On Thursday we will be kicking off the Localism Sponsorship Land Rush. This will be the official schedule for when you will have access to Sponsor communities/cities on Localism.

Schedule for States/Provinces for Localism Land Rush:

  • July 31st - Washington State
  • August 4th - Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington DC, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Alberta, British Columbia
  • August 5th - Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland
  • August 6th - Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, Nunavat
  • August 7th - New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
  • August 8th - South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, US Virgin Islands, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Day of offering schedule:

On the day your State/Province is scheduled, there will be a timeline based on your ActiveRain points to gain access to the sponsorship interface. We are very appreciative of the members who have supported us all along the way and we want to give them a little bit of a head start on claiming the communities they have put so much effort into building.

On the day your state/province is scheduled:

  1. ActiveRain Members with 200K + points will have access at 12:00pm Pacific Time (3:00pm Eastern Time)
  2. ActiveRain Members with 100K + points will have access at 12:15pm Pacific Time (3:15pm Eastern Time)
  3. ActiveRain Members with  50K + points will have access at 12:30pm Pacific Time (3:30pm Eastern Time)
  4. ActiveRain Members with  10K + points will have access at 12:45pm Pacific Time (3:45pm Eastern Time)
  5. All ActiveRain Members will have access at 1:00pm Pacific Time (4:00pm Eastern Time)

Sponsorship pricing:

The price to sponsor a community/city will be:

  • 1-10 communities/cities sponsored = $9 per community/city sponsored per month
  • 11-25 communities/cities sponsored = $8 per community/city sponsored per month
  • 26+ communities/cities sponsored = $7 per community/city sponsored per month

Community/City sponsorships will be offered on a month-to-month basis and you can cancel at any time prior to the beginning of the next month.

Payment Options:

Payment will be accepted with credit card. Visa, Mastercard or AMEX.

Why the price drop?

Since we've launched, we've been dilegently reading your comments and concerns. We've taken them back to our brain trust to see what type of solutions we can come up with. What we've come back is nothing short of mind numbing. Jonathan will be creating a post that he will have up tomorrow that gives a sneak preview of the changes that will be up by the end of August, coinciding with the release of Localism to the public......which will highlight some changes to the sponsorship area.

What cities are we able to sponsor directly?

You will be able to sponsor a city directly if the city population is under 40,000 people based on the census data from the 2000 United States Census.  All the cities that have populations over 40,000 according to US census data will not have a direct sponsor option.

In the cities with over 40,000 residents, the person that has the most community sponsorships on the first day of the month will get an automatic sponsorship of the city. These automatic sponsorships will start September 1st.

Here is a link to a spreadsheet of Cities over 40,000 people that won't have a direct sponsorship option

Where do I go to sponsor?

(you will need to log in with your AR user name and password. Make sure to use NO CAPS for your user name)

 

**** The launch for the state of Washington on July 31st will take place for everyone at 12:00pm Pacific Time as we will not have the infrastructure in place to stagger the start times.

Do you care what I'm doing and thinking? (I can not for the life of me imagine why) If you do, you can find me on some of these places........but remember, if you are offended by anything you see or hear, I didn't force you to follow me!!:

 

Follow Me on Twitter   Follow Me on Facebook   Lets get Linkedin   My Outside Blog   Follow my Photo Stream on Flickr   Watch my Crazy Movies on YouTube

 

 
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Posts to Localism
Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: The New Localism

324 Comments on Localism Sponsorship Land Rush Schedule

JUL
29
2008
604,833 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog


"I have linked to a spreadsheet here that will let you know if you can sponsor your city directly."

Where???

"If you DO NOT see your city on this list, then you will be able to directly sponsor the city. All the cities on that list have populations over 40,000 according to US census data and therefore you will not be able to directly sponsor them."

huh?

 

8:34pm • #4
281,906 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob,

Here is an issue that I posted to Rich on his post...going Loco...

The cities posted here that are supposedly in Coral Springs is in need of attention.

I tried to highlight, however it didn't come over from word...the comment's are there though.

I still am concerned that once an agent purchases a community or city...no one else will ever have the chance to occupy that area.  Here in Fort Lauderdale, there are many AR agents...I wish this was monthly so we could all...share the Love...

See my concerns...I don't know who is in charge of this, so I'm showing this to you as well.

Thanks for all the work...you'll get this working fine...change is always a nusense in the beginning...

Just running through these quickly...there are many error's here.  I only highlighted the ones that I knew were blatantly not in Coral Springs, however with a little coaxing, I could get back to you on the rest...most of the unhighlighted ones are either in Coral Springs or Margate (another city).

Scott Daniels area is Cooper City.

OK, I highlighted them in red in my word, however the red didn't come over, however, see the comments.

This has huge discrepancies.

8:38pm • #6
189,650 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Looking forward to this event. Thank you Bob.

8:45pm • #7
Localism Sponsor

This is great information.  It should be interesting, I was thinking that it all was happening on August 1!???

8:45pm • #8
566,742 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Crap, I have a Ann Arbor Area Board of Directors meeting at the time slot given for Ann Arbor. yikes I'll figure it out. Thanks for the heads up !

8:47pm • #9
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob, I have a small request.  Can you all keep us posted on how it goes the first couple of days?  Texas is on the last day, will be interested to see how it goes.

8:50pm • #10
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Since there will undoubtedly be a feeding frenzy by the 49 people in my state who have more points than myself, I'm not holding my breath that my community will still be available.  How will you be notifying people if a community is not renewed month by month?

8:53pm • #11
281,906 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Missy,

With all your techno-savy skills...don't you have a way to set up your computer to send the email and credit card number on a timer?  If I knew how to do something like that I would...

8:55pm • #12
566,742 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Karen, LOL, automatically send my cc ??? no don't think so......................

8:59pm • #13

Maureen,

The link of what cities are over 40,000 according to US census data will be up a little later this evening. I'm sorry, I was waiting to get it in a readable format but didn't want to hold off any longer on letting people know the schedule.

9:04pm • #14
281,906 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Missy,

That was meant as a figure of speech...in other words...I'm trying to say, if there is a way for you to figure out how to send in your request on time (with some sort of payment) only you could figure it out. LOL

9:12pm • #15

Karen,

Do me a favor, let's have a chat tomorrow on the phone and I will see what I can do about cleaning that area up. My last post also asked for people to report errors on Localism so you may consider posting there as our programmers will be looking at it to clean some discrepancies up.

9:21pm • #16
528,054 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Nice to see the new pricing. I just hope the national media doesn't run with a headline like "Localism prices plunge 40% overnight!" A payment question ... how do we make the initial payment and subsequent monthly payments?

And for all of my ActiveRain friends -- the Nevada land rush just happens to fall on my birthday. So you can shop right where you do your blogging! :)

9:25pm • #17
281,906 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

OK Bob, I'm with a customer from 1 - 4 pm EST, so perhaps after that?

I'll try and find your post you are referring to...If I can't I'll write back.  Thanks!  Hug's to Kelan!

UPDATE TO BOB: Found the post and the information is there, thanks.

9:26pm • #18

John,

The payment will be made with a credit card and will be set to recur monthly. Should someone decide to cancel, they just need contact us prior to the next month and we will stop the payment for the next month. At that point, the city/community becomes open for someone else to sponsor.

9:28pm • #19
132,934 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob - It's late for me here.... I am either brain dead or just blonde.   Reading this put me in a panic mode.  Where's my date book.....   (big smile here).  I made myself a sticky note.

9:28pm • #20
475,168 Points 41 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Thanks for giving us more details.  I trust you guys to do the right thing for all of your fans!

9:35pm • #21
8 Featured Posts

Bob~I've got my alarm clock, Blackberry timer and every buzzer I own set to the Florida release time. I'm wondering if I eat spaghetti and "carb load" beforehand, will it help me to secure my communities :) Just kidding...I feel like this is the night before a big marathon! Thanks for keeping us all in the loop!

9:55pm • #22
281,906 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

LaShawn,

Don't we have to wait until August 5th for Florida to roll out? Or did I read this post wrong?

10:02pm • #24
143,770 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob,

Thanks for the post. This is very beneficial in understanding how the program will be rolled out. Also, kudos to the brain trust for hearing our pleas.

10:05pm • #25
183,051 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Bob...Would you mind reminding me (maybe many others) how we actually let you know which places we would like to buy/rent/lease/adopt/whatever.

Thanks,

Kate

10:10pm • #26
132,277 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Glad you let us know in time to change our calendars. I had this Thursday blocked off; now I'm searching for the 6th.

Is there any thought to buying a county? My two primary counties - one has 33,000 oeople in it and the other one less than that!

10:16pm • #27
138,892 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob,

Do you have any limitations with regard to sponsorship of regions as pertains to the person's actual physical address or farm area.  Meaning- I would assume that you can only sponsor counties- areas that you actually live/work in.

 

If you have answered this question before, my apologies.  Please confirm as it gets hard to keep up with the information from post to post.

10:24pm • #29
247,665 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Wahoo very exciting I had the 31st on my ical now I will make sure to change my date and time for my state.

10:25pm • #30
Localism Sponsor

What is the situation in small towns and communities? What if a community is not recognized?

10:28pm • #31

Kate,

You will be going to Localism.com, logging in there, then at the top there will be a link for 'sponsor a community'. We'll get a post together tomorrow that shows off the sponsorship interface and gives very specific instructions on how you will interact with it.

Debbie,

You are the second person that has brought this up. At this point the answer is 'not much thought'. It has been discussed briefly by our team and we are trying to figure out the solution. To me, it makes sense to allow County level sponsorships of smaller counties throughout the country.

For the launch next week, there will not be an ability to sponsor counties. We will certainly try to come up with something right away.

10:28pm • #32
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Look forward to more info, is this making sense to everyone but me?

10:29pm • #33
163,405 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

I'm very happy to see the price change!  Thanks guys.. I love AR!

10:36pm • #34
676,446 Points 145 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob - first it was cool to meet you at Bloggers Connect. Sorry we did not have time to chat more.

Second - this looks good at first glance, i say that only becuase I haven't had time to look closer, but it seems to be fair way to allow folks who may be interested to have access to sponsorships. I'm sure we will have some glitches along the way, but we really appreciate the fact hat AR has been listening to our thoughts, comments and concerns.

Jeff

10:36pm • #35
413,828 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks Bob!  I heard that there was going to be a breakdown of points but, not states--glad to know it!   I was JUST about to reschedule something for Thursday to make SURE that I got on to 'claim' my neighborhoods--glad to know that I don't have to now!

Debe in Charlotte

10:37pm • #36
267,095 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob - thank you to the Active Rain team for continuing to listen, adjust and explain - it will be interesting to see how things progress - feeling much happier - thanks to all.  

10:38pm • #37
183,051 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Bob...I just copied your response to me in a document along with Virginia's release date.  This will be printed out and taped to my computer screen.

If, however, I somehow don't notice it come August 8th (by then I will be completely ignoring it unintentionally) please give me a call about 10 minutes ahead of time. 

I'm sure you have nothing better to do and that will take a load off my shoulders.   Oh, and please mention that to the rest of the folks at AR.

Many, many thanks in advance.

Kate

 

10:41pm • #38
281,906 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob,

Sponsoring a county??? OMG, let me think Broward in Florida... WOW...I'd have to sell my last child for afford that!  That's just overboard...and if you would allow someone to sponsor the whole county and monopolize it for months on end....uh oh...I think you'd lose quite a few members...JMHO.

11:33pm • #41
JUL
30
2008

Katerina,

Matt is working on it right now for me. I should have it up in a little bit, hopefully the next hour.

12:01am • #43

Karen,

When we are talking about sponsoring counties, we are speaking about counties that as a whole have less than 40K people. Again, I'm not sure how that will play out. For now, sponsoring counties is off the table, but we will visit it again soon.

12:03am • #44
130,772 Points 13 Featured Posts

Dang. On 8/4 I'm on my way to Kauai and so  by the time I arrive it will be 4 hours past my call-in time. Can you change the schedule for August 4th - Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington DC, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Alberta, British Columbia? It would sure be more convenient for me and I will be honked off if somebody else gets my areas. Oh well, I'll just have to give it a shot when I get there and see what's left. Darn girlfriend just HAS to get married then - it sure jacks my localism sponsorship.

12:10am • #46
281,906 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Gene,

Congrat's...maybe someone else (a secretary or good friend) could do it for you...  good luck!

12:36am • #47
578,415 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob... I'm a night owl, so can you do a special for Georgia in the middle of the night? 

Seriously, thanks for the heads up.  I do have some questions that I will need to address with you before the roll out. 

Thank you my friend.

12:36am • #48
347,267 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I am uncertain what areas of the city will be available.  Hopefully that will be cleared up soon.

1:02am • #49

Here is a link to the list of cities with populations over 40,000 people according to US census data. These cities will not have a direct sponsorship option. Cities on this list will automatically be sponsored by the person sponsoring the most communities within the city.

1:09am • #50
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Thanks for posting the timeline and pricing, much appreciated!

 

1:15am • #51

Bob - I almost clicked on the box to notify me of new comments! Whew, that was close. 

Three words come to mind here WHAT A RUSH!  What an exciting time for us all, to finally be able to see Localism become more than a beta, and finally realized.  Looking forward to it!! 

BTW - Can I sponsor some communities and neighborhoods, or are employees and their families exempt?  I know we said any member could purchase right?  I'm still an active member you know. 

I see a great way I could use this to benefit many neighborhoods around my area.  I wouldn't even ask for an employee discount :-O 

OK...yes I would.  :-)

1:23am • #52
226,579 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I know this has probably been covered elsewhere but I've been off fishing... Priorities ya know.  I noticed on localism there are only two posts up... the two I blogged today and yesterday.  Will all our old localism posts show up or do we need to go back in and recheck the new boxes and repost? 

2:06am • #54

Great info and a wonderful concept.  I'm looking forward to sponsoring my town!  

3:55am • #55

Hi Bob,

I'm not a member yet, but as someone who has two sites under development right now that will feature exclusive-rights licensed territories (Zip codes, in my case), I'm watching the Land Rush unfold with great interest, and taking lots of notes.

To solve the issue of not being able to give Washington's higher point earners a head start, why not stick a password protected "doorway" in front of the Land Rush page, then give everyone who's earned over 10,000 points (only 165 people, by my quick count here, http://activerain.com/states/WA ) one of 3 passwords for >100,000; >50,000; and >10,000 (nobody in WA is >200,000 points, it appears), and then activate each of the 3 passwords at 15 minute intervals?

It seems to me you'd want the Land Rush stuff password protected anyway, otherwise you're likely to have tons of people showing up at other than their appointed times - like half the community or more, at noon on Thurs., just to have a look - which could prove taxing on the servers.

 

I also sincerely hope the decision to slice the pie as thin as the "community" level doesn't come back to bite you too hard, given how arbitrary and subjective definitions of a community can be (it's why I settled for Zip codes - no ambiguity).

 For example, in Jon's post here, http://activerain.com/blogsview/586195/Localism-Q-A-Official, he says in part, "For example one person could sponsor "Queen Anne" Seattle, and someone else could create and sponsor "North Queen Anne" Seattle."

Not knowing Seattle from Singapore, I googled "Queen Anne, Seattle", & found this Wikipedia entry, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne,_Seattle,_Washington.  Its second paragraph begins, "As a neighborhood toponym, Queen Anne can refer either to the entire hill or to the central residential and business district at the top of the hill.

Will someone sponsoring Queen Anne, believing it to be "the entire hill", be able to fend off a later sponsor who comes along wanting to take some lower portion of the hill, since he believes that Queen Anne is only "the central residential and business district at the top of the hill"?  Would Jon's "North Queen Anne, Seattle" really just be something that someone arbitrarily "creates" (Jon's word)?  Would the holder of Queen Ann somehow be able to fend off such an appropriation?

Sorry this got so long - I love what you've done with AR, and wish you all the best with Localism too, and I'll be joining soon.

 

Jeff in San Diego

Jeff in San Diego
4:49am • #56
275,946 Points 42 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

And the excitement is mounting!   Thanks for thinking this through in such detail.  I know trhere is a little apprehension out there.  Hopefully it will all go smoothy.

5:08am • #57
242,742 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob, thanks for defining how this will go down. Can you provide us with clear instructions on how we will sign up....I am guessing it will be on our new localism platform webpage for our area......where the "sponsor a community" link is located at the top of the "Localism Page"....in my case "Redding, CA" and then "Shasta County, CA".

Clicking "sponsor a community" for Redding, CA will allow me to select neighborhoods in my city of Redding which is over 40,000 and then go to the County level to select surrounding cities in my area? Is this correct?

Excited! If we only have 15 minutes....I don't want to blow it!

Jeanean

5:12am • #58
160,172 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob,  Thanks for the list with dates and times!  I am getting my shopping list ready.  Parking for further instructions:)

5:51am • #59
270,988 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog

BOB - Thanks for the information.  Do you have any idea when the layout issues are going to be resolved with Localism and the outside blogs?  Many of my AR posts are still getting cut off.  Ironically, the most important posts that I do specifically for the consumers (market reports) cannot be read.  Any timeline for this to be fixed?

5:52am • #60
408,296 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I'll have to revisit this...I'll probably forget the dates...I think my areas are over the 40K.

6:39am • #61
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Widow Maker aka Bob Stewart...

I'm just going to park. Obviously you have your hands full in here :)

TLW...ROAR!

7:17am • #62
224,760 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thank you for the clarification...seems fair to me.

7:18am • #63
424,663 Points 47 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob thanks for the heads up on the schedule for the new localism.

7:19am • #64

Sounds to me like it is time to go shopping...Hmm.. Hey Bob, nice looking post.  I like how you used different sized fonts...can you tell me where you learned how to do this? :P

8:01am • #66
186,047 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bad idea, let me translate, people like me with 50,000 something points really do not have a chance to buy communities.

But the guy with nearly 200,000 points that posted only  jokes and nothing real estate related can buy up the whole neighborhood. Guess I do not have to wake up early that day. . . . Am I missing something?

I know you can't please everybody, but this is getting . . . .

Guess we just have to wait and see.

8:03am • #67
218,869 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob - I am starting to feel as if a lot of my hard work on AR is about to go down the drain. I do not work Knoxville, Nashville or any of the area's you have for TN, in fact they are over an hour away, some up to 4 hours away. Knoxville is Jim Lee's turf and I don't want to take an area away from him he works daily to get a pick of the litter for TN.  I have spent many long days and nights tagging for Crossville. I understand we are not population 40,000 and I understand you guys are still trying to iron out the corks but a lot of hard work will end up no-where for me...I have received a lot of business off of AR from my area and as an agent here in my area with nearly 160,000 pts, #1 for my county and close to 70 listings ..I feel my area is needed and deserved !

Thanks for a lot of hard work on all your ends, I know it has not been easy.

8:14am • #68
278,609 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Melissa, I think you misunderstood...you CAN sponsor smaller communities under 40,000 just not large towns/cities on the list so maybe you can sponsor all of Crossville?

Bob, thanks for all of this...I'm curious is our Login infor on Localism is the same as AR?  I am heading over to check it out.

9:19am • #69
Localism Sponsor

Bob,

Thanks for this post clarifying everything. One slight request....I'm in a smaller area with not quite as much competition, and I'm a bit newer on Rain,  so instead of 10k pts I have 3600 and change. I'm in for the long haul and the points I have, have taken a fair amount of time and effort. I don't like the idea of people in my area who have 250 points for signing up and creating a profile and then being on the same playing field.  Is there any way to have a 3,000 point cut off as well?

 

9:43am • #70
139,513 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob,

I am confused - (not the first time) - does this mean that someone with more points in my county or state can sponsor my city, which is only about 20K population?  Or can they sponsor a community or subdivision in my city, even if they haven't posted there?

10:43am • #72
578,415 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

BTW, making the list searchable by state would be good...  I appreciate the info, but it is a PITA right now.

10:52am • #73
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Okay Widow Maker...

I just finished reading every single comment and all I can do is shake my head back and forth :)

TLW...ROAR!

11:04am • #74
228,986 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Seriously ... What is Localism?
11:05am • #75

I'm just catching up on all the comments and will be back shortly to answer any questions. I'm also wishing I was Paul and had no idea what was going on......things are so much better that way :-)

11:07am • #76
421,654 Points 81 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob, it looks like you've thought of everything, and I appreciate the respect you're showing to people who have blogged their little hearts out on ActiveRain.  We all started at zero - not just Anne (above) - and most earned their points through consistent qualty participation.

11:17am • #77
389,518 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks for the information.  I should be over 100K by then.

11:20am • #78
186,047 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Margaret, you are missing my point. I think it is great when people get rewarded for their efforts and I realize how much work and energy is involved in getting 100,000 or 200,000 or more points.

The one thing I have a problem with is that people who earned (better word is got)  their points by copy and past now get rewarded!

Anne

11:32am • #79

Brad Andersohn,

I will be sponsoring Qwest Field, the home of the Seahawks. And each and every week during the season I will be bringing to the world the sights and sounds of our tailgate party and the action from the game.........

Jesse,

I have gone back and caught up your content through March. We are trudging back though a lot of content so I apologize for the delay. The market report and listing posts aren't going to show up on the main city and community pages. A separate page is being created for Real Estate specific content as we speak. As long as the posts are tagged correctly, they will filter over the the 'Fairbanks Real Estate' page of Localism when the time comes.

Jeff in San Diego,

Password protected may work.....I'll have to figure out how to get the password out to the WA folks....hmmmm.

On the community level stuff......Our goal with Localism is to allow people (not just ActiveRain members, but in a month ANYONE) to go as granular as they want. If someone wants to create a hospital as a community and people from that hospital want to blog about events, or the new doctor that joined the team, or the spaghetti fund raiser, then they can. Maybe no one sponsors it, but the members of that hospital community still have a place to congregate online.

The sponsorshp does not entitle anyone to leads, or control of an area. It allows them to write the description for that area, and provide three links, two of which need be non-commercial. It also allows them to be a central point for discussions that will take place around that community. If next month, a florist decides that he identifies more with "North Queen Anne" specifically and wants to start a community based on that, then he/she can do so. Who will benefit? Those that identify more directly with "North Queen Anne" and would rather get news, events, and neighborhood talk about their specific area of Queen Anne. We believe we have priced the communities at such a point that the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks....and being month to month, if someone wants to give up their sponsorship of "Queen Anne" because they feel it was diluted because, "Lower Queen Anne", "Upper Queen Anne" and "The Seattle Center" (which is in Lower Queen Anne) have been created, then all they have to do is let us know. It will go back into the pool and The owner of ChopStix Bar and Grill can sponsor it next month and write the description, and include two non-commercial links and a link to his restaurant.

We understood the implications that "community" is arbitrary. We looked at that as a positive thing. For instance, I will be attempting to sponsor "Qwest Field" (where the Seahawks play). Qwest Field is located in the Sodo neighborhood of Seattle. But I think there is enough interest specific to Qwest that people will want to contribute, engage, and connect specifically around Qwest Field as a single landmark. I could go on and on.......Golf Courses, Universities, Office Buildings, Farmer's Markets, Stadiums, Resorts.........and of course the more natural real estate tie ins, Sub divisions, Apartment Complexes, Condo Complexes......Community means different things to different people.

11:41am • #80
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob, so what I'm hearing there is that I can create a 'green' community?  The psychological meaning of it, not color, not neighborhood...

11:45am • #81

Jeanean,

We will have a post out today (tomorrow at the latest) that will show off the sponsorship interface and give more specific instructions. Essentially, you will go to Localism, log in there (with your same user name and password as ActiveRain) and once in any city/state/county/community page there will be a link. In that link will be a very user friendly interface. Like I said, we'll show it off here shortly.

Adam,

Soon, but probably not soon enough for somoene doing amazing Localism posts everyday. My guess is 30 days. We may be able to get a preview screen in the AR blog builder sooner. Expect to see everything get more narrow (ActiveRain included).

Jeremy,

Some hacker stumbled across that feature and let me know ;-)

Anne,

I'm going to have to call you personally and see if we can work something out. I understand your frustration particular to your market. Let's get on the phone today and talk. I'll call you a little while, or feel free to call me. 425.216.2754

Melissa,

If Crossville is under 40K people, you will be able to sponsor it directly, which means you can sponsor the city level of Crossville for $9/month.

Diane,

Yes, the login for Localism is the same as your login for ActiveRain

11:52am • #82
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

"Widow Maker" (Bob Stewart)...

Ignorance is bliss only in your dreams...Baby...Only in your dreams :)

TLW...ROAR!

11:57am • #83

Dan O'Halloran,

I'll see if we can get something in place for people who have done something, versus those that have just set up an account. It will depend on how far Jorgen is along with the code at this point.

Virginia,

Theoretically yes they could. However, with only 15 minutes between start times, I would imagine that those above you will be focused on the areas that they actually work. The notion that someone can sponsor a community, write the description for it and then sit back and watch the leads pour in is far fetched (not that you have that notion). Sponsorship of a community is like MSG in food. MSG helps bring out the flavor in food. If the flavor of the food is bad, then MSG only amplifies that. A sponsorship of your community helps to highlight the additional content that you provide to bring that community to life. Mearly sponsoring a community and never contributing content to that community is not going to be effective.

Lane,

If you mean the list that I posted regarding cities over 40K, sorry, it's in alphabetical order. What is PITA? you lost me on that one.......

Stephanie,

You can create a "Living Green in Woodlands" community if you wanted, you bet.

 

12:05pm • #84
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks Bob, it would actually be Houston.  I'm going to change my profile to there.  At what point will we be able to create communities?

I know many AR members that will be excited about this news.  Thanks a million.

12:07pm • #85
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Just wanted to let you know that I'm doing Cartwheels right now. ;0)

12:10pm • #86

TLW,

I dream about ignorance every night! It's a recurring dream where I am running down a hallway and ticked off ActiveRain members are standing on each side of the hall and they are swinging paddles.....luckily, my rear is so bruised and swollen that I can no longer feel the next swat, the ignorance manifests itself because I have no idea they are swinging anymore, I'm just sprinting to the finish line where there are lots of happy ActiveRainers waiting congratulate us for an awesome new tool to help them reach into their communities and engage their neighbors.

12:14pm • #87
139,513 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob - That is a real bummer - I guess I better work on Plan B!

12:19pm • #88

Stephanie,

You can actually create communities right now from the ActiveRain blog writing console. You don't have to actually post a blog, you can just go in there and go to the bottom, where you do the geographical tagging. If you select Texas, then the County, then Houston, it will then give you a list of neighborhoods....as well as an option to 'create a neighborhood'. Once you do that, it may take a little bit to show up on Localism (30 minutes tops, I believe)

However, in the sponsorship interface, there will also be an ability to create a new community, and grab the sponsorship of it right when you create it.........and in the very near future the ability to create new communities directly through Localism will be in place as well, where you can create it, but don't have to sponsor it.

12:19pm • #89
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob,  so within Active Rain right now we could be adding communities ourselves where they need to be?  I know there is a conversation on one of your posts about it now...about what is wrong and what is not there...

And, Thanks for the explanation.

12:23pm • #90

Virginia,

Maybe I am just naive, but I can't understand why it's a bummer? If you weren't planning on sponsoring the city of Mesquite, then any of the other 18 people in the city would have a chance, but they wouldn't have that chance until after you. Are you concerned that someone from Vegas with more points than you may potentially want to sponsor Mesquite? I'm only looking at a google map but it looks to be at least 50 miles from Mesquite. You are welcome to give me a call, maybe something is getting lost in the translation. 425.216.2754

12:24pm • #91
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

That cracked me up...

It's waaaaaaaay better than the one I had where Gracious was following me around bugging the hell outta me while I was a hostess at a wake :)

P.S. Step awaaaaaaaaaaaay from the Red Bull 2 hours before bedtime :)

TLW...ROAR!

12:35pm • #92
330,853 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Some of us will just have to watch the process, I guess we can look through the crumbs to spend some money.Good luck to everyone else. IT WILL BE INTERESTING!!!

12:40pm • #93
226,579 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks Bob.  I figured you guys were working on it.  I mean, it's not like you have anything else to do but work on my localism posts, right?  I do love being special. haha

1:10pm • #94
317,241 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

just 10,000 happy bows of appreciation...and a good night's sleep! ONWARD!

1:12pm • #95
309,509 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Great job with the schedule - I have to laugh though at all of us rearranging schedules for this!

1:19pm • #96

Leesa,

You know, I would have to laugh too if I didn't feel just a bit uncomfortable with the notion. I wish there was an easier way where we didn't have to interupt everyone's schedule. Believe me, we put our heads together on this for hours on end to try to come up with the least painful process.

1:23pm • #97
203,201 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Thanksk for clarifying a lot of questions I have. As a newer blogger, this is very exciting.

1:25pm • #98
236,625 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I just need to remember that I am in Alaska right now and 1 hour behind Washington!! I think I will change all my cloccks here so I don't miss the noon roll out!

2:17pm • #99
Localism Sponsor

Thanks for the reminder Bob,

It will be very interesting to see how fast these go.

2:31pm • #100
158,291 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Looks like I need to start training for the race!

Tina in Virginia

2:42pm • #101

Am I reading right?  I am in Massachusetts and I can't sponsor a city until August 5.  I sent an email because I am away in New Orleans.  I am not taking my lap top.  I really want to sponsor my town.  Is there anything I can do?

2:44pm • #102

I can't wait...I am on it at 12:45!  Thanks again for the heads up!

2:44pm • #103
236,625 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Casey - read the last line - those is WA will be live at noon for everyone. Don't watn you to miss out.

2:52pm • #104
580,881 Points 82 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob...

I believe that you have made this as fair as possible.

3:25pm • #106
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Widow Maker (Bob Stewart)...

Progress that comes with rewards is always painful. Always :)

P.S. You need not reply. Keep doing what you're doing. I'm enjoying coming in and responding to things you've teed up. I sometimes think you do it on purpose :)

TLW...ROAR!

3:28pm • #107
259,296 Points 30 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Can Californians call you too :)  I have a question......

3:30pm • #108
455,660 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob - Thanks for this update it did answer some of my question and I think this is a much better way to do it.  I know why I like you, you know how to listen to concerns.  This was a tremendous undertaking but will work out find in the long run.  I will take a look at my area and try to help clean it up, there are some errors that will have to be addressed.

Thank you all for your hard work

3:35pm • #109
228,986 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Anyone else feel like going after Qwest Field, or is that just me?

3:37pm • #110
225,755 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I knew something was changing about Localism...now I have the full scoop!  My goodness...sounds like a big rush !

Thanks,

Tom Davis

World Class Delaware Realtor

3:52pm • #111
156,014 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Unfortunately being a newbie with only 40,000 points I don't think that I have a prayer to get my community even though I am 4th in my city.  That being said, I do think its fair to reward hard work and longevity.  I just wish that I had discovered Active Rain earlier.  I will still post to Localism and try to get recognized that way.

3:57pm • #112
161,214 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I didn't know where to send this...but I saw others posting localism "neighborhood" errors. Two things you need to know about White Plains.

Just so you guy's know, there are two big mistakes in White Plains, NY.

1. Greenburgh = the town that abuts White Plains. It contains numerous villages and is a monster of complexity. One small section on the White Plains border has the White Plains P.O.  which is probably how the mistake was made. It probably needs to be  under White Plains.  I can't think where else you can put it.  It has two zip codes and one of those zips it shares with downtown White Plains.  I think of the whole section as one big "no man's land."

This issue is kind of critical because it messes up buyers and creates a ton of confusion already.  People think they are buying "White Plains" and they aren't.  A few not so honest agents don't point out the obvious.  Most figure it out, but some......well....big trouble.  There are tax issues and school system issues that aren't to be taken lightly.  I don't know about liabiity, but to be sure I would work on this ASAP. It probably belongs under White Plains but it has be clearly denoted as Greenburgh...Maybe "White Plains P.O./Greenburgh municipality" Long, but it leaves no doubts. Usually these are listed on MLS as "White Plains P.O."  I find many buyers don't get what that means. When agents don't "clarify" the P.O. caveat  - it can be a mess.

Sorry - long - but it is complicated.  I should add that there is no "Greenburgh P.O." and that I really don't know of anyone who would serach for homes under "Greenburgh."  They think in terms of the villages - which is how you have it.

2. North Broadway is not a neighborhood.  It's a street.  I mentioned it as a dividing line, hence the confusion - but it really is a portion of Downtown White Plains.  The archtitecture changes because the buildings are older and smaller and have large setbacks on one side of the street and the new construction with high-risers is concentrated on the other side.  But every Realtor and resident thinks of it as one neighborhood and would find that designation very confusing. It would also change people's perception of price and value to create that artifical neighborhood on North Broadway.  Everything is priced as per downtown White Plains.  You'd have anyone trying to sell on Broadway pretty ticked off!

4:16pm • #113
226,579 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Paul... hands off... I'm going for Quest Field... or possibly North Quest Field. 

4:28pm • #114
255,342 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob, we are not confined to cities within our "noted" counties are we? I will be able to sponsor a city that I target outside Walker County, right? How will we choose our options for cities?

Thanks for helping me get my ducks in a row!

Later in the rain~Deb

4:34pm • #115

Bob,

I will try again, my wife and i are the featured agents in eagle, idaho, but when you attempt to go there... ie type eagle, idaho, no worky, as the # 1  agents in the area with active rain we sure wish someone would fix it soon.  We have sent several requests... yet still no worky.

PLEASE HELP!

In advance... thank you for fixing it.

Jaret Ghent
4:36pm • #116
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

All of what's going on with Localism I can summarize in one word EPIC. I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow and best of luck to everyone.

 

 

5:19pm • #117
300,784 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Did anyone tell you that link is not working... actually, the link works, but the document is squeezed together.

5:40pm • #118
595,160 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Okay....I got IT now...thanks Stephanie for explaining to me...and Bob for responding here. I've gotten so many answers on simple questions on WHAT is Localism.

5:44pm • #119

Bob,

Thanks for the reply.  With almost 20 hours to go, I'm confident your crack team can devise a way to implement the password protection, and e-mail out passwords to the 165 or so Washingtonians who've amassed > 10,000 points.

 

And just to clarify my comment about going with the community level, and having it "come back to bite you" - first, let me say I think it's both a bold, and a brave move.  I was thinking of the "How to Catch a Monkey" parable, http://www.boyscouttrail.com/content/minute/minute-324.asp, and the maelstrom that might ensue when the guy who thinks he's got all of a "Queen Anne", sees it being carved up into ever smaller pieces.

 

However, after reading your reply to TLW about your recurring "Hallway Gauntlet" dream, it sounds like you might already be steeled for it.

 

Lastly, when you go for Qwest Field, I'd suggest that you also consider popping for "The Luxury Suites / Skyboxes at Qwest Field", lest somebody else attempt to swoop in and grab them out from under you - someone might be able to present a pretty convincing case that they constitute a separate and distinct market/community, as compared to just the regular old, run-of-the-mill seats that most Average Joes might be able to afford and obtain.

Jeff in San Diego
6:32pm • #120

sounds great....I' ve got it!  Waiting for my day and time!

 

Paula

6:56pm • #121
2 Featured Posts

Well I'm happy AR figured out a way to monetize their efforts.  It looks like there are a lot of people interested in paying for the sponsored spots, best of luck to all of you, Daniel

7:33pm • #122

Bob,

Much appreciate the information. I had no idea it'd roll out this way - staggered based on points. I thought it was going to be based on first come, first serve. I'm in the teens in Dallas, TX (there are a LOT of us on there, so I think that's pretty good), but only have 5k+ points. The city I really want to sponsor is under 40k in population, but I doubt I'll even get a crack at it! I guess as devil's advocate, do you think you'll lose people who deliver quality content, but not jokes, off topic rants, etc. if it's pay to play based on points? Like taking their content and charging them back for it. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate what you guys are doing and the opportunity it provides. I just wonder what this will do for the community? Will it actually strengthen it doing it this way?

Thanks!

Terri

 

 

7:58pm • #123

I'm going to lend my voice to the chorus who says the content on Localism will be compromised by this sponsorship action.  I sure don't want to be putting the effort into writing good content just to have customers click on the sponsorship agent thinking they wrote it.  I understand the revenue side of things, but I believe you'll compromise the value of the product.  Just my two cents.

11:05pm • #124
JUL
31
2008
110,135 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I was wondering how you were going to keep the system from crashing as everyone grabbed at the same time; now I see the staggering....that's why they pay you the big bucks Bob :-)

12:20am • #125
228,986 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I pulled a hammy.  I demand the land rush be pushed back until I get it rehabbed.  Should be about 6-8 weeks.  Cool?

12:49am • #126

Thanks for posting the schedule by states. I was really beginning to panic how this would work with so many people trying to sponsor a community.  Now I just have to make sure I remember my date and time. 

12:55am • #127
Localism Sponsor

Thanks so much Bob! Hopefully I caught you guys just in time.

Dan

7:09am • #128

I want Naples Florida and I don't see it on the spread sheet so can I have it?

Thanks Ginny Lee

www.1floridahome.com

Ginny Lee
8:22am • #129
3 Featured Posts

Bob and all the rest of you guys at AR, I just had to get back on this commenting frenzie to thank you again for all that you have created.  There are a ton of advertising venues that would love to have people fighting so hard for a spot in their media.  It is a testament to the incredible nature of what you have created.  I trust that you will continue to make it a valuable resource to all who chose to participate.

 

"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do."
Benjamin Franklin

These are not my words, but they are wise indeed.

9:31am • #130

thanks for the scedule everbody in my office kept saying today.

10:38am • #131
184,497 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Not sure if this post is still being monitored, but I have a question.  I checked the city list and as it happens, my city is 40,560 (or close).  Are exceptions being made when it's a close call like this one?

10:45am • #132

This has got to be the wildest conversational thread I've read in a long time... I love what you guys did to address so many concerns. Thank you.

11:24am • #133
312,245 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

The above comment was mine. Seems the server is kicking people out again (LOL).

11:27am • #134
271,541 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog

...on your mark... get set.... GO!  (Oh, I have to wait until 12:30). LOL

12:42pm • #136
156,848 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I am looking very forward to it.  I just hope the site doesn't crash with the rush.  Now I have to wait till August 6th AAAARRGH.  I was biting at the bit till today. 

12:59pm • #137
676,446 Points 145 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

What will the payment options be for sponsorships?

Jeff

12:59pm • #138
156,848 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob another question being as that there is no one in our town with more then say 24K points is there some way that people from other areas are kept from hijacking the best area's in other towns?

1:01pm • #139
236,625 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Jeff, this is what is listed above. I didn't see it at first either :)

 

Payment Options:

Payment will be accepted with credit card. Visa, Mastercard or AMEX.

1:18pm • #140
2 Featured Posts

good to know us in the peanut gallery are being listened to, i am hopeful this all works out for the best

1:19pm • #141

Jeff,

I amended the post to include payment options. But payment will be taken by Visa, Mastercard or AMEX.

Larry,

Unfortunately, no. I again go back to the notion that simply sponsoring a community is not going to allow one to sit back and rake in the leads. If this was the case, we would probably have to charge more :-)

I know there are other questions on here that I haven't answered. I will come back soon and catch up.......I just wanted to jump in and answer Jeff's question quickly. Then Larry's question was there, so I answered that one too.

 

1:20pm • #142
236,625 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Well, got the proxy error - and a redirect - and now an error message.

2:04pm • #143
2 Featured Posts

I just picked up the 1st community in Whatcom County. My office location of Fairhaven is all mine!

Now what is up with the region description? Is that something that I can go back and change later? Do I need to complete this for my sponsorship to show up?

2:06pm • #144
236,625 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I must have broke Washington :) - Bob, still no can do. Thanks for the help.

2:17pm • #147
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Help!  Nothing is happening...need a SUBMIT button on the credit card info, and also need the drop down boxes for city and county to work...

2:18pm • #148
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Help!  Nothing is happening...need a SUBMIT button on the credit card info, and also need the drop down boxes for city and county to work...

2:18pm • #149
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Help!  Nothing is happening...need a SUBMIT button on the credit card info, and also need the drop down boxes for city and county to work...

2:18pm • #150

Well, how disappointing!  I had a busy day and at 2:40PM my time, I made sure I was sitting at my computer to sponsor communities promptly at 12:00 PST (3:00PM my time).  I could not understand WHY Washington was the only state listed.  I thought I was doing something wrong....

It would have been nice to know this before the 12:00 noon LANDRUSH! that we have been reading about for weeks...

I then noticed the email from AR and thought, "I better read it and see what the heck is going on!"

Like many others that wrote above, I thought today was the big day for my state and EVERY other, since not a thing was mentioned about different states going on different days.

Did this schedule just get published?  Even on the Localism site it had no mention of different days. 

How dissapointing.....  I don't know if I will be as existed when August 7 roles around... 

 

2:18pm • #151
134,956 Points Outside Blog

I'm glad for the further clarification.  Im just hanging around to see any changes between now and when everything rolls out.  I want to see how its going.

2:20pm • #152
271,541 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Antoinette: I just noticed the schedule this morning myself... thankfully saw it.  Maybe it's a good thing, though, as some of the bugs will be worked out before "our" time.

2:20pm • #153

I did not see this psot at first and found a note on Russell Lewis' blog that sent me here. Thank you for clearing this up!

 

2:22pm • #155

If you broke Washingto, then California is going to be a bit of trouble.  That and California will launch with 10 other states and 2 provinces.  I hope Washington works out the bugs.

California is going to tax the system
2:27pm • #156
236,625 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

If you can't see county or city with FF go to IE - I couldn't see it with FF and switched and can see them in IE -

2:27pm • #157
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

It helped when I switched from Mac to PC, but still no submit button...Somebody at AR please help so I can take care of this and go to my appt!

2:29pm • #158
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

It helped when I switched from Mac to PC, but still no submit button...Somebody at AR please help so I can take care of this and go to my appt!

2:29pm • #159

Firefox had a bug that should be fixed now. You should be able to work it on FF now.

Can everyone access the drop down now?

We'll get the bugs worked out for sure. It's why we gave ourselves three days until the next round. We'll do some triage in an hour and sort everything out.

2:31pm • #160
186,786 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I guess I'm glad Texas is last.  All the kinks should be worked out by then!  Thanks for letting us know schedule!

 

2:33pm • #161
186,786 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I guess I'm glad Texas is last.  All the kinks should be worked out by then!  Thanks for letting us know schedule!

 

2:33pm • #162
2 Featured Posts

@Bob ~ Yes, the drop down worked right at 12:00 and then broke by 12:10? As of about 12:20 is was back and running.

2:34pm • #163

Lisa,

I saw something come through for you. Did it work now?

 

2:40pm • #165

I guess I won't need to sponsor anywhere since the AR staff don't like my writing...

2:52pm • #167

How can I find out who purchased a particular neighborhood? The systen would't allow me access to purchase a community until about 12:15 or so. Consequently, I missed out on Totem Lake, WA (in Kirkland).  :-(

who has bought what?
2:56pm • #168
2 Featured Posts

Question?

Are the city pages and community pages going to be the same?

i.e. If I sponsor Fairhaven, WA will I be the sponsor both the city of Fairhaven and the community of Fairhaven located under Bellingham?

Here are the 2 links that I am talking about.

Community ~ http://localism.com/wa/bellingham/fairhaven

City ~ http://localism.com/wa/fairhaven

It doesn't make sense that there would be 2 different places for the same information.

 

 

2:57pm • #169

How about I actually include my info this time. :-0

How can I find out who purchased a particular neighborhood? The systen would't allow me access to purchase a community until about 12:15 or so. Consequently, I missed out on Totem Lake, WA (in Kirkland).  :-(

Lynda Haneman, CBBain, Kirkland/Redmond

3:02pm • #170
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Can I log in to Localism and buy up a bunch of communities and resell them for $12/month?

3:08pm • #171

That helps out a ton. Thanks for clearing that up.

3:11pm • #172
105,086 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router

Help really wanted before August 4th - I emailed Rich about Madison County, GA. My post on thsi area are showing on state level as approved (been there several weeks now - so I'm assuming) but do not show up on the county level - they are correctly geo tagged to county level and below - please help!

There has been a lot of talk about purchasing cities with under 40K populatioin, but what about counties?  Who winds up there?  For example, The county above (Madison County, GA) has lots of really small cities and I am the only one who has ever posted there - can somebody tell me if I have to buy communities -which there are none, to get the cities, and then what happens with the county? I cannot even search to get this county - I have to go to a city in it (Colbert, GA) then click on the county at the top of the page, but I cannot find it from the front page.

 

3:40pm • #173
Localism Sponsor

Am I losing my mind or just missing something here?  I have always gone into Localism through Active Rain (I think).  Anyway, I'm trying to get into Localism and now it is asking for a user ID and password.  If I use my Active Rain info it tells me it's no good.  Am I doing something wrong?  Also, I live in an town of far less than 40,000, how do I find out the cost to sponsor my town?

Laura Shirley, RE/MAX Realty Plus II, Lake Placid, Florida

3:41pm • #174
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Kathi Frank...

I loved your comment. So true...So true :)

BTW Kathi...I think you should be 'frank' with us :)

TLW...ROAR!

4:16pm • #176

I clicked on "Land Rush Starts Now"; I logged in and I have NO state options other than WA; I want GA!!! I have logged out and logged in several times.

 

Janice

Janice Slaven
4:20pm • #177

NEVER MIND!!!!! I just read the above schedule. I thought today ALL states were available. I hadn't read that only WA was up for grabs today. For some reason, I am not receiving the newsletter to my email if information has been posted in there. I have been following the Localism Q&A and didn't see anything posted there either. I feel much better.....I think!

 

Janice Slaven, Realtor, Prudential GA Realty

Janice Slaven
4:25pm • #178
307,686 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob, I'd love to do this but I have huge concerns about what's being allowed to post in my localism! Please let me know when the issue is resolved. I'm not the only one who has this problem.

- Thanks in advance!

4:26pm • #179
226,895 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Ok, now I know the answer to some of our questions.

Since there are "communities" in South Lake Tahoe, for example, that aren't communities at all, but could nevertheless be sponsored, that ups the number of communities one has to sponsor to assure "city" sponsorship.

in other words, we need to get the "communities" out of the mix that don't beling there. these are those that do not appear anywhere on any of our mls.

brilliant how you've set it up otherwise...

now on to figuring out how to get my credit card on file with you.

now about that hat...

5:02pm • #180
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Why do you see cities that have posts in them about another city.  Do the posts show up based on where the Poster has identified their city to be?  For example, there are Real Estate Agents in Coral Springs FL who also cover other cities and when they do a post, the post for the other city shows up in Coral Springs. If the communities are about a particular city shouldn't only relevant posts for that city show up?

5:23pm • #181

Thanks for the schedule. Should be interesting to see how this goes.

6:30pm • #182
Localism Sponsor

Bob, after reading your blog and the responses, I'm feeling the excitement as well - Tried to log in to Localism for the first time (been posting to it thru ActiveRain but never logged in directly ) I'm getting an error - which is what I fear on My Day - August 5th... Can you help>???

6:59pm • #183

FYI:

Philadelphia is the ONLY city in Philadelphia County (Pennsylvania). There are other "cities" listed which are actually neighborhoods, not cities. Also, there is no City of Philadelphia in Bucks County, PA -- ONLY in Philadelphia County, PA. 

I repeat, Philadelphia is the ONLY CITY IN Philadelphia County, PA.

Also, Philadelphia is NOT IN BUCKS COUNTY, PA.

This mistake was a result of professionals adding cities on their own.

THANKS.

7:07pm • #184
226,579 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Ok, Bob... I've got another one for you (thanks again for fixing my localism posts).  I also posted this on Jon's but I think I'm going senile... I need all the repetition I can get.

I noticed that the new localism doesn't have the same format as AR or our outside blog in terms of width. So, when I post a blog to AR I can just designate it as to AR... what about when I post a blog and just designate it to post to localism or my outside blog? Will a post I just send to localism or my outside blog appear when someone clicks activerain.com/blogs/cliftonjs? Do I need to create two posts with the exact same content with different graphic widths for AR and outside blogs/localism? Does that even make sense?  I know I must be missing something.

7:16pm • #185
337,342 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Does this mean that all dates are baed on Pacific Time ?  Sometimes the more I read, the more confused I get....and gee I was ready to set my clock.....but if we are doing this all on pacific time...and it's noon...ahhhhh

7:26pm • #186
337,342 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Does this mean that all dates are baed on Pacific Time ?  Sometimes the more I read, the more confused I get....and gee I was ready to set my clock.....but if we are doing this all on pacific time...and it's noon...ahhhhh

7:26pm • #187
2 Featured Posts

Sally,

     Its a good thing I read on, I was just going off of central time until I read that part.  I am not sure if I am sponsoring yet, but I wanted to be sure what time in case I do.

8:50pm • #188
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Bob-a thousand apologies, sorry for getting snippy earlier.  The whole land rush thing was a little stressful, but I finally got it working.  At the end it turned out to be user error of course. Thank you!

8:50pm • #189
1 Featured Post

Hi Bob: Thanks for hte update.. but I'm not sure how it will work for me .... I'm rank 55 in my state, so how can I get a chance to buy into the community... although, I'll be looking out for hte time and dates to sign up.. but I eant to make sure that I will also get a chance to purchase a community too..

Let me know.. Thanks

8:55pm • #190

Way too cool! 

Suzi Enders
9:14pm • #191
255,342 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob, again, please will we be able to choose different cities in different counties? Or, are we limited to the one county our address happens to be in? Thank you.

Later in the rain~Deb

10:17pm • #192
578,415 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Wow...  People are getting would a little tight.  I guess I can do that on Monday.  I can see it now... three computers running, video conference with my broker.  ;^ )

So, who is up and running with their sponsorship so we can see it?

10:29pm • #193
AUG
01
2008
486,425 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I guess from the number of responses, there is more than a little interest in the rush. 

I saw a few problems with the Localism communities in Hawaii.  Waipio Gentry, Localism posts are showing up under Mililani.  Mililani is a large town here.  Waipio Gentry is a planned community within the town of Waipahu, not Mililani.

2:51am • #196
314,134 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

OK>  Standing by for Monday.......

8:00am • #197
317,241 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Bob,

I'm standing by for Wednesday...Is there a way can we login before our appointed times just so that we can make sure that our passwords work and that we can get connected? THX

8:19am • #199
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob,

I actually mapped many of the communities in my city on the localism beta version. Now I notice that these maps are not pointing to the neighborhoods any more. Can members log in and fix this?

9:03am • #200

It looks like a lot of us will be left out of the community sponsorship. I just started my blog and will be locked out. The way it is set up I think we will have a few people sponsoring all of the communities.

10:04am • #201
182,119 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Can you give us a link to one of the claimed communities that have been customized by an agent?  I'd like to see the actual look of a sponsored city.

10:42am • #202
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I am so relieved to hear that my area won't be up until next week.  I like the idea of the point priority system.

12:28pm • #204
314,015 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob--I live in a rural county with a population of 150,000 total. We have many many small towns ranging in population of 200-the very biggest at 20,000. I do think county-level sponsorships is a good idea for small rural areas. I would not want to pay $9/mo for 10 tiny towns, personally.

1:10pm • #205
314,015 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Not sure who to send this to.... but the list of communities in Schuylkill County is way off! See notes pasted below. I ran out of patience and stopped highlighting. But you get the point. We have about 67 municipalities here in the area. Some have towns, some are just rural townships. Below I see a mixture of towns, townships (huge areas), nicknames for little spots that are parts of a town, names of certain neighborhoods... it's a mess. If I was buying "towns" here I'd go broke. For example, Hillside is a NEIGHBORHOOD of no more than 25 houses on the outskirts of Pottsville, in North Manheim Township! Go figure that one out. BOB...if you have someone call/email me I'll help them straighten it out. In my opinion, for my area I'd purchase the entire county of 150,000 people. Or break it into school districts (we have 12). That's much more manageable. You just cannot do it as it is below. Of course I realize there are thousands of areas across the country... and each one will have unique needs. Not every area will fit your mold. You've got a headache on your hands, I fear. I will buy the county or buy towns, depending on how you do it here. Let me know

 

* Pottsville A TOWN * Shenandoah A TOWN * Glendon (NOT HERE) * Yatesville (NOT HERE) * Middleport A TOWN * Orwigsburg A TOWN * Gilberton A TOWN * Ashland A TOWN * Schuylkill Haven A TOWN * Fearnot A TOWN * Fern Glen (NOT HERE) * Fountain HUH? * Fountain Springs A TOWN * Frackville A TOWN * Frailey A TOWNSHIP * Friedensburg A TOWN * Frisbie (NOT HERE) * Girardville A TOWN * Glen Carbon (NOT HERE) * Glen Dower (NOT HERE) * Glenworth A NEIGHBORHOOD--NOT A TOWN * Good Spring A TOWN * Gordon A TOWN * Greenbury A Nickname for a neighborhood * Heckscherville A TOW N * Hecla * Hegins * Helfenstein (NOT HERE) * Hellen Mills (NOT HERE) * Hepler (NOT HERE) * Hillside * Tamaqua * Taylorville * Tower City * Tremont * Trenton (NOT HERE) * Turkey Run * Tuscarora * Upper Mahantongo * Valley Furnace * Valley View * Wadesville * Weishample * West Brunswick * West Cressona * Weston Place * West Penn * Wiggans * Zerbe * Zion Grove * Connerton * Craigs * Cresmont * Cressona * Cumbola * Dark Water * Deer Lake * Delano * De Turksville * Dieners Hill * Donaldson * Dorset * Drehersville * Duncott * East Brunswick * East Mines * Echo Valley * Ellen Gowan * Englewood * Chain * Coaldale * Coles * Hills Terrace * Homesville * Hometown * Hubley * Irving * Joliett * Kaska * Kehley Run Junction * Kelayres * Kepner * Klingerstown * Kohinoor Junction * Landingville * Lavelle * Leibeyville * Lincoln Colliery * Line Mountain * Llewellyn * Locustdale * Lorberry * Lost Creek * Lower Shaft * Mable * Mahanoy * Mahanoy City * Mahanoy Plane * Maizeville * Maple Hill * Mar Lin * Marstown * Mary D * McAdoo * McKeansburg * Minersville * Molino * Morea * Morea Colliery * Mowry * Muir * New Boston * New Mines * New Philadelphia * New Ringgold * New Street * North Manheim * North Union * Nuremberg * Oak Grove * Oneida * Orwin * Outwood * Palo Alto * Park Place * Pattersonville * Phoenix Park * Pinedale * Pine Hill * Pitman * Port Carbon * Port Clinton * Porter * Preston Hill * Primrose * Quakake * Rauschs * Raven Run * Ravine * Reilly * Reinerton * Ringtown * Rush * Sacramento * Saint Clair * Saint Nicholas * Schoentown * Seltzer * Shaft * Shenandoah Heights * Shenandoah Junction * Sheppton * Shoemakers * Silver Creek * Snyders * South Manheim * Spring Glen * Stanhope * Suedburg * Summit Station * Adamsdale * Altamont * Andreas * Arnots Addition * Barnesville * Barry * Becks * Big Mine Run Junction * Bohrmans Mill * Boston Run * Bowmans * Branchdale * Branch Dale * Brandonville * Brockton * Brommerstown * Brookside * Buck Run * Bunker Hill * Centralia * Auburn * Roedersville * Rough and Ready * Pine Grove

1:24pm • #206
438,172 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I have sat on the sidelines on this I may have to get involved today.

1:32pm • #207

I'm not convinced being a paid sponsor is going to make a difference....

But I do have a question which I have asked before and have not received a reply:

I write ALL my posts for Suwanee, GA. Some of the posts are specific to Suwanee and the community. Some of the posts are market information and show (I hope) my expertise of the overall real estate market for our area. 

 DO THESE  LESS SPECIFIC POSTS STILL GET POSTED TO SUWANEE IF THAT IS WHERE I DIRECT THEM??????? Because that is not where they are ending up.

Janice Slaven/Prudential GA Realty

Janice Slaven
1:37pm • #208
4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Can I buy St. Augustine Florida even though I'm not licensed in Florida? 

On those "tough days", I would like to log on to localism and pull that page up. I could pretend that I am staying at the Casa Monica, enjoying a nice mojito at that quaint little Cuban cafe (just down the way) while I look out on the water....

I could blog about that all day!!!!!!! =]

2:14pm • #209
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jessica ...

I'll trade you St Augustine for Bellevue even though I am not licensed in that area :) 

TLW...ROAR!

2:26pm • #210

Janice Slaven,

Market reports and listings are not currently being poplulated on the city/community pages. As long as they are marked correctly, we will soon have a 'real estate information' tab for each city and community that will house the market reports, listings and other real estate specific content. In order to make Localism more inviting for general consumers when it is launched to the public at the end of August, we are currently approving content the city and community pages that is more 'local flavor' sort of content.

2:33pm • #211
Localism Sponsor

I feel like I am in a sack race with rocketships...I am grateful for this blog because it gives me a window to peek through to study the race and see if I can jump in.

Swimming in active rain....you are a lifeline...Love and thanks...

2:41pm • #212
4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

TLW...

Instead of playing house swap...we could just city swap?  That ought to spice things up a bit!

4:43pm • #213

So if my post is not "local flavor" for a specific community, does that mean it does NOT get posted to Localism at all? Because that is what I am experiencing. Does it have to be "local flavor" for your state,  your county and your city? If so, that takes away a lot from providing good industry information that a consumer may want to know. Where do you plan to post these type of articles? Or do you?

And, I am also trying to decide if sponsoring a community is really that important. I understand IF a reader is on the Localism site this would have merit. However, do I understand our articles will still receive the same amount of SEO? That won't change? Because I am currently working with clients as a result of searching my city and she said I came up everywhere (thanks to AR) and that is why she called me. A current listing I took today was the same thing. Both had nothing to do with Localism. So.....will we receive the same about SEO for our postings???

Janice Slaven, Prudential GA Realty

Janice Slaven
4:43pm • #214
604,404 Points 244 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Janice, It's all  about good content and SEO. Folks will continue to find you just like they are now. It's also my understanding that EVERY post you send to Localism will show up on your individual Localism blog site. It just may not show up in the general area. So keep writing and keep posting. I know I am. Sponsoring a community just gives you a little more exposure but is certainly not necessary.

5:32pm • #215

Janice Slaven,

If your post is not 'local flavor' and is not approved to the city/community page, it will still show up on Localism in your profile. It will still be able to be indexed by the search engines.

The industry specific articles will be housed on ActiveRain and also in your profile on Localism. There is a very exciting redesign of ActiveRain coming as well that is going to organize the content so that someone looking for specifics will be able to find it much more easily on ActiveRain.

Sponsoring a community or not will have ZERO impact on the SEO value of your articles. However, there is some component of search engine placement that has to do with how much content on a page is static (or always on that page). The sponsorship descriptions serve as an anchor on the city and community pages by being static content. The blog posts that get pushed to the pages are fresh and changing content. The combination of the two helps the site get good SEO.

This is the fourth site we have built from scratch and each time we have gotten better at search engine placement. We believe that Localism is going to rock the search engines based on the knowledge we have learned from our two real estate brokerage sites and ActiveRain.

I would encourage you to take some time, go to this group "All things Localism" and read some of the posts written by Jonathan Washburn, Rich Jacobson, and me. There is a ton of information in those posts.

5:38pm • #216
359,068 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob, will there be a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac style secondary market for Localism sponsorhips?  Judging by some of the interest here, some people might be able to make a pretty penny reselling communities!

5:48pm • #217

I'm excited about Localism.  I live in a very small county and look forward to getting first dibs on it.  Great Info.

9:08pm • #218

Hundreds of communities... so many to shoose from and so few lenders???  Way to keep us updated!

10:36pm • #219
203,201 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

While I appreciate the jesting of people making money reselling communities, I don't think that is fair and hope you won't allow that. So do you know how the process will work as/when people who have sponsored communities decide to give them back? Will it be the same points system or first come, first serve? And how will we know? Will we one day pull up our community and find it void of a sponsor? Or will sponsors be on a waiting list and you go down the list until someone takes it?

10:57pm • #220
118,843 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I am curious how you were able to get your post to have today's post date when your comments start on 7/29?

11:47pm • #221
595,160 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob.....is PST mean we're three hours behind? I hate math.

11:49pm • #222
AUG
02
2008
4 Featured Posts

Can we resell areas? Or.. I guess the correct term would be sub-lease areas?

2:25am • #223

Localism has such value for consumers, and I would think that you would wish to keep the interest of all contributing Realtors rather than sell EXCLUSIVE sponsorships.  I especially like the idea for making the sponsorships rotate month-by-month to be more inclusive.  You would still get the funding and the Localism venue would be enriched.  Once it goes to exclusive sponsorship, won't participation decrease from the community of Realtors in an area? 

I am also disappointed that I will be in a class at the time scheduled since it is the beginning of the workday in Florida.  It would be so much easier if Florida could start at midnight, for example, when most of us are blogging and not showing properties or attending pre-scheduled classes, for example.  Oh well.

7:53am • #224
281,556 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Why not give a different point break up. 10K Vs 25K shows alot more involvement in the AR community. I think it would be more fair.

8:35am • #225
3 Featured Posts

Lte's just give these guys some time to work out the problems that come when a new system goes into effect. They all have done a great job to be where we are with this project. I am sure not all will go as smooth as we would like to. I invite everybody to be patient, this is good for all of us. It will work out just fine. Give it some time.

 

Antonio & Alexia Cardenas, "The Realtors In Motion" www.ListedbyAntonio.com

11:05am • #226
284,340 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

This looks like a great opportunity. I can't wait. Thanks Localisim!!

Betina

1:10pm • #227

Not sure if this has been asked/answered (so many questions!!) but I'm wondering if posts that are syndicated will appear in the appropriate city/neighbourhood/community pages (if the content is truly "local flavour") or just in the user's profile?

2:48pm • #228
137,950 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

This should be great - thanks for setting it up the way it is.

The stagger-by-points is a good idea.  I may be biased a bit though!

3:00pm • #229
1 Featured Post

Is there a way to schedule an email on the moment the sponsorship is available in my state (PA)?

7:03pm • #230
1 Featured Post

Is there a way to schedule an email on the moment the sponsorship is available in my state (PA)?

7:08pm • #231

Hi Bob,

I read through the posts, but still don't understand "who" gets the sponsorship of cities over 40,000 people.

It says: .... In the cities with over 40,000 residents, the person that has the most community sponsorships on the first day of the month will get an automatic sponsorship of the city. These automatic sponsorships will start September 1st.

Can you explain this? Sorry, I dont' get it!  The person with the most community sponsorships (where/what kinds of sponsorships?) will get automatic sponsorship of the city (so there is an opportunity for direct sponsorship??)

THANKS!

9:31pm • #232
AUG
03
2008

Erin,

To answer your question using the large city of Seattle as an example:

Sara has 14 Seattle communities sponsored, Bob has 12 Seattle communities sponsored, and Anne has 6 Seattle communitiies sponsored.

On Sept 1st, Sara will get a free sponsorship of Seattle.

If by the 1st of the following month Bob buys another 3 communities, for a total of 15 and Sara does not buy any additional communities, then Bob will get the Seattle sponsorship position for October. (Bob 15, Sara 14)

There is no additional charge to receive the sponsorship position in a large city.

12:24am • #233
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hey Jonathan,

Wow, I didn't understaned it that way at first.  Thanks for explaining City sponsorship.

9:29am • #234

Thanks for the explanation you gave to Erin!

10:08am • #235

August 6, Hmm... Well I'm going to be somewhere between NC and NJ, probably on Hwy 81 or 76 in the middle of nowhere. I can see it now... 

3:00 - 3:30: Start checking the signal on my Blackberry to make sure the "Verizon network people" are following me!
3:30 - 3:45: Got the network... Sorry honey but I've got to pull over and get on the internet so I can grab my communities.
3:45 - 3:55: Grab the laptop plug in the Blackberry and connect to the internet and navigate to ActiveRain.
4:00: Grab my communities
4:05: Back on the road
4:10: I hear a sweet voice say, Daddy I gotta go...

Thanks for the update,
Grant

11:40am • #236

Thanks, Bob! I totally get it now!  Thanks for responding so quickly, too.  -Erin

1:34pm • #237
300,784 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob - I still can't read that doc with the list of cities - can you email it to me as a pdf?  mahalo

5:13pm • #238
AUG
04
2008
413,828 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks Bob, for all of the great information!  You'll be hearing from me on the 6th!!

Debe in Charlotte

10:22am • #239

Is this new....the point system to gain access?????I don't remember seeing this last week.....I really think this is unfair!!!!

 

Janice Slaven

JaniceSlaven
11:57am • #240

Janice,

No this is not new. It has been there from the beginning. We wanted to show some gratitude to the people that have been here since the beginning and have invested a tremendous amount of time in making ActiveRain successful. I'm sorry you don't think this is fair but it is the fairest solution we could come up with. Trying to please 100,000 members is not easy but it is something that we strive for and we take it very seriously.

12:01pm • #241
Outside Blog

I don't remember seeing the schedule based on points; I didn't even see the breakdown by state until last week when I tried to log on...I know I am not the only one. I have an appt at the time I will have access - I would have been able to do it at 3:00 pm - now it will be after 7:00 (EST) which by then I feel confident Suwanee, GA will be gone -and, I do the most posting to this community. I've really been supportive of all this....but I, too, am beginning to feel some frustration.

So....since odds are I will not get the community I want and it will go to someone who doesn't post to Suwanee, as a top neighbor, do my articles get posted under their name IF it is a Suwanee post? Exactly where will my posts for Suwanee appear in Localism. I am currently a top neighbor.

Janice

12:09pm • #242

Janice,

You can see where posts and sponsorship will appear in the New design of Localism on Jon's post here

The New new Localism

You will still remain a top neighbor and your posts will still take up the top position on the left hand side of the page.

12:20pm • #243
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I have a confession.  With 9000 points, I'm anxious to make it into the earlier time slot and not be in with the masses.  Today I'm a bit of a point whore.  I'm ashamed and embarrassed.  Still intent on providing quality comments and good blogging content - but point whore just the same.

12:29pm • #244
4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

How did I miss a Jessica Horton sighting!!!!!!!

Hi Jess :)

Hi Bob :)  i'll think up a land rush question if you think that would make a more appropriate comment.

12:47pm • #245

I've been reading about the new sponsorship for about 20 mins and I guess I am missing the post that has probably already addressed my question. . .sorry to duplicate if so.

Are we sponsoring communities, i.e., subdivisions or "local" areas or cities?   I'm a little confused on that based on something I read in one of the post comments.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

 

1:40pm • #246

My question is how the different towns are going to be divided and is there a way to preview this beforehand?

Thanks, Ally

1:45pm • #247

What if the neighborhood or community within the city is not on the designated list. Will there be a way in which we can add it to the list. How does that work? I look forward to your response.

Robin Fenchel
2:24pm • #248
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Bummed Bob.  Big Bummer.  My whoring was for not.  I've got 10,100 points but the system doesn't apprear to recognize it....

2:47pm • #249
Localism Sponsor

Linsey,

I too must stand up and confess to posting more than usual to hit the magic 10,000 points.  Is there a scarlet letter for this?  And will it show up on our profile pictures?  To make myself feel less guilty, I went out and took extra pictures for those final posts.

2:53pm • #250

It looks as if people in other counties, way south (500+ miles) are sponsoring my local towns.

That doesn't sound like Localism.  Am I missing something?

Mary Anne Daly
3:32pm • #251

Mary Anne Daly,

Could you point me to what area you are speaking about. I'd like to take a look......

3:35pm • #252
4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Elaine:

Hey girl!!!!!!!
   =]

You never know where I am liable to pop up. With all these communities that I've sponsored...I may have to start blogging and popping up more often.  'Course I've had some pretty good offers on a couple of my communities.  CHA CHING! >=]

 

3:42pm • #253
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Hi Bob,

Okay, How to I sponsor Saint John, New Brunswick, CANADA??  When I logged on the "Localism" site to sponsor that city, the province isn't there???

British Columbia is sponsored and only a few other states.  Are they all taken? GRRRRRR....

        ;-)

4:55pm • #254

Ann-Marie,

If you look above at the schedule on this post, you will see that New Brunswick is happening tomorrow. Please take a minute to read through the post and you should see what I mean. If you still have questions, please call me, 425.216.2754

5:02pm • #255
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Sorry, it's New Brunswick Day here today, so it was a longer weekend and I'm still thinking it's August 1st.  ;>)

5:05pm • #256
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

I am sure my comment will be lost in this list but I did want to say thank you for another innovative idea Active Rain.

7:33pm • #257
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

I am sure my comment will be lost in this list but I did want to say thank you for another innovative idea Active Rain.

7:33pm • #258
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

I am sure my comment will be lost in this list but I did want to say thank you for another innovative idea Active Rain.

7:33pm • #259

how may we suggest putting a new community on the available list that is not currently being represented?  id really like to play along here, but the macro-community is already taken.  so - how do we play along if we cant break it down into communities?

9:50pm • #260
Localism Sponsor

Any one else from Alberta having a hard time purchasing a community?? I keep getting error messages... could it be because there isn't room to enter a full postal code on the payment page??

10:35pm • #261
AUG
05
2008
Localism Sponsor

I did it today....thanks to you....I practiced...and it was really fun. I did what you suggested and bought the area I wanted, then came back and snapped up another after completing the first one...and so on I totally got 5.

 

now I need to know what to do with it..

love

 

teamatthebeach.com

1:41am • #262
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sabrina...

No comment on a topic like this one is ever lost in the Rain.

You can bet Bob smiled when he read it :)

TLW...ROAR!

6:21am • #263
408,296 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob,

If mine starts 12 pacific then what time does it end or did I miss that?

7:06am • #264

Where is the spreadsheet that shows what neighborhoods will be available and where?

Bob
8:03am • #265

Bob, I am going to break my silence & comment once again on your posts.  I have had several counseling sessions to get over the hurt from you...But, I think what helped even more was the rude stuff the dude wrote yesterday to me.

9:49am • #267

Bob,

anything released for international...say Mexico?

thanks

9:52am • #268

After my morning continuing education Core Law class, I signed on to see if by any chance, any town in my area might still be available.  However, I don't even see the state of Florida on the menu yet.  Are we a day behind and Florida will be tomorrow?  What's up?

Ginny Mitchell
12:47pm • #271

After my morning continuing education Core Law class, I signed on to see if by any chance, any town in my area might still be available.  However, I don't even see the state of Florida on the menu yet.  Are we a day behind and Florida will be tomorrow?  What's up?

Ginny Mitchell
12:48pm • #272

I just updated the post to reflect that the start times are at 12:00pm Pacific and 3:00pm Eastern (and 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, 1:00.....which is 3:15, 3:30, 3:45 and 4:00 Eastern)

1:02pm • #273
186,047 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

BOB  Thank you for the updates from a Blond

It was suggestedto me that I might have inhalded to much bleach. . . .

1:10pm • #274
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I cannot seem to buy communities. I have the points. I get a file not found 404 error after I log in.

Very frustrating.

2:25pm • #275
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

The time frame didn't work out for me. I have over 60k points. The system will not let me log in. I didn't have any trouble yesterday or the day before. I am on Eastern time.

error message 404 is what I am getting when I try to log into localism

3:01pm • #276

So, I guess if I try to go on and click a button to claim and nothing happens that must mean it's gone?

3:10pm • #277
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

WidowMaker...

Could one of you Guys throw together a quickie post on how Sponsored Community descriptions should be written and post it in The New Localism Group?

I need a place to send folks who are asking me about that. Thanks Guys...And thanks for finding a way to help me shop in the Rain.

P.S. Who says shopping is not a sport? :)

TLW...ROAR!

3:12pm • #278

Please contact me at your convenience later today.  I tried to make a correction without being able to do so.  Thanks. 

Ginny Mitchell
3:12pm • #279
1 Featured Post

Bob,

Will there be a mad rush for these communities when our state comes up?  I would like to pick up my town but fear that with few points the better towns won't be available.  What happens when the month is up?  Will someone else be able to pick up the sponsorship?  Sorry for all the questions, I'm new at this and really excited about the whole concept!

Thanks, Rose Robinson

3:47pm • #280
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rose...

I think it would help you (as well as other newer members) to join this group:

<The New Localism>

As the Guys roll this out they will keep posting the updates in the group. It's a wonderful resource thus far.

TLW...ROAR!

3:55pm • #281

TLW,

Thanks for having my back ;-)

But I had to one up you and call Rose to reassure her and give her some advice on what she could do.

Rose, It was a pleasure to speak with you! :-)

4:02pm • #282
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Widow Maker...

I always have your back :)

Love the fact that you made that call. Excellent :)

TLW...ROAR!

4:17pm • #283
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Hi Bob,

I am so excited I got Pelican Bay and Bay Colony because I live there...Yeah...But I noticed you listed buildings and sections of my area to be sponsored by someone else...I don't understand how you could sponsor the whole area and that building isn't included??? Like L'ambiance is just an area in Pelican Bay with just a few low rise condos ...the Grosvenor is a high-rise with under 100 condos...etc. etc. etc.  Can you help me try to understand?  If I sponsored the whole area why are those buildings are being offered just by them selves?  Also I was going to sponsor Bonita Springs but there are a lot of big communities in Bonita Springs as big as Pelican Bay...like  Bonita Bay and Pelican Landing....why can you have a big city and then sometimes have to buy the little communities...I am confused.  Thanks so much for your help in advance....Ginny Lee

9:32pm • #285
1 Featured Post

Thanks for the info. It looks like much thought went into this,

11:29pm • #286
AUG
06
2008
228,986 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Just in case the engineers weren't aware, there is apparently a bug in the new system that needs to be ironed out.  It permitted a theiving SOB to steal my neighborhood.  The proxy error from hell.

12:04am • #287
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

So I finally was able to book some communities, others beat me to some of them due to a glitch in the localism system, but managed to create communities that weren't listed.

So my question is.. is there time allowed to create the descriptions of each community?

7:14am • #288

I fear I found AR too late to have a snowballs chance in hell of getting any of the communities that I want. Somebody just give me a chance. Thanks for letting me whine about it a little. Good luck to everyone on the Landrush!

Betina

a snowballs chance....
10:34am • #289
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Betina...

You're not signed in. Is this you <CLICK CLICK> ??

I pose the question because Bob will probably want to call you.

TLW...ROAR!

10:55am • #290
228,986 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

For the sake of transparency, there was no proxy error ... that doesn't mean that a thieving SOB didn't steal my neighborhood, however.  I demand satisfaction.  A formal apology and a Klondike Bar will suffice. 

12:15pm • #291
Localism Sponsor

Hello this might be a stupid question but i got my community in Naples, FL. and i wrote up the region info for it and it's been approved but i don't see anything different as to why am i a sponsor of the community when it doesn't show me anywhere am i missing something, any help would be great.

8:41pm • #292

Waiting and wondering how this will all work out.  Mike

9:34pm • #293
AUG
07
2008
Localism Sponsor

I too was successful in securing my town YIPPEE - The process was simple - and well organized - (once it was explained  it was Pacific time not eastern time - my mistake) But now that I have my town - WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? 

7:07am • #294

I am glad I finally found this and I appreciate you posting it!

8:29am • #295

I didn't get the community I wanted. How will I know if/when it may become available? Are you creating a waiting list?

 

Janice Slaven, Prudential GA Realty

Janice Slaven
10:57am • #296
Localism Sponsor

Hey Bob - thanks for taking the time to create this post, it is very helpful.

11:29am • #297
176,111 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hey Bob, any idea why Oklahoma's not showing available for sponsorship yet??

12:18pm • #298
228,986 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Janice - You must start writing protest posts at once and threatening to hold your breath until you turn purple.  My suggestion?  Start a "Why the Sponsor of (insert your community name here) Is Responsible for Prostate Cancer" series. 

1:20pm • #299
139,513 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Paul - So you are still mad at the SOB who stole your community?

1:57pm • #300
154,788 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Bob, I just purchased some communities. What does it mean that 2 links out of 3 links have to be non- commercial? I was planning on linking my blog, website and MLS. IMHO a paid sponsorship is 100% commercial.

2:54pm • #301
139,513 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bob - I just bought a few neighborhoods - how fun was that!

I used my Discover Card - my husband never looks at that bill - is that acceptable?

3:03pm • #302
223,160 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob - it was avery easy! I am really looking forward to the new localism! Thanks for this helpful post - I did use it today to aquire my territory and really apprciated the link!!

4:30pm • #303
314,015 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

I got the communities I wanted, but I don't think there was a mad rush in my little rural county!

But it panicked me anyway. I logged on 1 day early--I guess I was so excited I got the day mixed up. When I sat there with my credit card in hand, I realized I was a day early.

So today I left work early to come home and do this. I log on and realize I cannot find my purse. My wallet is gone. I hope it's on my desk at the office! The only thing that saved the day is I forgot to put my MAC card back in the wallet after using it yesterday. It was still on the seat of my car. (I am not that unorganized, really!)

 

4:58pm • #304
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Well Bob, I got the communities I wanted, very "Low Key" and strategically thought out on my part.  I did not purchase every municipality in my county, only three communities that I know the population is very in-tune to Localism or will be tuned into it.  I suppose I could say it was fair since my points are low, [there was no way I could get on at 3:00 with my credit card and start "Monipolying Away" ]I started the rain in Jan 2007 and then stopped, laid back, had other things going on like 8 months in beautiful Naples Florida, would I trade that for higher blog points, NO WAY, sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses or, take a look at awsome sunests.Naples Florida

5:11pm • #305
AUG
08
2008

Comment #300 on this post!  woohoo!  Is there a prize for that?

Can anything be done about duplicate commnuities?

I sponsored "The Vistas" in Las Vegas, but the community also exists as "Vistas".  Do I have to sponsor both?

11:10am • #307

What can be done about duplicate commnuities?

I sponsored "The Vistas" in Las Vegas, but the community also exists as "Vistas".  Do I have to sponsor both?

11:12am • #308
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

If only I had another 55,000 points I could sponsor my community and go to lunch.  I'm starving!!!

Just wanted to share that.  ;0)

2:04pm • #309
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Piece of Cake...Steff...Piece of Cake :)

I think I'll go hijack one of your Blogs. You're waaaaaaaaaaaaay over due :)

TLW...ROAR!

4:52pm • #310
403,148 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

LOL Natalie...

It took me a moment to figure out you were talking typing to me :)

TLW...ROAR!

8:00pm • #312
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

What kind of cake is it?  I'll have some with ice cream.  :)

8:16pm • #313
199,506 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I was wondering what happens with the duplicate/mistakes on the neighbourhoods.  I purchased the same one twice, as I bought them at different times, and since it was available, I didn't realize I had already bought it. 

It would be great if the AR Gods could let us know what will happen to those neighbourhoods and/or/if (?) they will be fixed/removed? :)

11:05pm • #314
Localism Sponsor

Claiming land in the rain, does it get any better than that?

11:42pm • #315
AUG
09
2008
209,959 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Same issue here Sylvie.  All we need is general contact info for the person who will amend the changes correctly (or we could take up arms and fix it ourselves).  Untill all communities are bought, this topic should continue to revive itself.  Someone should start a list for all those communities that have been duplicated on both active rain and localsim. Knowing brad he prob already has one stored away on his hard drive. Well our agents will be creating one specifically for our own area, perhaps once someone makes the template for the master list then each city and community can link back to other master pages for specific areas in other words lancaster county, pa would refer back to our master list. 

Let's start posting on Localism now people.

8:20am • #316

THanks for the post

8:38am • #317

Sylvie,

They will be removed and we will get you a refund. We will be working all week next week going through and cleaning house.

3:08pm • #318
AUG
11
2008
Localism Sponsor

How do I go about sponsoring a city?  The city I live in, Paso Robles, only has about 30,000 residents...  Also, what is the cost per month?

Thanks much

7:23pm • #319
223,694 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I read the tutorial and the strategy and still had problems.  Now my community is lost. I've worked dilligently from the beginning and didn't get my community. I even waited around all day to launch at the right time.  Still no luck. 

It's a real disappointment for me.

10:13pm • #320
AUG
13
2008

if your date has passed can we buy our area if it has not been bought by others?

6:59pm • #321

Yes, the sponsorship area is open to anyone now. All you need to do is go to Localism.com/login and log in with your AR username and password. Then you will click on the 'sponsor a community' link and target your area.

Here is a tutorial on how the process works.

7:09pm • #322
199,506 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Thanks, Bob.  I'm not worried about the refund.  In fact, I'll donate the money to you, so you can buy some extra coffees, considering you and your team are going to be working long hours.  I'd just prefer to see Toronto, Toronto, Ontario disappear. :)
Thanks again.

 

8:42pm • #323
AUG
28
2008
213,791 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

By the way,can some subdivisions/neighborhoods be added to Washington DC? I have like three-five neighborhoods that I will like to have added to Washington DC. Thanks. Great post.

11:55pm • #324
AUG
29
2008
209,959 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I think anything goes at this poiint lanre. Based on strategies i've seen employed by a few others you can, unless it's changed, make communities names at will when sponsoring them.

6:15am • #325
SEP
01
2008

I haven't been on active rain for a while and I totally don't even understand this sponsor a community but hey I bought 3!!! LOL.  I need to get back to blogging!

12:42pm • #326
209,959 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

"In the cities with over 40,000 residents, the person that has the most community sponsorships on the first day of the month will get an automatic sponsorship of the city. These automatic sponsorships will start September 1st."

 

is this still going to happen?

7:47pm • #327
SEP
03
2008
209,959 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

hmmmm. We noticed the billing cycle was moved up to September 7th, so we take it that's the day it will be done instead?

7:01am • #328
SEP
21
2008
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I tried to sponsor 3 communities tonight that said they were available and the system had an error.  I was also wondering about the community I really want is being sponsored by someone that to my understanding is no longer in the country or real estate. 

1:25am • #329

Is there is any way to get automatilcy notify if a communityhas been drpoed from her sponsor?

3:18am • #330

Thanks for the good information bob. I will pass this on to a couple of clients.

10:11am • #331

Leave a response…



(optional)
What does the graphic say?
 
P1000700_edited Staff_large

Bob Stewart - ActiveRain

International, INT

More about me…

ActiveRain

Office Phone: CALLMYCELL

Cell Phone: (425) 753-7340

Email Me



Bob Stewart
Bob Stewart
Create Your Badge


Subscribe To The ActiveRain Member Newsletter

Please fill in the fields below:
(all fields required)
Email
First Name
Last Name
Company Name
City
State/Province


ActiveRain Corp. on Facebook

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner











Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find INT real estate agents and International real estate on ActiveRain.