By loose definition, blogging is the keeping of online diary that is representative of ones personal thoughts, feelings, points of view, ideas, knowledge, etc, compiled and published on a web log a.k.a. blog.   

For most independent business owners it is a means to highlight their offerings, whether products or services, in a more personalized approach to help them stand out from the competition. Your blog is supposed to be a reflection of you or who you are striving to be, some are extravagant displays with swooshing graphics, video, audio snip its and  tightly woven design. Others are more get to the point, here is what I have to say plain blogs. Both are productive and just as effective because the audience out there is different.

So why blogging? It is just another medium used in today's society for individuals to express themselves. A blog allows you to share ideas, promote yourself, post pictures, video, write your opinion, share feelings and thoughts on any given subject. Regardless of whether or not people read it, and you hope people do, your blog is out there for all to read. Write what you feel and stand by what you write.

In the Active Rain community Real Estate professionals are encouraged to contribute to the content of the site by writing blog posts, making comments, posting pictures, promoting Active Rain through links and inviting others to join. If the blogger participates by contributing in some way to the site the blogger is rewarded with points. They are virtual points, not for the purchase of goods or services and not to be redeemed for any other prize. They are given to encourage active participation in a professional community that helps both those in the real estate business and consumers looking for professional input and advice.

Now yes, points are not always rewarded for posts and there are monitoring systems put in place to help regulate the content but overall if someone wants to send a Happy Mothers Day Message to the community, they can. They may not get points for it, but the blogger is entitled to post what they want. Is it about the points? NO. The points are just an incentive to actively participate. Consider them marketing "blog dollars", the more you contribute the better position your marketing blog dollars gets you on the site and even better is the possibility that your exposure to the internet search engines is increased. Small personal notes are always good to send and receive and always appreciated. Whether you are preparing a post to promote a listing, short article or a short note it still takes effort and discipline to actually sit down and do it, you need to make an effort to write it and submit it. So maybe points should be rewarded for a note but overall the points are the bonus. The active participation is what helps you the blogger build a better business practice by remaining active in the community.

The Active Rain community allows the real estate professionals to connect to each other somewhat anonymously and help each other in their quest to better themselves and their business practices in any way they choose.  I am not sure how many other professional organizations have capitalized on building a community blogosphere such as Active Rain but I am sure it would be beneficial.

Kudos Active Rain and to all who help build this incredible real estate community!

all the best

this blog was inspired by a recent post by Leander McClain on "Is It Really About the Points"