Jason - the early bird gets the worm, thanks for being the first to comment.  I hope you'll find some leads or even potential clients in that little link.  There's 136 pages of questions there, someone's using it!  :-)

Susan - it only takes a minute, even if you find a few to answer.  I check there a few times a day now.  :-)

Mike - (Sellstate) you can contact me anytime you have any questions, if I don't have the answer for you, I'll find it.  Many members actually do posts and include their questions there. It's up to you, but I'm available whenever you need.

Since the Q&A is setup for consumers, it's probably not a good place to ask questions and appear to consumers that we might not know certain things, especially if they do know.  I saw a couple questions from members that might turn a consumer away since they probably knew the answer and that member didn't. We're suppose to be the professional experts!  :-)

Thanks Brad, never clicked on that little block, duh! You have fixed that, thanks. I have been on Trulia answers for awhile and received two clients because of my answers and promptness. One rule I follow (lots do not) is that I answer only my local area questions and never answer if I have nothing pertinent or valuable to add. Thanks again.

David - It reminds me of Trulia, I have used it for questions of my own and been pleasantly surprised by the answers and connections I have made there.  This seems like an awesome opportunity to interact with real people who have real questions.  I agree with your one rule, and I think AR does too, that's why they added it to the instructions and guidelines. Thanks my friend, I hope you'll prosper from any efforts there.  :-)

Matt - that's a great question??  I guess you'll find out as you answer them.  That's why people probably ask so many questions there, because they know they won't get bombarded with solicitations. My guess is that if I asked a queston there, and you answered it, and I liked your answer, I'd click on the link to you and contact you by email or phone. 

It's just a theory, but 136 pages of questions tells me there's got to be some opportunities to help people in there, which in turn will result in contact, follow-up and built relationships. Thanks for addressing that.  I should have in the post. You Rock!!  :-)

Linda - I totally understand why some of those questions would be difficult to answer if not an attorney.  I guess it's a sifting process of trying to find those diamonds in the rough. You know what they say, you have to chose your battles wisely.  I don't think every question poses opportunity, but some of them certainly do. :-)

Hi David, welcome back after your visit to the Q&A. I understand what you're saying, that opens an even bigger door for you to go in and give the "Local" answer to their questions.  It's not a perfect forum I understand, but it's also an ignored and neglected one by many here.  Just wanted to point out that it's there and a small percentage are clicking and checking their areas.  Glad you checked it out, maybe you can find a way to maximize the benefit of your efforts and time there.  Potential Gold is better than no Goal Gold at all.

Hey Brad great post on refreshing the powers of AR. I really haven't been utilizing this feature and its amazing that I haven't done so yet because I see the link everyday but pay no attention, hopefully this will bring more awareness as well. Thanks!

Hey Justin - it's worth checking out for sure, at least from time to time.  You never know who you might be able to help or connect with there.  :-)

Mana - I hope this post will heighten the awareness that the Q&A is for consumers to ask questions of us, and not for members to ask those types of things or at least not use that platform.  If people would just read, it's very clear what it's for, but some people regardless of the signs will still enter through the exits in the parking lot.  lol~  :-)

Jeremy - you don't have to hang your hat there, just see what's up in your area every once in a while, you never know what can come from it.  Some call it Kharma, I just call it good will in helping others if you can, it always comes back to you my friend. :-)

Lisa - we don't have the ability to email any particular member when questions are asked in your state, that would be cool, but we're not there yet.  Love the idea, until then, it's just 2 clicks away to see what questions are being asked in your state.  Thanks for commenting and for the great idea.  :-))

Jimmy - no problem, to be honest, I had forgtten about it too up until a few weeks ago when I heard someone was getting leads and not telling anyone about it!  Smart member that was!  :-)

Larry - a mini goldmine for connecting with others.  Two clicks and you'll be in TN reading local questions, hopefully from consumers.  :-)

For those of you who are asking questions on the Q&A link, here's what it reads when you click on "Ask A Question":

Ask a Real Estate Professional

Have a real estate related question that you want answered?
Ask a local expert who is part of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.
Providing a region will help us route the question to the most appropriate local expert.
Your email address will not be made visible or given out to anyone.

                  ~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

So there you have it, set up for consumers so that YOU could be THEIR expert. I think we dilute the power and reputation of the Q&A forum when our members ask questions there, like "How Do I change my user name?"  I don't mean to be brash or harsh or hurt anyone's feelings here, but come on, what would you think as a consumer if you saw "Professional Experts" asking those types of questions?  Just looking out for my family here and trying to bring more downpoors of rain! :-)

Terry - thanks for committing to do that, maybe with a little help from members like yourself and others, we can build the Q&A back up to being another powerful tools for us and a useful resource for consumers. They are visiting us now on a daily basis. The questions don't lie.  Thanks.  :-)

FYI - we have had a bit of trouble with some spammers, but the AR staff is doing a great job at deleting them as they come in. I have deleted over 100 spam questions myself in the past few days.

Pam - I would love for someone like you to test the Q&A ROI.  Commit for 2 weeks to answer questions from consumers in your area, and see if it converts to any leads.  If we could get 20 - 30 members to do this on a regular basis, we could start measuring the results and see if the time and effort there is worth while.

I have heard a couple instances where some connections were made, but nothing like the stories we hear from Localism.com, ActiveRain.com and the Blog posts that have driven traffic, leads, and transactions.  Let me know if this is something you'd be willing to invest a few minutes each day in doing? Thanks Pam.  :-)

Robin - if you could connect with just one client there for an investment of just 1 hour per week max, it would be worth it right? I'd love to start seeing more success posts come from the Q&A section of AR.  I think the opportunities are there, really I do.  :-)

Katerina - I'm slightly confused even though I get what you're saying, what is the difference if they ask it in the Q&A section -vs- our Blogs? (if it's local) But even then, why do agents blog?  Isn't the goal to post information that might lead them to asking questions which in turn might establish trust and confidence in your ability to answer and provide value?  I like what Aida Pinto said in the comment above yours. 

I'm not an attorney either, but I am a consumer, and if I were asking a question here, it wouldn't be to get into some kind of lawsuit with a member, it would be to find the member that could best help me with my question and my Real Estate or lending needs.  I know we have laws and are governed by so many, but I don't think the number of questions on the Q&A here represent the type of consumer you're referring to. I may be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, and certainly won't be the last.  Thanks for sharing your point of view and comment here, you know I respect and value your opinion. :-))

Aida - Your comment nailed it! Thanks!

"Hi Brad...this is good that you bring it up...I have actually answered a few questions. For those of you who are afraid to answer-- just answer on subjects you really know about and if it is a legal question--give your best advice and let the person know that you are not an attorneyy and that they should talk to one!"

Patty and Scott - That is a great recommendation to ALL members who comment and answer questions here. The Q&A consumers are putting in the State they are asking about, members should only comment to others in their state, where their expertise and knowledge is.  Excellent Point, thanks!  :-)

Susie - you're not alone, many have forgotten about it, or just didn't know it was there. Seems the members who did find it, started using it more for themselves and their own questions.  Hopefully we'll get it back to where it's consumers only.  I think we can. Could be another very useful tool for both consumers and members.  :-)

Missy - like Trulia Voices, that would be a very cool feature.  I agree with you about sticking to what yo know and within your own state.  It appears that in the past and even present, people are either greedy or desperate and going outside their areas and expertise to try and answer some questions. 

I'd love to see an email option added for those members who have earned a (A+) status or an AR designation of (Approved Voices) to get these emails, I'll bring that up at our next meeting.  Thanks for your input as always!  :-)

Mara - no worries, no harm, and no foul.  Do you see how powerful it is?  You asked a question and got back help and information. That's what the consumers want and need too.  It's a great tool if we can make it a fair and level playing field.  I think people should be limited and only have access to their own state, then only answer the questions that they are knowledgeable about and have experience. 

Having a rating system that allowed consumers to rate the best answers, would help to create a status level of members.  That might be the way to go in setting up who could get email notifications or not. Hmmmm...now you got me thinking. :-)

Don - thanks, I hope you'll check in there now and again to see if any consumers in your area have questions or need any help.  I'd like to see less member questions there, it was setup for consumers but members have discovered it's value and convenience.  :-) 

Jeff - you bring up some great points, I think it's time to bring the Q&A back out of the shadows, and put the effort into making it the tool it was intended to be.  Just another little project I'm taking on at this point.  I love the feedback, comments, concerns and suggestions I'm getting here, this helps re-define the purpose of the Q&A link and get it on track where members want and need it to be.

Thanks Jeff for sharing your thoughts here, they're valued and appreciated.  With the help from you and others here, Q&A could become an even better tool for members and consumers than it is now. Let's make it the best it can be or get rid of it!!  :-)

Carole - great point, that's why I started following the Q&A a few days ago, it was very interesting some of the questions being asked and also some of the answers.  When I saw how it posted your photo and links on your answers, it made me realize (from a consumers perspective) that if someone answered my Real Estate question and I was helped by them, I might just link to them or even contact them to thank them. That's just me, but I'm sure there are other consumers who would feel the same.

I'd like to see us add a rating system that would allow consumers to come back in and rate the best answers like Trulia does.  I think it's Trulia that does that. :-)

Patty and Scott - once you do, please feel free to come back and let me know how you think we can better improve the Q&A section of AR. The more members we have using it to connect with consumers, the better we can evaluate and advance it's value both to us and for consumers.  Thanks.  :-)

Leesa - Thank you, Thank you!  This post and comments will hopefully get us to that point.  Before we go in and start deleting members questions and all the unfiltered junk that is scattered through-out, I wanted to get some comments and opinions like yours to share with the other Rain Gods, and then get their blessings and support to make this the Q&A it was originally intended to be.  It may take a little time, but I give you my word, I am working on improving this area as one of my projects here.

Thanks to the comments and responses here, these are just a few of the things I've come up with brainstorming here with other members:

1. I'd like to see only consumer questions on the Q&A link
2. Having an answer rating system would be helpful
3. Allowing members to only access their state would simplify the process and
4. Email notifications to qualified and approved members would be a nice addition.
5. Adding a SPAM protection graphic would remove the spam we're getting
6. Having categories like (Buyer)  (Seller) (General) questions might be useful
7. Creating a Q&A area that (Members Only) could ask their questions would obviously work well
8. Adding a searchable index or sortable format like we have for Blogs would save members time, allowing them to sort by unanswered or most answered or by most recent or topics etc.

Hey Rich - yes!  and that my friend is worth repeating here:

"Know the laws and regulations of the respective State where you are providing an answer.
If you're not licensed and practicing real estate in the State where the question is coming from, don't answer. Allow someone who knows that market and is familiar with applicable State RE law to give an informed answer.

Consumers deserve accurate, expert counsel."

Thanks Rich, so let's add this to the agenda for our next conference call or staff meeting.  I think we have enough data and member opinion gathered here to at least justify the discussion.  I'll take on the project to whatever extent necessary to get this where it needs to be.  :-)

Diana - now you know. Welcome to "AR" World!  :-))

Patricia - I think you'll find it to be quite interesting, and maybe even beneficial to your time here. :-)

AJ - great place for you to check out, I see alot of mortgage and financing questions there...well a few anyway.  Did you find out about RE Connect and get the answers you were looking for? LMK.  :-)

Leesa - thanks for coming back to comment again, I will look into this I promise and see what we can do to take it to that next level.  Got a few other fires that popped up today, so having to take care of those right now. :-)

Brad, I have seemed to misplace my hat over the past 2 weeks...I think maybe the dog ate it, or my daughter hid it...or maybe I just missplaced it due to lack of sleep!

Jeremy - that doesn't sound good. I know there are days I need my hat and If I couldn't find it, man I'd be a wreck.  Good luck with that buddy, and get some sleep!  :-)

I hate to admit this but I had no idea about the Q&A section. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I really need to sit down one of these days (soon) and go over the guidelines and other services/options that AR provides to us all. Thanks Brad!

Jessica - no worries, if you ever want the personalized tour, just give me a ring.  Be happy to be your tour guide. :-))

You goofball! If you didn't live in earthquakeville, I would have had a heart attack when I read you RE411 message! Glad you all are ok.

Doreen - OMG!!  As I was typing to you on RE 411, all of a sudden my house just gave a jolt, and then started swaying back and forth. I paniced and ran for the kids and the front door.  I'm sorry for startling you, I guess living in earthquakeville is something I'll never get used to or be comfortable with.  I had a friend get pinned in his car in the SF quake back in 89, he was in that car trapped for 3 days. That's my worst nightmare!!  Thanks for checking in on me and for caring.  You're the best!!  :-)

Virginia - hopefully you'll have the same or better success rate here, let me know ok? Thanks.

Kevin - awesome. I have been deleting the spam, trying to get members to not comment there is tough, they don't know where else to ask their questions.  We'll get it running like it should be soon, thanks for your help.

Larry - this would be one of those better hints in my opinion. :-))

Lori - be sure to check your area and see if anyone needs your help. If you or other members have questions, those should be emailed to one of us at ActiveRain, or to another member, or to the contact AR at the bottom of any page.  :-))

Brad, I am guilty of using that for AR questions when I first joined the site. I didn't read up on it, just jumped in and asked ...haven't used it in a while and will now use it correctly. Thanks Brad!

Yvette - no worries, it's gone a little unsupervised for sometime now, but rest assurred, I'm on it now. With your help and others, we can make this an awesome tool on ActiveRain. Thanks for your help, your support, and understanding.  Together, we will just get better and better. If you (or any member) do have any questions about anything ever, know you can contact ME anytime you like. :-)

Leslie - you're welcome, and I think it will be minimal time and well spent!  :-)

Hi Brad ... yes I have visited it. However, thanks for the post. I've been spending so much time with everything else on AR that I forgot about it.

Marie - this is an area you might find you won't want to forget about. Consumers are coming there to ask questions of our members.  Would love to have you connect with those in your area and help them if possible.  It's the first step in growing some opportunity here in the rain. :-)

Wow Brad, I never even noticed the Q&A link. Hmmm.... maybe it should be a bit more prominant?

Ryan - it may be oneof the best kept secrets....shhhhhh!   :-))

I've noticed some "serious funkiness" in the Q & A section also, Brad... including some spam in the form of questions! I wonder if a type of "flag" button could be added to notify the powers that be to review such stuff?

Kent - there is a flag button, and we are making improvements as we speak. No more SPAM, and no more member questions, I'll be doing a post making these announcements soon. Thanks, we're on it!! :-)

Harold - hard to say what will come from your visits there, but I know Trulia Voices does well, and AR had this Q&A setup before they started, it could really be a goldmine that many aren't aware of. :-)

Wayne - now you know, I'm working with Nicole to get it all cleaned up and the AR tech team is working on some updates.  Should be good to go right now.  Still cleaning out some member comments and old spam, but it's lookin pretty good. :-)

Joshua and Kathy - for a few minutes a day, the return on your time there could be priceless.  People helping People, it's the epitome of this place.  What better place to start than Q&A...    :-))

Vickie - no problem, it kind of slipped through the cracks, but now it's a project I have decided to assist the AR team with. We need your assistance too. Thanks for helping us make it a better and more powerful tool.  :-)

Gary - I know what you mean, but after you click on Q&A and then the link that says "ask a question", here's what it says:

Ask a Real Estate Professional

Have a real estate related question that you want answered? Ask a local expert who is part of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network. Providing a region will help us route the question to the most appropriate local expert. Your email address will not be made visible or given out to anyone.

I don't see the confusion here, especially when you see some of the questions.  There is always room for improvement, and that's why I did this post. That's why I spent 10 hours today removing member comments and cleaning out the spam. I am working with Nicole to clean it up, make some changes and remove some of the confusion. Maybe we need to add the word Consumer or Guest Q&A.  Thnaks for sharing your comment, you have my word, I'm working on this from here on out...in fact...i feel another post coming on!!  :-)))

Virginia - thanks! I love it!  We actually do have a graphic, but it's not until you click on Q&A that it shows up. I'll use it on my next post...coming in about 15 minutes...then I'm bushed and off to bed.  Been here since 7:00am this morning. WHEW, you can read why in the post! lol~  :-)

Virginia - I love Trulia too, let's make it an addition to your Trulia.  :-)

Brad ~ This is great information. I just visited the Q&A section and was surprised at the quality of both the questions and the answers...

Should be all cleaned up now, at least back until 4/30/08. That's as far as my broom would go. :-)

I do use this function as do a couple others of us regularily, thanks Brad my free ride on being the Real Estate Professional has just ended, now the whole community will be clawing for the potential business (lol)

Karen - I am so sorry!!  I did see many of your answers, maybe no one will read this or my next post! :-))

Eric - hopefully you will find as much value there as we are hoping consumers do. Thanks. :-)

Liz - thanks, glad to have you in my "fan club",  I am in yours as well. :-)

Jon - you crack me up.

Now step back slowly from the computer, keep your hands in sight, turn slowly and open the front door and take some time off! lol~ You need to disconnect for a bit, spend some time in the yard, mow your lawn, go to the grocery store, unwind, have a brewski, then come on back and join up with us again!  It's all about balance my friend. Balance.  :-)) 

Thanks for the laugh, I needed that today!!

Jon  - that explains it all!   lol~  I'll send you some grass lawn!!  :-)))  Good night, sleep tight!!

Christine - it still has a ways to go, but I'd like to see us be a great alternative to Trulia, I love the guys over there too, but I think we have some knowldegeable and experienced members here who can really make a difference and make AR a force to be recconed with!  Thanks for your input and support here, the consumers and community need more members like you. :-)

Melissa - It could be a goldmone for sure, but we'll all have to pitch in and make it that way. Thanks for doing your part. I am cleaning out the spam and member questions 4 - 5 times a day now until we get the spam filter setup on it.  It's a good sign that we are getting more hits from consumers too.  It will only get better around here, just wait, watch and see.  :-)))

Lakelytle - If you're the seller, by contacting your agent, if you're the agent, by contacting the seller.  :-))