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"What is Localism?"

Localism is the valued point of connection, a place of meaningful interaction. It's where neighbors and local merchants share what's happening in their community. It's people collectively communicating the unique flavor and nuances of where they live, work, eat, and play.

Localism is 'Old-School' in a New World portal. It's reminiscent of an earlier day when people shopped where they lived, and everyone knew their butcher. Localism makes the world smaller and more personal. It reacquaints and re-establishes the lost bonds between neighbors. It revives and restores the relational elements of what neighborhoods used to be, and should be.

Localism provides the environment where residents and business owners can create a micro-social network uniquely attuned to their individual communities. Together, they use multi-media to paint a canvas of local color and texture. Their Localism 'Neighborpedia' becomes an extension of who and what they are.

Allow me to share two of the founding principles from our ActiveRain Weltanschauung:

We understand that the value of the ActiveRain community rests entirely with its members.

We believe that real estate professionals will thrive if they demonstrate their local market expertise.

My fellow ActiveRain members, the strength and success of our community will always lie with its members. Our role is to simply create the environment that empowers and enables you to 'thrive!' Now, get out there and meet some neighbors!

For more information, be sure to check out these additional articles:

Localism Q&A: Official Answers

ActiveRain Unveils the New Localism

What Constitutes 'Approved' Content on Localism?

Examples of Good Localism Articles

Strategies for Sponsorship on the New Localism

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Agent on 07/10/2008 02:53 AM

Comments (91)

localism, neighborpedia, hyperlocal

Originally posted at: "Singing in the Rain!": "What is Localism?"

Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: The New Localism

91 Comments on "What is Localism?"

JUL

2008

Yeah!! We Launched!! :-))

I just took a look and it's pretty neat. Can I add that William Johnson and I were talking tonight and we both agree there needs to be more color and pizzaz on the home page?

Okay...so you didn't ask for my opinion but you got it.

Also, how do you categorize everything? Are all counties bunched together now?

Anyway, I know this is going to be wonderful and I thank you all for allowing us this grand adventure. :)

Brad, Wahoo!!

Sally, When designing Localism we were very deliberate in choosing a monochromatic theme with the intention of bringing as much attention as possible to our members content. Localism is a very unique site in regards to how rich it's content is.

Truly cool, but I have to agree with Sally, homepage is a little blah and it took me a few minutes to figure out where to type in my city - go figure - I'm old and its 3am here! Congrats guys!

Sally: The main page is simply a revolving door to your neighborhood. The real action will take place in the communities you create and own. Content is truly going to be KING here!

But where is Ann Arbor in your pictorial? Don't you know we are an oasis of the Midwest? :)

You guys just are....guys...no colorful thoughts :)

I went back and commented on the other one.... I looked CLOSER and found the search thing....now it's all over the place. Why can't we sponsor now? Why wait until July 31st? First come first served!

Okay...patience.

P.S. Wanna borrow some of my pictures? :) Thank you all for Localism LIVE!

Yep - way to cause a frenzy and a bidding war :)

Michelle, Google is also sort of "blah" ;)

Throughout the whole design process we kept coming back to keeping our members content front and center as the #1 focus.

Am I missing something?

"Localism is the valued point of connection, a place of meaningful interaction. It's where neighbors and local merchants share what's happening in their community."

How can there be "meaningful interaction" or "sharing" if the site doesn't allow people to register or post?

I was just there and when attempting to register, I received a message that Localism.com is not allowing registrations.

????

Cameron, For the next month or so we will be in "closed beta" which in this case means that only ActiveRain members can post to the site. The posting process will be the exact same as it was with the old localism. After that we will open registration to everyone.

Jon, ok you have a point but G's header graphic also changes often - I loved Earth Day & Chagall and often stop to read the Alt tag just to see what the heck they have up there. Just please do something with the search box :)

Rich: Congratulations on a successful launch of the new Localism. I just know it's going to be a major hit with us, and with the public, too. Thanks for all your great work !

RICH - It's great to see the new Localism finally up and running. It was worth the wait. The site looks great.

Rich, I'll look forward to posting some more content while localism is still in closed Beta.

Ok, I'm just a confused soul. How do you get to Localism, nad how do you post there?

Personally, I like the plain site. One question, when talking about communities and hyper local blogging.

Is it a city or a neighborhood we can claim? Last night I did a post on Stonebridge, when it came to the neighborhood it was not listed, so I clicked the add button and it didn't work. I would have liked to have entered that button to the neighborhood, so it would come up on localism. I'll try again today.

Will we post here separately?

or post on AR, click outside blog and if we do posts to localism will it auto go in there too?

or do we need to just post on localism for our hyper local blogs?

When I registered on AR in Dec 06, registered Ann Arbor, but I live in Saline and the majority of my posts are on Saline but they don't show up. Should I register Saline? Can I then bring my posts in?

I know lots of questions, but excited to get started !

To add to Missy's comment, will we get a tutorial? It would help shorten the learning curve.

Rich...

Just checked it out and it's FANTASTIC! This is goinjg to be the site for area info. Now I'm really ready to get busy!

If content is King, then I can't wait to be the Queen (smile).

The new localism site looks wonderful! On the surface, it appears easy for a consumer to navigate which in the end will benefit everyone.

Kathy

Rich, The new site really does look good. I really like the idea of having local businesses and consumers being able to participate. This is exiting!!! I guess I will now need to hire my own "community expert" to establish my presence in my area. The Tutas Towne Realty roving reporter position is now available :)

I will be using the Flip that was sent to go and interview some locals and pics of the restaurants here in Tamarac. This is so cool and am so excited. Thanks!!

I got an error page but I'm sure it will be cleared up soon---I'm sure it will be a fabulous new site.

There are posts that are from the "old" localism that would be great on the NEW one...I see some that were imported...how does this happen ?

Rich congrats on the launch of localism. I will be looking forward to taking advantage of the new platform.

Rich, I definitely have questions, but my biggest ones involve errors with how the geography is set up - New Orleans is in the wrong parish (county) and there are other similar errors

I just looked at it, great and so easy to navigate, but I have two questions

How do we buy sponsorship for a subdivision?

What are the guidelines for posts to show up?

Not all of the post that I send to localism show up

Thank you

Anne

Only 11 "neighbors in Georgia? What the heck, I guess I'm just not good enough to be included even if my photos are the only one in the town and are still there.

It does seem that some "neighbors" are missing. Not sure how that is determined.

THis is pretty exciting, Rich, and we are off to a terrific start. There seems to be a hige anount of excitement about the new site.

How are neighbors defined? What makes you a neighbor? It seems that some neighbors show up in counties where they shouldn't - can someone show up in two counties? Or in a county in a different state from where they live? Is it based on where they are authorized to do business or on where there office is? Silly questions, perhaps.

I see lots of opportunity here.

Jeff

Rich & Team - thanks for the work that went behind this. I'm sure that I cannot comprehend the time and effort involved. I look forward to DOMINATING my area with local content.

Gee reminds me of being a kid and walking downtown with mom and dad to shop and see everybody we know. Thanks for your efforts.

YAY GO LOCALISM!! There is a sense of relief now that it has finally launched. :)

It's exciting to be part of ActiveRain's growth, and now Localism's. Someday, we'll be sitting in our rocking chairs at the old folks home telling our great grandkids that we were there on the very first day Localism launched!

Hey great job! I have questions too....what do I do when "Lake Norman" is my focus and it lies in 4 counties. Can we create a Lake Norman community? Like the others, I'm confused about how you choose neighbors and neighborhoods. Lake Norman was no where to be seen. FYI, I still am not getting email notifications of comments...to whom do I go to for that? Thanks!

Hi Rich - We need some clarifications on sponsorship. In the city of Henderson, NV there are several master planned communitieis, and many of these have unique subdivisions within them. If one AR member sponsored the master plan, could others sponsor subdivisions within the master plan?

The new site looks great!

I'm From Blackhawk, Ca. And my posts aren't showing up and the neighbors aren't showing. Is this happening to anyone else?

And how can I post pictures?

Waiing to post photos, and why are towns from other counties and the agent, featured in my county? Confusing and a bit, disheartening. Years of work, gone?

Okay, I just checked it out!!!! I looks WONDERFUL!!!!

Thank you!

What happened to all of our previous posts on Localism? From here on AR?

Well, for my town its a total bust. Nothing is showing up except some of my photos, no posts, no people. Oh, and something saying I can pay to sposor a neighborhood. It isn't going to stay this way, is it?

I have to say I like the color schemes and layout of the new Localism very much but I liked the way the old Localism separated the blogs, ie, community interest vs. market reports and listings into categories. The new Localism runs all the community interest blogs together with listings, market reports etc. For instance, one can read an interesting community blog and right below it is a very lengthy unattractive vflyer or postlet post advertising a listing with the layout unbalanced and taking up a lot of room. If I am a visitor I have to scan through a lot of stuff I am not interested in to read what I am interested in. I just like it if everything is in categories and organized instead of running together with no semblance of order.

In comparison, I could use the old Active Rain Search tool and find useful information very fast when the search tool was separated into 3 categories. I could search for Members, Blog Titles or blog content. Now the search tool is harder because it just lumps everything together. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I know many Active Rainers that don't use the search tool anymore for that very reason.

Just my humble opinion and thank you for all your efforts.

Rich, how exciting. It looks wonderful. Can't wait to see more and learn all the facets. Ir's everything you said it would be and more.

Good work! Waiting to see how the wrinkles smooth out in the next few days and weeks.

Hi Rich...I just left a comment on Jorgen's post saying how much I liked the look of the home page. Thought it looked simple and classy. Then I come here and see other points of view.

You have to love us. We must drive you crazier crazy.

Congratulations.

Kate

This is great news. I am going over to take a look. Congratulations on the launch.

I just want to know if someone is going to answer all of these questions? I am on my 3rd Post....and maybe one of you can just start going down the line answering....then make a Post like Jone did last time with the top questions and answers.

I love the new look of the page -- I also like the photo pages!

Gracious Rich...

Can I just lay low in here? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Great post. It did leave me with questions---all of which have been asked here. I am with Kathy McGraw----great idea for someone in the know to post a blog with the answers!

Rich, I really like the "improved" site, but it needs some eye-catching color!

I finally figured out which group's administrator removed one of my posts as a violation. It was this one. It's been interesting. I'm moving on.....

ok, call marti and Brad Carroll. It could use a little more color... but, it is really nice. I'll wait a couple of days for things to catch up before i pass any judgement.

I like the new site:)

Rich, Jon, & the rest...the new localism is rocking! I like the fact you are keeping us members as the focus! Thanks again for another great product!

Rich, Very frustrating to not be able to get logged into the new localism. The site looks cool and all but we seem to have been obliterated. Lisa's site is still up under Pascackvalleyrealestate and all my pictures are all still there but I can't get logged in under Hammersteam. What gives? Bob H
PS: oh yeah and congrats on the launch!

Bob: I don't know what the problem might be. I know that not all features of the platform are fully functional yet. Give it a little time. Your stuff will show up, and all the investment you've made to Localism will pay off....

Bill: What are you talking about? Which Group are you referring to?

Angela: The aesthetics of Localism were created very deliberately as to focus the attention and attraction on YOUR content, not any bells, whistles, or widgets. I think clean and unclutterd is less distracting. But hey, if enough of you feel strongly enough, we would probably be open to changes, as always....

TLW...you are always welcome to lay low on one of my posts. Sounds like a good strategy!

Kathy: Yes, we're working on a Q&A post that will answer all the questions. It should be up tomorrow. Thanks!

Rich, This is very nice...If you could just make my name visible...you've done a fantastic job! As always...Love you all. K

Rich,

Thanks for the post. I think the look is great and I love you comment: Localism is the valued point of connection, a place of meaningful interaction. Too special!

JUL

2008

Hi Rich -- been busy with family stuff, but will be tooling around in Loco-lism soon. It looks great and any bugs will be gone soon. If you are still up right now, get some sleep. Dang, you guys act like you are still in college sometimes! As if all nighters still work!

Thanks, Rich.

I like the concept and the look. I find that I am curious about many of the questions asked and will look forward to the new post answering them tomorrow.

I agree that the front page needs a sprucing up--Being in black and white just doesn't seem to cut it. Can we make it more attractive?

Rich, This is a VERY COOL site! I just commented on Jon's post about the neighborhood expert and the qualifications of being THE expert! As a Point2 agent, I am frustrated by those who purchase the neighborhoods and do NOTHING with them, nor are they remotely experts of the areas that they purchase. They only purchase them because they're the high-end areas and wind up doing a huge injustice to the potential buyers!

I do think that in larger cities, this will probably evolve into what will be THE place to go for information regarding our market. I love the site and am SO glad that we're finally up and running!

Rich- Thanks for all your hard work. It will be interesting to see how this evolves, especially concerning neighbors and communities.

Great Post, Local expertise is an area I need to spend a little more time on.

Rich, so far I think the site is awesome! Just beautiful and full of information. We thank you!

Later in the rain~Deb

This is rerally great, I can't wait to check out the new localism!

We are both very excited to be a part of this. Thanks for all of the teams hard work.

I hope to have the time today to sneak in there and maneuver around some.

Rich, Congrats on the launch! I'm glad to see the new photo viewer that captures the photo's comments. We've been saving up more new photos to add to our collection! Keep Crabbing! John & Kathryn

Gracious...

I know. That's why I hid out in here last night. You're lucky I didn't hijack it for points :)

Just so you know I woke up this morning with a heartfelt post in my head. I want the Members to think long and hard about The New Localism. There's more than one way of looking at all of this.

I wasn't going to say a single word about any of it...But alas...My heart (and the Apple) were calling my name with "Success At It's Best". Enjoy. Please know that BB and I have always been, and will always stand behind you Guys in everything you do. We just can't seem to help ourselves. That in and of itself says a whole lot about how we feel. Okay. I better stop now...I do try to avoid mushy in The Rain :)

P.S. Folks it is considered bad manners to link to something you wrote in someone elses post. The only reason I'm doing it here is because THIS is such an important topic. All sides need to be considered before we start forming our opinions and allowing ourselves to be swept away in unproductive emotional Reactions :)

TLW...ROAR!

The pictures that are already there are very clear and pretty but I think because they are small and there is a lot of white space on page it makes the page look a little blah...........

Rich thanks for the post and answering all the many questions - it will be exciting to see the "New Localism" unfolding in the days and months ahead. Always something new at the Rain! Love it!

Gracious...

I'm gonna lay low in here some more. But I will have the courtesy not to hijack such a serious topic. Instead I am just gonna think through my finger tips :)

TLW...ROAR!

Please don't feel as if it's necessary to engage me. I know you're busy and I honestly don't mind talking out loud to no one in particular :)

Today...Has been one of those days where I just couldn't get AR off my mind. My little head keeps going into our AR past and thinking about just how far we've really come. As a Community we have slammed dunked the Web with our presence. We HAVE changed the nature of this industry and the nature in which we all see ourselves and our peers. It's been a long winding journey with many up and downs. But the up and the benefits far out weigh the Crap :)

TLW...ROAR!

I was also thinking about...

Just how much I have changed personally as a result of what I do around here. Not to mention the revived interest I have in this business. As most everyone knows...I came out of retirement to participate on this site. I was so impressed with it when it was rolled out. It was, and still is, totally different than any other professional forum I have ever seen on the web. It's unique in that we all get to say what's on our minds without fear of being slammed. Well...Most of us...You Gracious have to take a lot of heat :)

TLW...ROAR!

I think it was yesterday I was trying to think of the word that best describes how I feel about all the nonsense I've read...The word is Melancholy. That describes it quite well. I also sometimes find myself longing to go back in time. Now that would be FUN :)

Okay..So I'm getting mushy and I better cut the Crap. This kind of thing freaks out my cult readers :) I'm supposed to be a rock :)

TLW...ROAR!

JUL

2008

Rich, thanls.

Jonathan - Michelle, Google is also sort of "blah" ;) I'm glad you agree with this. btw, so is craigs list and linkedin.

I would have to say that AR has really open up how important networking is and how you can reach the world. Localism is awesome to be able to shared what is going on in your local market and events. Thanks Rain for a great community site.

Will somebody please make the NEW LOCALISM group to round up all these related posts into one place? You know, like you did for the OUTSIDE BLOGS. Thanks.

JUL

2008

Rich,

Thank you for all of your hard work! I am one of the newer members and I am finding it difficult to really understand how it all works. I'm sure we will figure it out soon. I still don't understand how the neighbors are selected and have questions like the others have already asked. I've been trying to read and figure all of this out, but it is still very confusing to understand even reading some of the other posts. I know how challenging it can be to launch a big project like this, so I do commend you for it all and I'm looking forward to understanding it more in the future.

Have a Colorful Day!

JUL

2008

Thanks for the clarity of the mission. It helps us to utilize the tools you have so generously provided. AND a way better use of our funds than the newspaper ad.

JUL

2008

So, it's sorted by county only? Or do I choose?

JUL

2008

Thank you for your info

Robert

JUL

2008

So that's what localism is. I was wondering since I just linked two of my sites to Active Rain and the link talks about localism.

JUL

2008

Being from Washington, I thought I knew all about rain, wrong again I guess...

JUL

2008

Rich,

Can you publish a summary of the criteria for top neighbor. I would like to have some guidance as to what you are looking for. It does not seem to be the number of AR posts or the number of Localism posts or the number of AR points.

I really cannot tell what it is based on. I understand it is a complicate algorith, but so is credit scoring. Yet it can be explained what factors are used.

It would make sense to me to reward actual Localism posts, but that does not seem to be the case.

Richard

Richard Smith: I am in the midst of writing another article that deals with scoring for Top Neighbors. I will be publishing it shortly.

FEB

Kudos - it looks great

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