I'm not sure I agree that you can't have your own opinion separate from your corporate one.

I like the idea of an East Coast Based Community Builder.  Sometimes it does appear that the Rain tilts to one side.

I also like the idea of a "meeting" of Active Rainers perhaps during the NAR convention.  I think I'd like it as a networking affair rather than a party where you have to shout over the music to make a connection. But then again I'm old. 

Agreed.  Simon is NOT a Moron:-)

Hi Rich.  I think that at times being a Realtor is a pretty thankless job.  But your job strikes me as a tad more thankless!  So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the great job I think you are doing on Active Rain.  I love it here and I have made so many friends.  Also, the comparison to Adolf Hitler is totally unwarranted.  I won the Rich Jacobson blow up doll in the raffle and I can tell you that you don't look anything like him.  Lol!  Thanks for everything and have a great day.  PS... I think an East Coast convention is a great idea!!  I'd love to meet some of the members in person. 

Of course you can have an opinion.  Otherwise, we might as well put everything in a computer and run random selections.

What you also have to have is good judgment.  That you have in abundance. 

Now use your judgment to formulate your opinions and we'll all be fine.

I understand what you mean, as a community builder, you don't want your opinion to interfere with your job as a community builder.

It is important to be objective with your posts to do your job well.  We still like you though.

The idea of meeting and an East Coast Rep is great.

All the best!

Hi Rich-

I actually read your previous post - more than once- coming back to read the comments, 'til they numbered 103.  I didn't leave a comment of my own, since everything had already been expressed - multiple times.  Yes, I know, I missed the opportunity for another 25 points, but I'm making up for that now. ;-)

I think it's great that you shared your personal views with us.  Much like a newspaper editorial, it lets us know where you stand.  Your personal opinion can't help but influence you, in your role as community builder.

As I read your blog, I felt you were more upset at the incidences of "mud-slinging", than the variety of content.  You also pointed out that ActiveRain is a Real Estate network.  You are in a perfect position to keep that focus, by primarily featuring real estate related blogs, as well as general topic blogs that can relate to our real estate business.  If a joke, recipe, or personal tale creeps in, now and then, that's fine.  It's up to us to read them or move on.

Rich, Nice post!  Isn't it nice when everyone plays nice in the sandbox!?!  OK, that's too much nice for me today!  :)

YOU HAVE AN OPINION ...just like any other human being .... goodness. If not for personal opinion what is there left?

I think that's why there are a few community builders.... seasoned ones.

If we're going to worry about what side of the coasts are on...hmm...better get one for Hawaii, Canada and wherever there isn't one. Geez.

If you change now...because of someone else's personal opinion.....I'm going to wonder who the heck you are. Were. Will Be.

Congrats Simon!  Rich I understand your position..and I think you have a right to your opinion BUT I think the community builder has to be neutral and build the community..it can be conflicting in what you truly believe..its kinda like being an agent and being unbiased!

I think an east coast community builder would be a good addition to the site. If only because they would most likely be posting when you were not on the site due to the time differences etc.

Best,

Scott

I feel the community builder probably should be neutral. I see many presidents of the Realtor associations I belong to have heavy opinions and presidents should be running the meetings not be giving opinions. If AR members are going against the rules then this should be posted by a community builder.

Hi Rich, You finally said something that I disagree with. It is pure bunk that a human can function in your capacity in a social network environment and not have a personal opinion. Unless  we only want the rules,nothing but the rules, people need to lighten up. If you don't have the right to express yourself , as yourself, then we might as well hire hair shirts to run the place and that ain't going to happen. Sorry for the word use of ain't. It is my comment and I choose to use it,lol. The last time I looked everyone that cares 2 hoots can and should express their opinion and that includes you and everyone else. This is not a government office nor some huge corporate enterprise that everyone needs to be watched to protect company secrets. Have at your personal opinion any old time, bet that the majority would feel the same.

Rich - I kind of have to disagree with the comment about you not being able to have an opinion outside your role as AR's Gracious Rich.  You are very much your own person with life experiences to share that have nothing to do with your role at AR.  Personally I would hope you will continue to contribute in the manner you have been.   When you stop having the ability to formulate and express an independent opinion then AR will have just lost a major asset. 

Rich, nothing wrong IMO on you having your own opinions and being able to post on them here. Yes, there is a defference and you articulated it at the last post. That's what blogging is all about.

An East Coast community builder would be great....if you could find someone who would take the job. LOL

Hey, I just posted about an AR convention last week. He stole my idea!!! :)

I have also spoken with Simon a few times and he is very engaging and pleasant on the phone, plus he has a cool James Bond-style accent. 

Rich - You can have opinions, just like anyone else around here.  But that's just MY opinion.  Don't you need a Texas-based AR Community Builder, too?  :-)

Rich.....thank you for introducing Simon to us.....he has a colorful life and one to be respected.  As for opinions....we all have them but I have been told they end at the tip of my nose.  Thanks for sharing.

Rich, an annual convention would be a total blast!  I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Jason, if AR keeps growing like it already has...I think one may be needed for every state! Where should I send my application Rich? hehehe

Growing pains!  It's hard to know what to do in situations where there is no past experience and anyone can find fault easier than offer construction suggestions. When someone takes the time and effort to offer constructive comments, we should be wise enough to at least listen. 

Rich, I don't necessarily think you can't have an opinion, you just have to be careful in how you post it.  Everyone has an opinion!  But you are right, it shouldn't interfere in how you do your job.  Not an easy task, I'm sure.  I don't envy that.And as far as the mud-slinging?  It doesn't belong on any professional social network, let alone here.

I like the idea of a convention.  Maybe we can pick a centrally located place like Waikiki.  :)

All kidding aside, a day or two connected to NAR would make it possible for those of us coming long distance to attend.

I think a really great way to get a picture of someone would be to go to their blog and read their last 30 to 50 posts, and their last 150 comments.  It would build a picture of that person that would better bring forth the kind of person they are.  Try it !

Someone just told me about this blog Rich! Thanks for using the word "NOT". I really appreciate that. Just to be clear, of course you can have a personal opinion - I just feel that when it is a subject connected to AR, the majority will rightly believe that your personal opinion reflects the opinion of AR. I think that is natural and I think you understand that.

Thank you for the congrats on my impending citizenship. Right after I take the oath (ok - well maybe a day or so later) I will be changing my profile.

East Coast Community builder will just give some ballance. As AR gets bigger still (say 500,000) then I would also agree that a State by State Community builder might also be a good thing. I certainly think a national convention would be great!

Cheers to that - more varied community builders, and more gatherings.

I too think you can and should have your own opinion outside of AR. Your blog is a personal representation of who you are and your perspective on things. If you start towing "company line" it would no longer be genuine.

On a seperate note, I now vow to never have a phone conversation with you...just in case you decide I am a moron!

Enjoy the sun!

Have had a good impression of Simon as well. Thanks much for the great words on William's blog. To say that we've been swamped is understatement. Are not even close to getting boat back in water yet. But soon.

lets catch up on phone next week. lemme know and I'll call you.

cheers

Who said Simon was a moron,.?? I will have to pull a chow chung tang on them !

I think you're allowed an opinion, and as long as you're openly listening to other's opinions, things should be fine.  It's when people close off their brain from other's opinions, to make sure their opinion is the only opinion, where issues start to cross.

Congrats, Simon! 

Rich I think those ideas shared by Simon are great. I also am not sure you are not allowed to have your own opinion outside of your responsibilities at AR.

Rich, I guess I missed out on some heated comments.  But, after reading this post, whether or not you are an AR community builder, in my opinion, you ARE entitled to have your personal opinions.  Otherwise, your posts would be BORING!

Gracious Rich...

Awe. How nice is this anyway? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Hey Rich,  How do you do that thing where this same post gets popped up to the top of my subscriber list even though it is a few days old?  I want to use that trick!

Rich,
YOu are a very fair man, that's the reason that many people in AR loves you :) Keep the good work and be always like that MR veteran, I am almost the kind veteran like you, but I do not write often as you always do :)
LOL
Ray

one day in AR I read a post that came across, to me, as rather opinionated... I ventured out (this was HUGE for me) and left a comment that I thought was a needed voice for levity. My heart felt caring and I felt so grateful to be able to share. I couldn't believe the seeming hostility that came back at me from this "Simon". who seemed to have jumped to his own interpretation & slamdunk me. I was rather shocked at how all the others came on board right behind him as if they all just followed whatever he said and now they all were mocking me. I became like a target to ridicule. It was the only horrible/awful/ experience I ever had on AR, & I cried my eyes out at what felt so hateful & unfair. Just seeing his photo now just makes my eyes feel toxic.  I considered leaving AR that day, but remembered all the good experiences and connections, and just deleted and blocked out a few things instead. I will never consider him as having the ability to l-i-s-t-e-n to another, only jerk them around until you either agree or exit out of fear. Clearly, the only opinions Simon wants is what Simon says.