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"So, What's the Point?" The Genius and Curse of the ActiveRain Points System

It's time once again to play our game, "Name That Guideline!" And I'm your Host, ActiveRain Community Builder Rich Jacobson!...

We've been re-acquainting ourselves with the ActiveRain Community Guidelines and dissecting each one in sequential order. This week, we come to the following guideline:

The point system is intended to recognize the top professionals in our industry. Do not try to game the system. Points for blogging will only be awarded for majority original content.

Since the very beginning of our Network, the point system has been the source of constant debate and criticism. Take a stroll with me down AR Memory Lane to help illustrate my point:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/Let-s-Start-a-Discussion?3716

http://activerain.com/blogsview/Points-What-s-the-point-?5646

http://activerain.com/blogsview/Blogging-For-the-Sake-of-Points-?7768

http://activerain.com/blogsview/Points?8701

http://activerain.com/blogsview/Why-all-the-manipulation-?11422

Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, you have to admit the Points idea was a stroke of genius by ActiveRain Co-Founders, Jonathan Washburn and Matt Heaton. Put a bunch of competitive Type-A Real Estate Professionals into a public forum, award them points for their activities, and establish ranking by the number of points earned. Brilliant!

Unfortunately, just like anything else in life, there are those who will deliberately set out to 'game' the system, and take unfair advantage of those who legitimately 'earn' their points the right/honorable way.

In addition, there will always be those who attempt to take shortcuts towards achieving success. These members are under the misguided delusion that racking up a boatload of cheap points by posting 'crap' is somehow going to help them gain higher ranking with the search engines, translating into more potential leads. But what they'll eventually discover is that today's sophisticated consumer isn't attracted to their cheaply contrived and hollow articles. They'll quickly move on to other member posts that contain more substance and relevant content. And all they're left with is loads of points and lots of crap! (Carnac would be so proud of me!)

But I digress...

"The Points System was originally intended to recognize the Top Professionals in our industry."

Gee, what a novel thought, huh? The Point System was designed to reward our 'professional' members for contributing/participating in meaningful ways that bring value to our community....

(I feel like the guy in the Geico commercials: "I've heard they were also quite beneficent and magnanimous")

And just what are those meaningful ways? Here's a few...

Writing good, quality real estate-related content articles
Engaging in meaningful dialog (commenting) on other member's posts
Sharing our professional expertise/knowledge/experiences for the collective benefit of our Network.

Quite naturally, it would bear out that those with the highest scores would be those who had made the most significant contributions, and participated most consistently. As I look back through the ActiveRain members who have amassed over 200,000 points, with only a few minor exceptions, this certainly appears to be the case.

So what is YOUR legacy here in the Rain? What nature of blog archive have you labored to assemble? Are the points you've earned thus far reflected in the quality of your writing?

"It depends on what your definition of IS is"

Okay, so what exactly is 'Majority Original Content?' Tell me exactly how many of my own words I need to include so I can qualify for the 200 points. If every one of my articles contains the same 50 word self-promotional ad, along with all my pertinent contact info, that should qualify for the 200 points, right? What if I simply copy some statistical data from our local MLS, and paste it onto my blog. 200 points, right? How about if I post all the same content, but change the titles around? Better be worth those 200 points! At least it's MY content! If I post the same listing more than once, I should get more points, right?

Broker Byrant has a blogging mantra he refers to quite often: "ALL ORIGINAL, ALL THE TIME!"

The best way to stay out of Copyright Jail and to earn your points honestly & ethically is by posting your own original content, all the time.

Good, effective, and successful blogging takes time and energy. It requires consistent commitment. There are NO shortcuts. Dumping garbage into your blog just for the sake of garnering some quick points is....well,.....pointless.

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker on 06/30/2008 02:58 AM

Comments (141)

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Originally posted at: "Singing in the Rain!": "So, What's the Point?" The Genius and Curse of the ActiveRain Points System

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141 Comments on "So, What's the Point?" The Genius and Curse of the ActiveRain Points System

JUN

2008

Rich, what are you doing up so late. Hey, points are points people game the system but I do not care. I use to have a problem with Realtors that just took there stat reports and posted 10 posts every week without doing any work to make them local, understandable, or just put some effort into them. But guess what? Who reads their post. AJ

Hey, AJ! Just trying to play catch-up. You know how that is!

Rich - I could not agree more. I enjoy the points system, but I do post original content every time. Works for me -

Rich,

It's refreshing that you've actually approached this. As a relative newbie (one month) I've been "advised" by several AR'ers that I should be creating new blogs constantly, almost as though the keys to a brand new Lamborghini lay just on the other side of 250,000 points. Um, forgive me for asking, but is that true?

::: smile :::

There are times when I log in, click on "Blogs"....and see one agent's photo down the entire left-hand side of the page. One blog title says "What do you think of ties? Wear 'em or not?" Another says "I watched ESPN today for the first time in a long time"...and yet another says "Gas prices are going up!"

LOL...talk about "gaming the system"!!!!

Perhaps it's time to implement a "Blog-A-Day" system. I recognize the impossibility of reading every single solitary post to try and determine whether it's "gaming" or not. But, a simple piece of software programming could reduce the amount of "crap" that a person uses when vying for position.

Of course...I'd allow people to comment as offten as they'd like (although I see some "gaming" going on there too.)

Many AR'ers comment on tons of posts with something along the lines of the following: "The same happens to me."

Wow...that's insightful.

Just my two cents.

Dave

Rich, great reminder that we should all be here to create relationships, generate leads through our blogs and inspire other with our insights.

Rich, great "point" although as a newbie the blog comments have really helped me to gain some ground. I understand your gripe, but feel that the value of points in comments does drive the sincere Rainers to comment more, thus making our blogs more of a dialogue. Sure, there is a sizeable contingent that would comment on blogs anyway, but I think the points do drive some traffic and thus have value in spite of the gaming aspect. Perhaps they could lower the points for comments to 5 instead of 10. That might lower the amount of gain available from gaming and increase the true and valid comment pool. Just a thought.

So Rich, is there a 12-step program to curb my AR addiction? I have a hard time bitching about things on AR as I am eternally grateful for what I have learned, and am learning, on AR. It took me a while to feel comfortable, and a few embarrassing moments, but thank goodness we have the SA AR police (who only wear big girl panties) to take out their frustrations on poor unsuspecting newbies! I could do a post on what drives them but boy, would I get in trouble for what I think their 'cure' is!! In any event, I hope to provide transparent, 'bare naked,' legitimate content to my readers and the powers that be at AR!

Hi Rich,
I look at my points as evidence of my hard work and relationships here in the Rain.

Rich, Points and position. Hummm, it is an interesting topic. Some interest in points is good, but too much can be bad. If you are trying to game the system or burn out from 5 posts a day and just create controversy you might not hang around. We have seen those people.

But to keep at this forum and learn, make friends, possible referrals and create business while you gain a couple points along the way...we've got something here. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to do so.

Hope you are sleeping now.

Rich - this is good information about points. I appreciate the point system, and agree with Cynthia that it is a reflection of my efforts here on AR. My goal is to write relevant and informational articles.

Rich...

I have never understood how anyone could possibly think that sub-standard content could possibly lead to any business whatsoever.

Your blog is your professional image, and it tells the world who you are. Think about that the next time you post ... would you wany your customer to read drivel or dynamite?

I agree that the point system works very well---sort of like rewarding our children for doing well. Don't you think the majority of AR members are very conscientious?

Rich, Cynthia above says it best, simply:

I look at my points as evidence of my hard work and relationships here in the Rain.

One suggestion.

When I first started on Active Rain a year ago (and hungry and eager for points), I'd bust my butt to get 10 original quality posts done each week since that was the maximum that would qualify for points in one week.

Then I purposely slowed down a bit and currently average 5-7 posts/week.

Having the bar set at 10 posts for points per week may encourage some of the fluff and crap. 1.5 posts/day is quite a bit, especially for those that just don't have that much to say.

Maybe implement 7/week -- 1/day for points. People who want the extra Google juice and truly have good information to put out there will go above and beyond that if they wish, but it may help weed out some of the bogus stuff.

I agree with RIchard Weisser. When I first joined Active Rain I started checking out people who had the most points, and realized that they hadn't actually written anything. They have blog after blog of cut -n-paste about the market. There's no indication of their personality or business savy. As a consumer, I would not be impressed.
I was already blogging when I joined Active Rain. I love writing and I appreciate comments from readers. I love AR!!!!

Thanks for the post. I have often wondered about it. There are people who do just what you mentioned for points. I often wonder what they would do if money is involved.

Gita,

That's an interesting perspective, but I do want to point out something you said.

"I often wonder what they would do if money is involved."

Money is involved, and a lot of it! If your AR blog isn't driving traffic to your site and creating leads, then you are losing money! Oddly enough, content drives traffic, not points. I don't mind the gaming so much as I realize that my content will help get the people to come see me. My content is original, and thus when I get leads off my site, I have earned them by investing my time and energy.

I'm not picking on you, I just thought your comment was interesting and it gave me an opportunity to point out something I forgot to post earlier.

So are they changing the guidelines for the point system? Not that it matters anymore, but would like to know?

Rich,

It sounds like the bottom line is that the point system has not changed. It sounds like a crao post will still be valued the same as always.

Brow beating a "spammer" usually isn't very effective. They always have a rationalization that what they do is different and is justified.

I guess you just learn to live with the stink and hope they eventually reap what they sow.

RJ,

My blogs are based on experience which we like to share with others.

Some will never quite grasp the system..Nor will they ever care..

HI Rich,

I appreciate your comments and agree that the ones that write drivel are soon weeded out and members do not read their blogs.

I am new to AR. A fellow Stager encouraged me for over a year to particiapte. I set up a home page but really didn't join in at first.

The last two weeks I have started blogging and seem to find people are interested in my original content. I comment on others and try to add ideas to the disucssion.

As to the comment regarding finding all one agent's blogs listed in a row, I know this happens with my blogs and I will tell you why. As with most people in this industry we are all pretty busy and live chaotic lives when it comes to making appointments, carrying out our work, marketing etc. When I do actually get a block of time free, that is when I sit down and give some careful thought as to how I can be a productive memeber on AR. I post all my ideas that are relevant to that week's work and they all tumble out at once. If you live and breathe your passion in life that is the way it happens. I don't mean to inundate everyone but there are only so many hours in week and when the chance to blog and share ideas arises, I take it to share my experiences with others.

Have I learned new techniques for Staging, photography and marketing from AR. You bet!!!!

I don't know of any other way to learn as much new information that I can put to use immediately than on AR. I can't believe I didn't recognise the immense benefits of AR the first year I was in business. I actually go back to old posts to find info that I need now. It is a gigantic reference library waiting for me to pluck that bit of information from thousands of posts that will propel my business to the next level.

Maybe we should have state Blogger police who watch out for "same stuff different day", unrelated topics, etc. Some people either never expect to "get caught" or just don't get it...We don't have to call them Police....they could be "Message Monitors" or "Blog Browsers" or "Comment Catchers"....it would make the Rain less polluted, hmmm ?

Points are nice. However, financial reward is better. If one embraces ActiveRain and the full potential of it's reach, the rewards are points and financial reward.

HOW I ACHIEVED ACTIVERAIN NIRVANA:

ActiveRain is fully integrated into my market plan.
ActiveRain is part and parcel of all advertising I do for my company.
ActiveRain is my primary resource for day-to-day advertising .
ActiveRain is an advertising resource that permits me to cover my vast market area.
ActiveRain permits me to optimize my posts for Google SERP.
ActiveRain enhances my web sites' popularity.
ActiveRain introduces me to agents and brokers across the country to enhance my referral activities.
I almost always offer more than 10 comments in a day.
I often post more than 10 articles in a week.
I comment and post because I have something to say, wish to reward a fellow Rainer, or wish to join a conversation. I post more than 10 articles in a week because my advertising schedule requires it.
I am a competitive animal in business and sport.

Try the above and you'll have lots of points.

I could have posted this and received 200 points.

I like Broker Bryants mantra, All original, All the time. Maybe I'll copy it. LOL

"All original, all the time" works for me.

Words, photos, interpretations, commentary.

Why not? Otherwise, where's the fun?

"Nice Post."

I like the point system, to me it is a measurement of my efforts and it gives me that extra motivation sometimes, but than again I have seen a lot of people abuse it, I hope in the long run it will not pay off for them

Anne Hensel

Rich,

You said it perfect "The Points System was originally intended to recognize the Top Professionals in our industry."

My question is does that include people who are posting jokes?

Let me go even further in my question posting jokes that aren't even their original content.

Here is a perfect experiment that I have tried by randomly picking posts...I then copy the entire joke...now of course the whole joke won't show up in the google search bar but I bet if you or anyone tried this you'll see that those so called professionals you are talking about are taking jokes that have been posted all over the net and they ain't original.

I guess that means they are looking to join the professional comedians association?

I have no problem with posting jokes if that's how those that do get satisfaction but don't you think it's pretty obvious? If you feel that by posting a joke you'll get clients because you are a real person? Well if I see the same joke all over the net then why is it being allowed?

To me it's absolutely no contribution to this or any place other than trying to compete for points only...what else can it be for?

The same goes for recipes...listings that are other agents...blogs...news articles or whatever. You guys do a great job of finding them but I feel you are also letting many slip through the cracks.

I'm not so sure that is fair to the rest of the 90,000 members that put up real blogs here.

Do you think that is fair? And why don't you do something about it if you are bringing it up....there are guilty people with no remorse. So if there is gaming still going on why don't you address the posts that are flagged?

Either it's allowed or it's not but if it's not then you need to do something to set an example.

Personally, I am glad that every post is not about Real Estate. I think there is a good mix. I needed some info on short sales and got involved asking questions and commenting on a great post. Very useful and helpful. I also thoroughly enjoy taking a break from of it all and read and comment on totally unrelated posts. I think consumers feel the same - they may start feeling like they know and like a certain agent. Of course there will be abusers, but all in all, it shows professionals with a human side, and often a great sense of humor.

I was opposed to the Points from the beginning but I have to admit they are genius. I try NOT to worry about what others are posting or getting points for doing on ActiveRain...

CONTENT is KING

Rich, I am an AR newbie, but I have not had any interest in "gaming" the system. I think that there have been a lot of good comments along with your post, and I believe that the key to succeeding with AR as part of your business model is to provide GOOD CONTENT.

I have not written a post yet, although I have been in the system for a little over a week now. I have been intent of finding out what makes for GOOD CONTENTin a post before I write one. I want to showcase my professionalism, and my knowledge of real estate. (This, and connecting with other RE pro's, is what AR is all about to me.) And I have been posting comments to those blogs that I feel have really spoken to me about GOOD CONTENT.

I think there will always be those who seek to get to the top by less acceptable means, but they haven't realized that the real benefits of being at the top come from what you learn, and how you grow on the journey to get there.

So fear not my friend, there are many out there who have heard your message, or are of a like mind. And it seems apparent that there are more than enough people committed to making this place great to keep it going for long time to come.

My two cents; I am a newbie. I'm getting tired of reading and have already read too many posts about points. I for some unknown reason enjoy earning points as I'm certain many other rainers do. I do not yet feel ready to commit to blogging on my own (yet). I read many posts and comment only when I feel the post deserves a comment. It is unfortunate that some post garbage. Again, just my two cents. Mike

Writing about other things is not the problem...it's about stealing the other things from another place.

Someone said in a comment for one of my recent posts that AR should award points for the quality of comments you generate, and this one would certainly be a top point-getter, if they did.

To me, points are not about competing with other people on ActiveRain; they are a means for me to measure my own progress. That being said, when I read a post by someone with less than 5,000 points, I know they're relatively new to AR and I try to offer an extra word of encouragement in my comments... maybe even send them an email.

I'm in the camp that agrees the point system is "genius" and just don't worry about those who are trying to game the system. Chances are they won't generate many buyers and sellers and will quickly tire of this.

I like the jokes posted. Although sometimes off topic, I find most of them entertaining. Recipes and the like less so, but do not feel that they detract from the site. In fact, I think they add a feeling of community. My blog is about whatever I feel like blogging about, with some advice for clients, some questions for fellow professionals, and content for everyone.

However, I will say that blogging about another REALTOR's listing seems unprofessional and unethical to me. I find it to be an advertisement of someone else's listing, which is strictly against the code. Still, I'm not running around complaining about it because I would rather share my opinions than browbeat someone who will likely not listen to me anyway.

I wonder if, when the powers that be finally figure our a way to monetize AR, the number of points you've accumulated will figure into how much you'll pay to remain here???

Just thinking out loud. ;->

BTW, Ray, one name for advertising another Realtor's listing is called "IDX" and that way is perfectly ethical.

I think most people need some type of reward or recognition to perform or produce at their best. Multiply that need by at least ten if you are talking about the real estate profession. Most companies have their 'President's Club' and/or Top 25 list updated monthly which can be considered the equivalent of the ActiveRain point system. I would not be honest if I didn't admit to proudly displaying my trophies and ribbons.

My most valued trophies are my clients' testamonials which can only be earned honestly. It is the same in the ActiveRain community. We all learn very quickly whose posts are worth our time and those folks get rewarded not just in points but with our comments.

Points are fun at first, but not too fun later unless you are getting results from your work. Points take time to earn, even if you are posting simple things, non-original but semi-interesting internet fodder. I still don't have enough going on to have generated real leads here...BUT what I hear from everyone is YOU ARE EVERYWHERE...and that is a good foundation. I'm at the branding stage, I suppose.

Points keep me blogging and creating until I see results. I'm glad to support AR by generating points. :)

btw, Lenn, nice nirvana road directions (do you have a map?) and Missy, soo funny so early in the day!

I have to agree with Neal regarding the joke and recipe posts. The problem is not that they're not real estate related, but rather that they are, more often than not, original content.

Rich - I have read and commented on a number of posts on the points system points recently. While I am still a recent arrival to AR I have a great amount of respect and admiration for its senior members whose blogs are truly exceptional.

I personally think a point system is a great idea for many reasons (as you bulleted), unfortunately, one of the consequences is spam.

I have two suggestions:

Limit blogging points to 2 eligible posts a day. Michael Thornton had a great perspective and shared some frustration on "Marathon Blogging".

Moderators need to step it up. I think one thing that might help many of the problems is if moderators had a heavier hand in moderating their forums. Users who post "dead wood" to a group and get bounced out will get the message. This is a community forum and while tough love is difficult it may help in curtailing some of the SPAM.

There is a tremendous amount of expertise and experience on AR. So many times I have been dazzled by fantastic posts. It is a shame that a few clouds are trying to rain on our parade.

Best wishes!

ANY system will be gamed. It is the nature of the beast. But, the gamers usually lose out in the end because they can't change the game when the system adjusts.

And I think the system is just fine as it is.

Hi Rich... All Original All the Time is the way to go.

I agree with IMNJ that group moderators need to step up their efforts with some tough love for SPAMMERS.

You say this so eloquently, and you didn't use the word that has seemed to offend (surely not my intention :(

I think points in general are genius, what a concept and it worked so well!!! It's those that abuse it and post/comment just for points.

I should learn to help and use that flag though as well. I don't like tattle tailing, believe it or not. Nor do I like bringing in negative energy......... you say it in such a great way, King Rich :)

Thanks for the reminder, I watched somebody pass me by quickly with points so I checked them out and found they were just playing the points game. I have also noticed many of them burn out quickly and I end up passing them in a few months. I guess it all balances out

Hello Rich, If I did not know a thing about the point system and it's intent, I certainly would after reading your post. As an end user I find the point system a great way to recognize seniority so to speak, among the groups/members. As far as participating just to score points.... I also have a personal rule that is exactly the same as Broker Byrant's, "ALL ORIGINAL, ALL THE TIME!". I simply never want to embarrass myself with posting something that is not educational or interesting to others. Thanks once again for tackling another of the guidelines.

I'm with Neal. As you indicate in your post, this topic has been hashed and rehashed since the beginning, but AR doesn't deal with the gamers or plagiarized material so there's no penalty to them - other than possibly missed business. In some markets, "TOP AGENTS" or "TOP BLOGGERS" is a joke. Until the material is actually removed - rather than kersplatted - the offenders will still rank at the top in Localism where the kersplat isn't seen.

I try & keep it to my stuff each & every time!

Too funny yet so true. I just joined Active Rain yesterday and I soon became aware of the point system. I then did a search to see where the other area Realtors were at in regards to the point system. As of this morning I'm ranked number seven, but am only 35 points away from being number 6. I realized...hmm if I make a comment on two post, I'll reach number 6. Guess what? this comment will but me 10 points away from that!

Maybe it the competitiveness in all of us but this point system definitely works in keeping us active in the Active Rain community.

Some really great "points" Rich. Thanks for helping "point" members in the right direction. You have chosen a great "pointed" topic, and I agree that using your Blog as a dumping ground for "points" is "pointless". :-)

1. Lenn is a goddess.

2. Brad is working too hard.

3. I have enought trouble getting an actual post out without worrying about the frickin' points. But that's just my personal problem.

4. Hi Rich :)

With such a large community now (minus the ones that posted profiles and never came back) it's no wonder the servers started smoking :) They saw all the pointless junk and they didn't even want it passing through hahahahah.

As always....a great bunch of points you make about the content that will drive the consumer there. The difference between someone like Lenn...who posts TONS of Quality content on her area and the market....and copying a bunch of stats to the post and calling it a post are two totally different things.

Okay, I'm being too humble here.

I spend TIME, EFFORT and do some downright HARD WORK to pump out a Localism post with a little market in it. It takes creativity (Using the MIND) to come up with some good stuff.

I WORK HARD FOR THOSE POINTS.

okay....done.

I would love to say that the points don't matter to me...but, that would be a lie! I have set some goals for myself, but the idea of regurgitating someone else's content just to rack up points would definitely not be my style! My posts are like an online diary...all original, all the time! And not only do I get points, but think of all the money I'm saving by not having to go to therapy!

Thanks for the post! I'm new and learning alot about thsi whole "point" system.

Rich, until AR starts penalizing the people with the copy & paste junk for points mantra, the issue will never be resolved and the flagrant violations will continue. It's a great system, but it is abused. Stop the abuse. Please. PLEASE.

I could care less if someone feels by posting any content is going to get them somewhere then that's fine. It's when it is simply not original and not theirs and that goes for any definitionof it. Give the points to the person who wrote the original content if they mean that much. If you want to say you have for example 600 posts...show me how many of them are your original content. I bet if you take one randomly you'll be surprised at the results. Jim's comment about another agents listing ok or ethical is true but you should disclose that it isn't yours and that isn't happening here. I have a truck load of other agents listings that I can advertise here too but you are leading readers to beleive they are yours just for points.

Rich - Here is an interesting challenge for you in yourFREE time. Prove your point about crap by seeing how many of the 90000+ members ran up their points in a short time and are no longer active (haven't logged-on in x months). I'd bet the number is high. In the few months that I've been here I've quickly come to realize that the dedication required for longevity is too much for the weak.

Good Morning Rich, Needless to say you have struck a vein, a gold vein. An interesting way to judge a post is by the comments it attracts. This one was so well written and so well received, nothing I could append to it would add any new or original thought, save this idea that hopefully would be well received by you and the others that make these valuable determinations.

One of the key purposes of ActiveRain as a real estate network is to provide the Internet Empowered Consumer ( IEC-term coined by Mr. Internet, Michael Russer for his ePowerPro class) with information about community, finance, real estate issues,etc. In putting equal value on our community posts and localism posts, AR currently makes no differentiation. My idea is for AR to offer twice the point level for localism posts as opposed to other types of posts.

I noticed that when local posts are featured they are not accorded even the same bonus points. It would be my opinion that the rewards for localism posts should be double all others. There also should be guidelines of what is and what is not considered a localism post. That might be defined as original content that is determined (by others) to be useful, educational, or entertaining relevant to real estate for the Internet empowered consumers.

This idea promotes AR for what it should be well know for and it would stifle the gamers in the process. If you look at what the gamers write about, copy etc, it is rarely local in its content. By rewarding the best content that also enhances the overall credibility of AR, it looks like it could be a win win for everyone.

We are also a social network and those posts within the profession are very useful and have helped all of us in so many ways. I wouldn't want to see those disappear but to simply reward and encourage the localism posts to be more frequent and a greater percentage of each members efforts. Again, a win win for all of us.

Rich, the posting for points is always evident! I've noticed some people taking tiny "informational" paragraphs out of their local newspaper...like events that are over by the time anyone would ever find the post. They keep it about 50 words and that's it. They post as many as two or three each day to stay ahead of the game!

What's with that? Points can't mean that much! Can they? They don't pay the bills or buy you a new car or even bring you any business if they are so poorly written.

You're right. It's a brilliant curse.

Later in the rain~Deb

Rich, I am relatively new to the ActiveRain community and I can appreciate that there are people out their "gaming the system". But I do think that the point system is a good system. For me, it is getting me into the practice of regularly posting and commenting. And it is definitely the competitive nature in me that pushes me (this is where points always help). The payoff for me, primarily, has been the great discussions and interactions with the rest of the ActiveRain community. thanks!

Thanks for taking the high road and not letting a few ruin the Rain experience for the rest of us. I think it's important to note that it takes practice to learn to blog here and while practice does not make perfect, it DOES make for respect among one's peers!

Rich, I agree the points system was and is genius. I also agree it has been abused every which way but loose. But from my time here it's evident that the cream always rises to the top. You can only post crap for so long before you burn out because you aren't getting any business.

Now give me my 25 points for this comment!!!

Thanks for the candid eval of the point system. As a newbie to active rain, I enjoyed doing posts every day or so. I didn't even realize until the 3rd post how much blogging would help my score.
I guess in the end...with hard work, good customer service and God's grace, we earn our keep!! :)

I am with those that say post original all the time. Is there another way?(sarcasm)

Rich - The points system is fine but I do agree with Broker Bryant. All original, All the time! I or Lisa don't give a crap about the points. We love the information and wonderful people we have met on A/R. They are truly a special breed of people, minus the gamers of course. We all have some pet peeves in this world, me included but as far as points go, I don't really care about them. I just like to read and post "original" content only. Too many people out there are just copying and pasting and spoiling the concept I believe. Now I've got agents in my own office stealing my pictures and even posting them on their profile page without even asking permission from me. Still, it's a terrific place this forum and we will continue to be here and hopefully so will you. Take care Rich. Bob H.

I think it is great that gamers will attract clients who match their values. That leaves higher quality clients for the rest of us. I think that is called self-selecting or homeostasis or something :)

Of course one of the major challenges to the system is that it will almost always favor those who started blogging on AR from day one. I've been putting my blogs together the last couple of weeks and have garnered a few points, however to compete at the top of the food chain I will have to blog and comment at a maximum level sustained for days and weeks on end... I fortunately can come up with original content on most days, but on other days I might be quite uninspired. However the benefit of the points on the system will drive me to continuing to post on a regular basis.

Rich,
Agreed...for the most part! I have no problem with the points system. However, I don't love it either. I'm OK with it or without it. There will always be those that try to manipulate things and try to get the best of things..whether it be the points system here on AR or something else.

As far as the points, it has been my experience that the folks that have found us on ActiveRain were doing a specific search...which means that they didn't go to ActiveRain.com and then search for an agent in Myrtle Beach. They went to a search engine and searched for real estate in Myrtle Beach in some way or another, and they found me. So the folks that try to get to the top of their city, county, or state are not really doing themselves much good if they are not writing strong SEO content.

We personally post market reports and listings. Why? Because we are here to gain customers and clients. So we do not post a lot of personal and off topic stuff. We do throw that in eventually, but not a lot. We do like reading that stuff about our colleagues, we just don't post it. That's why there are so many different types of us. It takes all kinds. And we choose to post customer oriented stuff.

We are not the top agent on AR for the Myrtle Beach area. However, we have had clients find us on AR through their searches. None of the folks that found us did so by going to AR and searching for agents. A lot of the "gamers" seem to think that as soon as they get to the top for their area, the leads will start to pour in. I personally don't think that's the case. I could post a lot of junk just to get points and move us to the top. But would that get us more business? Probably not.

As for the commenting for points...we do comment "nice job" or "good post" occassionally just to let our AR friends know that we stopped by. Kind of like leaving a note on a friends front door saying we were in the neighborhood and we stopped by. Again, we don't do that for the points either. So it wouldn't stop us from doing it if the points were taken away.

We would be here points or no points.

Hi Rich, I came back to see what your response was but with so many great comments, it is going to take some time , if ever to leave us each a comment. In the interim , I have given more thought to the idea of heavily weighing local posts and the more I think about it, the more impressed I was with the idea but it might have some shortcomings as well.

So I thought I post another note about it. it is interesting how AR grew because it had the points system. Most of the other networks are not incentivised (sp) and it would also appear that people move in an out with too many others noticing. When someone on AR builds their friendships and a following and don't blog in a while, people notice and express concern.

I would never want that to disappear because that is what makes this system so marvelous. So temper that with the idea I expressed earlier and then do what's best. Always trying to make something better I guess can also spoil the allure it once had. I guess I would error on the side that if it is going to wreck the balance , then maybe it was not as good of an idea as I thought. Maybe there is something in between that could reward localism more all on it its own. * hopefully we can get the photos added back soon. They need to be better and more directed to helping consumer understand the area(s) for which they speak so loudly, with full descriptions this time. A picture says a thousand words, well at the least the good one do,lol.

Rich,

Read a couple of my posts at random and tell me there is anything but original content...does anyone else on the planet blog so boldly!!! LOL Thanks, Fran

Why is it that when one makes the rules, everyone else becomes the authority of how to break them or tattle on the ones that might.

In defense of the 10 per week, not everyone can write that many- so don't, but don't grip if one chooses too. What may be important or interesting to me may not be to you. That doesn't mean I shouldn't write it or read it. I sometimes comment more than 10 a day, sometimes less. I use to keep count, now I don't, doesn't make either way good or bad, just is.

Same with the posts, for me it takes a bit to get the feel, the rhythm, the desire to write. When it hits, (my manic typing stage) everything is fair game. When it doesn't, I take a nap.

IMHO, one doesn't have to criticize another to find their place in this community, there is room for all. I thank all the friends who have been nice enough to encourage me and teach me to move forward.- and to those who don't, you weren't a friend. be good cw

Being new to AR, this blog cleared up several questions I had about the point system. I think its great, a little competion is good for the soul. As for those who write pointless comments to try to win their way up the point chain, you know there's always someone who is going to try to beat the system, nonetheless, to their own detriment. I love AR and wrote my very first blog today!!! Happy blogging and thank you!!!

Jim, I agree, and I use IDX on my site. However, you must admit there is a huge difference between making the listing information the agent himself entered into MLS available and writing your own copy and content about a listing for which you have no agreement.

Rich,

The points system is great. It really helps to get everybody involved. there will always be people who try to skirt the rules of an organization. If you keep preaching you will help keep the honest ones honest

I am a newbie, just joined this month. I like the points, it kind of helps me keep track of my growth. I can't believe all of the information I have absorbed from reading AR posts. I feel like I know some of these people. I think limiting the posts to one per day would eliminate a lot of inane writing. I've seen folks make 10 posts in a row and no one has viewed or clicked on the posts. NO ONE. So that should be a clue that what they are writing is not really for others here on AR.

I'm still trying to understand Realtors. I joined the profession 8 years ago at the same time celebrating my 25th year as a Hospital employed Registered Nurse.

I've worked on some of the derelicts of humanity in the Emergency Room and even when they are at their worst they don't whine, lie and cheat like a few Realtors that I have had the misfortune of working with. So it doesn't surprise me that these same Realtors have now found another way to cheat their way to the top of the 'points board'. Sad isn't it? But then you are preaching to the choir.

The interesting by-product of making comments every day is it exposes us to the different blogs and in the process we learn about diiferent matters related to our business that in the long run make us better reall estate agents.

JUL

2008

Lenn Harley,

I think you should have posted your comments - not for your 200 points, but to give those words greater visibility.

If you read this comment, go above and find Lenn's comments.

Maybe she will read this and reconsider posting the comments on her blog.

Points guide members to participation. Great sources for points are new members. Good idea.

Posting blogs. Good idea.

Making comments. Good idea.

Writing good posts that receive comments and get featured at least at the group level. Good idea.

There is no bad idea about the points system, as far as I can tell it is genius.

Richard

I agree I find myself being in here for hours and putting original posts and messages and sometimes I see people in here pasting messages and posts like there is no tomorrow... who tracks this??

JUL

2008

I have folks in my area who post crap may times a day and most of it is not even public posts. I just can't keep up with that pace and provide quality posts!

This post -- and the accompanying comments -- should be required reading for everyone signing into A/R! The point system and how & why it works is important info. For me the points have definitely made a difference in my Google ranking but I still have much to learn about how to maximize that. Most of all, I've learned so much about the RE industry and have made so many great connections with others. Thanks for that!

JUL

2008

I'd love to dump some points......but I'd rather find the time to write a good featured post. The point system keeps me coming back to see where I am. Remember the hare and the turtle? I'm the turtle. I'm always learning, always reading, and trying new technology. Without the point system, I'd given up a long time ago.

JUL

2008

Rich,

Maureen McCabe just wrote a post about being a point whore - I don't think she is - but that's what she wrote about. There are others, and they know who they are, that continually try to post recipes 3x/a week and write kindergarden level posts telling their AR associates that they must "reciprocate" in order for her to comment on their blog. Yes, the content is original but it's written for a 5th grader. And, then there are the cut and paste lisitng queens copying listings from the MLS and pasting it in a post! Yikes! I hope the AR police will shut some of these clowns down once and for all!

Tracy... the first line says I AM not a PointWhore so far no PW's have stopped by and confessed their sins publicly....

most of my points are for inviting but I am going to be posting more now I believe with the new Localism and my spiffy new "Outside" blog...

Tracy: You're right that there are those who are 'gaming' the system for unfair advantage, and need to be confronted. Some do so out of ignorance, but others quite deliberately. We hope to address these kinds of issues soon. Thanks!

Being fairly new to this points "game" and Activerain, this is interesting information. I naively thought that the blogs that were posted were all done with the good intention of passing on relevant information to others in the industry. All the blogs I have read seem to be the case. I have learned quite a few great tips in my couple of months on board.

Rich,

Thanks for the post. I guess this is one of those subjects that can't be visited too often.

JUL

2008

I really feel good about all the hard work I have put into my Blog. THis is something I do for myself not a team or a group just me. I blog from the heart and feel this has helped me grow as a realtor. Kathy

Rich this has to be the longest blog/comment list I have ever actuall read :). I agree with your blog. It's so well written. I wish they were all that well done! I agree with you, but I do have a problem with individuals posting degrading remarks with regard to others in our industry and getting points for it. I speak, of course, of a certain Realtor on A/R who is down right out negative and disgusting and the rudest person I have ever come across. Is there any way to block someome from posting a blog when it attacks other professionals on A/R so bluntly? That he received 200 points is beyond me? I guess I am a bit too black and white. Just wondering?

I scrolled through a couple of days worth of "blogs" yesterday. I had not done that in some time.

I was disappointed to see that not much had changed; same old bs. You have to do a lot of looking to separate the wheat from the chaff and they both get the same number of points.

Hi Rich,

You make a lot of good points but the reality is that as much as I love AR, the system is flawed. Here's why. You talk about original content being king and that it is the way to rack up points. But, over and over, I see agents who throw in the minimum 50 words, the content is meaningless, and it still earns them 200 points. I have a friendly battle going on with two agents in my market and we are constantly trading places in the featured agent area. But here's the rub. I can spend hours writing something that is topical or relevant in some way. She writes a few lines about a bunch of "nothing". We both get 200 points. How is that fair.

It's not the points per se that matter to me...but rather how those points affect our ranking in our market. This other agent may have more raw points, but to me, that is, in no way an accurate reflection of who is the "top professional in the industry." Of course all this point stuff also affects how things work in Localism. I have the most points at the moment, but the agent in the #3 position is the featured neighbor in Localism. HUH?

Now, the good news is this. My blog consistently shows up multiple times in the top 3 pages of a search. Even the most general search for our area has my blog in it. That's wonderful...and it's actually ranking a lot better than my website. I can't recall ever seeing this other agent's blog in a search results, though. So...to me, it's a heck of a lot more important to have good content that the web crawlers recognize than a bunch of points that really don't mean anything.

All I'm saying is that we need to be realistic about these points. For all the talk about points being a reward system for thoughtful, meaningful content...the truth is it just doesn't work that way. Agents do "game" the system and until the system changes, it will continue to be that way.

And while I'm on my soap box, I'd like to make a comment about Market Reports. There seems to be a lot of disparaging remarks about taking charts from our MLS and posting them as market reports. In my opinion, doing that makes good sense. Really...all the data is right there in an easy to read chart. Why should I not use that? Why should I reinvent the wheel? I use those charts, and along with some commentary from me, I think it's a nice concise way to present a current picture of our market. As a consumer, I would rather get a quick hit of information that way than spend a lot of time reading through a long winded market dissertation.

Whew...thanks for the platform. I feel much better! :-}

JUL

2008

THANK YOU SO MUCH! We have Point Scammers in my area and it's just WRONG!

What I find interesting is how their ost hits and instantly they already have 1000 or 2000 views, sounds like some tech knowledge there for sure.

Suppose that comes with time and games, I sure hope not, it's killing the system for sure

thanks for your post..

Amen Rich!

I see the point-less point getter's posting BS just to get some Google juice.

I wish I had more time to spend on here posting, not even for the juice , but leads....

However working 80 hours + a week it can stop me in my tracks until I get time to focus on a good post ... not one to get points.

Do these people get points if posted under members only? If so perhaps that AR can work on the point-less point getter's posting to members only to get points.

Get the point..LOL

Take care Rich, good to see you again.

JUL

2008

Howdy Rich

I would like to know how you feel, about a member of our bloging community. That writes a blog post to welcome a made up cartoon to get 200 points for said post and points for folk's welcoming the cartoon to the community.

Maybe you can also tell me how a member of the community can make over 500 points in a day with out even writing a blog post ?

There is a member in our community that seems to have the ability to do that.

I do hope you well get back to me, on this comment to you.

Even if it's by E-Mail!

Have a good one Dale

AUG

2008

Hi Rich! I see the discussion around points rages on! It's been about a year since I stepped out of the 'Rain - but have returned and will slowly find my voice again. I see that Lenn has the top spot - and I thought her comment right on target. There is a definite correlation between blogging on AR and organic visibility in the search engine results. Blogging begets points, and points begets ranking. The bottom line is - how much business does the time investment generate? For me - it used to be significant. I'm hoping to recapture some, all or more of that!

SEP

2008

"Dumping garbage into your blog just for the sake of garnering some quick points is....well,.....pointless."

I just wish those who post jokes only would be pointless. Maybe AR could add jokes to the flags and then the points would be deducted.

06/30/2008 07:40 AM

not sure if I was the original author of the above comment but sounds like something I would express., leaving the signature off too- reminds me of my early days in the rain. I would like to add the everyone that complains with out an offer of solution be deleted. There now, we are ALL gone! Happy yet? Cheryl (have grown a bit in the rain)willis

SEP

2008

Points, points - so what qualifies for 225 points for a blog?

Hmmmmm....the timing of my little 'point post' worked out really well with your timing. GREAT MINDS and SUCH! ;-)

GBU, Rich!

Competitive? Type A?

Not me! (ha!)

It seems like the point system has always been abused. People using their positions to invite new members, posting trivia about mondane lives, 50 words of dribble for the 200 point and lets not forget the one to busy posting to go to the toilet. People will do anything to get their points.

By the way, how many points for comments again?

www.RealEstate4Gilbert.com

"If every one of my articles contains the same 50 word self-promotional ad, along with all my pertinent contact info, that should qualify for the 200 points, right?"

I love this part, especially when I see local people writing "articles" that precisely fit that description. I'm a big fan of your Broker Bryant quote, though, and try to make that a priority in my writing.

Dan

Hi Rich, I love the point idea. When I joined Activerain, I wasn't quite sure how well I could blog original content. Now I find that I really do love to write. Who would have thought!

There is a great wealth of knowledge available here in the Rain that should be rewarded, and those who post junk will get exactly what they deserve in the end, one way or the other. One thing that I have noticed in the couple of months that I have been here - it's also a lot easier now to spot junky fluff articles elsewhere that are written by people who don't really know what they are talking about - or only see part of the big picture. Thank you for all you do in the Rain, Rich.

Rich, I like the points, I like being #1 in Ocala/Marion County FL. It is very annoying to see other agents who have high scores for posting dumb stuff and lots of useless listings.

My personal challenge is how I feel about my own writing...English was not my forte' (is that how you spell it?) I'm plain, simple and too darn direct but most of what I've done is original with very few exceptions, so whether or not people like my blogs or not I give it my best! Guess ya can't ask for more than that. This old dog ain't learnin' too many new tricks especially creative writing! :-)

BTW Where did you get that gorgeous pic on your blog??? I Love It!!!

Hi Rich, Sometimes I can not believe how a person has time to read all the posts, comment, then write his/her own post and actually Practice Real Estate. BTW I love the point system and shame on those that try to beat the System. I find it personnally rewarding commenting and posting and if I get points for it so much the better. I am not sure who said it But deducting points. Now that is a great idea. Rewards & Punishment.

Rich,

You were good enough to answer my question on RAIN Radio last week about points. And I agree to an extent with your answer; I do think consumers are pretty savvy. I do find it disappointing when Sunday rolls around and my local competitor puts up 10 blogs in a day - clearing gaming and not quality content - that it somehow denigrates the site as a whole because it's not an isolated incident.

At the end of the day, I hope my content is meaningful to my peers and consumers. Points aren't the motivation, but I'm suprised how blinded people are by them. Someone said to me a long time ago to be conscientious of what I post online; it's content that doesn't go away in many cases. Reputation and consumer perception is everything in this business. I highly doubt that the gaming is winning an points in the eye of the consumer and the quality of a real estate business from this site.

OK Rich,

I don't blog for points, but I do emphasize mostly my listings for SEO reasons, here and in other blogs. But I do have to wonder at the time some members place for making some really good blogs. I'm sorry, but I have to go sell real estate and just don't have enough time to write that much information.

Maybe you should allow less posts per week and reward more points. Have a category for where it should be posted. Like real estate, financial or whatever else. I try to post my listings and describe them. I did have mty postlets on here until I figured how to add pictures and change text.

Hey Richard, here are my your 25 points worth response. A point is a point, but I must admit that only those geniouses who can actually write something that other people can benefit from are the ones who can rack up the points. About the other 97% who do not have the ability to write in a way that can be published. They too have ideas, they just cannot express them properly, that does not mean they do not deserve to try. I have learned tons from being a member of AR. and I truly respect those who dare write and share their knowledge with the rest of us. Only one referral I sent in my last 4 months in AC. not too shabby.... Now where are my points?

Antonio

Antonio & alexia Cardenas "The Realtors In Motion" www.listedbyAntonio.com

I've weighed in on this point issue before, I suppose, but it's still a bone of contention for me. In theory, it's nice to reward people who write worthwhile posts. Like Anotonio, I've learned a TON since joining AR. Where the system breaks down is in quality...and that becomes a subjective issue. Should some one who posts nothing but the same advertisement over and over again get 200 points every time they do that when other people take the time and effort to actually put some thought into their post? Personally, I say no.

I think if a post is an advertisement for goods or services...and yes that would include listings....it should get a different point valuation...Perhaps only 50 points. I think there is value in advertising on AR, but I don't think it was the intention of AR to become just another place to advertise listings, rental properties, etc. We have Trulia, Realtor.com, and countless other sites for that sort of thing.

When we post a listing, there is a little box right there that says it's a listing. So that much we know. Seems we could do the same sort of things for other advertisements. How to differentiate a post from an ad is something for the tech gurus to figure out.

Carol Clay

Hi Rich,

Thanks for explaining this.

I had one entry (points) removed: "Showing Etiquette - Be On Time!" After reviewing the guidelines, I am still unclear as to why it was taken back. Any help or advise would be great.

Best regards,

Mike

Sorry to jump in again. I am wondering if some of the anti -point crowd are in the mistaken frame of mind that other Rainers are in competition with them. If one takes it personally that another is "ahead" of them, then the offending blogger's content seems to be spoken of in derogatory ways. The Rainers that see each other as peers seem to able to teach and encourage each other and their banters look to me to be more productive. It comes down to attitude. A rising tide lifts all ships. If you are spending your time trying to knock off the competitor, you are hurting yourself first. When you spend your Rain time supporting those around you, all are rewarded. Maybe if before one can post about another being in the wrong, he should e-mail his concerns and see if the offense is something that can be corrected. My example would be in reference to a peer who likes to do several posts at a time. If this person submits to your favorite groups, wait until the day after to do your posting so you don't get moved down the dash board. If all else fails, tattle on them and both of you can lose points. Cheryl (please quit the whining)willis

well....I do agree that the point system is great for a bunch of competitive agents...and there are agents who game the system...I am slow on my blog production, but am working to change that...I do believe that people will attract new clients by the quality of their blog so what comes around goes around and it will come to them eventually...we will get ours as well and will be rewarded..its just a timing thing....

Hi Rich,

I am pretty new to AR and I think I must be stupid. I didn't realize that you could cut and past to fill your blog. I mean why bother. I do like the link to re-post an interesting blog and have done that because the info was very good and I wanted to share it.

Why not talk about interesting things that pertain you what you do? I just don't understand. I can't even figure out how to get a picture in my blog, but everyone who has responded to my posts and or comments to other posts have been so nice.

I think those who read what we blog can tell if we are sincere or not. That is really not rocket science. This community is filled with really neat people who are interesting and informative and I think that those who are not get weeded out on their own.

Thanks for pointing out something that I was oblivious to. I really appreciate it.

Kelly

SEP

2008

I am coming up on two years on Activerain and it has been hard but, I have set myself up to contribute twice a day except maybe on Saturday as I like to try to spend some time with my family, don't tell them I like them, it might go to their head.

I try to comment on more than 10 posts per day even though I don't get points, but I do contribute to the community as a whole.

Earning the points I have has been hard work, coming up with over 1000 posts of original content has not been easy and I hadn't posted a listing until about 4 weeks ago. Points are hard work, but that isn't why I do it, I do it for the business and that is what inspires me to do more, not the points.

Good original content is the key.sometime my posts sound like reports but I am a data guy and don't have the writing ability that some Active Rainers do. We post all our listings, solds and price changes on AR.

For any one who has seen the Simpson's movie, we all know what happens when dumping goes too far! :-) Luckily, the gamers are few and far between, so AR will continue to be a valid resource for real estate related content.

For me it's about the community--isn't that what social networking is all about?

Being able to post problems, search for solutions amongs other Rainers, and yes somedays complain to a group of people who can RELATE.

Rich, considering the numerous recent posts regarding points, both positive and negative, I'm glad they resurrected this post. For me, blogging is a refection of who I am. One of the reasons I never write a post just for the points is that I know my AR friends will see it for what it is. I truly try to write meaningful posts, mostly localism in subject because I do have some wonderful clients who follow my blog and again, I don't want to cheapen my efforts. It's all about doing our best.

Rich,

Sure. It is about the points - to a point. It's mostly about friendships, referrals and learning more about our industry.

Every office (except the one where I work now) has an agent or two who complain about stuff like not getting enough leads from their broker. But the ones who make it in real estate are out their generating their own leads.

And from what I've seen, bloggers who write a lot of posts bitching about points might want to look at ways to write better blogs, contribute to the community, and develop their own little following. And, just like real estate newbies, blogging newbies are not going to do this overnight.

Wow, I guess I just learned a lot about "faking points". Funny how the thought never occurred to me. I guess I should realize that there are always a few bad apples out there, just like we have all had experiences with unethical agents.

I believe the fakes will be spotted and the honest bloggers will prevail!

SEP

2008

This is defintely what should be shared. You do attract what you put out there for everyone to see.

It is too bad that there are people who just comment on other peoples blogs all day can get more points than people who actually put out good blogs for the AR community. We are #3 in our area because of two such "commenters", who do not write their own blogs but are busy racking up the points commenting on everyone else's work. What makes it more insulting is one of them did it in record time. Just sat down and made it his goal to get the top spot by earning commenting points in less than two weeks. Makes me crazy.

DEC

2008

Hi Rich, I have to say that you look very spiffy in your santa hat!!!! It's very interesting to read all of these many comments. I have to ask... is there a method for putting the 'kibash' on the gamers? Just wondering.` Also is it OK for me to end my comments with...

The Horse Girl ~ Marian

MAY

2009

Great topic and great discussion all the way around. I take everything I do seriously and committedly, thus so, Active Rain. I see it as part of my marketing and lead strategy. Thus, I have instituted into my daily routine. Altho, still AR neophyte, hopefully the enthusiams will last. Also, somewhat new to the industry, I am finding a tremendous resource of real world experience and I, by God, am an information junkie and proud of it!

SEP

2009

Great content here; thank you for taking the time to put it together. I have stumbled across a few posts that are blatantly keyword stuffing and don't make much sense. In my eyes, they are just trying to get run over by search engine spiders. Is this something I should report? If I do report it, do those people see that I did it? Just curious as I'm new to AR.

Carissa: Anytime you 'Report a Concern' it remains confidential. I believe in Keyword Karma. Good things happen to people who write with the same style they talk in. The search engines are becoming more and more sophisticated and are able to weed this stuff out anyway....it's old school SEO.

FEB

2010

Like Susan's "bare naked" transparency goal in her blogging. The days of just peddling property and that is it are over. You need to blog about the area many of your buyers have never been. And in the process of promoting the sticks/bricks, the area the property is in, your brand and who the heck you are, what makes you tick should come thru in vibrant living color. That's why automation of our industry which never happen as you need the local tour guide rich in experiences, background on the property and area to pull the listings wagon.

JUN

2010

Being new to AR your blog helped me stay on track and really think before I post a blog or comment. Thank you for taking the time to write this.

JUN

2010

Just looking through the AR archives -- it's interesting to see the comments of AR members who are still actively participating.

AUG

2010

I agree with the point system. Everyone likes to be rewarded for their work, regardless of their age in life.

SEP

2010

Interesting to look back at the post and comments about Active Rain points!

You gotta wonder when you see the same comment coming up on multiple posts from a long time member with lotsa points, whether they have some new assistant commenting for them... or what?

"Interesting to look back at the post and comments about Active Rain points!" maybe I will leave it on ten posts today....

Nah.

One time I copied and pasted in the same comment that Tom from Delaware with all the dollar signs in his signature pasted to 10 posts just before midnight. Lo and behold one of the "ActiveRain gods" donated me a hefty bunch of points for making him laugh. I guess there was more to it though... I changed my comment signature to BUY with a bunch of $$$$ too. Because we all know how Google loves dollar signs in a link. Or not.

SEP

2010

Here we are well into 2010 and it seems like I'm seeing more and more posts that are on this list.

These Guidelines are clearly not being followed so I'm hoping that there is a way to reel this in. Any thoughts?

John: I wish there was an easy resolve for such things. Unfortunately, the network has grown to a size where the limited staff of AR cannot effectively deal with these issues. All we can do is generate authentic content ourselves....

I suppose this was the response I was expecting Rich.

I believe a check mark needs to be instituted asking if the post is real estate, Localism, original content, other, etc.. The wordless posts, groups dedicated to jokes, etc., would still continue without any problem for the enjoyment and pleasure of those who participate.

However, based on how it is checked the appropriate points would be awarded. Those posts not checked would automatically be awarded the lower number of points.

This would allow those new to blogging who will likely find it much easier to get started on topics they feel comfortable with, and perhaps that is okay. They'll quickly realize however the benefit to themself and to the network of posting on relevant topics.

BTW, I've done a few off-topic myself in the past, but I feel that we need to do what is necessary to encourage this to be kept primarily as a real estate network.

OCT

2010

There is quite a bit to be said for the points system! I read about half the comments, but still don't understand why I need to acquire more points! Will it increase my SEO or will it just make me 'the best' blogger in my area?!

OCT

2010

I was waiting for someone... like Rich or anyone else to answer #148 "why I need to acquire more points!"

"Will it increase my SEO or will it just make me 'the best' blogger in my area?!"

The number of points don't necessarily make you 'the best" blogger, it just makes you the member with the most points, in the area.

The points have encouraged participation for some (not all) members. Points don't give SEO. ActiveRain has excellent SEO though. A member can have lots of AR points though and not have their content show up at all in the search engines.

Some members use the points to gauge their progress until they can measure their progress in another way.

Points were initially implemented to stir up good, fun competitive effort. And obviously, it was a stroke of genius! However, there are some legitimate SEO benefits to be high up in the pecking order. At least, that's what I was told by Bob Stewart. It's something in the way the platform is constructed, and how content is crawled by the search engines...Plus, just by virtue of being one of the top members in your respective market area, does benefit you when people search by State, County, City, etc..

Regardless, if you're blogging consistently, using key search terms for your target market niche, the collective google juice of ActiveRain will help you to be found in organic searches!

JAN

2011

Rich I love the point system! In fact, a peer and I are in the midst of trying to best the other for AR positioning in our market. My only question is how to accumulate more points other than blog posting/responding and signing in? I'm still surfing through AR to figure out all the bells and whistles. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon!

pssst Dave Leiderman invite points are great.... did you see the featured post by Bob Stewart (?) a couple of weeks ago about how to invite members and get points. Invite using the AR site, send an email using your link to people you know.

I just saw a guy do his invite link within the NAR group on Linkedin, will be interesting to see if the group leaders allow that. It was done tastefully but they have lots of rules in the group, are pretty strict. Other groups on Linkedin, Facebook, etc. might work for invite points.

MAY

I see the pros & cons of points....but I also see many out of business agents with a gazillion points (that continue on autopilot, due to previous AR member recruitments)

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Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Silverdale, WA

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Keller Williams West Sound Realty

Address: Silverdale, WA, 98383

Office Phone: (360) 499-6367

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Providing Knowledgeable Empowerment and Relentless Representation of Real Estate Clients throughtout the Western Puget Sound, including all of Kitsap County WA, and portions of Mason, Pierce, and Jefferson Counties.

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