Home : Blogs : Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager : Active Brads Blog

Getting To Know ActiveRain - I Want To Know...

If you could ask just one question of the ActiveRain Staff, what would it be? Would you ask Jon if he really owns that Van on his Blog header? Would you ask Bob who really stays up with Kelan at night? Maybe Rich, to find out what caused his obsession with Crabs? Or Me, like when do I ever sleep? lol~ We will ALL be on the air at the same time this week, to answer ANY questions YOU have.

The Q&A Talk Show "LIVE"

Here's your chance to ask anything you'd like to know from us or about us. There will be many callers, so we wanted to give you the chance to have "first" shot at us. We will be live on "R.A.I.N Radio" and we'd love if you'd all join us. If you ask your questions here, there's a much greater chance we'll get to it than if you call in. Maybe you're new to the community, and you'd just like to meet your ActiveRain staff and TEAM, we welcome you to listen in.

Here's Your Options:

Ask your question here, then Go to RainRadio and just listen in "live" this Thursday.

Call (347) 677-1643, and listen over the phone, you may end up on the air with us.

Select Private below if you wish to remain anonymous, we may still use your question, but keep you confidential.

Or, listen to the recorded Podcast posted on RainRadio, then download to iTunes, iPod, iPhone or Desktop to listen later.

We're giving away Bonus Points.

Ask your question here, the "best" question wins 1000 points.

If you "call in" your Question and it's voted "best" question win 500 points.

If we use your question from this post on the air, get kudos, credit, and 250 points.

Ask a question here and we don't use it, you'll still get 25 points. (Big Smile) :-)

Ask question confidentially below, we may use it, but no points will be awarded.

So bring it on, give us your best shot, have at us, now is your chance, don't hold back! What do you want to know more than anything else? Don't be afraid to ask? We'll be broadcasting "live" this Thursday at 11:00am PDT. I was hoping to keep our shows down to 15 minutes, but with an opportunity like this, I think we better go the full hour! lol~

This will be a fun and interesting program, I really hope you'll tune in and join us. Don't forget to rate us.
For all future show, announcements, guests, topics and programs, you'll find them listed at RainRadio along with all previous recorded broadcasts.

The Talk Show Number for this and all future shows is:

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can ask a private question HERE, we'll keep you confidential.

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount
RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager on 09/08/2008 11:52 AM

Comments (105)

Rain Radio in the ActiveRain Channel

rain radio, activerain, community support

Post is included in group: ActiveRain Gatherings
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Podcasting and Vidcasting
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You

105 Comments on Getting To Know ActiveRain - I Want To Know...

SEP

2008

Are you going to explain the new Channels and topic field selections for posts?

And I still think that Localism needs some editing process.

Richard

Brad,

How about...How are and who decides featured posts on AR...??? Thanks, Fran

Hi, there has been a lively discussion today about some of the posts to Localism being urnrelated to community information. Political and religious posts and even a favorite panty hose poll. My question is will Localism be kept to community information and posts with some oversight and is there a difference between Active Rain and what is allowed there and what will be allowed on Localism?

Hi Brad, Just wondering if we will ever be able to use statcounters on our outside blogs?

Brad, I already know the answer, but maybe you could discuss why it is that you wear an "Affliction" t-shirt.

Unfortunately I won't be able to listen to the show live, but I'll try to catch it later.

Meanwhile, here's another question: Will Matt Heaton ever write a blog post discussing his fascination with trilobites and try somehow to relate it to the real estate and mortgage markets?

Ok, Brad, here goes -- Now that the Rain has grown to over 100K members and counting, does the AR staff worry that it will become difficult, or maybe even impossible, to keep the AR community feeling alive?

Brad- What a great idea. The last time I tried to get on an online radio show it did not work for me. Hope it works this time.

Question for Bob: What do you REALLY say to yourself when you are called upon to mediate petty and immature squabbles between members?

And when you get those email complaints yelling at you in big caps and bold letters?

Question for Rich: Where do I deliver the Sushi? :)

Question for Jon: Have you counted any grey hairs since the launch of the new Localism?

Question for Brad: Sleep is overrated so we know you don't do much of it. What else is overrated?

What I'd really like to know from Bob is why doesn't Kelan blog more? And is he still tooooooo cute? :)

Brad - I don't want to be anonymous - I have been 'out of order' the last month with some issues at home - I am back in action and trying to catch up!

I think that Localism is awesome and would like to get the word out to consumers/professionals who don't know what it is or how to get there.

Question for AR:

"What would happen/How much internet Buzz would be created if each of us active Active Rainers wrote a post on our blog announcing/explaining Localism to our readers/the world?"

We all have local followings, Google juice for our area, keywords, etc. I haven't seen any member posts that have done this. If we all posted in the same week, would Localism Google Alerts blow up?

Or maybe you should have a contest. The post titles should include the word Localism and each post should have the direct link to Localism for their area.

Betcha you would get a lot of clicks on Localism.

Brad - I actually asked 2 questions above, so I came back for the extra 25 points. :)

Is it possible to add a forum so I can ask questions related to this site or just get general advice not in the form of a blog?

Brad,

I'll be waiting bud!

Rain Radio - how cool is that ... got to get on..marking it on the calendar - thanks as usual Brad!

Brad - This is not a question I expect to get on the radio but it looks like in your photo you have an "Affliction" shirt on. Are you a UFC fan? I thought I was the only Neanderthal on AR. If this question makes no sense to you, just ignore it, and then I guess that means I am still the only Neanderthal.

-Al

This is a great idea Brad. Btw: congratulations on blog talk radio. It's pretty exciting to see Active Rain having it's own talk show. Keep up the good work Oh and check your email. Active Rain just keeps getting bigger and better. Thanks Brad!! :)

ug, session timed out. anyways comment above was ours.

btw: how long do you think we'll have to wait before we go live when we call.

I want to know why dryer vents and garbage dumps can be posted umpteen times and get 200 points for each posts while changing the titles around, and posting it in different communities?

Shall I take all of Washtenaw and post my market reports in Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsi Township, Pittsfied Township, Manchester, Scio Township, Dexter Village, Burns Park, Kerry Town ?

Ok you get the point...........

My question is:

How did Active Rain start; whose brain child was it; how did it launch...just a "In the beginning....?" type questions.

Is Active Rain where it needs to be to satisfy the company's mission statement? And a follow-up question... I'd like to know where Active Rain is headed. Specifically, what are the goals, quantifiable milestones and identified challenges?

[Probably question for Jon]

What do you think ActiveRain will be like in 5 years? What is the long term "vision?"

I'm cutting and pasting my question again...for some reason I keep getting knocked out on AR tonight and it's not registering my comments...so here it is again.

My question is:

How did Active Rain start; whose brain child was it; how did it launch...just a "In the beginning....?" type question.

I have been here for quite a few months now and I am still unsure about all the different "channels" and boxes and areas and groups and Localism etc to check when posting a blog. My question would be more directions on basic posting and points.

Will you do a weather report--- even though it's always RAINing??

Have you read the wonderful Real Estate Rainmaker?

Seriously, here is my REAL question for the RAIN board: Can you, at this point, say how you think Localism will be more unique and better sought than some of these other sites (ie CityBlog, MyTown, etc.)... I'm thinking it may have an organic root and sharper quality than these others... It's a distinct taste, for sure... no preservatives? Will it gain ground & maintain its primary potency from the RAIN gods?

(localism ?) When will the maps work? Why can't the sponsors dial in their own maps?

I can't thin of a question at the moment... can i still get 25 points for asking one?

I almost typed something that sounded WAY worse that it really was... Bob MAY remember what I am thinking. ASL, Jessica...

I've been on Active Rain since December 2006 - If there is a post on this and I have missed it all this time - I do apologize and I'll look forward to having you send me the link, BUT...

I'd like to know how AR got it's name? Love it and think I can read between the lines, but I'd like to know the real story behind the name Active Rain.

Brad: I'd like to know where my Localism t-shirt will arrive?!! (sponsored 7 communities!) HA!

Seriously, I would like to ask the group to reflect on a timeline regarding upcoming changes in Localism. What should we expect this year, next and do you have a 5-year plan?

AND, is there a recording of the radio show that we can access at a later date in the event that we're out selling homes during the original program?!

Thanks so much!

Sounds like fun. I am usually out touring new listing on Thurs. morning. I will do my best to be there. thank you for all you do.

My question is for Rich: Since the last season of 24, you were not a moderator. Now that you have extra responsibilities, how in the world are you going to keep up with the new season??

I'm getting ready to post my second blog and it seems everything has changed since the first one. Panic! What are ActiveRain Channels? I'm afraid to check the box and proceed....Don't really understand choosing the Category either. Does that affect who sees the blog? I'm new...help!

I'm there Brad .. thank you for the opportunity!

Brad,

I have three questions:

1. I've taught Kindergarten...33 children in my class. I've taken 40 teenagers on a five day camping trip to a Christian Music Festival. When I was 15, I babysat two little girls who went blueberry picking and ate a quart of blueberries. They pooped non-stop for two days...and I had to clean it up. I'm a patient woman...really I am. What I want to know is HOW DO YOU GUYS HAVE THE PATIENCE TO BABYSIT over 100,000 PEOPLE?

2. What is the most important thing that we, the members of this great community, can do to give back and support YOU (and all of the AR staff)?

3. How many blog posts do you read each week? GBU!! :-)

A couple of questions:

Since awarding points seem to be an integral part of how ActiveRain works, how can we protect the integrity of the posts from "gamers" and create Localism as the Wikipedia of community information -- it seems I heard it promoted as such when opening the LandRush?

How will be know when a community becomes available if someone cancels their sponsorship (or is not writing their community description)?

There seemed to be a date when Localism was going live with a lot of publicity and big roll out- has this happened (or when will it) and what is the marketing strategy to bring attention to it - I like the idea of having everyone blog about it on a particular date.

Certainly a lot to it

... we all must say ... we love the active rain real estate network!

Thanks

Tom Davis

World Class Delaware Realtor

SEP

2008

I do not understand the method by which points are awarded. The same participants seem to be the featured posts and I wish I could say that I understood why after reading the post. I am afraid that when I read post all too often they seem to be post that are complaining about why others are not doing a better job in writing better post or breaking other AR rules and regulations in some manner. It seems that leading by great example and featuring post that demonstrate the type of post that you consider exemplary would accomplish more. Just a thought.

WOW! Went out to BBQ, and came back to check in... AWESOME questions everyone, thanks. I will make sure Jon, Rich and Bob take a look here and see how many of these we can get answered on Thursday. Those we can't, I'll make sure to come back and answer in this post. Thanks for helping to make our new talk show a hit and hopefully worth listening to.

I see a few questions here we could dedicate an entire show to. Keep em coming, we're looking forward to sharing all we can with you and answering ALL your questions the best we can. Thanks again.

BTW - there is a story behind the affliction shirt, maybe we'll have Brian on the air to explain it. :-)

I'll make sure we cover the "NEW" channels, followed up with a Blog post. That's a great topic and question.

I know Localism and the future of AR will be a hot topic as well, we may need to break these shows up a bit. You guys are giving me some really great ideas for some future shows here.. lol~

Thanks for your anonymous questions too, those are really good, we'll try to answer many of those too.

Brad,

With SEO being necessary to improve your visibility on GOOGLE, etc. and not knowing anything about it is there just one place that one could go to here on AR to get that information?

Hey Brad I like it! Lure them all in with those enticements for points. You know how to sell with the best of them:)

So my question is when will AR integrate into the site the awesome "share this" button so that it does not cause a glitch and lets the "email me" button continue to work. I noticed you took yours down probably for that reason. This would be an outstanding addition to AR.

Brad - I think this is a great. You guys might find some interesting ideas just waiting for the right opportunity to come alive.

Brad- boy, questions...I surely have them...but I dunno how many I should post here....

First, I think you should get Claire in on the show as well....then we would really find out the true answers to stuff Bob & Jon are asked.

I think one question I have is when do you see Localism going public? I know McConaugheys Brother, aka Jorgen is working feverishly. Also, I know you guys have mentioned that Localism will be marketed heavily as it goes public. What types of things can we your members do to help promote it more? Lastly, when will we receive our piece of swag?!?

Some other questions-

Bob, when will Kelan be visiting his Girlfriend, she is starting to get upset that he has not come.

Jon- Do you really feel Kurt Warner is going to help your fantasy football team?

Brad- What happened to all the cool videos you used to share?

Oh, I forgot one for Rich....do you really go to Costco just for the free weenie samples?

I see sometimes where a written dialogue occurs between several bloggists (a word, maybe). Someone will blog, then comes a comment, then a comment to the comment, etc. Could you tell me how that is done? thanks.

Very cool, I guess when I need to know, I will check your post first then go to rainradio for updates, thanks again...

I have an important question:

What are the future plans for Active Rain?
We always stress the importance of having a business plan... If you can could you detail the business plan for AR and what short and long term goals do you have in place?
What specifically is your business model for AR?
What new features do you want to implement (share your secrets!)?
What features are you planning to fine tune or adjust?
What can we do to help?
What sort of direction would you like to see some blogs head in?

I guess I had more than 1!

Hi Rich,

As I am new to AR I am curious:

1. Do ya'll get paid at all for what you do? If so, is it by the hour? by the number of questions you answer? by the number of people you assist or the number of dumb questions you get?

Some of the questions that came in through Open Forum Friday aren't the
gossipy sort of questions I should be answering, so I turn them over to you:
----
From /ogormask

1. how come I dont see a draft setting on my screen when I post blogs?
2. is it possible to add a forum section so if you have questions about
AR or just some questions it doesnt have to be in the form of a blog or
is this not in the style of this site?

----
From /virginiahepp

What is the 'new' Active Rain Channels box, when you post on your blog?

----
From /vickienagy

Makeover to Takeover materials indicated a token of appreciation and
points. My broker/mentor asked me about those points, etc just today. I
haven't seen a "reward". I'd love to know if there are points forthcoming.

----
From /aquicknote

Aside from using a slide rule, hiring an MIT Grad/Rocket Scientist type
or waiting for arthritis to set in to get a return help desk call, why
can't the "bid" process on advertising campaigns be made more
understandable?

----
From /lbeynon

Is there anything you can do to improve the spell checker program in
AR? It often says I mis-spelled a word and I didn't. Also, it doesn't
recognize the "word" blog or blogging.

This platform just keeps getting bigger and better!

I'd like to know how does Active Rain do it?

Okay -- I have a question that came from one of my blog readers -- they would like to know if each Active Rain member's blog can be searchable. They were looking for a blog I had done in the past and could not find it easily -- is this possible.

Next, when is localism going to be ready for comments. It is very difficult for the public to make comments on the blog on the original Active Rain format.... or if you don't have the person's email address to email them a link. [ Here is what happened, I was trying to get more local comments for my post on Lull farm. I did a flyer with the blog and asked them to go to Active Rain to post a comment; it was very diffiicult .. I assume with Localism, this will be much easier in the future.]

Okay -- I have a question that came from one of my blog readers -- they would like to know if each Active Rain member's blog can be searchable. They were looking for a post I had done in the past and could not find it easily -- is this possible?

QUESTION :

SUBJECT BLOG BANNERS :

Where can I locate the website to produce a blog banner, many a/r members have some GREAT looking blog banners, is there a website which is simple to get this accomplhised?

When I log onto Active Rain or even pull up the page on my laptop, there is always the photo at the top of the two top people in New Jersey, are the top two of all states on that state's blogs, how does AR know I am in Jersey to show these top two?

If I was in another state, would that state's top two be on the opening screen?

Hope that makes sense.

QUESTION:

SUBJECT: Trademark infringements

Many A/R blogs violate trademark infringements use of celebrity pictures, videos and etc. why are those posts not flagged points removed and etc. I even flag these post indicate their are violations however there IS NO STATUS from A/R . If professionals ARE NOT AWARE A/R can be sued including the A/R blogger

I am rather shocked how it continues here on A/R. IS there not away to prevent this happening in the future? Just concerned for bloggers more A/R grows with exposure it COULD be an accident waiting to happen. Including reposting from Youtube that DOES NOT BELONG TO A/R BLOGGER who wanted include in their blog.

I tried to sign up with Localism and it said it is not accepting new members right now. Do I need to be registered to post local items? I have also posted listings there which Rich informed me there is currently no link for, but is in the process. When would the links for listings be available?

Are there only 4 of you monitoring the Rain? I am just curious because I have noticed certain blogs being posted numerous times and on different days...is that actually allowed?

Brad - You made a response to me in one of your blogs about being full time with the Rain now. Do you still work in RE?

I would also like to know if just having an open forum is possible as someone stated above.

Thanks,

Chastity

Brad...

Oh my goodness, with a thousand points on the line, I need a really great question. HMMM OK here goes:

"I believe that the success of ActiveRain is directly attributable to the hard work and dedication of it's founders and those currently working behind the scenes to make this the best dang real estate professional website out there. And I would prefer to see a fee system invoked to an eventual outright sale of the site"

"Are there plans to increase revenue streams with fees or new advertising models for AR that will allow the current ownership to remain in place for the foreseeable future?"

Brad & Company - As an Industry, we are working and living in some very challenging times across the board. Being that the presence of this community is pretty strong on the web, what do you think is our most important role individually and collectively in making a tangibly positive impact on the Real Estate Industry as a whole?

What is the average speed of a swallow?

What is your favorite color?

Will you add a Q&A for members only?

As you look at ways to monetize the site, have you considered a questionaire or survey that members could fill out and then "select" which product or services they would like more information on?

Many posts on Localism are event announcements. When the event is over, if we remove the post, do we lose the points? If so, is there a way to hide the blog post?

It would be great if there was a pop-up calendar to select the date of an event, when we post Localism regional event postings, that would automatically expire the post after the event date passes. (Without losing points, of course!) Is this possible?

These are some really awesome questions that I'm excited to bring to the table on Thursday, thanks everyone. :-)

Okay, I didn't read all of the questions but mine has already been asked...so here's a slightly different twist: What will replace blogging and Web 2.0 as we know it today? Will static websites become obsolete just as printed newpapers are becoming right now? Besides blogging, Twitter etc. what should be be preparing for and learning about? As blogs saturate the market something new must be developed to take the place, but what?

OK.....I have a "trash question" about the AR Dudes........Jon, Rich, Bob, Matt, Brad..... Who has the trashy-est mouth and worst temper.?? Example: which one screams at the computer screen loudest with the worst curse words??

I have a question about localism: What are the stats on consumers visiting the "neighborhoods" or localism, period? Is there a way we can track it?

My question has to do with Locaism and neighborhoods!

I am really excited about sponsoring neighborhoods in Localism and want to know how best to utilize this new resource AND what are the most important things we should concentrate on to make our Localism neighborhoods and blogs relevant to our communities and the people we hope will soon be arriving to check us out?

Thanks Russell

Hi Brad, I have to admit - I only read "some" of the comments above but didn't see this exact question.. Who thought of the name - Active Rain" and what was the inspiration ??

Congrats on the Radio Show. Thanks and God bless,

"Ask a question here and we don't use it, you'll still get 25 points"....lol

I love the name:

Active Rain........Who came up with the name?....And what was the thought process behind it?

Question about Passwords---who comes up with them? and could you make them longer and more complicated like: Gobbledygook or hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia (that's a real word--I looked it up)

lol! Just kidding guys---I really love the long passwords---it's helping me the my typing speed! lol

Since prospecting and lead generation are essential for the majority of Realtors, I'd like to know the top ten ways in which ActiveRain can support (or be utilized to support) these important activities?

Secondly, is there a list of recommended ActiveRain posts for prospecting and lead generation?

Thanks.

John in Port Moody

Brad, I just signed up for a reminder---I hope I remember to turn my computer on that day lol!

Oh, I have another question:

How did you guys get so smart? This site is brilliant!

By the way, Brad---It's Aida your favorite pest! Just remembered I changed my name--

Howdy Brad

First I'd like to thank ya for stopping to visit, for leaving a comment on my blog at my little ol blogging homestead today.

I do truely enjoy coming to the Active Rain community, and being a member of this here community.

1. Is there any way Y'all could send out a members E-Mail. Leting us know when the tech team is going to be adding updates for us to use ? ( One thats like what, we can send out to our group members ). I am sure that would be very helpful to new members of the community.

2. The price for using the Active Rain Video Professional, could Y'all also list it on the Active Rain Video page as Y'all do with the month to month fee ? Instead of us having to go to the Terms of Service to find it ?

3. Could Y'all explain a little more indepth on hoe to use the Active Rain Video, How to upload our Videos to it ?

Thank Y'all for everything ya do, to help make things enjoyable for us in the Active Rain community.

Baker Home Inspection and Consulting

Brad - That sound like a lot of fun! Now, let's see if I can come up with a good question... :)

Re: Localism pictures- when will we have the ability to flag shitty (yes I said it - SHITTY) pictures and ones that are from out of area? If we can flag posts, why can't we flag photos too? If Localism is supposed to be the place for consumers to go for info - won't they be terribly disappointed when they find pictures that are totally incorrect?

As the power of Web 2.0 gains recognition and more real estate blogs, wikis and forums spring up, how does Active Rain plan to maintain it's pre-eminent position as a real estate-information-social-networking community?

Okay, Brad, I wanted to know what's AR's vision and I think Vicki already asked that. I also wanted to know who came up with the name ActiveRain and Cheryl Gillian already asked that, and someone else asked about the thought process behind it?

Recently, another member asked me about navigating around AR. This is really a two-part questions - Would AR be updating the tutorials to help newbies and creating some sort of a sitemap to help members navigate around the site easier, especially with all the new featues?

Hi Brad,
I consider myself very resourceful and love to explore AR but sometimes I just don't have the time to research and explore and perhaps I have missed some blogs explaining some of the new features? Was hoping you could cover what the post to categories are and how they work. I understand Localism but how is that different from an Outside Blog? What is Activerain Channels and if we select that how is that differnt than posting in localism since that's its own category?

Perhaps if you cxplain how and why we should use each category - when to use them and not use them that might be helpful. I almost feel like I should be clicking on everything to just ensure it gets posted to where I want it and also for maximim exposure. Thank you so much for all your help and advice. Too bad the show isn't on the 10th - "Swap Ideas Day!" Hope it's a great show and will do my best to listen in.

Sounds great. I am without TV and awaiting a "box" right now, missing the new and a little more now.

Here is my question(s): How [as member's] can we help AR become the best Real Estate site ever?

What can we do for you? Everyone ask's what you intend to do for US. I'm asking, "What can we do to help you make this a fantastic arena for the membership?"

Somewhat a JFK, "Ask not what you can do for your country, ask ..."

So, how can we as AR member's help YOU to make this the best of the best?

Being unselfish, loving what you do and your interest in our well being. Everyone here seems to want, want, want...I, on the other hand, would like to know how WE can help this wonderful site go above and beyond any other Real Estate site.

Bob, I'll bet you do get up with Kelan...

Love the van...

Brad...I don't sleep either...much

Sparky...well, what can I say...you must have the patience of a saint...

Jonathan...run like the wind...

You guys are awesome! (and the rest of you that I don't quite know yet).

Also, when can we post listings to Localism?

Also, Is re-blogging a copy-right problem? When one re-blog's, are they re-posting your original blog? Are they allowed to change the verbage? How does that work? I'm somewhat skeptical about doing this. I did it once and it was re-blogged. If the content of the information is changed/re-worded and it does not reflect the content as written by the original blogger and it is mis-construed...would this constitute an illegal/infraction/legal issue? Is this safe to do?

foot in mouth Hope those questions are OK...

Alright, this may be a question (I know it's a controversial one) you have answered before so shame on me for asking it again, but I'm going to do it all the same:

Don't you think that the point system can mislead consumers into believing that points are indicative of experience? There are people in my marketplace that have very high point balances but exceptionally little experience. Does that concern anyone at AR?

Hi Brad- I got 2 questions for ya. Do you ever sleep and when you get up in the morning after a long day do you ever say "It's time to make the donuts" (LOL) Just wondering how you keep everything straight. You must be a genius.

SEP

2008

Will listen in and check out how this works - thanks for the offer

I look forward to listening to you guys! My question is simply "What do you envision Active Rain's website to be in, say, 2 years (as to appearance, purpose, function/scope)?

Well Brad, I actually tried to do something here that I never do, and that is read the comments I never want my comment to be influenced by something that someone else has said)...but there are so many here that I only made it half way through and now I forgot what MY question was going to be!

So, I'll fore-go the 25 points and just wish you all much success with the show and have FUN! I'll try to tune in!

Val

Hi Brad -I think you're just having waaay too much fun!!!

My Question: I very recently learned there's more to linking points than the initial link to A|R and I've noticed some members have scored high in this area. Would you please explain how to use linking effectively and where to add the A|R link? If there's only 1 link per website, I'm confused how someone gains thousands of points for linking. Thanks so much.

What are the short and long term goals for Active Rain. Is the intent create a website and have it sold as many such as myspace,

Since the point system APPEAR TO CREATE so many issues what is your solution to correct this. What is fair FOR MANY is not FAIR FOR OTHERS, appears to be a cartel among several in A/R that prefer for others not to move forward in rankings.

Brad - Looking forward to your show on RAIN Radio. As a Newbie and looking to get involved as much as possible in the "Community", I was very interested in sponsoring a city on Localism, which I believe is a great way to learn about a community.

Unfortunately, the town in which I live is already sponsored and unavailable for purchase. I don't believe that the individual who has purchased this town actually lives there, although she has done the area proud with her posts and photos.

My question is, why are areas limited to only one sponsor? Why not open this up to co-sponsors, if agreeable to the original sponsor? Not only would this defray some of the cost, but it would also provide for varying viewpoints and more coverage. Not that more is always better, but my understanding is that submitted content is scrutinized anyway.

What say you?

Hi Brad,

I asked some questions yesterday, but I thought of a couple more which I hope no one has asked already...I haven't read the comments since I asked yesterday.

Anyway, #1 I was wondering if we could add something to the groups page that categorizes the groups with like types; hobbies, politics, religious, RE related, AR related, etc...I know there are some categories, but finding groups would be a lot easier with more specific categories. & #2 I was wondering if it would be possible to not just add a forum to groups, but something similar to a person's member profile where if someone say adds your blog as a subscription you could easily go to their profile page and thank them or just stop by there once in a while to say hi. Something similar to sites like MySpace.

Thanks

Chastity

SEP

2008

Hi Brad,

What is Active Rain doing to keep the people here current? Some people have left the business since the Active Rain launch yet their profiles and old information still show. Will there be a way for you to delete them and prevent the points for remaining members from disappearing?

Hi Brad, here are some of our questions.

1. Is active Rain actively keeping account of their competitors such as Cityblogusa, realtown and truliavloices. If so what are they doing to directly compete against those other company sites?

2. Where does Active Rain feel the consumer's voice will come from. Q&A? Localism? or is your company striving to produce something we haven't seen yet.

3. When does Active rain intend to allow access for all consumers to Localism?

4. What are the long terms goals of Active Rain. Many members have posed concerns that when push comes to shove, Active Rain could sell it's soul to the devil for a good net income. If so, will Active Rain remain on the board as consultants?

5. What makes Active Rain stand out from it's competitors and what is on the horizon?

6. When can consumers and members alike expect to see the return of the common edit feature on localism?

7. What kind of contests are actively being run by Active Rain to help bridge the community together?

8. How does Active rain foresee the future of it's business model. Wil it expand into other networks not related to Real Estate?

9. Will ACtive Rain members be able to add in their own metatags within each blog post to further enhance their Blog's SEO?

10. Does Active rain foresee having to hire on additional personnel to reach their quotas?

11. Is Active Rain actively looking to integrate home search features to this site as to allow consumers to find property using existing listing details and profile information from the listing agents.

12. Will Active Rain set a limit to the number of points one can gain on it's network and will it consider putting stars such as jason crouch, brad andersohn, rich jacobsen, sally cheeseman,and ofcourse Lenn Harley into a so called Hall of Fame once they've reached that mark (1 million points)? (And will it use our featured members list (will be done by then) )

13. Since resetting of points would upset many people on Active Rain, is Active Rain considering opening up another section of the site to newcomers where they can attain points at a faster rate while learning the basics of the network before being able to post in the regular channels as to allow for less moderation after the fact seing that those newcomers would already know the basic fundamentals on how to post.

14. Has Active Rain considered allowing donation of points as is popular with the vbulletin forum community?

_____________________

K, Brad that's all we have. Only have 10 minutes right now. We'll think of some more next time we come on. Hope that helps.

Active Castellum

Victor - (Castellum) I see you didn't read this post very well, at least I think you missed the very first sentence. "If you could ask just one question of the ActiveRain Staff, what would it be?" lol~ Big Smile
(don't worry, you weren't the only one...haha)

The show is in the morning, I'll see if we can squeeze in ONE of your questions from the multiple choices. Thanks buddy.

Well with 10 billion replies i just did what the last 10 did, post more than one. Ah well. Yeah just one of those would be appreciated :) (bigger smile)

btw: does this mean you don't want to see the other 27?

hahaha - yes, 27 more will be just fine. When the show is over, I'll just change the title of this post to the "ActiveRain Suggestion Blog". ROFL!! :-))) Thanks Victor.

I have actually started a "Suggestion" Blog for members, it will be quite cool...should be ready by the end of the week. Thanks my friend, I'm getting everything ready for the Broadcast in the morning. Don't forget to tune in. You can call in too, but I'm not sure how many we'll get to squeeze in on the air with all these questions.

ooh a suggestion list... ok, you go first, i'll add :)

Going through these questions has been a real task, I have to tell ya'll. There are some great questions, some fun questions, some un-answerable questions (haha...just the private joke ones) and I think we have a pretty good list to work with for tomorrow. This will be one of those shows that will go down in History as "The Place To Have Been, On September Eleven!" This will be more fun than one person should be allowed to have for sure. :-)))

FYI...We will also take a moment to honor and remember those we lost to the 9/11 tragedy during our program.

The points thing on here is very unclear and whats up with these points ,can one win a Car?? ,lol

if you earn 20,000 points, everyone takes you out to lunch on the same day.

and now for the real answer: ask Brad

Points? Tune in to the Rain Radio show tomorrow at 2:00pm EST, 11:00am PDT, we'll be talking about points and channels. Points from this post will be given after the broadcast.

SEP

2008

I'm listening! This great. I'm loving learning the history behind this site! I can't believe anyone would not like the name "Active Rain!" but it is different--so was google and yahoo!

Brad, I am sure you are going to blog about this---because I am lousy at taking notes!

I am excited about the new Channels!

SEP

2008

Hi Everyone -

Aside from having some challenges getting the phones to allow callers on, the show went pretty good today. I am learning and still growing in this area so thanks for your patience. Kind of reminds me of when I wrote my first Blog post on AR, funny thing how a little time and experience under our belts does wonders.

If you want to hear the show and which questions were selected and asked on the air, you can go here for a recorded broadcast of todays show and the answers. Thanks for all your support and questions, it was really fun.

I will try and get back here over the next few days to answer those questions that didn't get answered on the air today. Thanks again. :-)

We have some great guests, members and plans for future shows.

SEP

2008

Good show even if you didn't ask one of our questions. The public should be more aware of Active Rain now and if not then another 10 shows like that will certainly help. Keep up the good work Active Rain.

SEP

2008

Hi Brad - I started listening to the show, but kept getting interrupted. I'll ask my question again later. You sounded nice and relaxed!

SEP

2008

Gail - some members have many sites and many Blogs. If they are using the AR linking script, that's how they're getting those linking points. There is no limit to how many sites you put a link to AR on. Hope that helps. B~

SEP

2008

Wow...alot going on with this post. I read most, but not all. I would say Active Rain is successful due to the good content and attention of the bloggers which benefits the readers and the contributor. There is alot of great information on this site if you take the time to look for it.

SEP

2008

Yes, there is a lot of really great information here, but it won't jsut jump out at you. You'll have to seek the hiding, and I recommend subscribing to those who provide the most and best content you're looking for. :-)

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