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Localism Brainstorming Review

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Real Estate Shows

Localism BrainstormingThis morning in her blog, Christina Ethridge asked a question I'd been wondering about myself.  She wanted to know (among other things) if there was a place to look for new groups.  She said the only way she's found to determine if there are new groups it to keep looking through them, unless the founder announces the group. 

Thankfully I DID announce a new group called Localism Brainstorming, and Christina DID join.  (Thank you, Christina.)

Well, it's been nearly two whole days since this group began, and already our members have shared so much!  I thought I'd throw it together in a blog entry of my own in case any of you missed it the first time around.  I do love review posts (such as this one by Jeff Turner) and they are a great way to summarize several posts. 

Here's a brief tour of what the 23 charter members have contributed in the last two days to Localism Brainstorming:

  • Mariana Wagner not only came up with the name for the group, but she also offered up Breaking Writer's Blog-ck ... Local Content Ideas for your Blog.  This is pure gold!  One quick read-through and you'll have ideas for weeks! 
  • Ann Cummingsshows us why she's one of the Queens of Localism content with her entry At HOME in Stratham New Hampshire.  She uses a generous helping of photos combined with in-depth information on each topic she covers. 
  • Laurie Manny, another Ruler of Localism, offers so many examples of right-on-the-money posts that it's hard to choose just one to showcase here!  I'll pick this one on Selling Your Long Beach California Home and then you just browse through the rest at your leisure. 
  • Elena Thruston has a way with making you want to move to her town of Gilbert, Arizona.  Seriously, read carefully or you'll be packing your bags and calling Elena!
  • Eloise Giftoffers a great overview of what I hope Localism Brainstorming will become in her post Localism Brainstorming, the Sky's the Limit.  She is a true Localism blogger.  Browse through her blog and you'll see the love and pride she has for Albuquerque.  I've even had to tell her so many times how much I like her posts, I've even learned how to SPELL Albuquerque!  (Take that, Tim Maitski!  Wink-wink!)
  • Valerie Harvey has a brain that works so differently from mine.  While my brain is like a puppy romping from here to there, hers is logical and orderly, and one of the reasons I love AR is that it gives me access to ideas from people like Valerie.  Her entry titled Surface Area: The Art of Creating Your Own Luck explains just WHY you want to be taking advantage of all Localism and Active Rain have to offer, and encourages you to jump in.

I could keep going with lots more material, but I'm sure you get the idea.  These contributions have been made in just the last TWO DAYS, although many of them were written well before.  I think this group will bring a wealth of ideas to those looking to blog specifically for Localism and their local communities.  Please feel free to stop by and browse through our entries, and if you feel at home, please join us!

Comments (42)

Randy L. Prothero
eXp Realty - Hollister, MO
Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645
23 charter members and you had 23 comments when I logged on to your post.  I will look up the new group thank you for the heads up.
Mar 06, 2007 05:51 PM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV

Jennifer - I'm thrilled to tell you about the group, I worried no one would be able to find it.  Welcome!

George!   I think we've got material for a new group ... !

Yay, Tony!  Thanks, we appreciate your contributions!

Yeah, Bob, I don't like that stuffy box.  Don't spend much time in there.  Much more fun outside!

Timothy - Thrilled to have you!  Tell your friends.  :o)

Christy - I agree!  I'm getting ideas already and I hope you are, too!

Mariana!!!  Thanks for the NAME, it defines the group perfectly!  You're sharing GREAT ideas, thanks!!

Eloise, you are so very welcome!  I hope you make good friends, learn more about lots of cool places and find ideas you can USE.  Run with it!

Valerie - Your scholarly view is much appreciated.  I'm used to the KISS principal and your blog is a refreshing change.  You and Jeff Turner are two of a kind!  LOL!

Deborah???  Organized?  Me?  Not so much!  I'm working on that, too.  Oh, and "accomplished blogger"???  Don't know about that one either, but THANKS!!  Send my love to your office help!

Randy - The King of Hawaii!!  Please join us!  I'm subscribed to your blog (and those of many here) and I love to see what new thing you've got to say.  No wonder you're a celebrity to the neighborhood kids!

Mar 06, 2007 08:16 PM
Maggie Dokic /Indialantic | 321-252-8696
Magdalena Dokic - Indialantic, FL
Selling the beach in Florida's space coast

Sarah, I knew it!  This was great.  I love the way you put this out there.  I joined the group earlier and haven't had time to return.  I've neither contributed nor read anything yet.  You've got some great stuff here!  Thanks to all who have made contributions.  A lot of great ideas there.

I'm going to fail that broker's exam on Monday.  It is now Wednesday and I haven't cracked the book open once.  But I've had plenty of time to read AR...on the laptop, the desktop, the phone....oy vey....

Mar 06, 2007 10:25 PM
Christina Ethridge
The North Idaho Dream Team powered by SKE Realty Group - Coeur d'Alene, ID
Thanks for the mention Sarah.  I hope they have an 'announcement' group - my concern with that is posts keep popping up to the top as comments are added, that doesn't help us if we get a lot of announcements of new groups.  Perhaps even a way to search by 'dated added' would be beneficial.
Mar 06, 2007 11:47 PM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV

Maggie - You are going to RULE that Broker's Exam!!!   I know it!!!  I love that you're taking it, I want to take mine in about a year.  Not that I'm planning on really using it, but I want to have it.  And I'm one of those really weird people that doesn't mind tests.  I get a little nervous about the outcome, but for the test itself I'm in a "BRING IT ON" attitude.  I study my @$$ off beforehand and I'm ready for battle.  I know you'll do well, I can't imagine you not giving your all to whatever you try! 

Christina - That's it EXACTLY!!!  In the same way that we can look at blog entries by Featured, Subscribed, New and all that, wouldn't it work well if we could look through groups in a similar way?  Love that, excellent idea!  And I'm glad you found the post, I was hoping you would.  :o)

Mar 07, 2007 12:13 AM
Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI
Thanks for the info. I'll get working on my city soon.
Mar 07, 2007 01:50 AM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV
Glad to have you, Wayne!  I look forward to hearing more from you!
Mar 07, 2007 08:33 AM
Alamo City Homes Magazine
Alamo City Homes Magazine - San Antonio, TX
joining the group now.. I've already started working on san antonio...
Mar 07, 2007 09:41 AM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV
Yay, Eric!!  Can't wait to see your work!  Thanks for joining.
Mar 07, 2007 10:08 AM
Elena Thurston, Family Real Estate Specialist
Keller Williams Legacy One - Gilbert, AZ
Sarah, you rock.  Thanks for the mention but more importantly for all of the nice comments.  You don't know how many times you have buoyed me up.  I can't wait for the day when I can refer some business to you.
Mar 12, 2007 08:43 AM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV
Thanks, Elena!  But I can't imagine that any of your clients would move away, as nice as you make your neck of the woods sound!
Mar 12, 2007 09:55 AM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes
Great ideas here. I can't wait to use them in my city.
Mar 15, 2007 01:46 AM
Joe Dallorso
Ocala, FL
Ocala Real Estate

Sarah

This is a great group. I've posted to Localism & before it I've posted blogs about local stuff & I can find it as high as page 2 on Google.

I will say that I just read some of the Group & there was a lot of off subject stuff like most groups. I would like to suggest strict rules, like you can only talk about Localism ideas. Makes sense to me anyway

Mar 16, 2007 12:57 AM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV

Lizette - Hope they work wonderfully for you!

Joe - Thanks for the suggestion.  There are a few things in there that don't strictly apply to Localism, it's true.  However, unless it really gets out of hand, I'm OK with a post here or there that's a little out of place.  A lot of people are just getting the hang of this place, I don't want to discourage anyone unless it really starts to ruin the purpose of the group.  Like the Codgers, I'm just trying to encourage participation and interaction.  Let me know if you think it gets out of hand, though.  I do appreciate the help.

Mar 16, 2007 04:32 AM
Beth Larsen
RE/MAX Sedona - Sedona, AZ
Sedona Arizona

Sarah, I was glad to find this group, and really appreciate this post - read every single one of the blogs you introduced. Just a bounty of great information.

I'm still getting my finding my way with blogging (especially as it applies to local info/Localism), and to have all of you shining a light on the path is a gift. Thank you.

Mar 17, 2007 07:21 AM
Ginger Wilcox
Sindeo - San Francisco, CA

Sarah,

Thank you, thank you!  I am just getting started and I need the brainstorming and ideas because I do have writers block.   Fabulous review with great ideas! 

Apr 02, 2007 06:40 PM
Brian Schulman
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Lancaster PA - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County PA RealEstate Expert 717-951-5552
Sarah, thanks for the group.  I wasn't really clear what Localism was all about at first - now it looks like I've got my first featured article on it!
Apr 30, 2007 12:42 AM
Ann Cummings
RE/MAX Shoreline - NH and Maine - Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth NH Real Estate Preferrable Agent

Hi Sarah - many thanks for including me in this great group - thank YOU!!!

Ann

May 20, 2007 11:14 AM
Tim Maitski
Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage - Atlanta, GA
Truth, Excellence and a Good Deal

Oh no!  I don't want to become known as a spelling Nazi. 

Thanks for the mention though. :)

May 21, 2007 12:59 AM
Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI
I bookmarked this post and have chased down most of the links. Thanks for the info and the hard work.
May 23, 2007 03:17 PM