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More on the Land Rush ....Creating YOUR OWN Communities

Bob Stewart - ActiveRain (ActiveRain) is supposed to write on the topic of Creating Communities for Localism although I can imagine the bombardment with the LAND RUSH going on. I wanted to give my opinion on Honolulu Hawaii Relocations concerns that arose of diluting the communities and cities within our counties and creating our own niche market communities.

There have got to be rules too, right?

For one. We have our own problems with just the geographical areas alone. In Hawaii, there were bases listed as cities and communities listed in cities that didn't belong (one of them I added in back in early 2007 by mistake and it still isn't corrected) So there is a concern for other communties I've seen as well. Spelled in lower case to create a new communty, spelled with a space in between to create another neighborhood and then the correct spelling....and this was all for ONE community in South Carolina. So we all have concerns even for the geographical areas which ActiveRain is attending to with our input.

The majority of the people who commented on my Hawaii Land Rush ....Creating MY OWN Communities were all for the creating their own communities according to niche markets and tailored to meet their specific needs for networking within their communities.

There were differences of opinions regarding this as well.

I am posting my response to a commenter for certain points that I believe I needed to have addressed in the post.

I agree with the fact that creating communities and not even putting anything in them (we no longer get points for adding communities anyway) is actually mute.
I also agree that making up any old thing just for the heck of it is mute as well. Please don't start creating for no reason at all. You do not gain points and do not gain anything if you are not posting in it for specific community oriented material. LOCALISM is for Local Area posts.
One thing I do agree with is that the majority of us needed that "looking outside of the box" (for a place to call home for our specific niche markets within our communites)
I also believe that creating them and not sponsoring (paying to sponsor) is also an option. We all are top neighbors for the amount of content we post. For the length of time I've been contributing QUALITY content for my local area I'm pretty much all over the place anyway.
I chose to create, sponsor (pay to sponsor) and submit posts into MY communities I created.....and another community within a city as well. As ActiveRain said....if you are posting quality content than it will also appear in where you are posting it anyway.
There are geographical communities that were created back in the beginning that are sitting idly as well. Most are from duplicated cities and communities that don't belong anyway so let's clean up those.
Also, trying to game the Localism site with copy and paste stats and one picture with no words is really nothing more than trying to get over. ActiveRain is sorting through and deleting ones that are against the guidelines anyway.

Remember, no one is forcing anyone to buy a sponsorship. I CHOSE to do so within a community I created because I am not only sponsoring my own community but supporting Localism as well. (I really didn't need to as I'm still all over the place but it did give me a reason for why I would be sponsoring a specific community)

Networking for business....bonding with peers ....and our community.

Wow...what a concept.

Military Bases On Oahu

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman HAWAII Relocations & Real Estate on 08/07/2008 12:18 AM

Comments (57)

localism, hawaii land, military in hawaii, mililani community

Originally posted at: Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations : More on the Land Rush ....Creating YOUR OWN Communities

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57 Comments on More on the Land Rush ....Creating YOUR OWN Communities

AUG

Thanks for the thoughts, Sally. LOL with your community.

Sally,

Long time no talk. Glad to see you flexing the "EXPERTISE" muscle there in Hawaii

Sally, awesome poet. I think that you have hit the nail on the head on this one. Please continue to expose the mistakes of the system, because it is what will make AR and the communities great. Keep up the good work.

Ron: You're really LOL? I actually think it's cool....type it in google

Ralph! WO! Where ya been? If you are going to write again I'll go subscribe. :)

Marvin: I'm exposing the pros AND cons actually. This can be a great community and professional site for all who are working together in a community.

There is no limit once this gets going....I feel it. :)

I'm not in any rush right now...so I'm not sure what I'll do.

Neal: Oh, no rush anymore....I'm content for the moment. Before you do anything....think about how you want to get involved with your community online. It'll come to you.

Hi Sally, I sponsored a community here in Ca, I am trying it for a month to see what I can do with it and if I feel the monthly fee isn't worth it I will cancel. Atleast I am giving it a shot to be my community rep!

Sally,

As a vendor, of course, I am stepping back and letting the chips fall where they may. The Localism thing? Great new format. Glad to see AR working the content angle.

You can buy land anywhere these days, I guess-But you eventually have to do something with it!

Steve

Obeoman

Sally, You said it my friend. Especially your last point about copying and pasting stats to localism. I have a top neighbor who does that all the time and I'm not sure for how long AR is going to let this member stay at the top!!!

Sally,

Great post! Now, that I've gotten my 10 points (or, how many ever I get) I hope that you have a GREAT DAY!

Just kidding! =p

Seriously, you touch on some great points. I've tried and tried to just cut and paste stats and I can't do it. I have started uploading lots of photos.

I haven't written all my descriptions yet because I've went to B&N and bought books upon books about the local area. I'm reading two and three hours at night trying to get more familair with it. Maybe, I shouldn't have bought them (localism communities)...but I did. It was fun and I think that I did my part to help give back to people that have given so freely to all of us. I want my descriptions and content to do the site justice. Well, back to reading...

Hey Sally, some people won't get it or think out of the box, but that's ok. :) Niche marketing is different..it has to be outside the box. I think your communities are great! Still keeping mine hush, hush for now. LOL.

Darn, the flowers are back. Kinda liked not having to type in words on every comment :)

Steph: Aren't you on yet? When is Texas...oh, tomorrow? wow...what a long wait.

Jessica: What-ever...lol!

Hey...don't get me going on the copying and pasting and photos....hahaha. Anyway, I have to get more organized with my descriptions as well....now look ...more work besides blogging here lol! You bought books? Oh, yeah ..you just RELOCATED there. That's pretty cool though. I know that even though I have lived here most of my life...that I didn't really know much at all.....regarding history and stuff....so while researching I really enjoyed.....so....enjoy!

And you're 100% correct. Giving back to those that gave us so freely. .....how come most don't see that?

Mana: I'm sure they'll get around to weeding out the junk. In the meantime...you have some gorgeous market reports you're doing now!

Steve: Localism is for vendors and everyone who is doing something in their local area......it's geared to network with everyone in their community. Check it out!

Jennifer: Believe me...you'll find something to do with it....you have to do something with it...or it will give nothing back in return.

Sally, I was out of the rain for a few days and went to your other post...I personally feel it's a fabulous idea (and you know I love "thinking out of the box!"). Good for you, your Localism posts were my models. Now I wonder if I can create a Feng Shui Long Island community? I don't show up anywhere on Localism the last I checked. Our buying "frenzy" is tomorrow and I won't be here :(

I created a community and certainly agree with not only your explanation but on the usefullnss of some of these unique communities. I did think it humorous when I created on and up popped the map to put a flag where it was . That sort of starled me as I thought , now what? So San Diego being so large it is placed more coastal. Coastal condos cost more, LOL.

AUG

Sally... I am writing again. By the way... how did you get our post to show up again as most recent? Your post has a later time now. When I edit my posts, I don't believe I am getting the same results!

Ralph: Because they just featured it...wow..you have been gone awhile huh? I'll go subscribe again :)

William: Fun huh? Will go check it out soon. :)

Carole: Emailed you.....:)

Sally- Congrats on your new gold star. Everyone has their opinions. I was very concerned about people coming in and diluting my community but I don't care any more. The people who do it just for the links are not going to last because if they don't contribute their money won't be working for them anyways and they will drop out. I will continue to write content.

Thanks for the info, That will come in handy tomorrow.

I thought the community you created was a great idea. A community is more than just geography.

Sally,

I guess the Land Rush is going in a little different direction than originally conceived. Interesting post.

Sally, I bought 18 communities and knew quite a bit about most of them, some of the neighborhoods or subdivisions were harder to write about as there is only so much to say about a 70 home neighborhood. I have 3 more to go to fill in. How long did it take to get yours approved after pending review?

I agree more with what Katerina said except I was really not worried about it from the start. You shouldn't have to pay your way to the top and even if you are it still shouldn't reflect the exposure you get. If you post a piece of crap that no one will read versus a good post for free....then where will the consumer find you...I keep saying most consumers have no idea what in the world localism or land rush is. They are looking for certain things to read and don't think about our methods of getting it to them. I have no problem with people paying for this if it's going to benefit them and AR should charge a fee but for me right now I'll stick to what works.

Sally I hear your concerns but I think Neal summarized the situation at the moment real well. I am sure if you continue to write like you always have there will be nobody that beats you. Nobody knows Hawai like you!

I have yet to plow thru this in our own area but the only folks who are really qualified to define communities, areas, etc. are the folks who live there....works there...sell there...hmmm ?

Woo Hoo...

For now I'll have to park. I'll be back.

P.S. Remember most of the Members are not on the same playing field as you. They're self employed. That makes a huge difference when these topics come up for discussion. Be nice :)

TLW...ROAR!

That is one thing that needs to be addressed, and I think that there is a problem waiting in the wings for Localism... We have communities that are duplicated in the wrong city or county... and may get sponsored... but that dilutes the value of the real community. I do agree that there should be a mechanism to create custom communities and the add those that aren't there, but there has to be a line, and there needs to be a clean-up of the stuff that shouldn't be there.

I am still learning more for the agents I help. I know they are concerned about claiming a neighborhood but I also realize thay can post quality content and still get a top rating. We will just watch this evolve.

Thanks for the post, Sally. I am curious to see who is going to buy up the county and areas around it. Some people just post the Market Stats, cut and paste into a format that looks original and have no idea of the areas they are posting, doing it for the points. There are duplicate communities, areas that are mapped that are not of that area at all. I am getting a kick out of watching this and am curious to see how many communities they purchase, it is all about the content and KNOWING your market area.

I kind of had this problem way back when this was all created. Obscure subdivisions were thrown out there and forgotten about. Hopefully it will all come together someday for them :)

I'm addressing TLW first.

For one....I AM self employed.

I am an independent contractor just like everyone else. Just because I ALSO have a part time job in our C21 office doesn't make me just an employee. I just choose to work my butt off in and around the Real Estate Office that I am SELF EMPLOYED as a Realtor® so I am always afloat.

Where did you get the idea I am on a different playing field? Because I get a paycheck AND a commission check? (I get a W-2 and a 1099 every year :)

Renee: That's why I don't understand what all the hoooo haaaa is about when there is much to be fixed. Randy and I are all ready to help out and give them a list of Honolulu County duplicated and wrong cities entered. For instance...Aiea is a city but under honolulu county, honolulu city there is an aiea. Yup...know what you mean....A lot is sitting idly....mine won't :)

Katerina: Well, you and I both know (okay, we'll include Neal too :) that our content is what gets our google juice and leads....and I believe one day that Localism will get going with what 'their' vision is. It's going to be just like when AR started. These guys KNOW what they're doing .....and they have the determination to make it work. No matter what anyone else says....WE ALL contribute to making it work.

Sally, nice overview with very helpful thought provoking points. I signed up for a few communities that I haven't gotten to and and some that I have aren't getting the posts I've written posted to that community. I know it will all get sorted out in time.....I just think your "out of the box" thinking is amazing and very clever....good for you. Well done....Community on many level....so true!

Travis: Good luck!

Randy: And I'm in your sponsored community :) Thanks Randy.

Neal: Yeah...yeah...but you know what? I totally know where you're coming from...and totally believe that adding to Localism will only get me a little more google...because of prior placement with keywords etc. I have many google search terms I am found. (granted, a lot come in for rentals....which we sales agents do not do....we have property management in our office handle....or just plain info....but I'm still being found.) In any case...our island alone has 6k agents (plenty for small area) so we work extra hard at blogging and such to rise above all of those.

For my search term Mililani Condos...today I am showing up 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 on PAGE 1. Or Mililani Condos Homes 1, 2 3 9 10 on page 1. Of course there are many more....

Bill: I agree...and of course I believe that. I am choosing to sponsor Localism (both Randy and I) not only in hopes of getting more SEO but to support ActiveRain...and Localism. I'm giving back so little compared to what I have received. Wealth of info, friends, networking with peers, meeting them too!

Where else do you find the founders and staff answering emails and making themselves available for answering? NO WHERE.

Hey guys....you are going to keep that as a feature aren't you? I do think it's a plus....although listening to complaints and such must get tedious every day too. Hmmm.

Sally & David: We work all over the island here (Honolulu County is the whole island of Oahu) but we also have preferences. I suppose it depends where you work around and how far away etc.

Lane: And so...the reason for me continuuing on on this topic....I think the AR guys will do a better job...:)

We have communities that are duplicated in the wrong city or county... and may get sponsored... but that dilutes the value of the real community.

This has always been a concern...and I see more of that now too. People will always try and find a way to game the system. Funny it ain't no game if nothing is happening....and they move on....

I'm sure they'll find a way....AR has progressed...even Localism has ....i choose to try...for if not for taking a small risk I would wonder the rest of my blogging life....what could have been. (sounds like a famous quote huh? lol!)

Mattie: No rush....unless you are picking a specific geographical community.

Christine: They don't get points on Localism ....and on ActiveRain...if it's copy and paste then click on that contact button below and let AR know. They are so busy they do allow us to show them so they can get rid of it.

Jeanean: Yup...and we need all the exposure we can get. I for one believe in their vision....don't know why or what about....but just watching ActiveRain evolve is enough.

I was very concerned about people coming in and diluting my community but I don't care any more. The people who do it just for the links are not going to last because if they don't contribute their money won't be working for them anyways and they will drop out.

Hi Sally,

Thanks for an educational discussion! I agree with Katerina's analysis. Localism is clearly a work in progress. Naturally, with a project of this size, there will be some confusion and dilution at first. However, I believe the dedicated Localism bloggers will be the ones who benefit the most in the long run - just like what happens on Active Rain.

Respectfully,

Bruce

Bruce: It sure is! And you are double right! Oh, good....you get IT. There is room for opening our minds to create a wonderful community...and the good thing about Localism is that they will have community businesses coming in to join and with us starting it and paving the way ....maybe they'll get it too.

So Sorry Woo Hoo...

I thought you worked 9-5 in the office. I must have confused you with one of the other Lovelies. With 100,000 plus Members that's bound to happen. So many of you and only one of me :)

TLW...ROAR!

Hello! I am new to ActiveRain and I guess it is like everything new... it will take time to work all the kinks out. I do have a question. How do you get a post on Localism? I went to the site and there were only a few people in our area on it but the site would not let anyone new sign-up. Thanks Brenda :)

TLW: You've known me how long???? I don't get that...sorry.

Brenda: Here's a great place to start learning! ActiveRain Community Resources - Updated 06/18/08 There's all kinds of info...including:

Introduction to Localism

What Is Localism - AR Real Estate Network, Bellevue, WA
Active Rain From the Consumer Perspective - Colleen Kulikowski, Celebration, FL
Effectively Utilize Localism - Toby Barnett, Marysville, WA
How to Position Yourself on Localism - Rich Jacobson, Silverdale, WA
Posting to Localism - AR Real Estate Network, Bellevue, WA
Putting Your Listings on Active Rain/Localism - Colleen Kulikowski, Celebration, FL
Uploading Photos to Localism - AR Real Estate Network, Bellevue, WA

What's to get? A brain fart is a brain fart. Nothing more. Nothing less :)

See ya

THANK-YOU VERY MUCH! I will spend some time reading those posts. Thanks again Brenda :)

Brenda: Great! I know when I first started there was a smidgen of info...not like there is now. You folks are actually lucky to have all of this :) oh...me too :) :)

Hi Sally,

We're excited about it but that's because we grew up in our area and are so familiar with it that it's easy to write about it. We have wondered from the beginning of the concept of carving out communities though how the rules went. There really aren't any "developments" in our area to speak of. We'll see how things pan out within the next months I suppose.

Lisa

AUG

This is something that I hadn't even heard of. Why is Active Rain doing so many new things at once? The Land Rush, Other Blog, etc... I am all for them making money but this is just too much.

AUG

Now that the land rush is over, we all need to start posting. For any more information about Localism please refer back to the Localism Compendium

Btw: Thanks Sally for yet another informative post.

Lisa/Robert: Our communites are small...our county is the whole island :)

Cristal: Supporting the community I've been on for way over a year is not a bad investment.

Castle: You've done a lot of work to get everything in one place :)

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