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Held Within A Comment...

I woke up this morning thinking about my recent (NBC) post and the many thoughtful, supporting and encouraging comments that were made by so many... that I just had to do something to show just how much I appreciate all of your kind and generous words. So this is my "collective Comment of Thanks" to all your comments.

What is so odd about Active Rain, is that while you can find amazing and well written blogs that teach so much, share so much, and help so much... it is in simple short Comments where "volumes" are often spoken.

It is the Comment that gives Active Rain life. For in the Comment something magical happens between reader and writer. This "something" is hard to describe, but when you experience it, you know it.

When we try to get our colleagues to join Active Rain we want them to benefit from all the great information and dialogue that is being shared, but I believe it is that "something" within a Comment we truly hope they get.

Stage It Forward...

Posted by Craig Schiller on 03/22/2007 06:52 AM

Comments (59)

activerain, blogging, backstory, community, generosity, thank you notes, followup, relationships

Originally posted at: Real Estate Staging / Home Staging Blog: Held Within A Comment...

Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...
Post is included in group: Spiritual Rain
Post is included in group: Giving Back
Post is included in group: Fraiche Aire

59 Comments on Held Within A Comment...

MAR

2007

I know exactly what you are saying, it is through thekeyboard and monitor that alot of friendships have been forged.

Just a quick example..I have talked with many stagers on the phone but there are some that I havent. Nevertheless, I feel like they know ME and I know them! This place is somewhat magical like that.

Big Bear hug to you!

Marci

I remember when you left a comment on one of my newbie blogs, I was so pleased that Craig Schiller had stopped at my blog...and left a comment! Your blogs show the world that home staging is a highly valuable service delivered by intelligent, creative problem solvers. You are leading the way by spending your precious time here with us, and educating thousands of readers. I'm sure that hundreds of home stagers here at active rain join me in response to this thank you note with a "RIGHT BACK AT YOU, CRAIG SCHILLER."

Respectfully,

Sue Argue

Craig, somehow I missed your great news. I just saw it on Ben's blog. A BIG congratulations to you!

I loved this post on the comments in our blogs. There is something magical that transpires when the comments are heartfelt. It's a beautiful thing and one of my favorite reasons for participating in the Rain.

I float about being such a free spirit. I would love to comment on everything that touches me but it is just entirely too impossible to do so! Just think of all the comments you DONT get from people who love your posts :)

The time someone takes to comment is a gift in some respects, of time and thought. Not all blogs require a comment or may not peak the interest of everyone but when someone responds to you - you feel validated that you were HEARD. Just like saying, "hello" to someone on the street, when ignored, we feel rejected (or just not heard) but when reciprocated, "hi!" your spirit is lifted and your soul energized. People are "pack animals" we need the commraderie of one another, NO matter what anyone says.

You are welcome Craig & I look forward to continued communication from all of the SOAR and more.....

Karen

Craig,

Just out of curiosity I did some quick math to see what your average number of comments per blog was and it is a whoppoing 20.6-proof positive that you are a powerful influence not only in founding this group but in gifting us with some very interesting and stimulating material. Congradulations, my friend. You inspire me to make a better effort at writing meaningful blogs. After reading yours, I often say to myself, "wow, I wish I had written that."

Craig,

Thanks for the post. Even in the simplest effort to say "Thanks", you continue to share and inspire. Its a GREAT THING!

Again, you are speaking for all of us here in the rain. (And it doesn't hurt being a cute man stager either!)

Stage It Forward!

Hi Craig - I agree. Sometimes it is the small things that touch our hearts the most!!

Sheron - Cute man stagers, Mabe Brad Pitt will get into staging soon!!!! (lol).

Craig...thank you! You've shared so much with us all...I am sooooo happy fo you!

I totally agree - that certain "something" is pretty awesome.

Thought I would stop by and leave a comment. Been crazy busy and wish that I could spend a little more time on the rain. you see I am self employed and my boss has just been riding me lately and the more I do the more she asks, raising the bar everyday.

MAR

2007

Craig - you're right, comments make the world go round here in the Rain! Who doesn't love to know that SOMEone, anyone, stopped by to read a post that they spent time putting together? I know I very much appreciate all who stop by my posts to read them and leave me comments. In those comments many times are wonderful little nuggets that mean the world.

Love this post! Thank YOU!

AnnCummings.com

Craig congratulation again. You are so right receiving a sincere comments is great, even if it is just a few words.

No, THANK YOU for being so professional and for your skills in finding the correct content to post. Also for getting Active Rain and the rest of us some notice. Most importantly congratulation's on the 18 years!

Craig: A thousand red balloons for you!

--and a belated happy anniversary , too.

Here's another comment to add to your collection! Loved your post about sincere comments...as a newbie I can only aspire to be as good a blogger as you!

Craig - Thank you for adding so much value to the Active Rain community! I was happy to see a Rainer on NBC - it speaks well of what Active Rain is all about and makes us all proud as a collection of professionals. You are a great example of what is so good about Active Rain.

Best wishes,

James

You were on NBC - Don't wear it out it, that makes you look bad ....

Craig -

I only recently registered at Active Rain and posted my first blog yesterday (New agent Blues). I was overwhelmed by suggestions, encourangement and insight I got back as comments from the blog. It really made me feel that "something special" it was AWESOME!!

THANKS!

Nattalie

Sorry I missed your llast post.

But this is an amazing tool.

Good luck to you my friend!

You are right about the comments. I try to take some time everyday to read posts and comment. I have learned so much from AR community members. I just need to find some some to get some blogs done -- That is a stretch for me -- I have over-committed myself as usual -- Congratulations to you! And YOU ARE WELCOME

Congratulations, again, Craig. What an inspiration. Such a pleasure to read a post that is not intended to be info-sharing and educational for a change. Wishing you much more success.

Jeff

AJ,

I wrote this post because... I was moved and touch by the out pouring of kindness I received on the post.

I wrote and posted this post first thing yesterday morning. If you look at the first comment that was made by Marci Toliver it is dated 3/21. Active Rain CHOOSE to repost this anew TODAY and re-dated it 3/22.

So, the first reason for my post was to sincerely thank people for their kind comments, which were overwhelmingly unexpected. But I if you read my entire post.... you will see I quickly moved the post off "me" and onto the power of the community of Active Rain and of a Comment.

Craig

Craig,

That "Stage It Forward" phrase speaks volumes and is the inspiration that keeps us Blogging here in the Rain. There have been many posts on the importance of the Blog comment and I'm guilty, as charged, of writing one myself. But I liken it to receiving a Birthday card from a friend or loved one. The connections is what it's all about. Thanks for sharing another great post with us!

sorry - didn't mean to come off offended or rude - I think plenty of people around here will be mentioning your NBC appearance so let it come to you - don't chase it ....

anyway I want to make it up to you so I added you to my famous bloggers listing at

mortgageblog.com

with a link to your site -

all the best!

Craig,you are oh so right. We all see how many times a reader will click but not comment...it's in the comment that you feel appreciated and alive...gives a purpose and inspires as well as just plain FEELS GOOD. To those who comment and are active rain contributors and not just takers...much appreciation and kudos to you. Comments are where it's at!

Active Rain is breeding some great commenters. I forsee a change in the blogging world because of our experiences with comments - and the insightful, warm and fuzzy, educating value that they bring to each post.

Comment it Forward!

I'm really glad for your success, Craig. It couldn't happen to a more deserving person.

Craig-You have given so much to us collectively..perhaps this is our Thank you to You! Congratulations again-

Hi Craig,

Well said. I read your wonderful post while out of town for a few days and couldn't respond at that time. You gave us all inspiration with that blog. And as for the comments, I've learned so much from so many of them.

Thanks again!

I have enjoyed following your posts and found a wealth of information that you have shared. Your graphic says it all with style and simplicity. Hallmark's got nothing on you! Congratulations!

Lisa I like your activerain signature. How did you get that? I must have one!

I hope it's contagious!

We all want to hear nice comments about us or about what we do. Doesn't take much to make you feel good! Thank you!

Patricia Aulson/REALTOR/SEACOAST NH & ME

Craig, I reunited with AR after a short 3 month vacation. Wow, congrats on the exposure. You above anyone else deserve the accolades. I love your passion.

As someone else already said, No, THANK YOU. Your thoughtfulness and kindness seems to know no bounds. Your information is always so well-presented and valuable. I even have a folder of Craig Shiller info in my computer files, and find myself quoting you in conversation. When I first started reading Active Rain, before I joined, I thought you were Active Rain!

Thanks for saying the comments are so affirming, since I haven't made the leap from comments to blogging.

Hope you are enjoying your even greater and well-deserved visibility. Imagine this is an anniversary you'll always remember. Again, congrats on that milestone, as well.

Joan Staker

Wow, a star in our midst!!! Congratulations Craig, and what a wonderful world this would be if you could stage the whole thing!!!!

Craig, you're right about comments - they make us smile and reward us, and are the start of conversations. We generally (at least I do) get more comments here than on my Other blog.

Karen - I like your analogy to a wave Hi or a smile - we do appreciate blogs we read that we don't comment on. Wouldn't make sense to take the room of a comment (and certainly no points intended) but it would be nice if we could just click a button, and for each one of us that clicked it, it would add another Smiley face or Hand, all in a row.

I always look forward to Craig's photos, staging, and suggestions. Glad BNC recognizes you as well.

You are the master of the just slightly irreverent comment. I am SUCH a failure, I can't think of anything irreverent for a comment. Congrats on NBC.

Jay

Well put Craig.

Best,

Sean

Craig, as always, thank you for being a part of the AR community. I am a Realtor who always carries something beneficial from your posts.

It is very clear that you spend time educating people, you certainly deserve the exposure! I think it FABULOUS!

MAR

2007

You just seem to have a knack for making the reader feel special. You deserve all of your success and more!

I don't think I could think of a better person, than you. Congrats again. And keep it up. Soon you'll be famous and I'll be able to say, I knew him when......

You are so right, thank you for getting it to the point.

I didn't see you on TV but I will tel you that I'm a "Newbie" on here and the first Blog I marked to follow was yours!

You write great stuff! Thank you

You're right on the money Craig. It's one thing to be validated by our business successes but another thing to be validated, encouraged and patted on the back by our peers. It's all very motivating and enlightening.

MAR

2007

JOAN... God no , I wasn't ON TV!

I have face for BLOGGING not for TV.

My BLOG was picked up and displayed on their website. THAT's it.

MAR

2007

For me...This is comment #7,016...

Yup. It's magical :)

So who wants to be #7,017? SVW.

TLW...ROAR!

MAR

2007

I am quickly becoming an AR addict! And you're right...my first response from someone raised my spirits and gave me a chance to connect (love that word!) Thanks for putting it into words.

MAR

2007

Craig...I read what Renee wrote..just think of the comments you don't get from people who read what you write and see what you share...and learn and live more beautifully as a result. You have a special Muse. ...congratulations on the NBC zephyr.

APR

2008

Great Comment Graig... You Staged it well. Have a great day!

APR

2008

I am speechless. Another comment that speaks volumes. In a good way of course. And, I like JaneAnne's comment - you have a special MUSE. Thanks for being you and being you here for all of us to share. The whole concept of SHARING started with you on stage it forward. We were all thinking it, wishing for it and there you were with the knowledge that we would all join you in your wish to bring the industry forward without closing ourselves off from each other. Good always expands and blossoms when shared. Craig, we owe you big time. THANKS just isn't enough.

APR

2008

Hi Craig: I most definitely agree with you. Most posts can have a "staged" feel to them, but it is in the comments that both the readers and the writer of the post often write "from the heart." I believe it is there... in the comments... that relationships are both begun and fostered. Thanks for sharing.

What I find less than humorous is that in the comments section of a post about the great value of comments... people still say such inane things as "great post, dude" or write about things that make it very obvious that all they are doing is trying to get in their ten comments a day for their 25 points each. Why do they even bother making comments like that?

Karen: It was a different Active Rain when I posted this blog... over a year ago. But still there are comments that DO matter and connect. MORE people, more to read. It is what it is. But that does not mean it all is contrived. THANKS for your comment. Please keep "bothering" it does matter.

Craig

Craig, I agree with you, I know that being a semi newbie, getting comments makes us keep coming back until the magic happens and you begin to form the friendships and there are so many here on AR that I already feel like I know. What a truly great place AR is.

Hi Craig: Perhaps you misread my comment. I think that comments are extremely valuale, and I continue to make well-thought-out comments to posts, and also do the same back to a comment made on one of my posts.

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