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Group Therapy Of Sorts. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

 



Although, I think of myself as somewhat introverted and don’t mind being alone, I have been involved in all sorts of group activities over the years.   From the early days of school to career-related events with all kinds of personal associations thrown in. 



I was thinking of groups recently as the word and term relates to ActiveRain.  This is a topic that occasionally gets some attention in the course of everyday interaction here.  



What are they?  How does one become a member of a group?  And why?  Is there an initiation process?  Hazing?  Cliques versus Clicks.  A mind can wander and mine meanders.  Sometimes at great length.



It has been noted by some that attendance in ActiveRainLand seems to be diminishing with fewer posts and participants to read and comment.   That may or may not be true.  As part of my regular visits to AR, I look to those members I follow to see their thoughts.   But on occasion I investigate the first time blog section or even the regular blog roll which I don’t  regularly pop by because, well, there hasn’t been much lately. I am happy to report that there are some discoveries to be found there.   Sometimes.



A trip through ones own AR group membership can be at times insightful.  Okay, it can be a bit scary too.  Did I join and if I did, why?  Why, oh why?  Of course, that’s a conversation with myself I often have and not only with groups.  Some might call it therapy.  Reflection perhaps.   Others...well, who knows what they are saying.    



So did I learn anything from my excursion through the groups I once decided to join?   Some things may no longer be relevant.  Editing continues. . .   And that’s a Thursday thought.




The image in this post is from canstockphoto.com

 

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Comments (47)

Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Friday morning, Michael.

Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.

Mar 19, 2021 04:47 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Roy - I hope your Friday sets the right tone for the upcoming weekend.  

Mar 19, 2021 06:01 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I joined a bunch of groups here and then forgot all about them! Until someone writes a post about groups and then I think I should probably go check them out. But then I don't. Haha. And that's my truth.

Mar 19, 2021 05:35 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Kat - I know what you mean.  

Mar 19, 2021 06:03 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Well, there is a wine group in the Rain, that is the kind of group therapy that I would like to participate in, haha.

Mar 19, 2021 05:59 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Brian - there are a number of groups I joined - it's a slow process to eliminate and so I sometimes simply ignore.  

Mar 19, 2021 06:04 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I enjoy the groups that I am in but can say that I don't regularly go seeking new groups.

Mar 19, 2021 06:00 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Paula - I think I am in the stage of eliminating.  Not hunting. Nor gathering.  

Mar 19, 2021 06:07 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Michael - tiptoeing or diving into the world of Active Rain has probably as many reason as there members.  Why did I join and why did I engage more? You have got me pondering!

Mar 19, 2021 08:11 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Grant - like life and assorted assorted other stuff, ActiveRain "happens".  Sometimes when we are not expecting "anything" at all.  

Mar 19, 2021 09:42 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Hello Michael,

I have popped back into Active Rain over the past couple days, after a couple years away.  Interesting posts and comments.  Transition obviously in progress.  Whether for the good or not so good, change is the one constant we can always count on.  The difference probably much more accentuated, to me, in having been gone so long, as compared to those experiencing it a little at a time.  I am guessing only time will tell the outcome and how much interest is developed with newbies.  Good to see you Michael.  Always enjoyed your hello's.  Mark

Mar 19, 2021 05:17 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello  Mark - nice to "see" you back on ActiveRain.  You're absolutely right about change.  It's a constant in our lives.  

Mar 20, 2021 06:15 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Michael enjoyed this post and some of the comments had to smile at some of them... and oh boy hard to bite my tongue.... some are just plain phony....Endre

Mar 19, 2021 11:19 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Endre - just like the real world.  Smiles and tongue-biting are a constant.  

Mar 20, 2021 06:16 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

After reading your post, the comments and your replies, I realiized I have forgotten and let fall by the wayside the various groups I once joined in AR.  You have reminded me to take an afternoon off and check this out and bring it "up to snuff."  Guess I found myself very comfortable in friends, like you, Michael, and I had my own special group  whom I treasure.  Totally just forgot there were  groups that I once joined..... I had in my mind this one group:  My   'Walk in the Rain Friends.'

Mar 19, 2021 11:42 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Jane - I can certainly see your point. and realize that groups are a reminder of the past while still remaining a part of the present.  Albeit not-as-active now as in the history of AR, sometimes a trip down Memory Lane can be a place to rediscover a friend or two - group-wise and friends, too.  

Mar 20, 2021 06:21 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I use a handful of the groups, Michael, as I've found so few are moderated. I cannot wait for the developers to be through with the big revisions and the user-friendliness of the site to return. I believe when that happens, we will see more 'old' members return, as well as new ones who will dive in and stay.

I can't say that I haven't been one who uses the revolving door when I get frustrated. So, I understand the frustrations that this platform offers - to new and old members alike. Because I haven't seen an effort of this magnitude to bring this platform back, I'm sticking it out this time instead of giving in to the temptation of pivoting in the revolving door as I normally do!

Mar 20, 2021 07:00 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Debe - ah, yes, the revolving door of ActiveRain -- looking for that "perfect" moment to step in or to leave.  You're hopefully right about a return to better days.  

Mar 20, 2021 07:33 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Let's hope, Michael! I'm keeping the faith...and sprinkling a little hope in the mix too! 😉

Mar 20, 2021 07:12 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Michael.

Have a lovely weekend.

Pin by Kari Dyrdahl on Spring | Happy spring, Spring images, Tulips images

Mar 20, 2021 07:26 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Roy - Happy 1st Day of Spring to you as well.  

Mar 20, 2021 07:34 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

As the founder of three ActiveRain groups (Photos - Old Farts Club - Feather Nesters), I kind of remember why I started them, and why I have joined other groups.  I was looking for like minded souls to share similar interests.

Mar 21, 2021 01:28 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Myrl - I can relate to finding other like-minded people in an organization as large as AR(especially as active the membership was too near the beginning).  The OFC beckons a certain camaraderie for members who remember the past but don't live there.  

Mar 21, 2021 04:53 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Michael.... blogging IS therapy.... sharing thoughts that responding with comments is very much a form of therapy.....Facebook accomplishes that also....when a group of people communicate and share their thoughts, much pondering is accomplished....

Mar 21, 2021 11:48 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Barbara - it can be easy to quash all forms of social media including ActiveRain but there is also so much good that can be accomplished.  Accentuate the positive - comes to mind. It's not always something I do everyday but your comment serves as a reminder when I read it.  Thank you for that.  

Mar 21, 2021 06:31 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Michael:

Well the BEST group is the AR community. I post to some of the groups I am a member of buthave to wonder about the value of doing so. There are a few groups that ARE exceptions and have a lot of participation. One again something very worth pondering!

Jeff

Mar 21, 2021 08:00 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Michael - I never was and never will be a groupie. There always seems to be something for somebody else but never fulfills me. And that's the way it is.

Mar 23, 2021 04:50 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Another great post and points to ponder.  Reflecting on those groups is a good idea and I may make some changes now that I think on this!

Mar 23, 2021 07:53 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Jan - thank you.  Rabbit-hole pondering brings all kinds of discoveries.  

Mar 24, 2021 05:51 PM
Chris Griffith
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

It's been a while since I actively looked for groups to join. The latest was YouTube groups since I'm trying to grow my channel.

Mar 25, 2021 03:04 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Chris - thank you for the comment and I am glad to hear you are finding a way to make the group experience work for you. At least in ActiveRain.   Good luck as your real estate business continues to prosper.  

Mar 25, 2021 04:54 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, there was quite the "group" this morning at the Anshutz medical center this morning with everyone getting their vaccine.  Was very organized though, and did not take long to get through the line.

Mar 27, 2021 09:39 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I realized this morning that I hadn't been commenting for awhile now and I need to get back in the saddle so here I am catching up.

Happy to see I'm only six posts behind here...happy to see you didn't go on some sort of writing binge. LOL

Apr 14, 2021 07:08 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Sharon - "those days" are long behind me.   🙃

Apr 14, 2021 07:49 AM