Are You A Blogger for Competition? Content? Context?

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 - As I just left a comment on Raymond Henson, SRES, GRI post seconds before landing here, I'll say the same to you - In this world there can't be enough kindness. There's always room for more. 

I didn't realize you have been an active and dedicated blogger on ActiveRain since 2006. Isn't that about the time blogs were still in infancy stages? I'm so glad that the founders of this Platform made their dream a reality that has benefited so many members of AR. Also, because of you and your radio station, listeners have learned the nuts and bolts of the real estate industry while your guests have shared the guts of common experiences to be of value to listeners too.

In addition, your initiative to reach out to members, including new ones to help them get established is so noteworthy. You teach us we all we have unlimited powers and a superior cache of wisdom to share.  

With humble thanks to you, from all your readers and listeners. 

Jeff Dowler, CRS - If all I get in life is one fine compliment, and can make a difference in one person's life, I will know my life had meaning.

Our relationship with fellow RAINERS can be as simple as breath; complex as circulation. And don't we circulate well, together, with great information and stories or education to share? Like any subject (writing is a skill) practice makes perfect or as near perfect as it gets when it gets to the heart of the matter or resonates with someone else. Collectively, our achievements here on ActiveRain is a golden cup of knowledge and pure wisdom. And whatever doesn't work, spills over. Our rivalry (for the same objective) makes a fine vessel from which newbies can join and get on-board to share their own tales to inform. 

Once upon a time, I was an unknown... That's the reality for all of us dedicated to the cause of making ActiveRain great and stay great. There really is power and strength in numbers. 

Endre Barath, Jr. - My object for joining AR was the same. I'm so glad I persisted and didn't give up when I contacted a member of AR to learn more but he wouldn't me the time of day. I took a leap of faith and joined AR without his help. My first line of duty was to register for Rain Camp in Houston and met Bob Stewart - I will never forget the first impression I got and I knew after listening to the Speakers and meeting newbies like Joni Bailey that I found a special group. My quest for establishing a sense of belonging started at Rain Camp in Houston. 

As I honed in on my skills for the business and developed relationships with members of ActiveRain, I soon discovered different values and styles, talents, and most of all friends. Later on, when Bob Stewart came to Plano, TX at the Marriott located in the Shops of Legacy, he made a second great impression on me when he recognized me and recalled a previous conversation we had years prior at Rain Camp. I knew right then and there, he didn't just have technology skills, he was a People person who listened.... really, really listened. And that has made all the difference to me.  

Marte Cliff - although we never met personally, or had a real conversation, I always felt connected to you. Maybe, it's because I gravitate to those who teach and educate without a BS degree - and I don't mean Bachelor of Science. 

I'm delighted to know I gave you a surprise! At this time in our lives, we could use pats on the back when it is least expected. I certainly don't need to be motivated by an AR challenge to give someone else a boost, when I think it's deserved. 

Regarding points and original objectives, isn't it wonderful when we truly do understand the bigger picture? Always remember, you have made a profound effect on others like me. Also, you don't have to blog everyday to be remembered. I will remember you. 

Laura Cerrano - Yes! Yes! Be authentic! There is no one else exactly like you!

Brian England - When I think about that day we met and the horrible rain storm we had, two things could have happened. 1) I could have called you to cancel our appointment. 2) You could have called me to cancel our appointment. That didn't happen and we had a great time. As for your mom and dad, I was so glad that when we talked and I knew your parents were coming with you to the wedding, and told you to please bring them to the coffee shop without leaving them alone in a hotel room or wherever you stayed, I was impressed with your answer. Immediately, you told me, you were bringing them with you. It was already in your plans.

Right then and there, it confirmed to me what I already believed to be true. You are a man who respected family values and had moral values too. That made a great impression on me. Yes! We are connected and unequivocally we will be "friends for life!" 

I'm not a betting person or a gambler, but I have a feeling most of us are feeling the same way about spending less time on AR. Priorities have a way of shifting when duty calls. This pandemic and economic impact is in many ways bigger than an earthquake and we haven't even felt the aftershocks. 

Let's all promise each other, we will get here when we can. We may not be blood relatives, or received referrals, or have any buyers or sellers, but the truth is you don't have to be related or born into a family to part of a circle of friends. After all, we share the same interests and there's a lot of common ground between us. 

I loved meeting your parents and you too! Our connections are real and I'm not ready to disconnect. I hope you won't either. 

Curtis Van Carter - I think most of us have had our ups and downs with computer issues, SEO, and referrals. I wonder what percentage of AR members received successful referrals as a result of AR? 

Kathleen Daniels - Yes! Friendship and connections is why I stay too. Plus, I enjoy writing and getting feedback too!

All the best to you, today and always. 

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! and Jan Green - Sorry for the delay in getting back to you ladies. I was actually leaving a response to you Wanda yesterday evening when my computer froze and then I had nothing but issues and couldn't get back on to my computer until a short time ago after getting on-line Tech Support. As it turned out, there was an ongoing Microsoft update and it really messed things up but it's all good now!

Whatever I wrote was very heartfelt but obviously, it never posted and wasn't saved. So, let me try again with a combination to each of you. Wanda, I would bet what you described is what about 80% of us do and that's what makes our posts interesting. One can only say so many times, congratulations on your listing, nice marketing report, etc. For me, it's hard to stay in relationship when it's the same thing all the time. I need things mixed up and using creativity, such as you do is always easier for me to reply, read, or to get inspired. I like that you're on AR for the duration. I feel the same way. Even though, I'll confess, many times I wondered - what's the point? I've learned that chemistry doesn't just happen between two people who fall in love, a partnership between professional dancers, an employer and a candidate hired for a position, etc. Here on AR if there's no chemistry, no compatibility or interest, there's nothing more to say, is there? 

Jan, everyone is on their own journey and I respect that very much. As you say, it's that 'unexpected bonus' that makes connections and friendships really count. As long as you keep doing what you're doing, I think you will live on in the memory of others, including myself! Jan, I could never forget you.  As far as I'm concerned, you're a permanent part of ActiveRain. Frequency doesn't matter. Sincerity does.

Thank you both, very much and I wish you both an abundance of success and happiness.