the objection from sellers with regard to the amount of time he has to devote to their individual listing? or does he deal with institutional sellers?

6. What are his expectations of his brokerage and their part in helping him achieve his goals?

Friday is the last day??? Let's see how far that rumor spreads ;)

wow...I missed something. It;s been awhile since I perused over there. I guess I got more reading to do to figure all this out!

Should we start the memorial service now?

Did Brian deny that GS was shutting down BHB tomorrow?

Kevin you are such a freakin Drama Queen......part of your charm!

Oh yeah.

I'm not an intellectual like the rest of the bunch. I take this for what it is and have fun with it!

The difference between me and the rest of "them" is, I freely admit being a google-pandering ho.

I"m comfortable with that label (as well), Kev.

;)

Me too!

;)

Google-Pandering ho

FEB

2008

I don't have my glasses on. I thought it said "poodle-pandering ho".

1. To Beth's idea that we ought to know what success Greg has, Brian said:

"I think that's a fabulous idea, Beth. We'll certainly distinguish between those that do and those that don't. What should we do, post 1099's or 1040s? "

No Brian, just tell us how many sides Greg did last year. I will take you at your word. You won't tell us because it is something to hide. This is just like a "vendor". Only Greg is vending UNchained. He wants agents to buy it but will not give us his track record. Good grief, Charlie Brown.

2. As to refusing to answer my question: Was Greg's post a personal attack? The reason you don't answer is because you are acting just like a "vendor" selling Greg's conference. Tell me, if I raised my hand at the conference and asked this question (or question 1) would I get an answer? Doubtful. You ARE the VENDOR Brian and now I am beginning to see why Greg attacks them.

3. Also, as Kevin pointed out, applying the label "vendor" to give you free kicks to the cod piece of a fellow blogger is a nice semantic trick but I'm not buying it. How does it feel when you're the vendor?

Tickets, get your tickets here.

So what does all of this have to do with making a living selling Real Estate? I don't make any money by sitting around listening to a few egoblogs. It has no effect on my business either. I find it interesting...imagine if there was big money to be made...then maybe I would understand.

Great post Kev!

An excellent example of how to create traffic and drama.

Gotta go, have to write my final post, it is Friday after all.

btw, can you tell me exactly what time the BHB is going down? Don't want to miss the show. ;-)

Hey T!

How are you doing!!! It's almost been a year now!

Brian Brady tells me that "the dog" is going down at 12:01 am. End of an era, huh?!

Hey, link your final post here, for posterity.

See you in the blog-o-sphere.

Brian Brady tells me that "the dog" is going down at 12:01 am.

Stay tuned; I think Teri might have saved us, Kevin. if we make it until midnight, tonight (AZ time), I'm gonna give you a link

FEB

2008

Bloodhound Unchained ought to be renamed "Hipocrisy Unleashed"

Why?

Consider the Keynote Speaker for Unchained, Glenn Kelman. Here is what Greg Swann himself said about Glen just a couple of months ago when he was slamming Inman News for having Glenn as a keynote speaker:

Here are a couple of salient facts, evidently unknown behind the Rust Curtain of the Inman Empire:
To the extent that Glenn Kelman is a weblogger at all, he is a corporate weblogger. He doesn’t know anything about real estate weblogging, as he made plain in his sweet, charming, engaging keynote address at last summer’s Blogger’s Connect.
So: Inman runs an event, Have a Cigar as far as I can tell, and delivers speakers who know nothing about the topic.
This makes sense to whom?
The logical choices for the keynote address were me, Dustin Luther, Brian Brady or Joel Burslem. Brad Inman seems to carefully identify and recruit coveted audiences so he can spit on them, but, in this case, I think the man simply doesn’t know what he doesn’t know.
Come to the Blogger’s Connect keynote address and learn how to… what?
Truly stoopid...

So, I guess it's "truly stoopid" for Inman to have Kelman as a Keynote speaker, but it's more of Greg's genius to have him for Unchained. This makes sense to whom?

Another example of Greg and Bloodhound's hypocrisy?

Laurie Manny. It was announced today she is on the "faculty" of Bloodhound Unchained. Let's see what Greg has said about Laurie's blog in the past:

Comes news today that a keyword-packed fake weblog is every bit as attractive and satisfying as an inflatable spouse. I don’t doubt it for a minute, but if the objective is to snare random morons by deception, I think a “stealth” web site is a better-yielding joy-doll.
I swear to god it’s Groundhog Day in the real estate industry — 1974 every damn day, over and over again. Does real estate weblogging offer a path to transparency? Not if it’s just another sleazy gimmick.

Huh.

Swann routinely flings personal attacks against individuals and companies in the real estate industry. Heck, he's even blasting his own speakers.

Wouldn't the self-proclaimed master of real estate marketing have had enough savvy to secure the domain name BloodhoundUnchained.com for his own conference?

If you want to spend $150 - $300 plus flight, hotel, food, etc. to hear how to personally attack and denigrate someone, I suppose that is your choice

Yawn!

Sigh!

We might need to add a spelling workshop; this fella's gonna need help

Sure, attack someone's spelling. That's quite professional and mature. What's the matter Brian, can't come up with anything better than that? How DO YOU explain Swan's disdain for Kelman's blogging abilities in December, and by February he's a keynote speaker?

Yawn and sigh Laurie? You post this on 4Realz, then sign up to speak at Unchained???

on February 17, 2008 at 12:52 pm20 Laurie Manny
Mike,
Nothing about this entire episode is “nice”. Interesting that you chose my comment to open a discussion about “nice”. I meant what I said. There is a lot of kool-aid drinking going on. Greg has attacked a lot of “nice” people and their blogs, mine included, without regard for the people or their business. I don’t feel “nice” about this one.

How about explaining to everyone here why you are supporting a conference where the main organizer "has attacked a lot of “nice” people and their blogs, mine included, without regard for the people or their business. "

"4realz and Sellsius are vendor sites"

And with the constant barrage of Unchained marketing being shoved down readers throats, you might as well lump Bloodhound in with the vendor sites as well.

Come out from behind the anonymous. Only cowards post anonymous comments.

Okay Kevin-

My "final" post before the BHB goes down.

A one word answer to the burning question in my inbox this week: What's a nice girl like you....

http://www.bloodhoundrealty.com/BloodhoundBlog/?p=2638

Will we get to meet at Unchained? ;-)

Inman Connect, if I'm not mistaken, is about blogging. And by all means, don't hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong. I appreciate the opportunity to learn.

Unchained, if I'm not mistaken, is about marketing. Brian, speak up if I'm not correct.

Kelman and Manny are master marketers. I can't speak for Swann, let me repeat that: I can't speak for Swann, but it makes sense to me for a marketing conference to seek out the people who are great at marketing, regardless of whether or not someone agrees with what they are doing.

I was a bit shocked by this myself, but after I gave it a ponder, I thought that if Laurie and Glenn are willing to step into what is perceived to be a lion's den, then there must be something that drew them there. Who am I to judge?

And no, I'm not on the inside track of what is taking place at BHBU, I hear it when everyone else hears it.

I admit I had some reservations about what was going to take place , I signed up to go to finally meet the other Bloodhounds and because I love AZ and needed a vacation. This was going to be a purely social event for me ;-) Did I just say that out loud? After seeing the line-up, I'm finally getting excited about what I might learn.

This is no kool-aid induced answer- just my thoughts.

Kevin, again, great post!

It never will entirely disappear. It simply will fade from relevance as people realize there's no substance behind the shilling of just another marketing conference.

Unchained, if I'm not mistaken, is about marketing. Brian, speak up if I'm not correct.

That's ALL it's about, Teri. While I'm sure there will be social events, the value of this conference is that we're talking about how to help agents and originators to put money in their pockets.

Undoubtedly. You seek out models who are having extraordinary success in the space. There are few people as effective as Laurie Manny in local blogging. There may be better writers, better photographers, and better "bloggers" but there are few marketers as effective as Laurie.

Attacking Laurie, to get to me, is cowardly. Sabotaging Laurie's hard-earned and well deserved spotlight is vindictive. I'm not surprised at that, either. I watched how many participants, at a technology conference last summer, practically called Laurie a liar when she revealed the success she's having.

Thank you for pointing out the real meaning of the conference, Teri and highlighting the importance of Laurie's contribution. There should more ladies like you two (Teri and Laurie) in this world.

Good response Brian!! Our blog and radio show get the same kind of "disbelief" reaction....Laurie is top notch!

I for one like what she does, the example she is setting and the call to action she is sounding for other agents to follow!

Hey Brett. I listened to your show, yesterday. You're doing some good stuff.I can't speak for Laurie but she'd be a helluva guest on your show.

POINT OF DISCLOSURE: I am not nor have I ever been Laurie's PERSONAL promotion agent. I'm her lender, her collaborator, and a friend. As her friend, I'm enjoying her spotlight because it's so appropriately deserved.

Thanks Brian! I understand Lindsay our producer has you booked next week...love to have you on. Sorry I could not pick up but let's talk next week.

Love to have Laurie on...Mary from RSS Pieces will be on again next week. She's been on before and will be a regular as we get tons of calls for her. I will have Lindsay contact Laurie next week as I think she would indeed be a great guest..and I think ole Kevin and Ardell can expect a call as well!

She called Greg Swann but he was "tied up".

Anyway..thanks for tuning us in and look forward to speaking with you.

Brett,

I'm looking forward to it. I"ll see what I can do to help Lindsay.

Ok...

I have to catch up on these comments. It looks like there's some mini-cat fights going on here.

Have an appt; be back in one hour.

You meant his real estate practice would be shut down not his unpopular blog right?

Well this thread proves his strategy of flame-baiting worked

Come on these annon. comments or alias names..... ARE REALLY funny!

Most people would denounce them....I say "have at it!"

And I'm the captain of THIS ship. I now know how GS feels!

No one did that here, that I can see, except someone quoting Greg doing it. Did you mean it was cowardly when Greg did it? Or do you mean that it's cowardly when someone else does it but not when Greg does it?

I think a successful Realtor / blogger like Laurie needs to throw in her lot with Swann like a fart needs a flat screen TV. But if she wants to do it, that's fine. Herr Nutjob does have the linkbait potential -- just look at the publicists he has in Kevin and Joe. I don't begrudge anyone the spotlight, but I suspect that the work she's done that Greg slammed her for makes her real money.

Also, Brian, I think it's a wrong to say that people (who are actually Greg if you scroll up) are attacking Laurie to get to you. I think it's more correct to say that they're quoting Greg attacking Laurie to get to Greg. But hey, as we know from watching the head vampire, Koolaid does induce a certain degree of megalomania before it kills.

Laurie, I can understand your frustration with anonymous posters, but it looks like he got the 4realz quote right at least. Did Greg really say the other things about you that the commenter quoted? (Please forgive my handicap -- I don't do Swann since he threw me off his site). If so, do you really need the links that badly that you have to hang around with the Prince of Dimness?

>there's no substance behind the shilling of just another marketing conference.

Jonathon-

Are you saying Glenn Kelman, Russell Shaw, and Laurie Manny represent a lack of substance?

I'm going to stock up on some MORE popcorn and mini-diet cokes.

Ann do you need any?

This one's never gonna end...

This one's never gonna end...

Of course it will, Kevin. On May 18, 2008, when 350 people thank Laurie Manny for the advice she gave them.

Let's keep our eye on the ball here.

That site is an example of the worst in real estate and mortgage brokerage. The icky, sleazy, dirty pool that has given our respective industries black eyes.. At the end of the day, you should ask whom you serve. If it's not your customers, you're in the wrong business. I would ask that you take Seth Godin's advice and leave the heavy lifting to the professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to action.

...so many theoreticians; not enough practitioners.

Kevin:

That's right, you're going to get 4.3 billion points and a PageRank of 11 on this post.

Meantime, here's a story: When I was in second grade, this kid and I had a fight. It started out as some kind of shoving match or whatever. By the time it was done, both of us wanted to stop, but the other kids in the schoolyard had formed a circle around us, not only to watch, but also to make sure that neither of us was able to run away from the other by pushing us back toward the other boy whenever we tried.

Forty years or so later, and here we are again.

"The show must go on" is not just some glib broadway slogan -- it's a thirst for conflict and blood that's as old and deep as the Colliseum in Rome.

Teri:

You didn't ask me this question, but I'll take a stab at in anyway. I don't know who Glenn Kelman and Russel Shaw are, but as to Laurie Manny, she has lots of substance. If she's throwing in with Greg, my uncalled-for opinion is that she's slaking her thirst for the Red Wagon Team's SERP with a beverage that will leave her parched in the end.

It's not a question of substance. It's probably a question of self-worth. But that's a diagnosis, and really uncalled for.

The Prince of Dimness is obviously a charismatic guy. He got Brady to do the work on a conference no one even knew was Brady's. Now he's gotten speakers from the ranks of people who he detests as beneath him -- oh wait, if he didn't do that, he'd be alone on the dias, wouldn't he?

He's got a good thing going, though. Yesterday's enemy is tomorrow's sycophant.

And I'm the captain of THIS ship.

Yes, you are, Kevin. I appreciate the opportunity to identify those committed to improving their business and those not, here.

Thank you, again.

PS- You have both a flair for publicity and class; your comments on BHB demonstrate both.

John,

I admire your approach. Your beautiful prose is filled with pointed jabs, especially levied at Laurie. I love how you try to incite a response by making the issue all about Laurie's goal to dominate the search engines for a particular keyword search term. It's artful but transparent.

You know who Glenn Kelmann and Russell Shaw are. It is impossible to have been thrown off BHB without knowing these players.

You are talented gadfly, Sir.

Brian,

If you admire my approach, I'm clearly not getting through to you.

No, I don't know who Glenn Kelmann and Russell Shaw are. I got thrown off after two comments, and was only an occasional reader before then. Believe it or don't.

Here's another transparent datum for you: I don't give a rat's foot who they are.

Now as to Laurie, who's been a friend for several months: I haven't levelled any jabs at Laurie except to say that she doesn't need Greg Swann to be successful. That's only a jab from the perspective of a Swyocophant -- to the rest of the world it's either a compliment, or a neutral expression of an opinion.

It seems from the post above (someone who reads Greg can check it for me) that it was Greg who called her blog "a keyword-packed fake weblog" that's -- oh what the hell, here's the whole quote (pasted from the commenter above):

"Comes news today that a keyword-packed fake weblog is every bit as attractive and satisfying as an inflatable spouse. I don’t doubt it for a minute, but if the objective is to snare random morons by deception, I think a “stealth” web site is a better-yielding joy-doll."

Again, I won't verify that quote, because I don't read the Prince of Dimness. But you do. Did he say it or not? Can you and your suspenders go over there and read him and report back?

Oh, wait, we're still waiting for Joe's question about whether Greg's other post was a personal attack to pop off the stack, aren't we? Well, don't let me rush you. Take all the time you need. I know you must be pretty busy with loans, being America's #1 Mortgage Broker and all.

You're right about two things, however. My prose is beautiful, and I am talented.

Have a day.

Brian -

Curious as to why you continue to refuse to answer the question that has been posed to you repeatedly:

In your opinion was Greg's initial post a personal attack?

Please don't dodge it, or provide some pithy metaphor. Why not just answer the question? Russell did.

John's questions also seems worthy of an answer:

Attacking Laurie, to get to me, is cowardly. Sabotaging Laurie's hard-earned and well deserved spotlight is vindictive. I'm not surprised at that, either. I watched how many participants, at a technology conference last summer, practically called Laurie a liar when she revealed the success she's having.
No one did that here, that I can see, except someone quoting Greg doing it. Did you mean it was cowardly when Greg did it? Or do you mean that it's cowardly when someone else does it but not when Greg does it?

I read BHB. Greg DID attack Laurie and her blog. Laurie herself even said so. But someone here quotes Greg attacking Laurie and you flip that somehow into someone attacking Laurie to get to you??? I don't undertstand that connection. Please enlighten me.

Oh, by the way, Brian, I missed this part:

"I love how you try to incite a response by making the issue all about Laurie's goal to dominate the search engines for a particular keyword search term."

That is not just wrong, it's stupidly wrong. My dominance in Sacramento is precisely Laurie's business model for Long Beach, as anyone here can verify for themselves -- though arguably I'm a few years ahead of her on implementation.

But I guess if you'll stoop to "America's #1 Mortgage Broker", I should have known before we started that you were likely to make shit up.

oh--- man I need some more Diet Cokes, you know the mini's, they stay fresher, longer.

Pithy....I love that word.

I'm too lazy to look up exactly what ad hominem, or however you spell it, means....

Hey,

As for google-stuffing, I freely admit to google-stuffing. If you are a real estate agent or originator, you know it is a hell of a lot cheaper than newspaper ads or printing brochures.

Kevin Tomlinson is a google-pandering ho bag.

Pithy?

My gosh. Till now I didn't even know Jay Thompson had a lisp.

And you are all digging way too deep into this for some esoteric meaning that doesn't exist.

Brian spoke to me about this conference months ago and I agreed to speak. Why not? It's a great opportunity for me. My agreeing to speak at the conference doesn't have anything to do with GS or BHB. The recent turn of events in the blog-o-sphere is unfortunate and ugly, but this is business. It's not for backlinks, which I will take regardless. It's not for industry traffic, my blog is hyper-local, industry traffic just screws up my stats anyway.

You are missing the bigger picture here folks. When Greg Swan gave the go ahead to Brian Brady for me to speak at UnChained he openly admitted that he was wrong. How else could a FAKE Web-blog have become so successful?

Y'all need to take a chill pill!