I subscribe to blogs that I don't want to miss their posts.....like Jason Crouch, Broker Bryant and TLW......I check these first and then peruse.....

you spend about four hours a day reading and commenting :)

Since I like to start my day with a smile,I tend to go to the Jokes and anything fun group....then I move on to my subscribed blogs.

BLRGuy

Yvette,

I just scroll through to see what interests me.  I tend not to like long wordy blogs--I lose my patience in the middle.

Hi Yvette,

Best Question. The blogs with more comments proves that its a good blog to read. Keep reading best. Luck.

Best - Sash

JULIE - Yep, that's how I've been doing it.  Then I stumble upon someone new!  Thanks for answering!

COLLEEN - That's what I've been doing!!  I try to limit myself to 1 hour...but I can't...I'm an addict:o)

BLRGUY - That's a good one.  I'll have to do that sometimes.

DIANE - I definitely agree with you on the wordy post.  Although if it's big words (large fonts), broken up with color & pics...I can get through it.

SASHA - I have found that even the blogs with the least amount of comments (like my own) happen to be quite good!!   I shall continue to read and thank you!

Thank you all for your comments!!!  Glad you stopped by!!

It's real simple. I look for the title or the blogger (if I know their work). Then the blog usually has to be a paragraph or 2 or 3 - much longer and I won't read it - and I usually don't write them that long either.

I feel like I really get to know manyn of these great bloggers and one day will meet them2=!

Hi Yvette,

I have limited time, so I scan the headlines to see what catches my attention.  Those that I discover that seem to always have really good content are subscribed. 

I usually look for blogs that address concerns I can relate to and comment on.  I don't read blogs that are about things I already have read about in a magazine or newspaper.  I also look for fun blogs that will make me giggle.  I do subscribe to people who I find I relate to.  usually their blogs are entertaining or experiences in life. Great Question!

Yvette, like many, I have certain people whose blogs I read.  I usually don't like to read the really long blogs that go on and on without a paragraph or any break.  I generally will try to find one that has an interesting title, and pictures or graphics are nice also.

By the time I comment on posts of peeps who commented on my post, then check my subscribed list for new posts, then follow their links to other posts, then read a really good comment on one of those and go check out that commenter, then read some of their posts to see if they are as good as they comment, then get curious about some of their commenters, then........is it morning, yet?  I think I am going to start drinking my coffee right before I go to bed, so I can save a little time in the morning and sleep a bit longer. 

I read my subscribers first, then the featured ones. Then if I have time I read anyone's who pops up on the side dashboard. I found you because it was featured. I comment when I have something to add to the conversation, so I read more than comment anymore.

I also check out the groups outlook and my other blog, good posts in there I like to follow.

Yvette,

Since I've been here for a long time when there were only a few hundred members...I have built up a list of blogs I subscribe to. I also like to read newer members posts to welcome them here as well. I do have a regular list of people who also reciprocate on my blogs so I also like reading theirs. It takes time.

I tend to read the latest ones and the few I suscribe to. I tend to visit less when I have a lot of real estate business like now.

Blogs with long long paragraphs are too hard to read.  Extremely long ones of any sort are hard.  Some of the people you get to know are always funny and deserve your support. 

Yvette,

I was overwhelmed when I started out on AR.  What I do now is begin with Jokes and Anything Fun Group to get a good laugh and then I proceed to the others.  One day I read subscribed, the next I'll check out featured posts, next day other groups, and so on.   

I'm new here, so your question was great. The answers helped a lot. Thanks to all.

Yvette: this is an adorable post--LOVE the layout you created!  But back to the question you posted:  There is no way any of us can see/read/comment on all the posts/peeps we want too....because AR has grown so much (a GOOD thing, I think). So, I have to pick and choose when I have time. I KNOW I miss many great posts from great AR bloggers, but time only allows me to do so much.  I have accepted that and KNOW my peeps understand. LOL

WOW, I'VE NEVER HAD THIS MANY COMMENTS BEFORE!  I'M REALLY EXCITED!

STEVE - Yea, me too, unless it's something that I've got a lot to say (most things!)

JOHN - I feel that way also!  I even received a Mother's Day card(in the mail) from an Active Rainer...that just solidified my feelings about AR.

BILL - I hope I was one of em :o)

PAULA - Thank you!  I try to read em all (well most!)

TONY&DARCY - Me too.  I like graphics that catch my eye!

VIRGINIA - AR is like my morning brew...I start when I wake up (& finish my day with it too!)

MISSY - Yes. that's seems to be the norm.  Thanks for your input!

NEAL - Imagine how it's gonna be in like 10 years?!!!

ERIC - I still try my best to squeeze it in!  I look at it as a part of growing my biz!

BARBARA - Yes,  Funny is good!

BRIGITA - I've been here since Feb & I'm still overwhelmed!

PAM - Your welcome...Enjoy it!

KATHY - Thank you so much!  This is the first time I've gotten so much feedback...I'm lovin it!

AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.  IT MEANS A GREAT DEAL!  EVERYONE WANTS COMMENTS ON THEIR BLOGS SO THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Hi Yvette - what a cool attention-getting post this is!  Nicely done!

When I log on to AR, it depends on how much time I have.  Like right now, I have buyer clients showing up in about 15 minutes so rather than get engrossed in some other item on my to-do list, I thought I'd come here for a little R & R!  ;-)

So, this morning, I just went right to the featured board, and found your post.  I'll finish here, scan the others to see what catches my eye, then I'll check out the new posts of those that I subscribe to.  With more time, or perhaps tonight when I get home, I'll check those out in more detail.  Then I scan the new posts from everyone as they show up under 'blogs'.  Then I might go back to some I've left comments on in the last 2-3 days, to see what other comments came in after I was last on those posts, and then maybe groups, who knows....  maybe I'll find a hijacking going on that I can take part in.

Ann

Today I started with you, because you were featured and the title caught my eye. Next I will go look at my subscriptions and then I will head to the dashboard. If I haven't spent too much time doing that then I head over to some groups and see what is going on with topics that interest me.

All the while I am looking at titles and the first couple of sentences for something to grab me.

If I have posted and received comments I read those that have commented. These prevail as I reciprocate as my first priority.

Yvette, I read my subscriptions first, you are one of them, then I look at the featured posts and then through the dashboard.  When something catches my eye I read it.  I read your Foreclosure post yesterday but had to leave before I could comment, good stuff.  Congratulations on your feature!!

Yvette,

Good question! I read the blog that opens with a question or I choose the subject of interest to me.  There are so many good ones that it is hard to choose. Blogs are addictive and fun. Keep on writing.

ANN - That's a good strategy...one worth hijacking!!

JoELLEN - How cool is that?  I'm just bubbling today about this.  I was looking for a catchy title to do just that - grab attention!

AUDREY - WOW!  I am thrilled & honored to be one of your subscriptions.  I am tickled that you are enjoying my posts!!

I MUST SAY THAT I FINALLY FEEL LIKE I AM "GETTING IT"...THIS BLOGGING THING.  I WANT TO BRING AWARENESS TO MY AR COMMUNITY & MY COMMUNITY IN WHICH I LIVE.  I ONLY WANT TO SHARE THOSE THINGS THAT I KNOW TO HELP INFLUENCE, ENCOURAGE, MOTIVATE & CULTIVATE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Good question. I have change my methods over the months. But like you I do go to my subscribed blogs first and if they have written something that I can add to I usually leave a comment. These days I am trying to get to know newer faces so I am commenting on blogs which belong to people new to me.

It sounds like a lot of us do it the same way.  I read posts from those I subscribe to first, then features, then the dashboard, then groups....then it's time to go to bed :)  Some days it's easier than others, but when you are out on appointments something will slip through the cracks.  On top of that, you need to find time to write too, which you have just done a terrific job of!  Congrats on the feature.

I check Features daily then once a week use the search option for topics that interest me.  good luck.

Yvette: your blog ROCKS!!!

I use to read just people that I subscribed to. But I dont really do that no more. I like to read blogs by some of my biggest supporters - Elizabeth Ramsey Cooper,Ray Nellum,Jennifer Fivelsdal -big supporters,Darleen Mccluen,Naoma Doriquzzi,Elizabeth Carter, and Tara Colquitt just to name a few. But there are too many great people here who I like to read their blogs. Hopefully I will add you to my list of favorite bloggers. Great post.

It can be hard to manage but I usually read my subscribed list first and then to featured and then I go through a couple of groups periodically to read up on whatever I am in the mood for. 

MANA - That's a good idea.  I try to check the new people as well.

LISA - I always do one "quick" check before bed!

SCOTT - Now that is one that hasn't been mentioned...searching for topics that interest you.

STEVER - YOU ROCK!!!

LANRE - Hopefully, I'll be on your list!  Thanks.

NAOMA - Yes it can be difficult to manage...hence this post.

Thank you all for stopping by...have a wonderful weekend!

Sometimes I run a search, if I am thinking about short sales or color schemes or marketing ideas or open houses or cameras or listing presentations or whatever pops in my mind I put it in the search bar and see what comes up.  I also subscribe to people who for whatever reason made an impression on me. Then I see if it was just a fluke and if the next post or two doesn't really spark anything special for me, I unsubscribe. I only have a couple that I've kept throughout, I like to travel light :)  Sometimes if I am reading comments, someones take on a topic or way of expressing themselves might interest me and I'll click on them and go read some of their blogs for fun, or if I read someone and I really don't like what they've said, I'll do the same thing to see if they are as awful as they seem, or just having a moment.  And of course, I look over the featured posts and pop open any that catch my eye.  I am sure that I miss thousands of interesting posts, but what are we gonna do?

I always read the featured posts of the day first, then I check to see the blogs I subscribe too.  I then check the most recent blogs and finally check my favorite groups :)

I have several people that I like to read their blog...the I kind of cruise around between groups. I have been getting asked to some new groups so I have been checking them out as well.

Dave

I give myself an hour to read and comment each day.  I look at the features and get an overview of what is going on and I respond to a couple.  Then I look at the blogs and look for newbies and welcome a couple.  Then I look at my associates posts -- then my groups.  I have to do some speed reading for sure!

Start reading and then subscribe to the ones you like. Pretty soon you will have a TON of subscriptions.... so many you may not be able to keep up.

I jump back and forth on what I am reading sometimes featured, sometimes regular blogs, sometimes groups

It is tough to decide which blogs to read.  There are a lot of people here, and a lot of blogs.  Nobody can possibly read even a meaningful percentage of them. 

I tend to look over the features, and then I look over my subscribeds.  After that, I look back over past comments and see what I might need to revisit.

I look at my subscribed blogs, I look at features and I check the blog roll. Why the blog roll? I find new people that way!  I should check groups more often, I wonder why i don't...

I look at my subscribed blogs, I look at features and I check the blog roll. Why the blog roll? I find new people that way!  I should check groups more often, I wonder why i don't...

Here's what I read - recent posts first page or two, those I subscribed to, Featured posts, then I like to go read blogs of those who have commented on my blog. 

Catch a headline...a topic that involves a current problem or interest....someone I know...Reasons are many, topics and interests are varied...you need a laugh....Or a realtor touched your heart...Like the weather...the Rain changes.

1.I read the subscribed blogs, because I chose them for the quality of writing and topics. 2.Then I read the featured posts, because smart AR people already did the selection. 

3.When I find smart comments on my blog or other people's blogs I follow them, check out their blog and subscribe if I like what I see. Then back to #1.

I like "hard core real estate talk" so I read agents and lender posts about real estate practice and mortgage financing, title work, home inspections, etc.  I subscribe to a lot of serious writers.

However, I have a funny bone and it needs scratching from time to time so I subscribe to folks who have a good sense of humor. 

I read folks in my subscribed list, the featured and if time permits, anything that comes up.  I scan and just skim.  When I hit on something good, I may add that member to my subscribed list.

I've integrated ActiveRain into my real estate practice.  With the exception of Continuing Education, this is the best forum for learning about real estate across the country on line. 

Time dictates how much you end up reading.  I first go to the people who comment to me, then I go to my subscribed list, then I go to my associates/groups, and then if I have time, then I go out to the most recent ones.  Thanks for blogging. 

The time does rack itself up when you do anything on the computer. You could spend a whole day on one and not realize it. I first hit my subscribes, then look over the featured, then on to the newbies.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS!!  I DID WRITE NOTES FOR INDIVIDUALS, BUT I HAD A SYSTEM ERROR & I COMPLETELY LOST ALL THAT I'D WRITTEN.

SO, TO EACH AND EVERY ONE THAT HAS POSTED, I SEND YOU A VERY SPECIAL...

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

Yvette,

AR can be highly addictive for real estate agents, mortgage pros and all members, therefore the good doctor suggests that all affected set up a daily schedule, not to exceed say 3 hours, when to be online. Happy blogging. 

Yvette~  I am fairly new myself being active here since end of February so I am still trying to figure it all out too!  I try to go to each person that comments on my blog by going to their blogs, reading a few if possible and commenting on one that interests me the most.  That is how I ended up here :)

As for me, I read blogs written by my favorite bloggers. Just to keep up with them takes alot of time. Once a while I browse my groups and find others to read when the title peeks my interests. I spend alot less time on AR now since I'm on a crazy schedule.

Looks like you got your answers -  I too like certain groups but like the idea of subscribing to certain prolific writers -

Just wanted to say I LOVE your logo - Connecting the Dots!

Yvette - at first anything that caught my eye ... then I started looking ones who responded ... now I look for ones who respond a reciprocate and add them to my associates and read their posts. I still visit the newbies group on occasion and some of the groups I have joined just to mix it up a bit.

Kathy,

Catching the eye, I have learned is important in this biz!  Thanks for your input!  Enjoy the week!

Marcia,

Thanks!!!  I thought it was pretty catchy...I didn't want an average, run of the mill logo, so I kinda came up with this!  Have a wonderful week and thank you for commenting!

Loreena,

AR takes a lot of time, no matter what you're doing!  It can consume you! Have a great week! Thanks for your input.

ESKO - Yes AR is way addictive.  My day isn't complete unless I've had my dose!!

LOREENA - I joined the end of Feb, I don't think I've slept much since then!!

Thank you both & have a fab week!

Yvette - Great question that I have often wondered! Where do I start? I always start my day with a plan of action on AR so I don't spend to much time getting off track. Of course, it never works! Today I was going to go thru my "bookmarked" but Is still have not make it them yet and it has been 2 hours. It is crzy, but fun!!! Have a great day.

Hi Terrie,

Thanks for your input!  Don't forget to let me see our signature.

All the best,

Hi Yvette. I usually read the ones that catch my attention (The titles). Sometime I run blog searches for specific topics. I look forward to networking with you in the near future. Best of luck and see you around.

Personally I try to comment of 5 new blogs a day and then 5 people on my subscribed list. This gets me to meet new people and also gets me fresh ideas versus what my favorites are saying. Sometimes these new people end up being on my subscribed list and I usually meet them when they visit my blog and leave a comment. You just never know who the next great blogger will be, so watch out! Looks like you are well on your way with this featured post!

Hi Vincent!

Thanks for your input!  Have a great week!

Hello Todd,

That sounds like a great way to meet new people on AR.  Thank you for your gracious comments!  Have a fab week!

It's tough isn't it?  I first check my subscribed bloggers, and the blogs that just hit the page usually.  Then I start surfing the groups, and sometimes that takes me off on a wild tangent and you never know where you will end up!  I love the variety and the surprises.  And of course I like to read the posts of those who have commented on mine.  There's just not enough time in the day.

Georgia,

Yes it is tough.  What I'm finding is that the more you do, the better at it you become.  Kinda like second nature.  Aloha & Maholo!

Yvette,

I love your blog!  I have the same problem too! there are so many good ones informative, supportive, cheering ones.... The best thing is, you are not alone!

Best of Luck!

Fern Hamberger Broker @ NestQuest!!

So true!  The more you blog, the better at blogging you get.  Blog like a dog!  And when you are done, blog some more.  The rewards will come.

As far as choosing what posts to read, I try to read as many as I possibly can.  Mostly, I find people I like to follow...or click on titles that catch my eye.

Hi Fern!

Thanks!  The funny thing is, I think I'm gettin the hang of it!  Have a great day...

Hey Clint,

Aaarff aaarff...barking!  Thanks & I will.  Enjoy your day!

Yvette