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Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars

No stars

Oh no, not another gold star. Please, no more gold stars!

Brer Rabbit (You know the story of Bre'r Rabbit, don't you?)

In Active Rain, if you are NOT lucky, your post winds up as a featured post. You get lots of comments, and then you have to take the time to answer each one.

I suppose I could answer them all like a true Type E and say to everyone, "Thanks for the comment." But I don't think people will like that; this is not how to make friends on AR. We need to be answered, and I really need plenty of time to answer each person's comment in depth.

Thorns But it's like being caught in a briar patch - the more you do, the more stuck you are. It's messing up my time management. So please, no more gold stars while my business is so brisk.

For now, I need to learn how to write a really good post to get the information out there, but one that is not featured. In fact, I don't know why Broker Bryant hasn't caught on to this yet! He is so unlucky that his posts get a gold star every single time. Poor man...he has to answer hundreds of comments.

So the trick is to write a post that you are sure will not get a gold star. Write it good enough, but not so good that it gets featured, and then you won't have to worry about taking so much of your valuable time responding. Four Leaf clover

Ah ha! I think I have this AR blogging figured out. Now I'll have an advantage over all the other really good agents. Let them keep writing featured posts. Let them take time to answer comments (and get no points for it), and I'll have time to go list and sell houses. Yes!

Please, no more gold stars!

www.homerome.com

Baltimore, MD

Posted by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com on 04/28/2007 07:22 AM

Comments (133)

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Originally posted at: Margaret Rome's Blog: Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars

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133 Comments on Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars

APR

2007

Margaret, Did you know you can hire TLW to respond to comments for you? I think this may be the solution to your problem:)

BB, Now that sounds like a really good solution;but is there any possibility that I could afford her?

I don't know how much she charges. My only job in life is to make sure her debit card works whenever she uses it:)

Someone said that her unlimited budget was exceeded! :)

LOL!! Loved this! I just answered a bunch of comments on a featured post! NOT that I'm complaining ... !

Margaret - Funny, but there is some truth here. When you are having a busy week, you need to plan posted something that will generate a lot of responses.

LOL Margaret...You have got it figured out! Get the information out but still make a living righ? Thanks and have wonderful day.

Sarah, When opportunity knocks, we should not complain about the noise. I am going to read your post!

Randy, Some truth here? It is all true!! Thanks for your support!

Margaret -- it appears you will be answering comments today... But don't blame me. I came across your post already featured. Being a Type E myself, you don't need to respond to my comment. Congratulations on a well written and entertaining post!

George, If I have it so figured out...how come this just got ANOTHER gold star?

Thank You for the featured post! I am most grateful. Really I am!

I had one featured post recently and I felt duty-bound to answer. Also, I wanted to, but, wow...it took a bit of time.

When you get your system down on good posts without the gold star, let me know!

Colleen, So who do I blame? This was fun to write and it has a bit of truth in it. I will be responding as well as going to the commenter's post. Thanks for your support and for all you do to make AR so wonderful.

You know I have to stay at home today anyway..waiting the arrival of Flat Caleb. I can't bear the thought of leaving him alone in the small mail box.

Margaret, You crack me up! As a "newbie" to gold stars I can now identify with you on the time it takes to do real comments. I can tell you it still beats the "empty canyon" I felt stuck in alone for so long. (LOL) - hey but as a member of your Type E's - we're up for the challenge right - bring it on! ;-) -now these are the kind of problems I want on a Monday morning with my Cherries! :-)

P.S. Here's a 2nd tip to consider....Localism Features don't generate nearly the same number of comments so on a busy week maybe that's the route to go - anybody else have thoughts or experiences on this?

Margaret, absolutely no need to respond to this comment - really, no need. :-)

Just wanted to say - May Gold Stars Rain on you anyways!!!

Margaret- This was fun.. something tells me that you will be up to the challenge of another gold star...LOL

Johnnie, Duty bound to answer..what an honor to be able to have the opportunity!

We are all still figuring out the system. Thanks for stopping by.

Congrats on yet another Gold Star. LOL

Margaret,

I do agree... it is nice to get featured, but the commenting can get to be a bit much. Especially that first day. I will tell you what. In case you are having a busy day/week, you do not need to respond to this comment. I will understand. Good job on the feature. :)

Margaret, you make me smile! Only you could write a post like this, get noticed AND get a star.

Margaret....

You DO KNOW that everytime a person comments on your post or clicks it... you get points...right?

Take a look at you points summary...it will tell you everything.....

=-D

Margaret, I'm just posting this comment so you have another one to respond to. :)

Now you have to respond to me too, lol. OH, and don't blame me either, this was already featured when I woke up.

Don't worry Margaret, you don't have to respond to me. Save the time and write another great post.

It's not MY fault either, Margaret! But since I'm here, you might as well take a few minutes away from Listing and Selling to respond to My comment!....

Margaret...

How does $5 per post sound to you?

I'll take the cash and buy something nice for "Jordynne Raine" :)

TLW...ROAR!

Margaret...

I'm a "Type E Mystic". Which type E are you?

TLW...ROAR!

Margaret...

It is very difficult to keep up with a runaway (featured) Blog Post isn't it? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Margaret...

Now see I have asked all questions so you have to respond. LOL.

TLW...ROAR!

Where's Margaret? If she doesn't respond to my comment I'm never commenting on her blog again! How rude! Some people are just tooooo busy for us common folk. Rich, I'm coming over to your post. At least you have the decent courtesy to aknowledge our existence:)

I feel so neglected. I think I "poohed" myself

Margaret,

You have a nice problem. I'd like to taste that feeling at least once. Maybe you could outsource the commenting part to someplace.

Okay I'm going for it...LOL.

Randy...Well hello there. Good to see you. I loved your top 10 post. Thank you for stopping by

Jason...I didn't have the time to stick around but a little 'poo' told me that TLW had my back :)

Karen...I was trying so hard NOT to get a star. Geez. I guess my point has been poohed on :)

Signed,

Margaret Rome's Temporary Assistant...TLW...ROAR!

Blog Boy (Broker Bryant)...I don't have to respond to that. It's not a question :)

Laurie...Yah. Sure. That's what they all say :)

Keith...Okay :)

Rich...Cha Ching. You just cost me one closing. You're reimbursing me right? SVW.

TLW...You're just annoying :)

Signed,

Margaret Rome's Temporary Assistant...TLW...ROAR!

Blog Boy (Broker Bryant)...Please don't poo on my pretty featured post :)

Esko...Can you really taste a feeling? Really? How cool is that?

Margaret...Where's my five bucks? :)

Signed,

Margaret Rome's Temporary Assistant...TLW...ROAR!

Margaret, see how this turned out? Those comments do take time, don't they? But I agree that it's the right thing to do. Very nice post.

Billie, was that $5 a special for Margaret only? Although I'm BROKE, I think I can swing a Lincoln every now and again. I don't get that many featureds! You're too funny!

LOL

Margaret - I guess you want gold stars like the ones you give out - recognition without all the comments.

TLW - does that make you an Auto-Responder?

For those who truly don't want a lot of comments - keep writing great posts for Localism.

I'm all over localims, Sharon. Mold on cheese - white on rice!

$5 Dollar Bill TLW Here is your five dollars! Here is another fin to give me back my post.

Thanks for helping while I went out selling a house! five dollar bill

Back to commenting, Please notice that I've paid TLW.

Cyndee, Maybe I will stick to Localism and not worry about too many comments. Thanks for stopping by.

Irina, I like that Raining gold stars!

Kaye, Well I thought I was up for the challenge but it got away from me.

Randy, Thanks

Jason, Never too busy to answer you!

Karen, It is you that makes me smile!

Alex,Huh? what shu talking 'bout ?

Bryant, What do you think of me giving TLW an extra $5 to stop? Never ever will I intentionally neglect you! Oh No...You "poohed" yourself? Maybe my temporary assisstant could change you!

Laurie, You are not taking the blame either?

Keith, It's too late, had to respond. I have lots of time. I thought Flat Caleb was coming today but he was not in my mail box. Hope he's not lost.

Rich, And you aren't taking the blame..hmmm so who was it?

Esko, As you can see, I tried to outsource, but it has not saved any time at all!

Maggie, About this time of day; I am not so sure this is the right thing to do. Thanks

Chris :) that was an easy one!

Sharon, As you know; success and recognition... without the work..does not happen! I like your "auto responder name for TLW. Good suggestion to write for localism. Chris has the right idea.

TLW I am a Type E mystic, like you!

TLW I loved my temporary assistant's comment. "TLW...You're just annoying :) " That one cracked me up!

Now I know what a runaway post feels like. Whew, I am caught up for the moment!! If I missed anyone, write your own response. Thanks to all for a fun post!!!

I have definitely been an !

Margaret.....

Every time someone "clicks" and reads your post...or COMMENTS on it...Active Rain gives MORE points to you......

Click on your "points summary" on the left side of your "Home" page...it will show how much your posts have earned... memorize a COUPLE of them..and go back a day or two later when you see there are MORE comments on your posts... you SHOULD see they have given your posts MORE points......

Well... if you don't know this...I am posting a blog about it...I am sure LOTS of people do NOT know about this either.....

It's nice to be able to help others...and YES TLW has said it well...reciprocity is a GOOD thing!!

=-D

Margaret, can't you sell a house and blog at the same time? I thought being a type E you would have no problem with that at all. BTW my wife has lost her mind:)

BB Sure I can sell a house and blog at the same time but only if I am on both sides.

...And when did you first notice her loss? :)

CommentsViewsClicks

04/23/2007

Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars

410

198

Alexander, This post has 200 points with 198 clicks. What am I missing?

Simms Star 1 - 75

Margaret -

Here's a star that doesn't elicit comments you have to answer.

Since you told me how to do this, it only fair that

You get the first one!

Go blog, sell houses, make your phone calls, and stay in touch with all the friends you've made. Hope you and your husband are both doing well!

Margaret...

This is hilarious. It really is. LOL. I have to bookmark this post just in case I need a good laugh one of these days.

Thanks for humoring me. But you should know that Blog Boy started it. All I did was finish it. LOL.

I won't do it anymore. Uh. Oh. My fingers were crossed :)

Should I ask you another question? I'm setting you up with that :)

TLW...She Really Is Annoying...LOL...ROAR!

TLW...

I'm not falling for that :)

And I think it does make you an auto responder. LOL.

Signed,

Billie Tutas...ROAR (Ha. Ha. Tricked you) SVW.

Sharon, What a pretty star! THanks for sharing your kindness!

TLW, You can ask me a question anytime! This was a fun post..and I do know that BB started it and boy, did you ever finish it!! This post took on a life of it's own...or maybe a life of your own. Either way it was fun.

APR

2007

Good one Margaret! Yes it can be very time consuming...glad I am on the wagon and star free for a while

Didn't know we could discuss Uncle Remus stories. I thought they were lost to history when the PC police got active. I grew up with these stories, including the Disney animations after TV was invented. Thanks for the trip back to nostalgia land. I hope we weren't really evil before we became politically correct!

I am so confused now. I saw that this got featured yesterday. It now shows up as a new feature, but there is no gold star now. hhhhmmmm.... inquiring minds want to know.

jeff belonger

Allison, You were lucky ...not to have so many comments to post. LOL

Don, Thanks, I love that story.

Jeff, Maybe they took me literally Guess I was lucky, saved me from haveing to answer too many comments.( over 50 right now)

I figured it out..featured but without a gold star. Careful what you ask ....you may get it!

A prettier star couldn't have happened to a better more capable person. Very clever post by a very clever type E!

Lisa,

Ohhhh my, Thanks! You do know I adore Type E's . I have to go check..have you shared any Type E stories lately?

Are you a Type E??

Take the 10 question quiz Type E Personality! Why have an E group?

Comments, CLICKS, Featured Posts and MORE POINTS!! Take a look at this post!

Margaret,

This is too funny! You beg for no gold star, don't get it, but still get 56 comments!

Lucky :)

Lucky, I had a gold star for awhile and then....I had no gold star. I am not imagining it. Here are some of the people ....Jeff and Colleen, and Rich and Laurie saw my gold star.

I even thanked them for my star. Oh well ...easy come...easy go!

APR

2007

Margaret,

That is really bizarre! Not that you had a gold star, because your posts usually deserve them!

Maybe the moderator who put it on decided that you needed a break from all these comments and smiled on you!

You had asked Alexander why your post had only 200 points with so many comments, etc. When we write the posts they are automatically given 200 points immediately if they meet the criteria of the program (50 word minimum, not marked as advertising, etc.). After a while, sometimes a day or two, after AR looks at it, they "rate" it based upon content, pictures, etc. and raise your score accordingly. After that, every time someone comments on your post, you get points like Alexander was stating. I have never noticed about points for clicks but for sure you get points for comments.

Take care,

Lucky :)

You WERE relieved of your star. (I saw it too) Did your blog test positive for steroids and get stripped of it's star? :)

Chris,

(With my best country twang I would say)

Now that's funny right there, I don't care what anybody says, that's funny right there!

Lucky :)

Git 'er dun!

Chris,

You're a riot!

Lucky :)

OK, I have figured out Active Rain again.

Just have Alexander write a post linking back to mine. Comments, CLICKS, Featured Posts and MORE POINTS!!

Oh yeah, thanks Lucky and Chris for not making me comment. LOL

Others comment on his post but on my blog..voila I get points and don't have to respond!

Now is that called outsourcing or delegating?.... or just really good time management Glad that I remembered this group: $100 or 100 minutes, Techy time savers!

Margaret, I think that is MLM.

Chris ? MLM?

MLM = Multi Level Marketing (Pyramid Scheme)

Thanks,Chris for the explanation. Let's go for it.

Margaret, here's another star for you:)

OOPS! SORRY, MUST HAVE CLICKED ON THE WRONG PICTURE. THAT'S JORDYNNE RAINE. HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS. OK HERE'S YOUR STAR.

Margaret...

There she is our Little "Raine" star :)

She'll be six months old in a few weeks. She has just learned how to charm her Daddy :)

She looks her Mommy and her Grammy. How cool is that?

TLW...ROAR!

Margaret.....

You linked 2 times to my post...thanks!!

Sometimes the network takes a little time to update your increase in points, sis.....

yup, right off the bat you get 200 points for your post... but just wait a little.. those EXTRA points will show up...I promise....

I wanna "Play around" more, but my sense of self control will not let me....and I stay outta trouble that way too..

I will say this, Margaret....... Yer husband MUST be very proud of you!!! =-D

BB and TLW, your shining star is magnificent! Thanks for sharing Raine on the Rain!

Alexander, Not so sure that you are right about those comments = points.

Yep For sure and my goal is to always make Lee proud of me!!

Comments and clicks(ratings) = points......

Trust me, Marge......

=-D

APR

2007

Hey, thanks, I got my gold star back!!

Margaret, This post is playing musical chairs. I like it:)

The nice thing about being featured is the comments. They are insightful and I love reading them. Without the star, your blog, no matter how interesting will be sent to obscurity, a very lonely place.

Margaret...

This is even funnier the second time around. I think the moderators are playing games with you. LOL.

TLW...ROAR!

Margaret--I had a featured post that took up two days of time to give answers but I'm not complaining....just glad people are reading!! I have started to not check the "notify me" box when I leave comments on especially good posts...too many emails!

Big Cedar Lodge

Margaret, for all your trouble you just won a trip to Branson Missouri - you need to enjoy that gold star! LOL

Wow - here this is featured again! This post of yours Margaret just keeps popping back up for some reason. BB said musical chairs - musical posts! Guess that's a new game of late. I didn't see the star that apparently disappeared the other day, but I am seeing this one, today, April 28th at 9:10am.

Weird.......must be Saturday!

Ann

Margaret,

This is the latest version of "Dancing with the Stars"!

Have you figured out who is your "dancing" partner yet?

Lucky :)

No matter what....YOU DON"T have to write back....really you don't

GOLD STAR! What gold star?

BB, Think we call it musical "stars".

Lenn, The comments have made this post take on a life of it's own. Your blogs, Lenn, are very well written and have a great deal of information and wisdom.

TLW, you are the queen of comments!! Did you get my phone call?... congratulating you on your 100,000 points. And you did it with such class!! Lots of comments, lots of caring while making others feel special. Somethings are better the second time around...

Teri, When opportunity knocks, let's not complain about the noise. Here is toooo many comments.

Lucky, Dancing partner will always be my Lee! On Active Rain, I will dance with all who comment.

Thanks Larry. Are you a member? If so you didn't sign in. If not, welcome to AR.

Thanks Kathy Kat..like that name!

Ann, I think I like this new game of musical posts,chairs or stars!

It is easier to write comments when they are spread out over time.

I know what I will be doing IF I ever decide to retire....yep plenty of time to read comments.

There are a lot of people waiting to be featured and waiting for a gold star. Perhaps you can highlight some of the posts that you thought were flying under the radar -- and then they will have to take care of a lot of comments (hee hee) Perhaps, you can auction some of the stars to others on AR and raise some money for your favorite charity??? Congratulations on another Star/feature.

This is hysterical! Margaret, I feel for you....the sword cuts both ways when it comes to blogging I guess:)

HHHMMMM..I'm thinking I could offer my VA services to Top Producing Gold Star bloggers...I think I'm on to a new target market...thanks for the idea TLW! (nobody could comment as good as you)

Thankfully, I am still running under the radar and have not been featured! Woo Hoo! It's freed up my time to sell houses, farms, paint my toenails, bathe my dog and plant my spring plants. Ohhh...I forgot...this month 4 closings. Yes, it's nice not to have to respond to endless comments! lol

Oh this is hilarious

I just came to add my $.02 and try to push this Star-No Star-Star post over one hundred.

I will be so offended if you do not send me a heart warming email in the next twenty minutes.

If I tried for gold stars, I'd never get them.....I just type away and hit post....most times it doesn't work, but a few times it has......

Hi Margaret, I remember this was featured once and I read some of the comments and was going to come back to add my $.02, it was gone & I forgot about it. So now it is even funnier than before. Glad you got your star back. ;^D

OK, I'm comment number 93! Who's next?

Ann

Ok number 94 from me!!!!

Number ninety five!

100

oooppppsssss 101 ----- teamwork!

Ann

lol

LOL

(103) Giggiddy Giggiddy

#104 This is great stuff! Sounds like you've got it figured out! Maybe I AM doing things right after all ;)

WOW everyone, what a team. Never had a 100 comment post. Congratulations to me!!

Joan,Thank you, like the way you think.

Lizette, Congrats on getting out of commenting.

Laura,A VA just might be the answer.

Laurie Thank you times seven, I think I counted right.

Chris You did it! Thanks for the push.

Daniel, I'm not sure when the 20 minutes started so I called you instead. Nice talking with you.

Christy, Keep on posting.

Doreen, Appreciate your $.02

Ann, Bryant,Laurie,Chris and Ryan, You pushed me right over. Thanks to all.

Oooooooooooh that was fun, lol

APR

2007

Well hello again little Miss Sweet 16.... Seems I have roamed into your territory again today. Lotta comments, guess you need to work harder not to get featured.

Nice to see you again Dan. Working on getting some posts done about Flat Caleb. Have been having fun with him all day. It was a perfect day in Baltimore, low 70's, breezy and sunny. Took him sight seeing. Watch for more posts.

APR

2007

Margaret, Woow, you did a great job :) congratz :)

Flat Matt is scheduled to begin his journey my way sometime today. I'll be watching for your next Gold Star.

So, are we aiming for 200 now?

Aurora, Thanks for the acolades..Oh.. you are not Aurora, you are Ray. Almost missed you! LOL

Dan, You will love having one of the Flat guys visit. Check out: Why Do You Have Caleb In Your Pants?

Laurie, Naw 100 a post is more than enough!

Margaret, you are a sly fox, asking not to get a gold star in order to get one. Great use of reverse psychology. Thats why your one of my favorites here on the Rain. Good Job!

MAY

2007

AMEN SISTER... people don't realize bloggers gotta work in the Rain.

Craig, Work? Naw...this is fun. Thanks for stopping by!

Here is some fun stuff that has been keeping me busy.

Flat Caleb Gets High

Tiptoe Through .... with Caleb

Why Do You Have Caleb In Your Pants?

Flat Caleb Arrived in Baltimore

MAY

2007

Margaret,

Sorry so lat but as you know i have been very busy here on A/RE as well as making a living in RE.Great post congrats to the star you didn't want!

Neal, you have been very busy and I am honored that you took time to stop by!!

MAY

2007

Margaret, Thought you had it all figured out! LOL! I really enjoyed reading this post and all the comments that go with it. Happy Mothers Day!!

MAY

2007

Suzzane, Thought I had it figured out. This was my most fun post ...and because of you, I just re-read the comments and enjoyed them so much. Is this a great group or what? BTW I did have a Happy Mother's Day! Thanks for stopping by.

NOV

2007

Man oh man, now you even have someone who liked your post months after you wrote it and all because you have a gold star!! Wow. ;-)

Thanks Karen for bringing me back to one of my very favorite posts.

MAR

2008

Miss Margaret, I'm late to this post as usual. I however do not have the burden of many many gold stars, just a few. But you and I would agree I think. One phone productive phone call is worth more than a gold star.

Dena, Thanks for stopping by one of my favorite posts written almost a year ago.

The comments were so much fun! Agreed that our special phone calls are better than a gold star.

AUG

Just got a gold star

The Perfect Words to Make That Home Sell

.... having trouble responding to all the wonderful comments. Where are you TLW when I need you?

Margaret......don't worry about answering mine. ;-) I have written about and feel the SAME way!!! Gold stars take me days to respond to and to reciprocate. I have about decided NOT to reciprocate if the comments are in excess of 100 at a time....that will take me dayzzzzzzz....

Teri, Can you see me smiling? I love, love your sense of humor.

SEP

'Don't know why it is that I stumbled upon this blog now, but I feel your pain. For about 2 seconds, when I first see that gold star, I feel elation... and then I groan because I know my time management for the next few days just got slaughtered. When I did those military relocation posts, I sent an email begging NOT to be fatured... even disabled the comments... A little presumptious perhaps, but I had invested so much time preparing them - that was all I could spare.

SEP

Margaret: It was ALL my fault!

Margaret, No pain.....not even 2 seconds. This was one of my favorite posts and the comments took on a life of their own. One of the things I love about AR is the instant and sometimes overwhelming gratification. When opportunity "knocks" don't complain about the noise. BTW you can ask not to be featured.

Rich, And I love you for it!!

AR, please note:

I'LL TAKE THEM!!!

Mirela, I think they heard you! Thanks for stopping by.

JUN

Margaret, sigh....that must be a happy problem to have!

Frank and Sharon, This is a very happy problem to have. Got another star yesterday and there is no way I can get to everyone. This Real Estate business of listing, presenting contracts and going to settlements keeps getting in the way of my posting.

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