Absolutely Gary!  I've seen many of the blogs posted in this group ranking well in a variety of search engine results.  People want to know about their local area, they want to know what's going to be Open or about the latest new listing.  It's a great opportunity to have a discussion or simply obtain information.  That's what Local Groups are all about in my opinion.

Bonnie, Thanks for stopping by.  A year ago, you & Terry embraced this new technology and have benefited enormously.  I am thrilled to witness the results you are achieving.  This is a new era in which cooperation trumps competition.  The power of 'synergy' has the ability to create opportunities which are far in excess of individual efforts. It's a whole new way of thinking about Local Real Estate.

Jeff, you are very kind in your comment.  There is so much potential still untapped with Local Groups although many moderators are doing a great job.  The concept of Local Search is really huge.  In fact, we may eventually see Local Groups form around ZIP codes, streets or buildings.  This is where a Local Group can begin to serve the specific needs of the community in new and imaginative ways.

Katerina...I return the compliment.  You are a great contributor and we all continue to learn much from your willingness to share.  Thank you.

William...Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.

Diane...You raise a very important issue in your comment.  It's the issue of competition.  And it's also about Fear...the fear of being diminished.

When I first started sharing these concepts with members of my local community, I was asked WHY I would want to let others know about something which was so powerful.  Many could not understand WHY I wouldn't keep this knowledge to myself.

In my classes, I often relate a story about the power of light.  If I had a little light in my hand and I'm traveling along a path with millions of other people, yes there will be light for my next step.  But, here's the rub...everyone else continues to walk in darkness. 

Yet, if everyone else is given a light, it is clear to me that the Value of My Light does not diminish.  Rather, the path of progress is lit for all who desire more knowledge and understanding.  In this way we move forward in ways that are far more expansive than we could ever imagine.

I think the real estate industry as a whole needs more visionaries who can demonstrate this principle.  Active Rain has come about for such a time as this...

Michelle, I agree with you.  There is a generosity of spirit and politeness in the West Michigan area that you don't find in many other parts of the country.  Thank you also for making so many valuable contributions to the Greater Grand Rapids MI Group.

Castellum Realty....Thanks for your comment.  Please do check out the group, but better yet, join or start a local community group. 

Eloise, Thanks for your gracious comment.  Featuring an entry can be done fairly easy if you are a Group Founder or are given Administrative capabilities by the Group Founder.  At the side of each individual you will see the outline of a star.  Clicking it turns in gold/yellow and features you post on your Group Home Page.

Eric, you are very kind.  Thank you.  One of the things that attracts people to Active Rain is the quality and quantity of information that individuals are willing to freely share. 

This is an important element in the emerging new economy.  Although at first it seems almost counter intuitive, it's actually a fundamental principle of life which is exemplified by the the statement you referred to in the rising tide which lifts everything in the water. 

Winning does not have to involve destroying or depleting others to get ahead.  In fact, in a powerful way, we're beginning to understand that the exact opposite may actually provide the most benefit.