I have a CONFESSION to Make (3 lessons learned in my first week on Active Rain)

What a thrill ride my first week on Active Rain has been...a full range of ups and downs. First let me get my confession out of the way so I can clear my head space...then I'll share a valuable lesson I've learned in my first week on Active Rain.

To anyone who actually clicked on my 4th post (4 Simple Truths about Change) - I have a confession to make. It's not good...(as if you didn't already know that)...and I apologize.  The good news is that I see what went wrong...

I wrote my first 3 posts on Active Rain from my heart...the 4th I wrote from my head. I get the difference it makes to you, the reader, and for me as the writer.  HUGE!

My first post on Active Rain - Our Life Changing Trip to Tsunami Ravaged Indonesia

This was a story, a personal experience, I was excited to write. I learned patience (for my technical incompetence)...and how to upload photos. I received generous amounts of encouragement from you. It was a pleasurable experience for me.

When does individual private email become spam? My second post on AR

This was a cry for help to "the universe"...not knowing what I'd done wrong in responding to people's comments...uncertain where to find information...or even what to search for. The "AR universe" responded with practical tips and understanding in generous proportions. I was very impressed (I think I was expecting a slap on the wrist and harsh words about my IQ).

The 10 Most ADMIRABLE characteristics of a real estate PROFESSIONAL

The comments I'd received from readers in response to my first two posts inspired me to write this. It is a compilation of all the characterstics I experienced through the Active Rain community. It was a spontaneous, natural expression. When I started to receive congratulations for being "featured" I had no idea what people were talking about.  When Liz taught me how to review my stats I sure noticed a spike in clicks, views and comments as a result of being featured. 

The koodos I received made me feel like the bar had somehow been raised...now I should strive to do a good job. I got all brainy about it. My 4th post was something to be worked on. That's why 4 Simple Truths About CHANGE is not an interesting read. The content is sound but the expression is dry.

My advise to Newbies is this - 

1. Always write from your HEART as if you're talking and sharing with your best friend around the kitchen table...
2. The best way to get to know people is to visit the blogs/profiles of the people who comment on your blog. Like attracts like so the experienced bloggers will find you and draw you into conversation through their comments.
3. If you really want to improve your traffic and visibility - ask at least one person whose opinion your respect to give you honest feedback on your posts. Then shut up and listen! 

In my first week on Active Rain I discovered WHY so many people love it here!  Not only do we GET TO BE OURSELVES here...the interaction only really works when we ARE BEING OURSELVES!

What a cool community!